Wormtown Weekly — Halloween Edition
Hey Wormtown readers — we’ve brewed a special juice this week. As the leaves turn, costumes stir and pumpkins glow, we’re serving you all the fun local happenings, spook-tacular business moves and live music that’ll haunt your weekend (in the best way possible).
🎃 Little-known Halloween fact: Did you know that the first recorded instance of “trick-or-treating” in America dates back to 1927 when children in Duluth, Minnesota went door-to-door disguised as witches and hobgoblins?
So grab your candy stash, sharpen your costume game and get ready — because this isn’t just any Wormtown Weekly. It’s the one where the worms come out to play.
In this issue:
- Wormtown Halloween Guide
- Rave Reviews for new Pizza shop in Millbury
- Grafton's Master Plan
🎃 Halloween Mini-Guide: Wormtown Edition
From kid-friendly thrills to late-night chaos, here’s your last-minute plan.
👻 For the Family
Halloween Ghost Hunt — Worcester Common
Self-guided downtown scavenger hunt with spooky lore.
Thu, Oct 30 – Sun, Nov 2
Read More
Monet: The Immersive Experience — Mercantile Center
Stunning projections + photo-worthy rooms; open through November.
Opens Thu, Oct 30
Read More
Worcester Railers Halloweekend — DCU Center
Hockey + costumes = perfect Halloween Friday for kids.
Fri, Oct 31 • 7:05 PM
Read More
🕸️ For the Grown-Ups
Emo Night Brooklyn — The Palladium
Your favorite angst anthems, Halloween edition.
Fri, Oct 31 • Night
Read More
Halloween at Haze — Electric Haze
DJs, costumes, and a packed dance floor on Millbury St.
Fri, Oct 31 • Night
Read More
THT Rep: Edgar Allan Poe Double Header — JMAC BrickBox
A moody, clever 60-minute two-for-one.
Thu, Oct 30 – Sat, Nov 1
Read More
🏢 What’s Happening with Local Businesses & Community
From manufacturing growth to holiday-town unity and major development news — here's the latest local buzz across Central Mass.
🔩 All-Steel Companies Expands at HQ — North Grafton
All-Steel Companies has relocated Eagle Machine from Westminster to its North Grafton facility, adding advanced machining capabilities and new equipment at 84 Creeper Hill Rd.
Why it matters: Manufacturing jobs and technology investments staying local — always good news for the local workforce.
📋 Grafton Finalizes 2025 Master Plan — Grafton
The Town of Grafton’s Planning Board approved its updated 2025 Master Plan, which emphasizes village centers, mixed-use development, and improved infrastructure.
Why it matters: Smart growth keeps Grafton competitive — while boosting quality of life for families and businesses.
📦 UPS Distribution Center Approved — Shrewsbury / Grafton Line
A planned 845,000-sq-ft distribution center has gained approval, including developer-funded upgrades to Route 20 near the Shrewsbury-Grafton border.
Why it matters: New logistics hubs bring jobs, infrastructure investments — and also change the local business landscape.
✨ 26th Annual “Chain of Lights” Event Coming Soon — Millbury
Millbury is gearing up for the 26th Annual Chain of Lights on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM-4:30 PM, featuring crafts, food, local business involvement and more.
Why it matters: A legacy community event that drives foot traffic, supports local vendors and strengthens Millbury’s small-town holiday economy.
Meet Rex!
Photo courtesy of WARL
Rex is an 8-year-old Olde English Bulldog with a heart as big as his smile. According to his past home, this sweet, gentle boy has lived happily with both kids and cats, and he greets everyone he meets with a calm, friendly charm. Whether he's cruising along in the car (his favorite pastime!) or lounging by your side at home, Rex is happiest just being near his people. Rex weighs 74 lbs.
Rex does have some skin allergies, but he's thriving on his current diet and feeling great. He's great companion who appreciates a soft bed, steady and plenty of affection.
If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate dog who's past the puppy stage but still full of love and personality, Rex is your guy. If you are interested in adopting Rex please come to the shelter between 12-4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Additional Information
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Rex and in turn help your own heart and soul please reach out to the Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) at [email protected] or call (508) 853-0030
🎸 Live Local Music — Worcester & Nearby
Turn up the volume — here are local gigs you won’t want to miss.
🎤 Club 321: Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards — Worcester
Thursday, November 13 • 7:00 PM • Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester
A sophisticated date-night performance downtown.
🍻 Whiskey Church — Auburn
Saturday, November 1 • 9:00 PM • Halligan’s Bar, 889 Southbridge St, Auburn
Rock-and-roll with local flair and late-night vibes.
🌊 Lakefront Concert — Webster (near Sutton)
Friday, October 31 • Time TBD • Indian Ranch, Webster Lake
Outdoor venue, live band, Halloween night vibes.
🎶 Live Saturdays — Grafton
Saturday, November 8 • 8:00 PM • Town House Tavern, 37 Worcester St, Grafton
A local bar anchoring the weekend with live music and drink specials.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
56 Canal St, Millbury, MA 01527
(508) 445-0004
🌟 Local Business Spotlight: Santorini Pizza & Ice Cream (Millbury)
Welcome the newest addition to Millbury’s food scene: Santorini Pizza & Ice Cream—a locally owned spot serving oven-hot pizzas, subs, salads, pastas, and sweet treats. They’re brand-new, community-minded, and already earning raves on social media and Google.
Why we’re excited
- New & locally owned: A fresh, family-run vibe with a friendly, neighborhood feel from day one.
- Pizza + Ice Cream duo: Easy win for family nights, post-game treats, or casual dates.
- Glowing early reviews: Early Google feedback highlighted on their site and positive buzz in local Facebook groups.
- Full menu variety: Gourmet pizzas, hearty subs & wraps, salads, dinners, and more—plus online ordering.
Quick facts
Address: 56 Canal St, Millbury, MA 01527
Phone: (508) 445-0004
Website / Online Ordering: santorinipizzamillbury.com
Hours: Listed on the site as daily 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Facebook shows slightly shorter hours on some days—check before you go.
Try this
Start with a classic pie (or a gourmet combo), add a steak or chicken sub for the table, then wrap it with an ice cream treat. Simple, delicious, and very Millbury.
Thank you!
You survived another edition of Wormtown Weekly — no small feat this close to Halloween.
Remember: Salem may have the witches, but Worcester has the characters. 🧙♀️🪄
See you next week, same haunt… just follow the trail of worms. 🪱📰
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let know here! [email protected]