NB Roots and Branches is a two-day acoustic music and art festival “by and for the people” taking place annually on the 3rd week of July. The festival is 100% free to all and devoted to ensuring the various diverse communities of Greater New Bedford are represented on both the performance schedule and in the audience. It aims to have a positive impact on downtown New Bedford’s social, cultural, and business communities. The festival is organized under the co-direction of Jeff Angeley and Christian Camarao and the 2026 edition exists under the fiscal agency of Gallery X, Inc., a 501c3 at the heart of downtown New Bedford with whom we share common vision.
Our festival hosts performers of multiple genres of acoustic music as well as traditional dance, visual art, performance art, a parade, sculptural installation work, and a culminating visual art event. Performances take place at indoor “stages” in New Bedford’s small businesses, outdoor music and art areas hosted at Wing’s Court, Customs House Square, Market St, & Purchase St, and in the beautiful building of the historical New Bedford Whaling Museum. We collaborate with cultural partners and artist liaisons to reach a diverse population of performers who in turn help our festival to reach a broad audience of enthusiastic local and regional attendees.
