Local events and venues light up the night this season with after-dark spectaculars.

Events 

The Great Jack O'Lantern Journey at Southwick'sThe Great Jack O'Lantern Journey at Southwick’s Zoo 

Explore New England’s largest zoo through the Great Jack O'Lantern Journey, nights featuring endearing faces and whimsical pumpkin creatures, each with a unique story to ignite your imagination and transport you to a new world. Marvel at the skilled artistry that goes into each hand-carved pumpkin display, showcasing intricate designs that bring to life your favorite animals and beloved storybook characters, Sept. 28 through Oct. 31.


Myths, Magic & Monsters at NE Botanic GardenMyths, Magic & Monsters at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 

Through September and October, discover a world of wonder as you meet some of the mythical, magical and monstrous creatures that have inspired fascinating legends and captured human imaginations for centuries. From majestic unicorns and fire-breathing dragons, to mermaids, fairies, and phoenixes, magical beings made from nature-inspired materials come to life in The Ramble, where visitors will journey through a realm of Myths, Magic, and Monsters. The folks at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance. You can also buy tickets in person at the Garden. The Myths, Magic, and Monsters exhibit is included in general admission.


Phantoms by Firelight at OSVPhantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village 

Find a fright at Phantoms by Firelight. Running for a dozen nights only, you can explore Old Sturbridge Village through the dark and eerie, as the night progresses and a mysterious troupe of traveling performers appears in the shadows of firelight. Expect costumed kids, spooky stories, gravity-defying acrobats, creepy conjurers and fate-tempting fire jugglers scattered throughout the living history museum. 


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Worcester Railers Season Opener 

Oct. 21 kicks off the Railers season, debuting at the DCU Center with a hometown advantage. The Worcester Railers take the Adirondack Thunder to commence a season that’s bound to excite, first with a pre-game block party on Commercial Street, featuring live music and BBQ. To follow, the Railers continue with a chalk-full schedule, hitting the ice several times weekly, both locally and away.  


Farm Party Worcester

REC Farm Party  

Celebrating 51 years in Worcester, the Regional Environmental Council’s Farm Party brings a night of anticipated joy and jubilee on Sept. 29 with live music, local food and drink, a raffle and youth-led tours of YouthGROW urban farm.


Venues 

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Electric Haze 

There’s no shortage of evening entertainment at Electric Haze, the go-to spot for nighttime happenings, where they stay true to their mission of showcasing creativity, while providing a comfortable and de-stressing ambience. Millbury Street welcomes late-nighters with live music and art in a sleek lounge setting, plus a curated menu with the likes of specialty cocktails, craft beer and fine wine. Talent on tap this season includes: Mal E. Fishn't, The SoapGirls, Nirvani Tribute Experience and Sarah Louise French. 


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Off the Rails 

Bringing a bit of Nashville to Worcester, Off the Rails boasts Southern cuisine in a scratch kitchen and country style bar, with a side of live music. Accented with guitars and authentic country music memorabilia throughout, Off the Rails offers live music multiple times weekly. 


Hanover Theatre_Erb Photo

Image Credit: Erb Photo

Hanover Theatre & Conservatory 

An embodiment of the transformative power of the arts, The Hanover Theatre stands as a staple of entertainment in Central Massachusetts. The Theatre continues to draw over 196,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including Broadway hits, with this season featuring gems like "Pretty Woman: the Musical," a theatrical take on a love story for the ages.


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Image Credit: Erb Photo

DCU Center 

Another entertainment go-to is Worcester’s DCU Center, one of the largest-scale local spaces and home to events of all interests. Spend an evening this October and catch the excitement of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, the Worcester Railers or Disney on Ice. 


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The Palladium 

A historic concert venue in the heart of Worcester, The Palladium prides itself on being extremely artist friendly—and it shows in their continuously impressive lineups of talent. 


Mechanics Hall Worcester

Mechanics Hall 

Adjacent to The Palladium sits Mechanics Hall, a concert hall renowned for its elegance and sound qualities, its cultural significance and stunning décor. Its architectural detail even earned it a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, a truly unique downtown spot. This fall, catch the likes of Will Dailey, Majid Khaliq and The Knights with Chris Thile. 


Samuel Slater's Restaurant

Image Credit: Ejona Jano Photography

Samuel Slater’s Restaurant 

Samuel Slater’s sits as the on-site restaurant of Webster’s outdoor concert venue, Indian Ranch, hosting alternatively indoor events, from comedy nights to mystery dinnersas the months get colder. 


Don’t let early evenings and cooler temps deter you from the joys of a night out. Bundle up and see what’s out there!