Herring are running and town is celebrating

MIDDLEBORO -- Middleboro’s iconic herring are already making a splash and the town is welcoming them with two days of festivities.

The 13th Annual Herring Run Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 at Oliver Mill Park, 8 Nemasket St.

This community tradition celebrates the annual herring migration, which is already underway, with fish recently spotted at the park. The free event also brings together residents and visitors for a day of nature, culture, and family-friendly activities

The festival will feature a lineup of performances and activities, including a special cultural presentation by the Herring Pond Wampanoag singers and dancers at 12:15 p.m. April 11.

The performers will honor the deep historical and ecological significance of the herring run.

The event will also feature educational exhibits and programming from environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Wildlands Trust, Middleboro-Lakeville Herring Fisheries Commission and Middleboro Conservation Department.

Food vendors, live music and a beer garden hosted by the Bartending Service of New England will also be featured.

Free parking will be available at the Council on Aging at 558 Plymouth St. and Middleboro Town Hall at 14 Nickerson Ave. with shuttle service to the festival. Paid parking is available at 99 North St., adjacent to the festival, for $5.

There are still limited spots available for merchandise and craft vendors. For information on vendor opportunities, email HerringRunFestival@yahoo.com.

For more information about the festival, visit: https://seeplymouth.com/event/13th-annual-herring-run-festival-middleborough/2026-04-11/