🪱 What’s Up, Wormtown?
The leaves are crunchy, the cider’s spiked, and Worcester’s about to out-pumpkin itself. This week’s issue has everything you need to survive spooky season in Central Mass: haunted hayrides in Auburn, pumpkin fests in Sutton, a new Shrewsbury restaurant stirring things up, and live music loud enough to wake the ghosts of Kelley Square.
So before you dig into another bag of “fun size” regret, take a scroll through what’s happening across Wormtown and its lovable, slightly haunted suburbs.
Honeygrow opens at Lakeway Commons
White Cliffs Estate Vote Set
Pumpkin Fests for the rest of us
🏢 What’s Happening with Local Businesses & Community
From local teams making waves, to rescue pets finding homes, to new restaurants and historic estates — here’s what’s buzzing in our area this week.
🚣 Shrewsbury High School Crew Heads to World’s Largest Rowing Event — Shrewsbury
The Head Of The Charles Regatta is coming up, and the Shrewsbury High School Crew is sending nine girls and five boys into the competition this weekend.
Why it matters: A small-town team stepping onto one of the biggest stages in New England — proof that our backyard talent can roll with the best.
🐶 “Love-A-Pet” Adoption Event by Happy Life Beagle Rescue — Sutton/Webster
Happy Life Beagle Rescue is hosting their “Love-A-Pet” event on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10 AM–2 PM at Long Subaru (7 Sutton Rd, Webster). Meet adoptable dogs & cats, browse local vendor booths, and enter the always-adorable “Cutest Pet Contest.”
Why it matters: A local rescue, small-business sponsors, and a day full of wagging tails — that’s what community looks like in Central Mass.
🥗 Honeygrow Opens at Lakeway Commons — Shrewsbury
Honeygrow, known for its made-to-order stir-fry and salads, has officially opened at 193 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury’s Lakeway Commons. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with vegan and gluten-free options.
Why it matters: More food choices, more jobs, and one more reason to extend your lunch break — responsibly, of course.
🏰 White Cliffs Estate Vote Set — Northborough
On November 3, Northborough residents will vote on the future of the historic White Cliffs Estate. The outcome could determine whether the 1886 mansion becomes a community space, hospitality venue, or private redevelopment.
Why it matters: This decision shapes the town’s balance between preserving history and embracing new local opportunities.
🎃 Upcoming Fall & Halloween Events
Fall is in full swing — here are the best local Halloween and autumn happenings starting October 23 and beyond.
🌾 Century Sportsman’s Club Haunted Hayride & Spooky Walk — Auburn
Every Friday & Saturday night through October • 531 Rochdale St, Auburn
A classic haunted hayride with pumpkins, food trucks, and enough jump-scares to make your cider spill.
Read More
🍬 Downtown Trick-or-Treat — Auburn
Thursday, October 30 • 6 – 8 PM • Downtown Auburn
Trick-or-treating, costume contests, and candy stops at local shops — all ages welcome.
Read More
🕸 Halloween Family Fun Day — Charlton Historical Society
Saturday, October 25 • 2 – 5 PM • Charlton Historical Society
A family-friendly afternoon of costumes, crafts, and old-school Halloween fun just outside Worcester County.
Read More
👻 Haunted Hillando Halloween Maze — Hebert Candies (Shrewsbury)
574 Hartford Tpke, Shrewsbury • Open evenings through October
A walk-through spooky maze with witch huts, skeletons, and a pet cemetery — sweet treats optional but encouraged.
Read More
🎃 OMG Pumpkin Festival — Sutton Common, Sutton
Saturday, October 25 • Pumpkin & scarecrow contests on the Common — drop off entries Oct 24 – 25, winners announced Oct 26.
Read More
Meet Oliver!
Photo courtesy of WARL
Oliver is a 8 years, 6 months old male Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat who weighs 11 pounds.
Meet Oliver, A Sophisticated Gentleman with a Soft Spot for Catnip
At 8½ years old, Oliver is a refined, neutered male who carries himself with quiet elegance-but don't let his dignified demeanor fool you. He's got a playful side that comes alive with a good catnip toy!
Oliver is friendly and affectionate once he feels safe, but he prefers to take things slow. He's best suited for a calm, quiet home where he can be the center of attention. No other pets, just you and him.
If you're looking for a mellow, mature cat who enjoys cozy naps, gentle company, and the occasional burst of catnip-fueled fun, Oliver is ready to meet you.
Walk-in Adoption Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12:00-4:00 PM.
Can't make it in person? No problem! Just complete our online adoption inquiry form-available on our website under "Forms." (Please use a computer, not a phone, for best results.). You can also access the form HERE.
Additional Information:
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
To adopt Oliver 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
🎶 Who’s Playing Around Wormtown
From honky-tonk nights to weekend party vibes, here’s what’s rocking Worcester and nearby towns this week.
🎤 Noah Hicks — Off The Rails, Worcester
Country up-and-comer Noah Hicks brings Nashville flair to downtown Worcester for a night of boot-stompin’ good vibes. Thursday, Oct 23 · 8:00 PM
Why go: It’s country without leaving the Common — and Off The Rails’ dance floor always fills fast.
🤠 Honky Tonk Night (Free) — Off The Rails, Worcester
A free night of twang, two-step, and cheap beer. Friday, Oct 24 · 9:00 PM
Why go: Because sometimes the best nights in Worcester don’t cost a dime.
🎸 Counterparts + Thrown + 156/Silence — The Palladium, Worcester
Hardcore heavyweights take over The Palladium for a stacked night of riffs and chaos. Friday, Oct 24 · 7:00 PM
Why go: One of the loudest bills to hit Main Street this fall — earplugs optional but recommended.
🕺 It’s a 2000’s (Halloween) Party — The Palladium, Worcester
Throwback beats, neon outfits, and all your early-2000s guilty pleasures. Saturday, Oct 25 · 9:00 PM
Why go: Because nothing says spooky season like screaming “Mr. Brightside” in costume.
🎼 BACHtoberfest Choir — Mechanics Hall, Worcester
Classical meets community with Music Worcester’s BACHtoberfest Choir, featuring local voices and historic acoustics. Sunday, Oct 26 · 4:00 PM
Why go: Because Worcester’s historic Mechanics Hall was built for this kind of harmony.
☣️ Biohazard — Divided We Fall Tour — The Palladium, Worcester
Brooklyn legends return with their signature fusion of metal, punk, and raw energy. Wednesday, Oct 29 · 7:00 PM
Why go: Because sometimes you just need to yell along with strangers.
🎼 Live Saturdays — Town House Tavern, Grafton
Every Saturday is live-music night at Town House Tavern in Grafton. Great local acts, good vibes, and drinks on deck. Saturdays · 8:00 PM
Why go: Perfect for a relaxed weekend escape just outside Worcester.
🎵 Live Music Nights — Penny Pinchers Brewing, Millbury
Cozy brewery in Millbury hosting live sets, often acoustic or small-band shows.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
45 LINDEN STREET | WORCESTER, MA 01609
(508) 799-7171
🏢 Local Business Spotlight
Each week we shine a light on a local business making a difference in our community. This week’s spotlight goes to a Worcester company that’s helping people build lasting careers.
💼 Savvy Staffing Solutions — Worcester
Looking for a job that actually fits — or trying to find that perfect new hire who just gets your team? That’s where Savvy Staffing Solutions steps in.
Based right here in Worcester, Savvy Staffing connects hardworking locals with long-term, permanent jobs that truly match their skills and goals. The team takes pride in pairing the right person with the right company — and they mean it. Whether someone’s making a career change or starting fresh in a new field, they make sure every placement feels like a win for both sides.
It’s that hands-on, community-first approach that’s earned them such strong word-of-mouth across Central Mass.
Thank you!
🧙 Thanks for Reading, Brave Souls of Central Mass
Thanks for reading, brave souls of Central Mass. Until next time — keep your cider warm, your costumes questionable, and your sense of humor intact. Wormtown Weekly will be back before your jack-o’-lantern starts to sag. 🎃
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