May Events on Our Radar

Here's a round up of events we're looking forward to this May in Central Massachusetts:

Preservation Worcester Presents Jane Week Events Throughout Worcester

During the week of May 5th-9th, 2025, Jane Week, named for Jane Jacobs, an urban theorist and activist who championed a community-based approach to city building, gives Worcester residents and visitors a chance to connect to each other, explore Worcester by foot and participate in interesting discussions on how we can enhance the design and function of our city. All tours are free and open to the public. While there are many Jane Week events to choose from, we're highlighting these: 

• Crown Hill Walking Tour: Visit a neighborhood hidden right on the edge of downtown, especially noteworthy for the recent establishment of the Crown Hill Local Historic District.
• Hike in St. George Forest: Learn about how & why the property was acquired in 2024 and experience the urban forest and wetlands along a short loop trail on the ~14 acre property, Worcester’s newest open space!
• Jewish East Side Walking Tour: Led by Moe Bergman, Preservation Worcester Docent, City Councilor, and attorney, you'll stop at former synagogues, a neighborhood ritual bathhouse and even the site of famous anarchist Emma Goldman’s ice cream shop.
• Major Taylor Museum Tour: Learn about the trailblazing career of champion bicycle racer and Worcester legend Marshall “Major” Taylor.
• Mechanics Hall Guided Tour: Internationally recognized for its superb acoustics and breathtaking beauty, Mechanics Hall tour attendees also have the opportunity to hear Mechanics Hall Principal Organist Peter Krasinski provide a live demonstration and discussion on The Worcester Organ, the Hall’s historic tracker pipe organ, known as The Hook Organ.

National Baseball Poetry Festival: Poet-To-Poet Reading

The National Baseball Poetry Festival is a celebration of poetry (and other short written and spoken-word pieces) whose themes focus on Baseball—our National Pastime! The Festival also punctuates National Poetry Month, during which the nation pays homage to the world’s oldest and, arguably, most powerful art form. The National Baseball Poetry Festival starts on Friday, May 2nd, and takes place over the course of three days at venues such as Polar Park, JMAC, Electric Haze, and Homewood Suites By Hilton Worcester. Welcoming baseball lovers of all ages, the Poet-to-Poet Reading at The Worcester Pop Up is just one of many events worth attending. Discover the full line up of events here.

Music on Main, Worcester Chamber Music Society, and Neighborhood Strings in Collaboration with Eduardo Ortiz Latin Jazz Band

Experience an unforgettable evening as the Worcester Chamber Music Society presents Music on Main, featuring Neighborhood Strings in collaboration with the vibrant Eduardo Ortiz Latin Jazz Band. This dynamic fusion of classical and Latin jazz promises an exhilarating celebration of rhythm, culture, and community spirit in the heart of Worcester. Admission is free and the event takes place at BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center on Wednesday, May 7th, from 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

Arms and Armor Demonstration:17th-Century Colonial Militia

Head to the Worcester Art Museum to see a presentation by The Salem Trayned Band, a re-enacting group that accurately recreates a 17th-century English colonial militia unit from Salem, Massachusetts. Free with your event admission, this event takes place on Saturday, May 10th from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees

Experience the magic of the Bee Gees with Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees, the world's premier tribute band, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. This is a unique opportunity to relive the Bee Gees' timeless hits performed live, including classics like "Night Fever," "Jive Talkin'," and "How Deep Is Your Love." Tickets are priced between $25 and $65, depending on seat location, with discounts available for Broadway subscribers. For more details and to purchase tickets, contact the box office at 877.571.7469.

The Brimfield Antique Shows are May 13-18

If you're into hunting for treasure, trading in antiques, or just looking for unique items for your home, you'll want to experience the Brimfield Antique Shows. The week is made up of 20 individual shows with openings varied throughout the week. There are tons of food trucks too, and you could spend days walking around without seeing everything - so many people who attend book overnight rooms, and the Strurbridge, MA rooms get completely booked fast (you'll want to make your reservations with Publick House Historic Inn asap!) We're also seeing people fly through Worcester's Regional Airport to attend, and made this itinerary and guide for those travelers.

Market on Brussels – Opening Day

​Discover Worcester's vibrant new weekly farmers market! Starting May 18 through October 26, 2025, you can visit every Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM, behind the former Rotmans Furniture building on Brussels Street. Enjoy local produce, craft beer, live music, and delicious food. This is walkable from the College of the Holy Cross and there is free parking available at the market.

In addition to the market you'll be right by a few of our favorite destinations for a tasty treat: Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream is unlike any other, or have an Acoustic Java coffee, deliciously roasted on site. There's also Courthouse Brew Co., which has fresh brews on tap, their own hard selzer cocktails, and a menu of tasty bites.

May the 4th Be With You

Star Wars fans will be celebrating May the 4th - a play on the classic line "May the Force be with you" - with themed events and tributes. If you have young fans in your household, check out this event hosted by Worcester Public Library on Friday, May 2nd afterschool from 3:30-5:00pm at their main branch in Downtown Worcester. Children ages 8-12 will visit a galaxy far, far away to play Mandalorian trivia and Star Wars Mad Libs, enjoy a lightsaber frozen treat, and make a no-sew Baby Yoda. The best part: costumes are welcome and the children's room iconic rocket ship will make for a perfect, celestial backdrop to your trip.