🪱 Hello Wormtown, welcome to 2026!
Welcome to the first Wormtown Weekly of the new year! 🎉
Thanks for kicking off 2026 with us and letting our little corner of the internet land in your inbox. We’re excited to keep you in the loop on what’s happening around Worcester and the surrounding towns—new spots to check out, events worth getting dressed for, and all the local buzz you actually care about.
Here’s to a fresh year of supporting local businesses, discovering hidden gems, and bumping into neighbors in all the best places. Glad you’re here with us. 🪱
Here's what's happening this week:
- Worcester small business grant program details
- New Worcester Art Museum events
- Free coffee opportunity? Yes!
Recent Poll Results
Our most recent poll question was "How far are you willing to drive for an event?"
Finishing up in first place was:
20 Miles and beyond (I'll even go to Boston!)
Followed by a close second of:
12-20 Miles. (Most any suburb is within my reach)
Thanks very much for playing along. This helps me understand how far outside of Worcester to look for upcoming events, etc.
This week we've got a new question for you and your chance to win. Read on!
Best Coffee Shop??
I recently saw a post in a local Facebook group asking about the best coffee place in our area. It had a TON of comments. So, we'd like to buy you some coffee! Please let me know your favorite place for coffee and maybe a snack. We'll total the entries and one lucky winner will win $20 of coffee at their favorite spot on Wormtown Weekly!
It’s just two quick questions.
Local Business & Community Buzz
🚔 Illegal marijuana grow busted (Grafton)
Grafton
Police uncovered an alleged illegal indoor grow operation in a residential property, with investigators pointing to concerns about code/safety risks that can come with unpermitted setups (electrical loads, humidity damage, etc.). It’s a reminder that even in legal-cannabis Massachusetts, home cultivation has strict limits—and anything beyond that can draw serious attention.
☕ Home coffee roaster seeks approval (West Boylston)
West Boylston • Public hearing: Thu, Jan 15
A resident is seeking a special permit for a home-occupation setup focused on small-batch coffee roasting. If approved, it could turn into a tiny local “micro-roastery” story worth watching (and tasting) later this winter.
💡 Electric rates change at WBMLP (West Boylston)
West Boylston
West Boylston Municipal Light Plant implemented updated rates effective January 1. For households and especially small businesses watching overhead, it’s worth a quick check to see what (if anything) changes on your next bill and whether shifting usage times could help.
🐾 Two kennel special permits + a new building proposal (Auburn)
Auburn • Public hearing: Thu, Jan 15
The ZBA agenda includes two separate special permit requests for kennels (25 Inwood Road and 3 Ashworth Street), plus a request tied to a new building at 615 Southbridge Street. If you’re in the pet-services world—or just curious where Auburn’s next commercial activity might pop—this is one to follow.
🍽️ Restaurant-use special permit on the ZBA docket (Sutton)
Sutton • Meeting: Thu, Jan 8
Sutton’s ZBA agenda includes a special permit request connected to restaurant use at 12 Pleasant Valley Road. The same meeting also lists continued hearings on other petitions—meaning there’s a lot of “what gets built where” in play right now.
🏛️ Contractors: Asa Waters Mansion repairs out to bid (Millbury)
Millbury • Pre-bid: Tue, Jan 13
The town is seeking bids related to structural repair work at the Asa Waters Mansion, including a scheduled pre-bid conference. Local builders/trades: this is the kind of public project that can be a solid winter pipeline-builder if it fits your wheelhouse.
🔥 Brush burning season begins (Holden)
Holden • Starts: Thu, Jan 15
Holden’s open brush burning season runs from Jan 15 through May 1. If you’re a homeowner planning yard cleanup or a local landscaper juggling spring demand, permits and daily activation rules matter—especially as weather swings can shut it down fast.
💰 Worcester Small Business Grant Program (Worcester)
Worcester
The City of Worcester continues to push its Small Business Grant Program aimed at helping eligible local businesses stabilize and grow. If you’re eyeing upgrades, working capital relief, or a next-step expansion, it’s worth checking the program’s current eligibility rules and documentation requirements.
🤖 “AI In Action” marketing workshop (Worcester-area business help)
Worcester-area • Tue, Jan 13 (Zoom)
The Worcester Regional Chamber is hosting a session focused on using AI to assemble a full marketing campaign quickly. If you’re a one-person shop (or wearing 12 hats), this is exactly the kind of training that can tighten up your messaging and save hours every week.
🏆 Wachusett Area Chamber Business Grant Program opens (Holden/Paxton/Rutland area)
Wachusett-area
The Wachusett Area Chamber’s annual business grant program is accepting applications, with a larger total funding pool than last year. For small businesses, these modest grants can be the difference between “we’ll do it someday” and actually pulling the trigger on equipment, marketing, or a small operational fix.
🎤 Story Bridge applications due (Northborough/Southborough)
Northborough/Southborough • Deadline: Mon, Jan 12
NSBORO’s “Story Bridge” is recruiting community members to learn how to craft and deliver a personal story for a public showcase. It’s not “small business” on paper, but it’s a strong community-builder—and a great example of the creative energy that keeps towns feeling connected (and keeps local venues + orgs busy).
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
Local Business Spotlight
The Fox & Crumpet (Worcester)
Worcester’s own The Fox & Crumpet is a gourmet food truck serving creative comfort food — think scratch-made crumpets, crispy Brussels, and pub-style favorites with a chef-y twist. Executive Chef Emilee brings years of restaurant experience to the window, turning familiar dishes into “you’ve-got-to-try-this” plates that still feel fun and approachable.
You’ll spot the truck popping up around the city at art markets, taprooms, tree lightings, and special events, often teaming up with local makers, musicians, and organizers. It’s very Worcester: a little bit scrappy, a lot creative, and absolutely here for your late-night cravings.
Find The Fox & Crumpet:
Website: foxandcrumpet.com
Instagram: @thefoxandcrumpet
Facebook: The Fox & Crumpet on Facebook
Upcoming Events
Sutton Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting
Sutton • Thu, Jan 8
A public meeting with local appeals/special-permit items on the agenda—worth a peek if you’re tracking development and town projects.
Free Skate at Worcester Common Oval
Worcester • Fri, Jan 9
Lace up and hit the ice with a free skate session at the Oval. Great “shake off the week” move (and a very Wormtown way to earn your hot chocolate).
Worcester Railers: IceCats Weekend — Night 1
Worcester • Fri, Jan 9
Railers hockey at the DCU Center—IceCats Weekend kicks off with a Friday night puck drop. Perfect plan if you want big energy without “going out-out.”
Worcester Railers: IceCats Weekend — Night 2
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
Saturday hockey at the DCU Center—another shot at IceCats Weekend, with doors opening early and plenty of time to grab snacks before puck drop.
Worcester Railers: Wizarding World of Worcester
Worcester • Sun, Jan 11
A themed Railers game that’s basically tailor-made for families (and grown-ups who still proudly own a wand). Afternoon puck drop at the DCU Center.
Worcester Art Museum: Arms & Armor Demo (Medieval Armor)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
Live demo + museum learning without being “a lecture.” If you’ve ever wanted to see how armor actually worked (and why it’s heavier than your winter coat), this is the one.
Worcester Art Museum: Tour of “Lee Mingwei: Our Peaceable Kingdom”
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
A guided tour that helps you catch the details you’d otherwise breeze past. Great if you want a little context with your gallery wander.
Worcester Art Museum: Tour of the Galleries
Worcester • Sun, Jan 11
A Sunday gallery tour that’s equal parts chill + “I learned a thing.” Nice option if you want a culture hit before Sunday scaries kick in.
EcoTarium Speaker Series: Astrophysics (Intro)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
A friendly intro to astrophysics—big-universe stuff in an approachable format. Great “winter night, learn something cool” plan.
Millbury Public Library: Coding Club + Tween/Teen Crochet
Millbury • Tue, Jan 13
Two good after-school-ish options: a coding hang for Scratch/Python projects, and a beginner-friendly crochet meetup. Bring curiosity; leave with new skills.
Auburn Public Library: Kids Crafternoon
Auburn • Tue, Jan 13
A kid-friendly craft hour that’s perfect for burning off winter cabin fever (and letting someone else handle the mess).
Sutton Select Board Workshop
Sutton • Tue, Jan 13
Workshop-style meeting (often where the “real” town discussions happen). Good one to watch if you like staying ahead of local changes.
Auburn Public Library: Teen Crafting
Auburn • Thu, Jan 15
A creative hour for teens—low pressure, hands-on, and way better than doom-scrolling. (Bonus: no cleanup at your house.)
📣 Got an Event Coming Up?
Whether it's a craft fair, a concert at your cousin's brewery, or a holiday lights display so bright it scares the turkeys — we want to hear about it!
Share your upcoming Central Mass event and we’ll help get the word out to thousands of locals who actually read the newsletter (seriously).
Image courtesy of WARL
Meet Luna
Luna is a 2 years old female Short Coat Chihuahua/Mix who weighs 11 pounds.
We have come to appreciate Luna's big personality packed into a tiny frame. Luna is a sassy Chihuahua who can be wary of new people and will often voice her opinions with barking while she figures things out. With time, patience, and respectful introductions, Luna's trust grows. Once it does, she is incredibly loving, affectionate, and playful with her people.
Luna has lived with other dogs in the past, though at the shelter she has preferred to keep to herself or bark rather than make canine friends. She would do best in a calmer home environment without young kids, as busy apartment complexes with constant new people and animals may be overwhelming for her. For the right home willing to go at her pace, Luna will be a devoted and delightful companion.
Additional Information
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
Adopting one of these babies will 100% put a smile on your face I promise!
Upcoming Live Music
Little Black Dress (LM Lounge @ La Miette La Mai)
Northborough • Thu, Jan 8
Kick off the weekend early with a smooth voice + guitar duo vibe (think jazzy/funky takes and crowd-pleasers). Great “grab dinner and hang” option without leaving town.
Venue: LM Lounge at La Miette La Mai, Northborough, MA
Steve Spector (LM Lounge @ La Miette La Mai)
Northborough • Fri, Jan 9
Classic rock + singer-songwriter energy from a longtime New England performer. Solid Friday-night pick if you want live music that still lets you talk at the table.
Venue: LM Lounge at La Miette La Mai, Northborough, MA
Matt Brodeur at Ken's Steak House
Framingham • Fri, Jan 9 • 7:00–10:00pm
Matt Brodeur brings a night of live music to the classic Ken’s Steak House on Worcester Road. Make it a full evening with dinner, drinks, and a three-hour set of crowd-pleasing tunes in a relaxed supper-club setting.
Venue: Ken's Steak House, 95 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701
Hill House The Band (LM Lounge @ La Miette La Mai)
Northborough • Sat, Jan 10
Saturday night with a full-band feel in a smaller-room setting. If you like upbeat covers and a lively lounge atmosphere, this is a good “stay local” play.
Venue: LM Lounge at La Miette La Mai, Northborough, MA
CHICAGO (Broadway musical)
Worcester • Fri–Sun, Jan 9–11
Big-time Broadway energy in the heart of the city. Perfect for a “date night + dinner downtown” weekend, with multiple showtimes to fit your schedule.
Venue: The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Worcester, MA
Next Stop Nashville: with Chris Shelby (Free event)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
A country-leaning night on a big stage without the big ticket price. If you’ve got friends who “don’t do metal,” bring them here.
Venue: Off The Rails, Worcester, MA
Jesse Garcia (Live Music Saturday)
Grafton • Sat, Jan 10
Town House Tavern’s Saturday night live-music tradition continues—easy, local, no-fuss. Great option if you want to keep it cozy and close to home.
Venue: Town House Tavern, Grafton, MA
American Spiritual Ensemble (Music Worcester)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
A powerful concert built around spirituals and classic American repertoire in one of the best-sounding rooms in the state. If you want something uplifting (and not loud), this is it.
Venue: Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA
Schism – Tribute to TOOL (with guests)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 10
Heavy night at Rascals for the prog/alt-metal faithful—tight musicianship, big riffs, and a crowd that’s all-in. Expect a late-night, high-energy set.
Venue: Rascals, Worcester, MA
Slip-Not (Slipknot tribute) + support
Worcester • Sun, Jan 11
Sunday night is getting loud at The Palladium Upstairs (doors 6:00 / show 6:30). If you’ve been craving a proper “pit-adjacent” winter reset, here you go.
Venue: The Palladium Upstairs, Worcester, MA
Open Mic Night (Free event)
Worcester • Wed, Jan 14
Your midweek excuse to get out: local performers, surprises, and “I can’t believe they played that” moments. Go to watch, or go to brave the stage.
Venue: Off The Rails, Worcester, MA
Marc Turo (LM Lounge @ La Miette La Mai)
Northborough • Thu, Jan 15
Another “start the weekend early” live set at the LM Lounge. Ideal if you want a chill night out that still feels like you did something.
Venue: LM Lounge at La Miette La Mai, Northborough, MA
Jazzed Up Duo at Val’s Restaurant (recurring Saturdays)
Holden • Sat, Jan 10
Live jazz during dinner hours—easy, classy, and close. Perfect for anyone who wants music that complements the night instead of taking it over.
Venue: Val's Restaurant, Holden, MA
That’s a wrap for this week’s Wormtown Weekly. Thanks for reading, sharing, and showing up for our little slice of Central Mass.
If you discovered a new favorite spot (or have one we should know about), hit reply and tell us about it—this newsletter is way better with you in it.
Until next week, keep supporting local, stay warm, and we’ll see you around town. 🪱
— The Wormtown Weekly crew
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let me know here! [email protected]
