🪱 What’s Up, Wormtown?
Halloween’s been over for, what — five minutes? And yet somehow it’s full-blown peppermint-pine-scented Christmas at every store in town. But before you trade in candy corn for candy canes, let’s not skip the best part of fall.
Wormtown’s still glowing — from stage lights to mezze plates to dive bar jams. This week’s lineup includes everything from Middle Eastern music and dance at the BrickBox to Sapphire Crush shaking up B-Man’s in Sterling. Whether you’re into cultural showcases, acoustic nostalgia, or loud guitars with cheap beers, there’s something local to love.
So grab your flannel, resist the urge to put up the tree just yet, and scroll down to see what’s popping in Worcester and its friendly neighborhood suburbs.
Let’s get to it…
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📸 As Seen Around Town
This section features snapshots, screenshots, and overheard gems pulled straight from local Facebook groups, forums, and feeds — the places where Worcester County folks show their true colors (and occasionally their potholes).
From laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt posts, it’s all about celebrating the unique voice, wit, and warmth of our community.
Got a screenshot or photo that made you say “yup, that’s Wormtown”? We want it! If you’ve spotted something post-worthy and local, send it our way for a future issue.
Just email it to [email protected] with a short note, and we’ll take a look.
No town roasts, just love (and maybe a little side-eye for those double-parkers).
🏢 What’s Happening with Local Businesses & Community
From major expansions to community giveaways and retail real estate shakeups — here’s what’s buzzing this week around our slice of the Commonwealth.
🚌 DATTCO Expands Into Central Mass with New Millbury Facility — Millbury
Family-owned transportation company DATTCO Inc. has opened a massive new 48-acre site in Millbury. The expansion will boost its bus fleet, add new jobs, and improve transportation services across the region.
Why it matters: It's a win for the local economy and for travelers who rely on regional transit options.
🏗️ Central Mass Retail Real Estate Sees Demand Surge — Worcester Area
The shortage of prime commercial space is real — especially when it comes to restaurant-ready locations. Worcester’s own Kelleher & Sadowsky is leading the charge to match food entrepreneurs with second-generation restaurant sites.
Why it matters: The food scene is growing, and vacant storefronts may not stay empty for long.
🍕 American Flatbread Launches Free Pizza Offer for SNAP Recipients — Worcester
American Flatbread in Worcester is serving up community support with a free “Medicine Wheel” cheese pizza for SNAP recipients starting November 1st.
Why it matters: It’s more than a slice — it’s food security with a side of dignity.
🍔 Shake Shack Eyes White City Location — Shrewsbury
Rumors confirmed: Shake Shack is in the early stages of planning a location at White City Shopping Center on Route 9 in Shrewsbury.
Why it matters: A cult-favorite burger chain coming to town means more options for lunch — and likely, longer lines on opening day.
📅 Upcoming Events — Around Worcester & Nearby (Nov 6–15)
Mark your calendar — here are community happenings to hit before mid-November.
👥 Neighborhood & Watch Meetings — Worcester
Week of November 6 • Various times & locations across Worcester neighborhoods
Connect with neighbors and WPD reps for safety updates, Q&A, and local initiatives.
Read More
🍁 The Harvest Cup — DCU Center (Worcester)
Sat–Sun, Nov 8–9 • DCU Center, Worcester
New England’s premier cannabis competition & expo — vendors, demos, education, networking.
Read More
🖌 Painting Workshop for Adults — Auburn
Thu, Nov 6 • 6:00–7:30 PM • Merriam Room, Auburn Public Library (369 Southbridge St)
Low-pressure, creative night out — supplies provided (or bring your favorites).
Read More
🏠 Affordable Housing Forum — North Grafton
Thu, Nov 6 • 6:30–8:00 PM • Community Harvest Project, 37 Wheeler Rd, North Grafton
Learn about local housing needs, plans, and how to get involved.
Read More
♻️ Recycling Drive — Shrewsbury
Sat, Nov 8 • 9:00 AM–12:00 PM • Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave
Drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items — check accepted materials before you go.
Read More
🍂 Yard Waste Curbside Collection — Shrewsbury
Mon–Fri, Nov 10–14 • Townwide curbside pickup
Rake it, bag it, curb it — check town guidelines on acceptable bags/containers.
Read More
🌳 Nature Story Time (Ages 2–5) — Boylston
Sat, Nov 8 • 3:00–4:00 PM • Boylston Public Library, 695 Main St
Outdoor-ish learning fun with DCR partners — dress for the weather and wiggles.
Read More
🧵 Fall Lecture: Linen from Flax Seed to Woven Textile — Paxton
Thu, Nov 13 • 6:00 PM • Richards Memorial Library, 44 Richards Ave, Paxton
A hands-on history talk + demo tracing flax from plant to finished fabric.
Read More
🎁 Holiday Marketplace — Boylston
Sat, Nov 9 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM • New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston
Celebrate the season with a festive shopping experience featuring local artisans, seasonal décor, and specialty foods — all in a beautiful garden setting.
Read More
🍷 Featured Event: A Night of Local Flavor for a Local Cause
5-Course Dinner & Wine Pairing at BirchTree Bread Company
Mark your calendars for a special evening at one of Worcester’s favorite spots — BirchTree Bread Company. This unforgettable dinner will feature a five-course menu (with a vegetarian option available), each course thoughtfully paired with wines from Marzae Wines, a beloved local winery based in Acton, MA.
It’s more than just great food and wine — it’s dining with purpose. 20% of all ticket sales will benefit The CASA Project Worcester County, helping advocate for children in foster care right here in our community. So while your taste buds celebrate, your heart can too.
📍 Location: BirchTree Bread Company, 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA
🍽️ When: Check BirchTree’s event page for ticket availability and seating times.
🎟️ Tickets: Reservations required – limited seating available.
Reserve your spot & support CASA →
Eat well, drink local, and help make a difference — that’s the Wormtown way. 🪱💚
Meet Sprout!
Photo courtesy of WARL
Sprout is a 9 months old male Terrier/Mix who weighs 10 pounds.
Meet Sprout!
This playful 9-month-old pup is full of curiosity and joy! He loves going for walks, exploring the outdoors, and has enjoyed meeting new people at the shelter.
Sprout's happy personality and puppy energy make every day an adventure! He may enjoy living with another friendly dog and would likely do well with respectful children who can join him in playtime and cuddles. Sprout is ready to grow into the perfect companion for an active, loving family-could that be you?
If you think Sprout would be a good fit for your home, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm
Note that many dogs do not reach full size until they are about a year and a half old. The weight listed here is Sprout's current weight.
Additional Information
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Sprout 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 This Week
A fresh mix of global rhythms, local rockers, and acoustic vibes — catch these live shows happening this week around Worcester County.
🎸 The Sherman Show — Auburn
Ric Sherman brings classic acoustic guitar hits from the 50s to the 90s in this cozy neighborhood bar show. Sing along, sip a drink, and enjoy free parking.
🗓 Wednesday, November 6, 2025, 7:00 PM
Halligan's Bar
Auburn, MA
🎶 Robin, Finlay & Friends — Southbridge
Catch live music at The Dark Horse Tavern with local favorites Robin, Finlay & Friends. A fun, casual night out in Southbridge.
🗓 Wednesday, November 6, 2025, 6:00 PM
The Dark Horse Tavern
12 Crane Street, Southbridge, MA
🎤 Sapphire Crush – Live in Sterling
Rock out with Sapphire Crush as they bring their signature high-energy performance to B-Man’s Tavern. With powerhouse vocals from Lisa and a full band lineup, expect classic rock hits and crowd favorites.
🗓 Saturday, November 8, 2025, 4–8 PM
B-Man’s 140 Tavern
Sterling, MA
🎸 Lima at Cocktail Garden & Kitchen — Worcester
Peruvian singer-songwriter Lima brings Latin flair, powerful vocals, and acoustic guitar to this intimate downtown venue. Great food, great cocktails, and live energy.
🗓 Friday, November 8, 2025, 7:00 PM
Cocktail Garden & Kitchen
64 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA
🪘 A Cultural Mosaic — Middle Eastern Music & Dance
An afternoon of oud, darbuka, and captivating dance performances celebrating Middle Eastern heritage in New England. Mezze included, cash bar on site.
🗓 Sunday, November 9, 2025, 4:00 PM (doors at 3:30)
BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center
20B Franklin Street, Worcester, MA
Proceeds support The Society of Istanbul Armenians in Boston.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
4 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590
(508) 865-8650
🌟 Local Business Spotlight: Brickstone Kitchen (Sutton)
Just down the road from Worcester, Brickstone Kitchen serves up scratch-made comfort food with genuine, family-style hospitality. Think premium burgers, signature pastas, and brick-oven pizzas in a warm, relaxed dining room where “feel welcome, feel hungry, feel like family” is more than a slogan.
What to expect
- Made from scratch: Sauces, sides, and dough crafted in-house for big, clean flavors.
- Comfort classics + Italian/American favorites: Burgers, pastas, and brick-oven pies that keep locals coming back.
- Family-friendly, group-friendly: Relaxed vibe, broad menu, and room for the whole crew.
Why we like it for Wormtown
- Local pride: Independent, community-minded spot right in our coverage area.
- Consistently praised: Reviewers highlight welcoming service and “worth-the-drive” plates.
- Easy weeknight win: Something for every palate, without the fuss.
📍 Address: 4 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590
🕒 Hours & booking: Lunch typically served 11:30 AM–4:00 PM; dinner all day Sunday. Times can vary—check the menu page for current hours.
🔗 Website: brickstonekitchen.com | View the menu
Pro tip
Aim for an early dinner to skip the rush, and ask about specials—they’re often the move. Save room for a slice or split a pie at the table.
Thank you!
Well, there you have it.
Halloween’s in the rearview, Christmas lights are on the lawn, and we’re still here, caffeinated and committed to keeping Central Mass weird. Thanks for reading!
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