The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is celebrating the fishing industry on Thursday, August 13 with the second annual Scallopalooza. The event is a three-hour party that features vendors, food, and music, plus the much-anticipated scallop-shucking contest to determine the best shucker in the area. Get our free mobile appNew Layout and Jumbotron Added for Bigger CrowdsThis year's shucking contest will move slightly from the FHC parking lot to Bethel and Elm Streets, with the downward slope of the street providing a type of amphitheater for spectators. The High-Stakes Scallop-Shucking ContestRitter said the event will open at 5 p.m., with the shucking contest starting at 6:30 p.m. "There will be 15 scallop shuckers competing in three 'heats.' What to Expect at Scallopalooza 2026Admission is free, and so is admission to the Fishing Heritage Center that evening, with access to all exhibits and a kids' activities area.