 YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST | Hey, so you made it to Thursday! With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, we’re sending a little extra love to all the moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, aunties, caregivers, and mother-figures who somehow keep the whole world spinning while pretending they’re “fine.” This week’s issue has plenty of ways to celebrate them, treat them, or simply give them a well-earned break — plus a full slate of local events, live music, community updates, and business news from around Worcester and the surrounding towns. As always, thank you for showing up, reading along, sharing Wormtown Weekly, and helping us keep the local spotlight right where it belongs: on the people, places, and small moments that make this area feel like home. | In This Week's Issue: - Shrewsbury Reworks Food Truck Thursdays
- Gina Brillon coming to Worcester
- Monster Jam returns to the DCU
- Mother’s Day Brunch at Birchtree Bread
| |  | What's moving and shaking in Worcester County | Identity Coffee Co. Plans Two New Worcester Cafes Identity Coffee Co. is looking to expand into Worcester with two proposed cafe locations: one at The Revington at 1 Green Island Boulevard and another at Railroad Lofts at 383 Shrewsbury Street. The company recently went before the Worcester License Commission for common victualler licenses, with plans to tailor each cafe to its surrounding neighborhood, including students, young professionals, apartment residents, and early-morning commuters near UMass Chan. Why it matters: This is another sign of Worcester’s growing apartment-and-retail momentum, especially around Green Island and Shrewsbury Street. More neighborhood coffee options also means more foot traffic, more gathering spots, and more reasons for residents to stay local. Read More › New Middle Eastern-Style Coffee, Nut, and Dessert Shop Planned for Stafford Street Roast and Raha is planning to open at 9 Stafford Street in Worcester, bringing coffee, roasted nuts, authentic desserts, and a small dining area to the neighborhood. The shop’s owners told the Worcester License Commission that Turkish coffee will be a major focus, along with specialty drinks and nuts roasted on site. Why it matters: This adds something a little different to Worcester’s food and drink scene, with a focus on Middle Eastern-style coffee and desserts. It is also another small business filling in a local storefront and giving residents a new place to try. Read More › Taste of Africa Returns as a Month-Long Worcester Food Campaign The Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants is bringing back Taste of Africa, a month-long campaign designed to spotlight African restaurants across Worcester throughout May. The initiative encourages residents to visit participating restaurants, try curated dishes, and celebrate African cuisine in recognition of Africa Day on May 25. Why it matters: This is a great way to support locally owned restaurants while exploring more of Worcester’s growing food scene. Instead of a one-day event, the campaign gives people the whole month to visit different spots and help bring more visibility to African-owned businesses. Read More › Shrewsbury Reworks Food Truck Thursdays to Better Support Vendors Shrewsbury is changing up its popular Food Truck Thursdays format this summer. Instead of holding standalone weekly food truck nights, the town plans to fold food vendors into larger community events, including the Summer Concert Series, movie nights, and the 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival on June 5. Recreation officials said the goal is to improve attendance and create stronger opportunities for vendors. Why it matters: Food trucks need strong crowds to make events worthwhile, and Shrewsbury is trying to build a more sustainable model that helps both residents and small food businesses. The change should mean fewer quiet nights for vendors and more lively community events for everyone else. Read More › Worcester Opens $1.35 Million Affordable Housing Funding Round Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development has opened a new funding round through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, making $1.35 million in Community Preservation Act funding available to support new affordable housing. Developers can apply for funding for income-restricted rental or homeownership projects, with applications due May 7. Why it matters: Housing availability affects just about everything locally, from families trying to stay in Worcester to businesses trying to hire and retain workers. This funding round is aimed at creating more affordable, accessible housing connected to jobs, transit, and services. Read More › Worcester’s Proposed Budget Includes Added Support for Small Businesses and Permitting Worcester City Manager Eric Batista has announced the proposed FY ’27 budget, the city’s first $1 billion operating budget. Among the business-related pieces, the proposal includes new inspector positions to help businesses move through the permitting process more efficiently, along with a new position in the Business Development Division of the Executive Office of Economic Development to support small businesses. Why it matters: Permitting delays and access to city support can make a big difference for small businesses trying to open, expand, or renovate. These proposed investments are aimed at making City Hall a little easier to navigate for local business owners. Read More › | |  | Mark your calendars, Wormtown | Here's what's coming up in Wormtown and the suburbs. Trivia Night - Worcester Join us every Thursday from 6 to 9 PM for Trivia Night at BirchTree Bread Company. Great food, craft cocktails, local beer, and prizes for the top three teams. 📅 Thursdays, 6:00 to 9:00 PM 📍 BirchTree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference - Worcester The Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference returns to the DCU Center for a full day of speakers, workshops, networking, and professional development. The event brings together women from across Central Massachusetts for one of the region’s larger annual leadership gatherings. 📅 Thursday, May 7 - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 📍 DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester More Info › Gina Brillon - Worcester Comedian Gina Brillon comes to the BrickBox for a night of stand-up comedy. Brillon has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and more, bringing sharp, relatable comedy to the stage. 📅 Friday, May 8 - 7:00 PM 📍 BrickBox Theater at JMAC, 20 Franklin Street, Worcester More Info › Monster Jam - Worcester Monster Jam returns to the DCU Center for a weekend of big trucks, racing, stunts, and family-friendly arena action. Fans can expect appearances from favorite Monster Jam trucks, with multiple shows scheduled across the weekend. 📅 Friday, May 8 - 7:00 PM; Saturday, May 9 - 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Sunday, May 10 - 1:00 PM 📍 DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester More Info › The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition - Shrewsbury Oak Middle School presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, bringing Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the magic of Oz to the stage for a local student production. 📅 Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10 📍 Oak Middle School Auditorium, 45 Oak Street, Shrewsbury More Info › Annual Grafton Gazebo Road Race - Grafton The 35th Annual Grafton Gazebo Road Race returns for another community running tradition. The 5K starts near Grafton TV and finishes at the Municipal Center, with parking available at Grafton High School. 📅 Saturday, May 9 📍 Grafton Municipal Center area, 30 Providence Road, Grafton More Info › Jordan’s Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption - Worcester This community walk/run supports adoption from foster care and brings families, runners, walkers, and supporters together at Quinsigamond State Park. Participants can run for a personal best or enjoy a relaxed walk while supporting a meaningful cause. 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 Quinsigamond State Park, 283 Lake Avenue, Worcester More Info › Boards, Brie, & Besties: Mother’s Day Edition - Worcester Moms can take a well-earned break at Birchtree Bread Company for an evening of styling, sipping, and socializing. This Mother’s Day-themed event is designed as a relaxed night out with charcuterie-style fun, connection, and a little time away from the usual to-do list. 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 📍 Birchtree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester More Info › Mother’s Day Brunch at The Barn at Blackstone National - Sutton The Barn at Blackstone National hosts its 5th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch with a special menu and a scenic setting at the golf course. It is a polished local option for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day close to home. 📅 Sunday, May 10 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 The Barn at Blackstone National, 227 Putnam Hill Road, Sutton More Info › Mother’s Day Brunch at Birchtree Bread Company - Worcester Birchtree Bread Company hosts a Mother’s Day Brunch with savory and sweet brunch options, festive spring-inspired cocktails, and a relaxed setting for families and friends to gather. Parties of six or more are encouraged to contact the restaurant for reservations. 📅 Sunday, May 10 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 📍 Birchtree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester More Info › Spring Town Meeting - Sutton Sutton residents can attend Spring Town Meeting to hear and vote on local town business. It is one of the most direct ways for residents to stay involved in decisions that affect the community. 📅 Monday, May 11 - 7:00 PM 📍 Sutton Middle/High School Auditorium, Sutton More Info › Got an Event Coming Up? Whether it's a craft fair, a concert at your cousin's brewery, or a holiday lights display, share it here. | |  | Your next best friend is waiting |  Meet Cory Cory is a 13 years, 1 month old male Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 22 pounds. Adoption Fee: $50 If you're looking for a big-hearted, big-bodied sweetheart, Cory is your guy. He's a total lovebug, the kind who melts into your lap, purrs like a little engine, and makes you feel chosen in the best way. His person adored him, but after many heartfelt attempts to help him settle in, the resident cat simply wouldn't accept him. With great sadness, she brought him to us so he could find the peaceful home he deserves.
Cory's Personality is Friendly, confident, and incredibly affectionate. Loves snuggling and being close to his people. He has a loud, happy purr and a funny little "squawk" when he wants attention. Cory enjoys toys, scratching pads, and cozy spots to lounge Cory gives gentle love bites when he's had enough petting. A polite way of saying "I need a little break." He's a sensitive soul who can startle at loud noises, so a calm home would help him feel safe and settled.
Cory could do well with other cats who are comfortable with a big, friendly newcomer. Dogs are not a match for him though. Kids: Yes, he'd be just fine.
He prefers a quieter environment. Cory is a senior sweetheart with so much love left to give. If you want a companion who will warm your lap, your home, and your heart, come meet him! He's ready to adore you. Walk-In Adoption Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12 to 4 PM Can't make it? Complete our online adoption inquiry form and we'll arrange a meet and greet. Contact WARL: [email protected] or call (508) 853-0030 | |  | This week's best local stages | Fresh picks across Wormtown and the suburbs. Save these dates and support your local venues. The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band - Worcester 📅 Thursday, May 7 - 8:00 PM 📍 Off The Rails, 90 Commercial Street, Worcester The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band brings its high-energy country blues sound to Off The Rails, with Big Jon Short also on the bill. Expect a loud, rootsy, foot-stomping night from a band known for front-porch blues with serious live-show power. Tickets / Info › The Pounders - Worcester 📅 Friday, May 8 - 6:00 PM 📍 Birchtree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester The Pounders bring Friday night live music to Birchtree Bread Company, pairing local tunes with the café’s cozy Canal District atmosphere, craft drinks, and food menu. Tickets / Info › Matt Brodeur - Framingham 📅 Friday, May 8 - 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM 📍 Ken’s Steak House, 95 Worcester Road, Framingham Worcester-area acoustic performer Matt Brodeur heads to Ken’s Steak House for a three-hour set of classic rock, acoustic favorites, and laid-back dinner-and-drinks vibes. Tickets / Info › Matt Brodeur - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Tatnuck Country Club, 1222 Pleasant Street, Worcester Matt Brodeur performs at Tatnuck Country Club with his crowd-friendly acoustic style, mixing familiar covers, classic rock favorites, and easygoing local live music energy. Tickets / Info › Arankai: The Portrait Tour - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 6:30 PM 📍 Worcester Palladium, 261 Main Street, Worcester Arankai brings The Portrait Tour to the Worcester Palladium, with a heavy lineup that also includes buffalo_farm, Gina Fritz, and Reapercussion. Tickets / Info › “We Will Rise” Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 7:00 PM 📍 Worcester State University, Sullivan Auditorium, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester The “We Will Rise” benefit concert comes to Worcester in support of the Rebuilding Jamaica Hurricane Benefit Concert Series. The event supports a worthy cause while bringing live music and community energy to Worcester State University. Tickets / Info › Walter Crockett “Still Standing” Live - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 9 - 7:00 PM; doors open at 6:30 PM 📍 WCUW Frontroom, 910 Main Street, Worcester Walter Crockett brings “Still Standing” to the WCUW Frontroom with the Standouts, featuring Bill MacGillivray, Jon Webster, Bob Dick, Jim Heffernan, Chuck and Mud, and Walter on lead acoustic guitar and vocals. Tickets / Info › Kottonmouth Kings - Worcester 📅 Wednesday, May 13 - 6:30 PM 📍 Worcester Palladium Upstairs, 261 Main Street, Worcester Kottonmouth Kings bring their “30 Years of Underground” tour to the Palladium Upstairs, joined by Kung Fu Vampire and A Killer’s Confession. Tickets / Info › House of Hamill - Worcester 📅 Thursday, May 14 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester Mechanics Hall’s Club 321 series features House of Hamill, a Pennsylvania-based trio known for high-energy Celtic folk, soaring harmonies, fiery fiddle tunes, and inventive arrangements. Tickets / Info › | Thank you, Wormtown Thanks for reading. If this issue helped you find a new favorite or skip a pothole, we did our job. Send us your hidden gems and events, and we'll keep the local love rolling. — Team Wormtown Weekly |
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