Big Summer Events to Have on Your Radar

As the weather heats up, so do the regional events. With a warm welcome to summer in Central Massachusetts, you'll find festivities around every corner. Here are some of the hottest events on our calendar. Keep in mind that many of these beloved ticketed events will sell out, so go buy your tickets before it’s too late. 

Annual Events

Pioneer Valley Wine & Food Festival

June 8-9 at Brimfield Auction Acres

Visit the annual Pioneer Valley Wine & Food Festival on the Brimfield Auction Acres this June. This lovely countryside festival features local wineries and food trucks from the Pioneer Valley and beyond, as well as a farmers market and live music all day long. Online tickets ($40) for the Wine Tasting Passport are available until May 31^st and after that, you’ll need to pay at the gate. Space is limited, so plan ahead!
 

Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival 

June 15 at Institute Park

Worcester's Institute Park comes alive between 12pm and 8pm during the annual Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival commemorating the freedom of enslaved people in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. Attendees will enjoy performances, vendors, kid's activities, food and more.
 

Taste of Shrewsbury Street

June 18 on Shrewsbury Street

The Taste of Shrewsbury Street is a foodie paradise, with unlimited samples to taste from 29 restaurants, live bands and DJs up and down Worcester's "Restaurant Row,” renowned to visitors and residents alike. For just $25 you can get your wristband online to participate or pay $30 when you arrive at the event. Wristband pick ups and purchases are happening at Wormtown Brewery, Flying Rhino Café and Vintage Grille, so stop by during their regular business hours. The event starts at 5pm and thanks to the holiday on the following day, we expect crowds will be partying late!

St. Spyridon Greek Festival 

June 21, 22 & 23 at 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609

Visit the St. Spyridon Greek Festival for an authentic Greek experience under the big tent, rain or shine! This exciting 3 -ay event will take place on June 21, 22 & 23 at St. Spyridon Cathedral across from Elm Park and is open to all! The 2024 Greek Festival will feature full food menus including iconic Greek entrees, gyros, classic desserts and pastries, a full bar, a coffee shop, live music with 2 bands and DJs, traditional dance performances, a shopping center, a Kid's Fest area with a rock climbing wall, cathedral tours and so much more. For almost 50 years, St. Spyridon has been bringing the sights and sounds of Greece to Worcester, showcasing their world-renowned filoxenia (hospitality) and celebrating their Hellenic culture and heritage with the central Massachusetts community. 

Lavender Farm Fest

June 21-23 and June 28-30 at The Farm at SummitWynds

Bask in a tranquil experience in the lavender fields, overlooking pastures and views of Mount Wachusett, all while you taste lavender treats, sip lavender lemonade, listen to live music, and enjoy all the other farm attractions. You’ll also want to save the dates for the Unicorn Experience July 27-28, and the Butterfly Experience Aug 17-18.
 

The Annual Asian Festival 

June 22 at Worcester State University

The Southeast Asian Coalition presents a day of celebration at The Annual Asian Festival. People gather to share, learn and teach about the diverse Asian heritages and cultures of Central Massachusetts. Viewers and participants are immersed in a multicultural exhibit of art, musical performances, cultural dances, a showcase of traditional clothing, craft and a variety of delicious foods. 
 

Worcester's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Fallon Health

June 28 at Cristoforo Colombo (East) Park

Worcester's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Fallon Health marks the official start of summer for many, and this year will be no exception—igniting the night for residents and visitors alike. Kids will love the bounce castle, splash park and playground, plus cotton candy and other tasty treats for sale at the park. Attendees of this free event will also be treated to live music by Silver Arrow Band on the stage before the fireworks. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs to the park, and explore Shrewsbury Street (aka Worcester's "Restaurant Row") during your visit. 
 

Polar Park Family Fest

June 29 at Polar Park

The WooSox are excited to announce the Second Annual Polar Park Family Fest! Kids will love this afternoon of fun at the ballpark including Touch-A-Truck, a petting zoo, arts & crafts, inflatables, yard games and character meet & greets. Tickets bought in advance are just $10 per child, $12 per adult. There are also VIP tickets available that have perks such as access to the DCU Club.
 

Redcoats & Rebels

Aug. 3-4 at Old Sturbridge Village

Attend the largest military re-enactment in New England with hundreds of costumed Revolutionary War reenactors, both soldiers and civilians, encamped on the Old Sturbridge Village Common. Visitors can tour the camps, witness recreated skirmishes and battles, and explore all the exhibits this epic living history museum has to offer. This is an extremely popular event so you should reserve your tickets ASAP!
 

Summer Food Truck Festival

Aug. 10-11 at Wachusett Mountain

The annual Summer Food Truck Festival at Wachusett Mountain spotlights fun live music and some of the best food truck fare in the area. And that’s just the start, because you’ll want to save the date for the Summer Fest Aug. 24-25^th and the Labor Day Sale Aug. 30-Sept. 2, which takes place alongside the Mountain Music and Craft Beer Party.

Music and Special Events

DCU Center

Wrestling fans will swarm the DCU Center on July 12^th for WWE Smackdown. This big event starts at 7:45 and will be televised all around the world!

For bluegrass lovers, GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings continues his headline tour with back-to-back nights at the DCU Center in Worcester on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31. This is his only Massachusetts stop, so don’t miss out on tickets!

Southwick’s Zoo 

During one of our favorite summer events we're pretending it's winter: Christmas in July at Southwick's Zoo is a chance for kids to have the best of both holiday cheer and summer weather, complete with a visit from Santa. You'll also be drawn to the zoo by their Summer Concert Series, featuring live music in the evenings and 6pm till dusk strolls and skyrides through the zoo.

Palladium

The Palladium continues to be a premier venue that draws huge crowds for their events. From the June 1st Spring Sizzler boxing event inside to Joyner Fest on June 22nd and Sad Summer Festival on August 4th at the Palladium outdoors, it's going to be a good time for anyone with tickets.

Music in Bloom

June 9 & June 16 at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Join New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and Juventas New Music Ensemble for Music In Bloom, evenings of music al fresco. Visitors are invited to experience the gardens at golden hour, discovering a series of musical performances along the way. From a grand piano, cello and violin in the Limonaia, to a harp, flute and viola in the Lawn Garden, guests can stroll and enjoy an artistic and meaningful musical.

Music Worcester

Hailed for their excellent taste and ability to bring the best to the region, Music Worcester events are well worth attending. You'll find performances held at various locations, such as The Brick Box at JMAC and Mechanics Hall. 

Indian Ranch Summer Concert Series 

Dates through summer in Webster

Indian Ranch's Summer Concert Series boasts a coveted lineup each year and tickets often go quick! Don't forget, they have Indian Princess cruises before plus a restaurant on site.

Off the Rails

Check out Worcester's premier country music venue with your friends. They have a cool patio open during the summer so you can enjoy live music and beautiful summer evenings.

Douglas Orchard & Farm Summer Concert Series 

Saturdays June 15 to Aug. 17 in Douglas

Season Passes are now available for Douglas Orchard's 2023 Summer Concert Series. This go-round, there will be a total of nine outdoor concerts, showcasing talents like a Santana Tribute Band, a Tom Petty Tribute Band and The Memphis Sun Mafia. 

Sports

Baseball fans should get their tickets to Worcester Bravehearts and Worcester Red Sox games:

Free Events

ValleyCAST Presents 2024 Free Summer Concert Series

Thursdays June 27 to Sept. 5 at Alternatives' Whitin Mill

Presented by ValleyCAST, the beloved Free Summer Concert Series this year features names like Meet the Beatles, Catnip Junkies, and Chuck & Mud and the Hole in the Dam Band. In the event of inclement weather, concerts are still on! Just move indoors to the Singh Performance Center in the same Mill Complex.

Hanover Theatre Lunchtime Concert Series

Wednesdays July 10 to Aug. 28 on the Francis R. Carroll Plaza at Hanover Theatre

Don't miss these exciting musical events on the Hanover Theatre's gorgeous, new plaza in downtown Worcester:

Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers Market

Through summer in Worcester

This wildly popular festival series has grown from a single event with a handful of vendors into a 10-week local extravaganza including sensational talent, delicious food and handmade crafts. This year’s performance lineup spotlights top performers from past festival seasons as well as several new faces. Each week, the music style varies from danceable drum beats to lively country to timeless tunes. In addition to mainstage talent, the Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers Market will feature prominent intermission acts from community organizations and local creative groups.

The Summer in the Park Concert Series

June 6 – Aug 29, Thursdays 6-8pm

This event series takes place at the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion at the Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex in Auburn, MA. Farmers markets happen 4-7pm. Rain dates are for the following Tuesdays from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.