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.
Saint Mary's Albanian Festival
June 2-4 at St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church
St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester has hosted the Annual Albanian Festival for decades, and the event has become the largest of its kind, boasting more than 15,000 attendees each year. The Albanian Festival features authentic food, Mediterranean music and traditional costumed dances.
Worcester Water Lantern Festival
June 3 at Elm Park
Worcester's Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern experience all about connections. Voted the #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA Today, these magical nights in cities across the U.S. include food, games, activities, vendors, music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope and dreams reflected upon the water.
Middle Eastern Food Festival
June 9-11 at St. George Orthodox Cathedral
Worcester's first and largest three-day Middle Eastern Festival saw 10,000+ guests walk through its doors in 2019 for a delicious menu, Dabke dancing, a marketplace and cultural activities suited for your whole crew.
Great Scout Family Camp Out
June 10-11 at Old Sturbridge Village
Join the crew at OSV for a unique camping experience in the countryside. Cub and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and their families are invited to pitch their tents in the Village and enjoy an evening of tours and activities throughout the museum. The evening will be topped off with stories by a roaring bonfire. Participants will enjoy a barbecue dinner and continental breakfast in the morning. Two-day admission to the Village is included and the registration deadline is June 2. (All families welcome)
Pioneer Valley Wine & Food Festival
June 10-11 at Brimfield Auction Acres
Brimfield Auction Acres hosts the Fourth Annual Pioneer Valley Wine & Food Truck Festival featuring local concoctions of wineries and food trucks from the Pioneer Valley and beyond, as well as a farmers market and live music all day long.
Music in Bloom
June 11 & June 25 at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Join New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and Juventas New Music Ensemble for two 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 experience by small ensembles of musicians interspersed throughout the gardens.
Day of Play Family Festival
June 17 at Elm Park
This one-day free festival features more than 60 interactive activities across eight play areas which emphasize how young children learn through play. Held at Elm Park, this Day of Play attracts 5,000+ festival-goers each season.
Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival
June 17 at Institute Park
Worcester's Institute Park lights up during the annual Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival commemorating General Gordon Granger landing in Galveston, Texas—accompanied by vendors, kid's activities, food and more.
Sturbridge Food Truck Festival & Craft Fair
June 17 at Hamilton Rod & Gun Club
Dozens of your favorite food trucks, a myriad of maker’s tables, music, a craft beer wagon, full bar with comfortable indoor seating, a covered outdoor dining area and yard games sit on beautifully maintained scenic grounds during this Food Truck Festival & Craft Fair presented by WooTrucks.
The 20th Annual Asian Festival
June 18 at Worcester State University
The Southeast Asian Coalition presents a day of celebration with representatives from thirteen nations: Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The Annual Asian Festival gathers to celebrate, 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, handcrafts and a variety of delicious foods.
Taste of Shrewsbury Street
June 20 on Shrewsbury Street
The Taste of Shrewsbury Street is an evening of amazing grub, live entertainment and block parties, renowned to visitors and residents alike. Over 40 eateries from Worcester's "Restaurant Row" dish out samples of some of their signature eats while live music and local vendors line the street.
Lavender Farm Fest
June 23 to July 2 at The Farm at SummitWynds
Bask in a tranquil experience in the lavender fields, overlooking the pastures and views of Mount Wachusett, as well as lavender treats and drinks, live music, a Vintage Camper photo booth, newly hatched chicks, an artisinal marketplace, yoga classes and nature hikes on site.
Worcester's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
June 29 at Cristoforo Colombo (East) Park
Worcester's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration 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 splash park and playground, plus cotton candy and other tasty treats for sale at the park. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs, explore Shrewsbury Street (aka Worcester's "Restaurant Row") or stroll through the Canal District during your visit. Start planning your trip with our interactive map.
Summer Food Truck Festival
Aug. 12 at Wachusett Mountain
This fourth annual Summer Food Truck Festival spotlights fun live music and some of the best food truck fare in the area. More event details will be posted to Wachusett's site soon.
Open Sky Free Summer Concert Series
Thursdays June 19 to Aug. 31 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.
Douglas Orchard & Farm Summer Concert Series
Saturdays June 10 to Aug. 12 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.
Music Worcester Summer Concert Series
Dates through June & July at local venues
For its third Summer@MW series, Music Worcester brings together three leading musicians who defy traditional genre associations: mandolin/fiddle/guitar-playing icon Sam Bush, jazz singer and composer Cécile McLorin Salvant and American songbook champion and guitarist John Pizzarelli. These events feature Music Worcester debuts for Bush and McLorin Salvant, and an eagerly awaited return for Pizzarelli following his last appearance in 2014, while focusing on local venues.
Indian Ranch Summer Concert Series
Dates through summer in Webster
Indian Ranch's Summer Concert Series boasts a coveted lineup this year with the likes of Kip Moore, Fitz and the Tantrums and Chase Rice, as well as tribute shows to Jimmy Buffett, Sublime and Elton John & Billy Joel.
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.
Holdin' Back the 60s Shows
Dates through summer at local venues
The Holdin' Back Band presents Holdin' Back the 60s at several local venues this summer, most notably with complimentary performances in Sturbridge and Sterling.
Free Movie Series
Dates through summer at Singh Performance Center
Presented by ValleyCAST & The Ayer Film Society, this season's Free Movie Series presents films like "My Dog Skip" and "Tender Mercies" for summertime enjoyment.
