Market on Exchange offers one of Worcester’s best ways to spend a Sunday — a walkable day filled with local food, small businesses, live music, and community. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, shopping from local farmers and makers at Market on Exchange, or ending the evening with dinner and live music, this itinerary highlights the creative energy and local flavor that make a Sunday trip downtown special.

 

10 AM

morning brews & bites

 

Brunch at Deadhorse Hill

Start your Sunday with brunch at Deadhorse Hill, one of Worcester’s favorite downtown dining destinations. Known for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menu, the restaurant serves standout dishes like wild Maine blueberry pancakes and roast lamb leg benedict. Pair brunch with fresh-squeezed juice, locally roasted coffee, craft cocktails, or a local beer before heading out to explore Exchange Street.

 

Quick breakfast at Crust

For a quicker breakfast to enjoy either in their cute cafe, or on the go, Crust has delicious coffee and some of the best criossants in the city!

 

11 AM – 2 PM

 

Explore Market on Exchange

Market on Exchange transforms Exchange Street into a lively community marketplace filled with local farmers, food producers, artisans, and small businesses. The market features live music, food trucks, craft beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to spend the afternoon browsing and discovering something new. Free parking is available on opening weekend thanks to sponsorship by the Worcester Railers HC, and SNAP/EBT is accepted. 

 

Grocery shop from local farms, bakers and discover artisans

 

Coolidge Hill Farm

Based west of Worcester in New Salem, Coolidge Hill Farm brings a colorful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to the market, along with baked goods, smoothies, and seasonal plant starts. It’s an ideal stop for stocking up on local produce and farm-fresh staples.

 

Mapeline Farm

This family-owned Hadley dairy farm has been operating since 1904 and is known for its classic flavored milks. Choose from favorites like chocolate, coffee, vanilla, strawberry, and orange cream alongside fresh traditional milk products.

 

Golden Grain Artisanal Bread

Golden Grain Artisanal Bread has become a favorite at Central Massachusetts markets for its small-batch European-style breads and baked goods. From rustic sourdough loaves to focaccia and Japanese milk bread, every item is baked from scratch using traditional techniques and creative flavors.

 

Agronomy Farm Vineyard

Founded from a passion for science, technology, and craft beverages, Agronomy Farm Vineyard offers a wide selection of wines, including sparkling, rosé, red, and white varieties. If you love what you try at the market this vineyard is a short drive, just north-west of the city, in Oakham, MA and often features live music and food trucks on the weekends.

 

Pinci Foods Lasagneria

Pinci Foods Lasagneria specializes in homemade gourmet lasagna made with all-natural ingredients and flash-frozen for freshness. Their menu includes classic meat options along with vegetarian and gluten-free varieties, making it easy to bring home a comforting meal to save for a busy weeknight.

 

Moony Glow Glasswork

Moony Glow Glasswork showcases handmade stained glass creations crafted in Massachusetts. Their colorful designs include flowers, mushrooms, frogs, fish, and whimsical food-inspired pieces that add personality and charm to any space.

 

 

learn more about featured businesses and vendors

deadhorse hill

deadhorse hill

  • 281 Main St.
  • (774) 420-7107

deadhorse hill is a seasonal American restaurant located on main street in downtown Worcester. A restaurant inspired by the New England landscape. We rely on the…

Golden Grain Artisanal Bread

Golden Grain Artisanal Bread

  • 238 Sterling Rd
  • (978) 660-3433

Golden Grain is a small, independent bakery focused on handcrafted breads and baked goods made with high-quality ingredients. Every item is made from scratch using…

Spicy Water Distillery

Spicy Water Distillery

  • 108 Elm St.
  • (508) 581-4234

Join us on an expedition of flavor and fun. Spicy Water Distillery is a 4,400 sq foot, full production distillery, tasting room and event space, complete with a…

Pure BS Maple Shack

Pure BS Maple Shack

  • 149 Central St.
  • (508) 832-7008

In search of the perfect topping to complement their Boy Scout camp pancakes, Bruce and Sully in 2007 started tapping maple trees in Bruce’s backyard. At the time…

Basil N' Spice

Basil N' Spice

  • 299 Shrewsbury St.
  • (774) 317-9986

Born and raised in the Sukhothai province of Thailand, the owner of this family run restaurant immigrated to the United States in 2001 with the rest of her…

Mrs. Moriconi's Ice Cream

Mrs. Moriconi's Ice Cream

  • 3 Brussels Street, Suite 140
  • (508) 373-2461

Award winning ice cream right here in Worcester! Local dairy from Massachusetts is used to make fresh ice cream in a production kitchen here in Worcester. When you…

Discover All the Market on Exchange Vendors

Market on Exchange

Discover All the Market on Exchange Vendors

With over 2 dozen vendors at the market, you can replace your whole weekend grocery trip by shopping for produce, meats, dairy, seafood, baked goods, pet supplies and more, all in one place!

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2 PM – 5 PM

Shop Along Exchange Street

After your time at the market, continue exploring the locally owned shops that make downtown at destination.

 

The Bra Shop

Known for its personalized fittings and welcoming atmosphere, The Bra Shop offers inclusive sizing ranging from bands 30–48 and cups A–O. Their experienced staff focuses on comfort, expert guidance, and helping every customer find the right fit.

 

Joe’s Albums

A longtime Worcester institution, Joe’s Albums is a destination for collectors, casual listeners, and anyone who loves discovering music. The shop is also home to a historic performance venue celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and intimate live shows.

 

Sweet Jane Consignment

Sweet Jane Consignment features a curated collection of designer, vintage, and contemporary women’s fashion in a relaxed and welcoming space. Shoppers can browse unique finds and timeless pieces at prices often significantly below retail.

The Bra Shop

The Bra Shop

  • 303 Main St.
  • (508) 762-9060

At The Bra Shop, we believe that bodies should be celebrated with properly fitting bras, lingerie, and items that make us feel fabulous. The boutique is located in…

Joe's Albums

Joe's Albums

  • 317 Main St.
  • (508) 796-5352

Bringing Old School Back! Joe Demers, proud owner of Joe’s Albums, found himself reconnecting with vinyl records after a career shift back during the recession. It…

Off the Rails

Off the Rails

  • 90 Commercial St.
  • (508) 304-6411

Established in 2021 and located in the heart of downtown Worcester, Off The Rails will feature southern fair and complimented by a full country style bar with 20 tap…

The Palladium

The Palladium

  • 261 Main St.
  • (508) 797-9696

The Worcester Palladium is a historic concert venue located in the heart of Worcester, MA. All of our shows are all ages (unless otherwise specified) and we are a…

5 PM

Dinner & Nightlife

 

Rice Violet

For dinner, head to Rice Violet, a Thai kitchen and vegetarian bistro known for flavorful dishes and plenty of dietary-friendly options. Menu favorites include pad thai, massaman curry, crispy baby bok choy, and Bangkok duck, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available throughout the menu.

 

Off The Rails

If you’re looking to end the day with live music and a lively atmosphere, Off The Rails delivers Nashville-inspired energy in the heart of Worcester. The menu features Southern-style barbecue, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, sandwiches, platters, and comfort food classics alongside regular live performances.

even more in downtown Worcester

Downtown is very walkable, and just a short distance away is even more dining and culture to enjoy downtown!

The Mercantile Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

The Mercantile Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

  • 2 Mercantile St.
  • (774) 389-5180

The Mercantile is excited to open its doors to the heart of the Commonwealth. Serving up New American Tavern Cuisine in our two-floor full-service restaurant and…

110 Grill - Worcester

110 Grill - Worcester

  • 123 Front St.

110 Grill’s comfortable, but yet upscale-casual atmosphere, complete with open kitchens, large horseshoe-shaped bars and outdoor patios with fire pits, creates…

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya

Chashu Ramen + Izakaya

  • 38 Franklin St.
  • (508) 304-7183

Hours: Sunday-Monday, Wednesday, 11:30am-9:00pm Thursday-Saturday, 11:30am-10:00pm Closed Tuesday When in Worcester Exclusive Feature: Chashu brings you a creative…

ArtsWorcester

ArtsWorcester

  • 44 Portland St.
  • (508) 755-5142

The 12th Annual Call and Response collaboration with Fitchburg Art Museum is Feast! FAM’s curatorial staff have selected 10 pieces from FAM’s permanent collection…

Jean McDonough Arts Center

Jean McDonough Arts Center

  • 20 Franklin St.
  • (508) 413-5622

Comprised of the intimate BRICKBOX THEATER and ever-changing WORCESTER POPUP, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is the place in downtown Worcester, MA, to…

Worcester Public Library - Salem Square

Worcester Public Library - Salem Square

  • 3 Salem St.
  • (508) 799-1655

The Worcester Public Library is a public library located in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1859 when local resident Dr. John Green, III donated…

By the end of the day, downtown Worcester offers more than just a place to shop or eat — it showcases the local businesses, artists, farmers, and musicians that give Worcester its character and community spirit.