YOUR WEEKEND: Picassos in the parking lot, streetfests and more…

Picassos in the parking lot

SATURDAY, MAY 6 – They’re labeling it “epic” – and we can’t disagree. The artist condo community, The Ropeworks at 123 Sawyer Street in New Bedford’s north end is holding a yard sale today from 8:00am until 6:00pm. Who knows what a bunch of artists and other creative types will be selling? You can probably bet it won’t be boring stuff from grandma’s attic! We have only one quibble – 8:00am!? We thought most artists were just getting to bed at that hour. The Ropeworks has an ample parking lot to accommodate goods for sale and parking – plus, it’s right beside Market Basket so you can do your grocery shopping after being thrifty.

Haskell Public Gardens to go

SATURDAY, MAY 6 – Labeled New Bedford’s hidden gem, Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens does something it does very well today – sell plants. Yes, it’s their annual Spring plant sale beginning at 9:00am (for members only) and then open from 10 until 1:00pm to the general public. For sale at 787 Shawmut Avenue in NB will be Annuals, Perennials, Trees and Shrubs galore, plus special hard to find plants that were a hallmark of the historic Haskell Nurseries on this site. Members also get 10% off their purchases. Scope out the gardens for a preview of this summer’s art happening, Maps & Legends Two: If By Sea, curated by…me! (Opening Fri. July 14.)

Viva Portugal Festa

SATURDAY, MAY 6 – Like the New Bedford Bookfest, it was a simple idea that became a huge success. On this weekend last year, Viva Portugal Festa debuted on the streets surrounding the Zeiterion Theatre in downtown New Bedford and found instant success. Here’s the overview from the FB event page: Full of music, history, food and fun, this street fair showcases the richness of Southcoast’s vibrant Portuguese-American culture.” Agreed. Especially on that food part. Last year, I waddled home up Union Street stuffed – but still found room later for the sweet rice pudding I snagged before I left! New this year at the festa: Best Sweet Bread of the Southcoast taste-test and a read-a-thon of the Portuguese epic poem by Luís Vaz de Camões. And, the day-long celebration of Portugal is capped by fado legend Carlos do Carmo’s performance on the Zeiterion stage at 8PM. (Click for more information.)

Cinco de Mayo Mi Antojo Festival

SATURDAY, MAY 6 – It’s a day later but don’t let your weekend go by without a Cinco de Mayo celebration! Head to 95 Rivet Street in NB’s south end and check out Mi Antojo Mexican Restaurant’s block party this afternoon beginning at 2:30pm. Enjoy a special performance by Mariachi singer Veronica Robles and great food. Free admission and kid friendly right down the street from graceful Goulart Square. Sweet!

Sunday can be funny

SUNDAY, MAY 7 – If ever there was a reason to go out on a school night – a Sunday, no less – it is Comedy X Stand-Up Showcase at Gallery X beginning at 8:00pm. Hosted by Christopher Swanson tonight are: Sean Sullivan – Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham; Sam Ike – Boston Comedy Festival, Rogue Island Comedy Festival; Christa Weiss – opened for Maria Bamford, Michael Che; Mark Gallagher – Comedy Studio, “One Men Show.”; Jere Pilapil – Nerdist Comedy Podcast Network, NPR’s “Stories to Scenes”; Nick Ortolani – Comedy Studio Comic in Residence; Eric Monroe – RI Comedy Connection, Comix at Foxwoods; and “Surprise special guest! Plus, “Comedy X Band…?”! Gallery X is located at 169 William Street, NB. Tickets are $10.

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Steven Froias

Mad Man at Groundwork!

Steven Froias is Groundwork!'s resident blogger. He sleeps in the boiler room at 1213 Purchase Street.