NEW BEDFORD, MA — A cherished community haven, vibrant art space, and inclusive gathering spot in the heart of New Bedford is closing its doors. In a heartfelt announcement posted to social media, Jes and the team behind The Gallery Bar NB
shared that they are stepping away and saying goodbye after two memorable years of service.
Located at 20 Kenyon Street, The Gallery Bar NB established itself as more than just a local watering hole. As an LGBTQ+-owned venue, it quickly evolved into a vital refuge and safe space for artists, performers, and local residents alike.
A Sanctuary for Community and Creativity
Throughout its two-year run, the venue hosted a diverse lineup of weekly and monthly events, ranging from drag shows, art exhibitions, workshops, and book clubs to karaoke nights, dance parties, and dedicated pool leagues. It provided local creators with a platform to display their work, gave emerging performers a stage, and offered community members a place where everyone was welcome.
“The Gallery Bar became a second home for so many,” wrote owner Jes in the announcement. “It has been a place for dancing, laughing, celebrating, creating, meeting new people, falling in love, making friendships and sometimes simply having somewhere to go when they needed to feel like they belonged.”
A Hard-Fought Goodbye
Addressing the circumstances around the closure, the team emphasized that the decision came only after exhausting every possible option to keep the doors open.
“Myself and the Gallery Bar team have worked tirelessly, adapted, adjusted, sacrificed, and continued giving our all,” the statement read. “Know that we didn’t give up easily and didn’t walk away because we stopped caring. There was simply no more that we could do… The Gallery Bar team did everything we could to save what we built. This isn’t the ending any of us wanted.”
Looking Ahead
While this chapter at the Kenyon Street location has come to an end, the team expressed deep gratitude to the bartenders, local artists, DJs, patrons, and broader community who made the space special. They also hinted that this goodbye may not be permanent.
“Although this may be the end of this chapter, myself and The Gallery Bar team have the best intentions to continue on in a new form,” Jes shared, encouraging followers to stay tuned for future updates.
