 YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST | Hello! Welcome back to Wormtown Weekly, where we’re rolling out of April and into May with the kind of local lineup that makes it easy to get out of the house. This week has a little bit of everything: new business updates, stage productions, art openings, community events, live music, and a spotlight on Bay State Brewing, a Worcester favorite that’s built for a casual pint, a bite to eat, and a good local hang. As the weather keeps teasing us with patio-season potential, consider this your nudge to pick something nearby, support a local spot, and enjoy what our corner of Central Mass has going on. | In This Week's Issue: - WBJ Names 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Award Winners
- Charlotte’s Web at Gateway Players Theatre this weekend
- Worcester Cinco 5K
- Bay State Brewing Co. tops our local spotlight!
| |  | What's moving and shaking in Worcester County | Worcester Organizations Receive $425,000 for Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Work Four Worcester-based community organizations were awarded a combined $425,000 through the state’s Community Investment Tax Credit program. Main South CDC, the Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts, Worcester Common Ground, and Worcester Community Housing Resources each received funding tied to affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, tenant advocacy, workforce services, and homeownership support. Why it matters: Housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest local issues in Worcester, and this funding supports organizations already doing hands-on work in neighborhoods across the city. Read More › Creative Hub Worcester Opens in Historic Former Boys Club Building Creative Hub Worcester has officially opened inside the former Boys Club building at 2 Ionic Avenue. The 30,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a new arts and community destination with studio space, cultural programming, and more than 80 fully subsidized toddler and preschool childcare slots expected for Worcester families. Why it matters: This brings new life to a long-vacant historic building while supporting artists, families, childcare access, and Worcester’s creative economy. Read More › Central Massachusetts’ First Childcare Business Incubator Opens in Worcester A new Family Childcare Success Project incubator has opened in Worcester at the Guild of St. Agnes on Granite Street. The program will support two independent family childcare businesses, provide space for up to 20 children at a time, and offer training, coaching, curriculum support, and help with business operations. Why it matters: Childcare access is a major issue for working families and local employers. This project supports both families who need care and entrepreneurs trying to build childcare businesses. Read More › WBJ Names 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Award Winners Worcester Business Journal has announced its 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Award winners, highlighting standout manufacturers and leaders across Central Massachusetts. The awards recognize companies and individuals contributing to the region’s manufacturing strength. Why it matters: Manufacturing remains a major part of the Central Massachusetts economy, and these awards spotlight local companies that are investing, hiring, innovating, and keeping the region’s industrial base strong. Read More › Worcester Weighs Creating a Sports Commission to Boost Local Economy Worcester officials are considering the creation of a new sports commission aimed at attracting more athletic events to the city. The proposal would bring together business, athletics, tourism, and civic leaders to market Worcester as a regional sports destination and help drive more visitors to local hotels, restaurants, venues, and businesses. Why it matters: Sports tourism can bring real economic activity into the city, especially for restaurants, hotels, and small businesses near major venues. If the commission moves forward, it could help Worcester compete for more tournaments, showcases, and regional events. 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 Charlotte’s Web at Gateway Players Theatre - Southbridge Gateway Players Theatre presents the children’s production of Charlotte’s Web, adapted by Joseph Robinette from the book by E.B. White. The performances take place at Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth under 18. 📅 Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM Saturday, May 2 at 7:00 PM Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 PM 📍 Fellowship Hall at Elm Street Congregational Church 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA More Info › Massasoit Art Guild Show - Paxton Five members of the Massasoit Art Guild in Spencer will display artwork at the Paxton Senior Center. The show runs on weekdays from May through August, and visitors are invited to enjoy the exhibit and vote for Best in Show. 📅 Friday, May 1 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 John Bauer Senior Center 17 West Street, Paxton, MA More Info › Worcester Cinco 5K - Worcester The inaugural Worcester Cinco 5K brings a festive run/walk to downtown Worcester. The event also includes a kids race for children 10 and under, with parents welcome to run alongside them. 📅 Sunday, May 3 📍 Downtown Worcester, MA More Info › Carry The Load - Worcester Carry The Load is a community remembrance event honoring fallen first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The gathering brings people together to recognize their service, support their families, and remember their impact. 📅 Sunday, May 3 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 Green Hill Park 50 Office Manny Familia HY, Worcester, MA 01605 More Info › Tour of the Galleries - Worcester Worcester Art Museum offers a guided Tour of the Galleries, giving visitors a chance to explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions with added context. The tour is free with museum admission. 📅 Sunday, May 3 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 📍 Worcester Art Museum 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA More Info › Star Wars Original Trilogy Marathon - Worcester The Hanover Theatre hosts a Star Wars Original Trilogy Marathon in celebration of Star Wars Day. Fans can settle in for a big-screen movie marathon featuring the original trilogy. 📅 Monday, May 4 4:00 PM 📍 The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA More Info › Auditions for Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville - Southbridge Gateway Players Theatre will hold auditions for Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville. Those auditioning should prepare a Jimmy Buffett song and can expect cold readings from the script and simple dance routines. Tap dance experience is a plus. 📅 Monday, May 4 at 6:30 PM Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 PM 📍 Fellowship Hall at Elm Street Congregational Church 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA More Info › Opening Reception for MANNEQUIN - Worcester Harold Stevens Gallery at WCUW presents MANNEQUIN, a collaborative exhibition of photography, video, and sculpture by Dante Diez, Simon Pinchbeck, and Hoang Truong. The exhibition examines how human identity is shaped by digital technologies and how digital culture influences behavior, perception, and self-understanding. 📅 Tuesday, May 5 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 Harold Stevens Gallery at WCUW 91.3 FM Community Radio 910 Main Street, Worcester, MA 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 He-man He-Man is a 2 years, 1 month old male Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 10 pounds. Adoption Fee: $145 He-Man may have a tough-guy name, but underneath it all is a sensitive soul who's just looking for a safe place to call home.He was brought to us by a kind stranger who found him wandering dangerously close to traffic. Wrapped up safely in a towel, he made his way to us, but it quickly became clear that shelter life was overwhelming for him.At first, He-Man was very scared. He would tuck himself into corners, trying to disappear from all the unfamiliar sights and sounds. We gave him a quieter space of his own, and while he still needed time to adjust, he began to show us just how observant and clever he is...
In fact, He-Man turned out to be quite the little adventurer! More than once, he managed to sneak out and explore the shelter on his own terms. Carefully checking out rooms, quietly observing from the front desk, and then finding the coziest hiding spot to settle into. It's clear he's curious... just cautious. He-Man is looking for a patient adopter who understands that trust takes time. He would do best in a calm home without young children, where he can start off in his own quiet space and adjust at his own pace. With time, patience, and gentle encouragement, we truly believe He-Man will blossom into a devoted companion.
If you have a soft spot for shy cats and find joy in earning their trust, He-Man could be incredibly rewarding. Watching him come out of his shell will be something special. 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. Matt Brodeur - Oxford 📅 Thursday, April 30 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 📍 Oxford’s Casual Dining 2 Millbury Boulevard, Oxford, MA 01540 Matt Brodeur performs live acoustic at Oxford’s Casual Dining for a Thursday night local music set. Tickets / Info › Bring Me The Horizon - Worcester 📅 Friday, May 1 6:00 PM 📍 DCU Center 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Bring Me The Horizon brings the N. American Ascension Program 2 tour to Worcester, with Motionless In White, The Plot In You, and Amira Elfeky also listed on the bill. Tickets / Info › The Kennedys - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 2 Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:00 PM 📍 The Frontroom at WCUW 910 Main Street, Worcester, MA Pete and Maura Kennedy bring their upbeat folk-rock sound to the WCUW Frontroom. Tickets are $20 cash or Venmo at the door, and light refreshments will be served. Tickets / Info › The Fools - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 2 7:00 PM 📍 BrickBox Theater at JMAC 20 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Massachusetts rock band The Fools come to the BrickBox Theater for a high-energy night of rock, humor, and classic local-band energy. Tickets / Info › Fleshwater, Julie & Midrift - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 2 Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM 📍 The Palladium 261 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Fleshwater and Julie headline a Saturday night show at The Palladium, with Midrift also on the bill. Tickets / Info › Billy & The Jets - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 2 Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM 📍 Off The Rails Music Venue 90 Commercial Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Billy & The Jets bring a night of live music to Off The Rails in downtown Worcester. Tickets / Info › The Wormtown Mugwumps - Worcester 📅 Saturday, May 2 3:00 PM 📍 Husky’s Pub 413 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA The Wormtown Mugwumps play Husky’s Pub for a Kentucky Derby Day show. Guests are encouraged to wear a fancy hat and enjoy the Derby-day atmosphere. Tickets / Info › Songwriters in the Round - Worcester 📅 Sunday, May 3 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM 📍 The Frontroom at WCUW 910 Main Street, Worcester, MA Songwriters in the Round features original music, storytelling, Q&A, a workshop-style discussion topic, and open-circle sharing time. Hosted by Serena May Kilsmith. Tickets / Info › Archspire, Undeath, Mutilation Barbecue & Crown Magnetar - Worcester 📅 Sunday, May 3 Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM 📍 The Palladium Upstairs 261 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Archspire brings the Long Roads Big Loads Tour to The Palladium Upstairs with Undeath, Mutilation Barbecue, and Crown Magnetar. Tickets / Info › | |  | A local gem worth knowing |  Bay State Brewing Company - Worcester Inside of the Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St, Worcester MA Bay State Brewing Company is a Worcester brewery and taproom located inside the Worcester Ice Center at 112 Harding Street. The brewery focuses on small-batch, handcrafted lagers and ales, and the space offers food, beer, indoor seating, takeout, an outdoor bier garden during warmer months, gift cards, event space, and a mug club. Bay State describes its mission simply: “make great beer,” backed by two brewers with more than 45 years of brewing knowledge. Why we love it: Bay State Brewing feels like a true neighborhood hangout: local beer, casual food, friendly service, and a convenient Worcester location that works before or after a WooSox game, a Canal District stop, or a night out. The mix of beer, food, events, outdoor seating, and parking makes it an easy recommendation for locals and visitors alike. Location: 138 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604 Parking: Bay State Brewing is located inside the Worcester Ice Center. Visitors can use the private parking lot or nearby street parking. | 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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