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YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST
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Hey there, Wormtowners!
Another glorious summer weekend is upon us, and whether you're dodging the heat or soaking up the sun, Worcester and its neighbors are buzzing with activity! From food truck extravaganzas to enriching cultural tours, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of your mid-July days.
This weekend, get ready to feast your senses at the Foodees Fest in Auburn, where over 40 food trucks and craft vendors await. For a dose of art and community, check out 'Hot Night in the City' at the Worcester Center for Crafts, or unwind with music and art at the WAM's 'Summer Nights'.
And if live tunes are your jam, you're in luck! From the soulful harmonies of Woodshed at WCUW to free outdoor concerts across the region, there are plenty of opportunities to tap your toes. So grab your lawn chairs, support local, and dive into all the fantastic happenings our vibrant community has to offer!
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In This Week's Issue:
- * Foodees Fest Comes to Auburn
- * Arts, Culture & Summer Nights
- * Live Music Across Worcester County
- * New Restaurants, Housing & Business Growth
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Wormtown Weekend Munchies!
If you could only hit ONE food truck at Foodees Fest this weekend, what kind of grub are you absolutely going for?
With over 40 food trucks descending on Auburn, the choices are deliciously overwhelming! Are you a savory seeker, a sweet tooth, or something in between? Let us know your ultimate food truck craving!
One tap records your answer and takes you to our confirmation page.
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What’s moving and shaking in Worcester County
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Wonder Food Hall Planning Expansion into Worcester and Millbury
Wonder, a fast-growing food hall and delivery company, is planning to open locations in Central Massachusetts in the second half of 2026.
Why it matters: This is a major new business announcement for the region, indicating economic growth and new dining options for the community, relevant for the current month's buzz.
Read more →
Main South CDC Opens Six New Affordable Commercial Condominiums
Worcester's Main South Community Development Corporation has opened six new affordable and lease-to-own commercial condominiums, providing new opportunities for local businesses.
Why it matters: This is recent business news offering practical support and new spaces for small businesses in a key Worcester neighborhood.
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What's Next for Development and Investment in Worcester?
An analysis of the forces shaping Worcester's development and investment future, highlighting strong industrial markets, office-to-residential conversions, and challenges like power availability and utility infrastructure.
Why it matters: This recent article provides valuable insights into the broader economic landscape and future trends affecting businesses and the community in Worcester.
Read more →
Historic Clark Block in Downtown Worcester to Become 48 Rental Homes
A historic downtown Worcester building, the former Shack's Clothes location, is being redeveloped into 48 rental homes, including five affordable units, with the help of a $3.6 million state tax credit.
Why it matters: This is significant recent local development news in July, impacting housing and the downtown area, which is relevant to the community and local economy.
Read more →
Hot Night in the City
A fiery summer celebration of art, community, and creativity, featuring live craft demonstrations, artisan vendors, music, food, drinks, and a new exhibit opening. Free and family-friendly.
Why it matters: Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of art, music, and local crafts.
Read more →
The Worcester Stronghold: Small Business Initiative
Join this new community initiative created to strengthen and connect Worcester's small business owners.
Why it matters: This event is directly within the issue window and focuses on community building and support for local small businesses.
Read more →
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Mark your calendars, Wormtown
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Here is what is coming up in Wormtown and the suburbs.
Curator Tour: Art and the American Revolution
A guided tour through the galleries, focusing on artworks inspired by the American Revolution.
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 12:00 PM ET
Location: 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Event details →
Business Growth in a Changing Market Workshop Series: Holden Session
A free workshop for Greater Worcester business owners to navigate regional market evolution and AI-driven customer search. This session will cover real-time market shifts in Greater Worcester and AI's impact on discoverability and trust.
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026
Location: Holden, MA
Event details →
Foodees Fest at Auburn Mall
Foodees Fest brings more than 40 food vendors to Auburn Mall for a three-day festival featuring food, artisan shopping, and activities for all ages. Festival runs July 17–19. Additional details and registration are available at foodeesfest.com.
Date: Fri, Jul 17, 2026 · 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET
Location: Auburn Mall, Auburn, MA
Event details →
HHF Berry Festival 2026
A local berry festival offering various activities and celebrating the summer harvest.
Date: Sat, Jul 18, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Event details →
Sensory-Friendly Morning Hour
A special morning hour designed to be sensory-friendly for visitors.
Date: Tue, Jul 21, 2026 · 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market featuring Polyrhythmics
Join for an afternoon of live performances, local food trucks, and a farmers' market. This week's headliner is Polyrhythmics, blending funk, soul, Afrobeat, and psychedelic rock.
Date: Wed, Jul 22, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Got an Event Coming Up?
Whether it is a craft fair, a concert, or a community gathering, share it here.
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Your next best friend is waiting
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Meet Arizona!
3 Months • Female • Siberian Husky/Mix
Arizona is a 3 months old female Siberian Husky/Mix who weighs 19 pounds. Meet our refreshing Iced Tea litter! Sweet, spirited, and full of personality, these adorable husky mix pups are ready to steep themselves into loving homes.
Expected to grow into large, active dogs, they'll thrive with adopters who enjoy adventure, playtime, and plenty of exercise. Like all puppies, they're just beginning to learn the basics and will need patient guidance with housetraining, leash walking, socialization, and good manners.
With positive training, consistency, and lots of love, these pups will blossom into loyal, well-rounded companions. If you're ready to add a splash of fun and a lifetime of devotion to your family, one of our Iced Tea pups may be the perfect blend for you!
If you are interested in adopting, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during our walk-in hours of 12-4pm. If you have other dogs in the home, please bring them as well.
Adoption details
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This week’s best local stages
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Fresh picks across Wormtown and the suburbs. Save these dates and support your local venues.
Summer Nights: Musicians and Muses
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET
Location: 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Unwind with music, drinks, and themed tours exploring music and musicians in art. Features DJ Bryan Quitadamo and trivia night. Free entry to the courtyard.
Show details →
Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza Summer Music Series: Super Chief Trio
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Location: 50 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA
The 17th Annual Free Summer Concert Series continues with a performance by Super Chief Trio.
Show details →
A Night of Live Music featuring The Verge
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET
Location: Fitchburg, MA
Experience an energetic, high-octane performance by The Verge, a premier dance-rock party band, as part of Fitchburg State's free Summer Series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Show details →
Matt Brodeur at Harpoon Beer Garden
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM ET
Location: Revival 122, 1227 Providence Road, Whitinsville, MA 01588
Matt Brodeur performs live at the Harpoon Beer Garden at Revival 122. Listed time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Show details →
Summer Concert Series: The Concord Band
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
Location: Harvard, MA
Part of the ongoing Summer Concert Series, this event features a performance by The Concord Band.
Show details →
Summer Music Series at Paxton Bandstand
Date: Thu, Jul 16, 2026 · 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
Location: Paxton, MA
Enjoy a summer evening with live music at the Paxton Bandstand. Adult beverages from Seven Saws and snacks will be available.
Show details →
Woodshed at The WCUW FrontRoom
Date: Fri, Jul 18, 2026 · 6:30 PM
Location: The WCUW FrontRoom, 910 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Woodshed performs stripped-down country and folk music featuring soulful three-part harmonies, with Ben Bullock opening the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM and showtime is 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 by cash or Venmo at the door, or $23.18 in advance through Eventbrite. Light refreshments will be served, and guests may also bring their own. Parking is available in the Clark University lot across the street or along the street.
Show details →
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