 YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER AREA DIGEST | Hoppy Thursday! (yes I went there) This week’s Wormtown Weekly is bursting with Easter fun and fresh things to do across our area. Whether you’re hunting eggs with the kids, grabbing a festive brunch, lining up a weekend plan with friends, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, we’ve packed this issue with can’t-miss local happenings to help you make the most of the week ahead—so scroll on and start mapping out your calendar! | In This Week's Issue: - More expansion at the Shops at Blackstone Valley
- Grafton Flea Market reopening soon
- Eggstravaganza coming up in Shrewsbury
- Free Easter Bunny Visit
- Free tax help available in Worcester
| Last Week's Poll Results Last week's poll was "Spring food & drink: what's your favorite?" and the winner at was "Breweries + patio spots" with several others not far behind. On a side note, that's my favorite also but I didn't vote I promise :) | |  | What's moving and shaking in Worcester County | Mercado Restaurant opens on Shrewsbury Street (Ecuadorian + Peruvian) new spot called Mercado Restaurant is opening at 278 Shrewsbury St., taking over the former Flying Rhino space. It’s billed as “inspired by the markets of Latin America,” with a menu that blends Ecuadorian and Peruvian flavors. Why it matters: Another fresh dining option lands in one of Worcester’s busiest restaurant corridors—and it’s a locally rooted concept from Worcester-area operators. Read More › The Shops at Blackstone Valley expansion project adds two new buildings The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley expansion calls for two new buildings expected to bring in additional retailers/restaurants/wellness providers along the Worcester–Providence Turnpike stretch in Millbury. Why it matters: More storefronts typically mean more jobs, more choices for shoppers, and more activity at one of the region’s biggest retail hubs. Read More › New vendor market coming to Paxton: “Almanac Market” A Paxton-based post/video promotes a new vendor market concept called Almanac Market, sharing updates about vendors and a “soft opening” period while they continue setting up. Why it matters: Paxton gets another local-shopping destination—good for small makers and anyone who likes browsing unique local goods. Read More › Auburn: “Sick Deals Gaming Co.” announcing an April 20, 2026 opening Sick Deals Gaming Co. is planning to open April 20, 2026 in Auburn. Why it matters: A new local retail option geared toward gaming/collectibles can draw foot traffic and create a community hangout for hobbyists. Read More › Grafton Flea Market reopening April 11, 2026 (outdoors-only this year) The Grafton Flea Market group post says the market will open April 11, 2026 and notes it will be outdoors-only due to renovations at the Grafton Village Inn. Why it matters: A longtime local market returning is great for bargain hunters, collectors, and small sellers—plus it’s an easy weekend draw for the area. Read More › QCC students offer free tax help in Worcester Quinsigamond Community College students are offering free tax preparation help for eligible community members this tax season, according to The Worcester Guardian. The link below includes the specifics on who qualifies and how to sign up / what to bring. Why it matters: Free, trusted tax help can save people money, reduce filing stress, and help ensure residents claim credits they may be entitled to—especially for households on tighter budgets. 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 Eggstravaganza - Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Recreation’s big community egg hunt at Maple Ave Fields (15,000 eggs, food trucks, and the bunny arrives by fire truck; bring your own bag/basket). 📅 04/03/2026 - 5:00 PM 📍 Maple Ave Fields - 176 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 More Info › Free Easter Bunny Visit (Hebert Candy Mansion) - Shrewsbury Free Easter Bunny visit/photo opportunity at Hebert Candy Mansion. 📅 04/03/2026 - 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 Hebert Candy Mansion - 574 Hartford Turnpike (Rt 20), Shrewsbury, MA 01545 More Info › Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (Asa Waters Mansion) - Millbury Family breakfast at the historic Asa Waters Mansion with a chance for kids to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny (registration required per listing). 📅 04/04/2026 - 9:00 AM 📍 Asa Waters Mansion - 123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA More Info › Photos with the Easter Bunny + Benjie (Bay State Bank) - Shrewsbury Bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny and Benjie at Bay State Bank’s Shrewsbury branch. 📅 04/04/2026 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📍 Bay State Bank (Shrewsbury Branch) - 50 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 More Info › Easter Brunch - Worcester Celebrate Easter with a joy-filled brunch at BirchTree Bread Company. The Easter brunch menu includes classics like eggs Benedict plus chocolate French toast, chicken and grits, and more. Full bar available with spring-inspired cocktails. For reservations, email [email protected]. 📅 04/05/2026 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 📍 BirchTree Bread Company - 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604 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 |  Courtesy of WARL Meet Tuna Tuna is a 2 years, 1 month old male Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever/Mix who weighs 38 pounds. Adoption Fee: please inquire Meet Tuna! We can't get enough this lovable, goofy boy! This Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mix has bounced back beautifully from a rough start. He arrived at the shelter as a stray wandering in Worcester, and sadly emaciated. He is ready now to charm his way into a forever home. Please check out more info about his breed!
Tuna Fish is a bundle of affection and energy who thrives on play, purpose, and being included. True to his toller roots, he's smart, spirited, and happiest when he his people are paying attention to him or has a toy in his paws. Tuna Casserole has boundless energy, and loves engaging - he will thrive with people who are exceptionally active and outdoorsy. *Tuna has been returned to the shelter after adoption because of his high energy level and mouthy/jumpy behaviors. We welcome potential adopters to come meet him, and want to make sure we find the right home for both Tuna and his potential adopters. We are accepting multiple applications after visiting with him. 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. Malodies Karaoke (hosted by Mal E. Fishn’t) - Worcester 📅 Thu, 04/02/2026 📍 Electric Haze - 26 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610 Weekly karaoke night at Electric Haze. Tickets / Info › Matt Brodeur - Hopedale 📅 Fri, 04/03/2026 - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Tailwind Tavern - 1 Menfi Way, Hopedale, MA 01747 Matt plays a varied mix of classic rock from the 1960's all the way up through the 2000's. He possesses a very versatile voice and range to be able to cover a wide mix of all your favorite hits and the guitar chops to skillfully accompany himself. Tickets / Info › All Your Friends: The Indie Dance Party - Worcester 📅 Fri, 04/03/2026 - 8:30 PM (doors 8:00 PM) 📍 Worcester Palladium (Upstairs) - 261 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608 Indie dance party night at the Palladium Upstairs (18+ per listing). Tickets / Info › The Chain - Worcester 📅 Sat, 04/04/2026 - 7:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM) 📍 FrontRoom @ WCUW - 910 Main St, Worcester, MA 01610 Live show at the WCUW FrontRoom; $15 cash or Venmo at the door (per the press release). Tickets / Info › Interstellar - Shrewsbury 📅 Sat, 04/04/2026 - 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Specialty Sandwich Company - Shrewsbury, MA Interstellar debut performance at Specialty Sandwich Company. Tickets / Info › CCB Album ReleaseTour - Worcester 📅 Sat, 04/04/2026 - 8:00 PM – 11:55 PM 📍 Electric Haze - 26 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610 Album release tour show at Electric Haze. Tickets / Info › Lifelong Obsession - Millbury 📅 Sat, 04/04/2026 - 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM 📍 The St. Charles Hotel - 126 W Main St, Millbury, MA Live music at The St. Charles Hotel. Don't miss it! Tickets / Info › It’s A 2000’s Party - Worcester 📅 Sat, 04/04/2026 - 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM 📍 Worcester Palladium - 261 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608 Throwback 2000’s-themed party night (details/ticketing on event page). Tickets / Info › Matt Brodeur - Worcester 📅 Sun, 04/05/2026 - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Family Table - 545 SW Cutoff, Suite A, Worcester, MA 01607 Matt plays a varied mix of classic rock from the 1960's all the way up through the 2000's. He possesses a very versatile voice and range to be able to cover a wide mix of all your favorite hits and the guitar chops to skillfully accompany himself. Tickets / Info › | |  | A local gem worth knowing |  Puffins Restaurant - Millbury 95 North Main Street, Millbury, MA 01527 Puffins is a Millbury favorite for breakfast and lunch, known for big, classic comfort plates and a lively brunch atmosphere. Regulars and reviewers often rave about the French toast, egg Benedicts, and hearty breakfast staples—plus the fun twist of brunch-friendly drinks (mimosas and other cocktails) that make it feel like a “treat yourself” stop instead of just a quick bite. It’s the kind of place people recommend when you want generous portions, familiar flavors done right, and a spot that feels like part of the town’s routine. Why we love it: Classic breakfast done right: The menu is loaded with crowd-pleasers—Benedicts, pancakes/French toast, omelets, and comfort lunch options.
Brunch vibe (with a bar): A great pick when you want a relaxed weekend meal that can double as a hangout.
Local staple energy: It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit. Location: 95 North Main Street, Millbury, MA 01527 Parking: Onsite parking lot | 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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