Festival Cuts Short After Stabbing | Providence News

Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 17, 2026 · 1m

New Bedford’s Whaling City Festival is getting a major overhaul after a triple stabbing, with organizers cutting the event short by an hour to 8 p.m. to avoid nighttime trouble — but the move’s sparking debate. While some support the change to protect families, others question if an hour really makes a difference and argue the solution should target crime directly, not punish all attendees. City leaders are also weighing whether Buttonwood Park is still the right venue, as safety and community concerns collide over how to keep the beloved festival alive without the drama. Listen in…