NEW BEDFORD
ZEITERION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Updated
This week at Zeiterion Performing Arts Center: Tue 10/13 — Songs, Sounds, and Rhythms of Cabo Verde, Wed 10/14 — Beginner Ukulele, Wed 10/14 — Beyond Beginner Ukulele. Upcoming: Fri 10/23 — Mariza, Sat 10/31 — New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents All Souls, Sun 11/1 — Blockbuster Movie Special! Wicked Sing-Along.
ABOUT
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a historic theater at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts, with approximately 1,250 seats. The building was designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker in a Georgian Revival style adaptation and features Neoclassical interior elements including restored murals.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Zeiterion hosts live music, comedy, dance, touring Broadway productions, children's programming, and community events. The theater serves as a cultural anchor for downtown New Bedford and the surrounding SouthCoast region. Programming spans national touring acts and regional performers.
HISTORY
The theater opened on April 2, 1923, envisioned by Barney Zeitz and his brothers as a vaudeville palace. By September 1923 it was renamed The State and shifted to film. Five world premieres were held there, including the 1956 opening of "Moby Dick" with Gregory Peck in attendance. After facing demolition in the 1980s, it was donated to the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) and restored. The Zeiterion reopened in January 2026 following a $37 million renovation.
UPCOMING SHOWS as of 10/12/2026
Tuesday
- 6:30pm — Songs, Sounds, and Rhythms of Cabo Verde let's groove
Wednesday
- 6:30pm — Beginner Ukulele strum along
- 7:30pm — Beyond Beginner Ukulele play more
Friday
- 6:00pm — El Trio Latino: Bachata, Merengue, y Salsa! let's dance
Saturday
- 8:00pm — Mariachi Herencia de Mexico: Día de Muertos Tour mariachi night
Sunday
- 2:00pm — The Lodger with organist Juan Cardona, Jr. music magic
No shows listed.