Central Massachusetts is reaching for the stars with a slate of Dr. Robert Goddard centennial events honoring the father of modern rocketry, from commemorations at the Auburn launch site to exhibits and performances across Worcester. Flora in Winter at Worcester Art Museum offers a vibrant escape with blooming displays, while Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village spotlights sugaring traditions. Families can explore The Secret World of Elephants exhibit and celebrate Easter with hands-on pysanky workshops.
Dr Robert Goddard Centennial
celebrating 100 years
100th Anniversary of Dr. Goddard’s Historic Rocket Launch (March 16, Auburn/Worcester) honors a century since the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket took flight in Auburn, celebrating innovation and local history with commemorations at the original launch site and surrounding venues. The Ecotarium is hosting a full-day science-themed festival on March 15th featuring hands-on activities, model rocket demonstrations, and planetarium shows, giving families a fun way to learn about Dr. Robert H. Goddard’s pioneering work; general museum admission applies, with some planetarium programs ticketed separately.
Launch Site events in Auburn include commemorative exhibits and community programming around the historic Goddard rocket launch site, inviting exploration of scientific milestones through public installations and activities that are open for all ages. You can also visit the Robert and Esther Goddard House for an inside look at the lives of Dr. Goddard and his wife Esther, whose meticulous documentation preserved much of rocket history, with talks that connect local heritage with broader scientific achievement; this presentation is free with optional donation opportunities
The Museum of Worcester kicks off a long-running historical exhibit that showcases artifacts, images, and stories from Goddard’s life and work, bringing together collections from universities, NASA, and museums to tell the story of the birth of modern rocketry. The Rocket Man: The Robert Goddard Musical is a creative stage production that dramatizes the life and innovations of Robert Goddard, blending storytelling and music for a family-friendly performance that highlights his contributions to science.
Goddard: Father of the Space Age (March 22, Hanover Theatre, Worcester) is a special ticketed event that brings scientists and space experts together to celebrate Goddard’s enduring influence, combining talks and multimedia to frame his work as the foundation of modern space exploration.
Museum of Worcester - “From Worcester to the Stars: The Goddard Rocket Centennial”
- Museum of Worcester
- Recurring daily
Museum of Worcester is excited to be presenting the official exhibition for the Dr, Robert Goddard rocket centennial celebration. Worcester to the Stars: the Goddard…
The Goddard Library Celebrates Robert Goddard and invites book lovers and history enthusiasts to discover Goddard’s legacy through curated collections, talks, and displays at participating libraries, highlighting the Worcester native’s impact on science and technology; this free community celebration encourages all ages to explore rocket history. The event Worcester History Deep Dive: Worcester in Space explores Worcester’s unique connection to space exploration, tracing local figures like Goddard and institutions that contributed to aerospace innovation. This free, illustrated talk is perfect for history buffs and curious learners. NASA Rocket Engineering events bring aerospace insights to life with expert demonstrations and interactive sessions that delve into the engineering principles behind rockets past and present, ideal for students and families curious about STEM; ticketing varies by location and program.
Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village
Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village is an annual event celebrating the traditional craft of maple sugaring in early 19th-century New England. Held on select dates from February 19 to March 9, 2025, visitors can observe the entire process, from tapping sugar maples to the final "sugaring off." Costumed historians demonstrate historical techniques, highlighting maple sugar's significance over syrup during that era. The event is included with standard daytime admission and offers an immersive experience into the seasonal rhythms of rural New England life.
Family Shows at The Hanover Theatre
The Stories of Hansel & Gretel and Peter & the Wolf presents beloved tales brought to life through ballet or orchestral performance, offering a magical, family-friendly experience. Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat — Live on Stage! showcases a lively adaptation of a beloved childrens book character with colorful costumes and music, perfect for young audiences.
Flora in Winter at Worcester Art Museum
A favorite annual event, Flora in Winter at the museum puts beautful blooms on display, representing artwork in the museum's collection.
Worcester Center for Crafts Pasta Dinner
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, the Worcester Center for Crafts will host a Pasta Dinner. The evening includes a pasta meal catered by a local restaurant and an opportunity to explore ceramic art. During the dinner, explore a gallery of beautiful handmade ceramic plates to pick one to bring home. Each plate is lovingly made in the Ceramics Studio, and there is also a silent auction to benefit the Worcester Center for Crafts.Tickets start at $65.
Elephants are coming to The EcoTarium
The Secret World of Elephants Exhibit Opening reveals an engaging new exhibit on elephant biology, behavior, and conservation, combining interactive displays with learning opportunities.
Music at Mechanics Hall
Music Worcester Presents: Refugee Orchestra Project brings together refugee musicians and partners to perform a compelling concert celebrating cultural diversity and community through music; tickets are available through Music Worcester and proceeds support ongoing arts initiatives. US Navy Concert Band features the acclaimed ensemble performing patriotic and classical repertoire that highlights the talent of military musicians and offers inspiration for audiences of all ages.
Cantatathon: Music of J.S. Bach invites audiences to immerse themselves in the choral and instrumental works of Bach during a devoted celebration of Baroque music. The Worcester Symphony Orchestra Presents: The Music of Frank Sinatra and attendees will enjoy big-band swing that celebrates the iconic songs of Sinatra with full orchestral arrangements.
Orchids at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition at New England Botanic Garden showcases stunning orchid displays in a serene setting, blending horticultural beauty with artful presentation. This special exhibit is included in general garden admission.
Dress up for a Railers HC Game
Princesses & Pirates Day invites children to dress up and enjoy themed activities, storytelling, and interactive fun with swashbuckling and regal flair. Kids in attendance will receive a Pirate Bandana or Princess Tiara giveaway (while supplies last), giving them the chance to dress the part and join in the fun. Throughout the concourse, princesses will be making special appearances, offering photo opportunities and adding to the storybook atmosphere. Following the game, Kids Club and 508 Club members are invited to take part in an exclusive post-game skate, creating a memorable on-ice experience to cap off the day. Best of all, available for every Sunday game during the Worcester Railers 2025-26 season, the MBTA Commuter Rail presents $10 kids tickets: For each adult ticket purchased, you'll be eligible to purchase one kids ticket for the low price of $10!
Easter Season Events
Pysanky are traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs decorated using an ancient wax-resist method (batik) and intricate folk motifs. Celebrate the season with workshops, egg hunts, and pictures with the Easter bunny at local events.
Even More Events
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Events Calendar
Explore the premier events calendar for Central Massachusetts. From local events this week to the big annual events & cultural festivals - sort by dates and filter by categories to find fun things to do in Central Massachusetts.