Love Is in the Wormtown Air 💘
Valentine’s weekend is rolling into Central Mass, and whether you’re coupled up, flying solo, or rolling deep with your besties, there’s plenty happening around the Wormtown orbit. From heart-shaped pizzas and Galentine’s hangs to trivia nights, princess meet-and-greets, and family-friendly library fun, this week is packed with ways to get out of the house and feel a little extra love for your hometown.
We’ve also got a full slate of local business buzz, community events, and live music lined up—plus a few very Worcester-ish happenings you won’t want to miss. So grab your calendar (or just keep scrolling), and let’s make the most of Valentine’s weekend right here in Wormtown and the surrounding burbs.
💘 Wormtown Valentine Fun Fact 💘
Long before Valentine’s Day was all about Hallmark cards, Worcester was helping America fall in love. In the mid-1800s, Esther Howland, a Worcester entrepreneur, started hand-crafting and mass-producing fancy lace valentines from her home.
Her beautiful, layered designs became so popular that she’s now known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.” 💌 So when you’re sending love this week, you can claim a little hometown pride — Worcester helped put the “valentine” in Valentine’s Day. ❤️
New Poll Opportunity!
Thanks again to all who the answer the weekly poll. It honestly helps in our direction going forward. This week is just for fun. Click away!
What are your Valentine's Weekend Plans?
Local Business Buzz
- Worcester: Checkers is opening at 99 Gold Star Blvd. (reported opening date: Feb. 10).
- Worcester: Bees & Thank You (the grilled cheese truck) is opening a first storefront inside Worcester Public Market (160 Green St.) this month.
- Worcester: August Coffee is aiming to open downtown (554 Main St.) as soon as February.
- Worcester: Wetzel’s Pretzels is planning a new location at 25 Tobias Boland Way (Walmart site), with a fall 2026 target.
- Shrewsbury: Nick’s Golden Pizza and More opened a second location at 299 Hartford Turnpike.
- Southborough: Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant is expanding into town (154 Turnpike Rd.), with licensing approvals moving the project forward.
Local Business Spotlight
Image courtesy of marketreportblog.com
Local Business Spotlight:
Goretti’s Supermarket (Millbury)
If Millbury has a hometown pantry, it’s Goretti’s Supermarket — the independent, family-run grocery store that’s been keeping cupboards stocked for generations. Located just outside downtown at 1 Providence Street, Millbury, MA 01527, Goretti’s is a full-service supermarket with all the big-store departments (produce, meat & poultry, seafood, deli, bakery, prepared foods, beer & wine, and more).
You’ll find a strong mix of fresh ingredients and local favorites, plus weekly specials that make it easy to plan dinners without blowing the budget. Shoppers can peek at the latest circular, grab coupons, and even place orders online for added convenience.
Contact & Hours
1 Providence Street, Millbury, MA 01527
Phone: (508) 865-9577
Website: gorettis.com
Why We Like It
- True neighborhood market: In a world of big-box chains, Goretti’s still feels like a classic local supermarket where the staff recognize regulars and the community keeps the place buzzing.
- Fresh, quality food: From produce and meats to the in-store bakery and prepared foods, it’s an easy one-stop shop whether you’re doing a big weekly haul or just grabbing dinner on a busy night.
- Local favorites on the shelves: Alongside the national brands, they make room for regional products and smaller labels you won’t always see at the chains.
- Community feel: Bulletin-board vibes, friendly staff, and that “see you next week” energy make it feel more like a neighborhood hub than just a grocery run.
Local Community Events
Fiber Arts V-Day Craft Sale – Worcester State University
Thursday, February 12 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Worcester
Shop handmade fiber art and gifts created by Worcester State students at this Valentine’s themed craft sale in the Student Center.
Read More
The Big Celebration – Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala
Thursday, February 12 • 6:00 PM • Top of the Tower, Worcester
An evening gala supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass featuring food from local restaurants and skyline views from downtown Worcester.
Read More
Trivia Night – BirchTree Bread Company
Thursday, February 12 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM • 138 Green Street, Worcester
Weekly trivia at BirchTree Bread Company in the Crompton Building. Enjoy delicious food, craft cocktails, local beer, and great vibes while your team competes for prizes awarded to the top three teams.
Read More
Yoga at Camp Gleason – Auburn Recreation
Friday, February 13 • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM • Auburn
All-levels yoga session focused on flexibility, relaxation, and winter wellness hosted by Auburn Recreation.
Read More
Galentine’s at Crompton – BirchTree Bread Company
Friday, February 13 • 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM • 138 Green Street, Worcester
Celebrate friendship and love in the Crompton Building with BirchTree’s Galentine’s night — heart-shaped pizzas, themed cocktails, and a cozy Canal District vibe with your besties.
Read More
Sweethearts of Worcester Valentines Concert & Fundraiser – WCUW Frontroom
Saturday, February 14 • Doors 6:30 PM • Show 7:00 PM • 910 Main Street, Worcester
A community radio fundraiser packed with love songs (and break-up songs) performed by the Sweethearts of Worcester Bargain Basement Band with featured local vocalists. Emceed by John Solaperto, with light refreshments and plenty of special guests.
Read More
Bluey Party – Worcester Public Library
Tuesday, February 17 • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM • Worcester
A fun family afternoon with Bluey-themed crafts, activities, and snacks in the Children’s Room.
Read More
Glow Party – Shrewsbury Public Library
Tuesday, February 17 • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Shrewsbury
A glow-in-the-dark celebration with blacklights, glowing accessories, and family-friendly activities for kids.
Read More
Meet the Princesses – Royal Readalong
Wednesday, February 18 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Worcester Public Library
Storytime with visiting princesses, songs, and photo opportunities for kids and families.
Read More
Drive-In Movie: Paw Patrol – The Mighty Movie
Thursday, February 19 • 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM • Shrewsbury Public Library
Kids enjoy a “drive-in” style movie experience with cardboard cars, themed crafts, and the Paw Patrol movie.
Read More
Cribbage Club – Millbury Public Library
Thursday, February 12 • 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM • Millbury
Drop-in cribbage night welcoming beginners and experienced players alike.
Read More
Sensory Friendly STEM Event – Millbury Public Library
Thursday, February 19 • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Millbury
Hands-on STEM activities in a calm, sensory-friendly environment designed for children who benefit from quieter, structured programming.
Read More
📣 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 Gouda 🧀
Gouda is a 6 year old male Domestic Shorthair mix who weighs 13 pounds and is looking for his new favorite human.
Age: 6 years
Sex: Male (neutered)
Adoption Fee: $145
FIV Status: FIV+
Declawed: No
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
Gouda came to WARL after his person moved away and left him in the care of a friend who, despite their best intentions, couldn’t give him the life he deserved. Now he’s ready for a fresh start with a family who will truly cherish him.
Gouda is a gentle, friendly, slightly shy boy with a soft heart. Once he warms up, he can be quite chatty and playful, though he mostly enjoys peaceful roaming, cozy naps, and being lovingly pet. He’s a great match for someone who prefers a quieter, more cuddly companion rather than a high-energy cat.
- Sweet, calm, and affectionate; a bit shy at first but warms up with patience
- Enjoys small ball toys and fishing-line style toys
- Loves supervised outdoor walks in his harness
- Has lived with another cat and tolerated the company, but would shine as the one and only
- May do well with older, respectful children who understand his gentle nature
Gouda has not lived with dogs. Because he is FIV+, he would do best as the only cat in the home, or with other cats who are also FIV+. His diet has consisted of a mix of Nutro pâté wet food and Simply Nourish dry food, and he is fully litterbox trained.
Gouda is a quiet, loving soul looking for a calm home where he can feel safe, adored, and unhurried. If you’re searching for a mellow companion who will reward your kindness with soft purrs and gentle affection, Gouda may be your perfect match.
WARL’s walk-in adoption hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12:00–4:00 PM. Can’t make it then? Please complete an online adoption inquiry form and let them know what will work for you — they’ll do their best to make it happen.
Live Music This Week
Musical Bingo at Wormtown (Worcester)
Thursday, February 12, 2026 • 6:30–8:30 PM
Wormtown Brewery, 72 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA
Weekly musical bingo night with rotating themes, prizes, and plenty of sing-along moments between rounds.
Read More
Amplify New England: Gemello (Worcester)
Friday, February 13, 2026 • Doors 6:00 PM • Show 6:30 PM
The Palladium Upstairs, 261 Main St, Worcester, MA
Local heavy hitters Amplify New England present Gemello with Under The Horizon for a high-energy Valentine’s Eve headbang upstairs at the Palladium.
Read More
Odacova opens for Hitch N Friends (Worcester)
Friday, February 13, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St, Worcester, MA
Worcester rock outfit Odacova kicks off a full night of jams supporting Hitch N Friends at Electric Haze on Millbury Street.
Read More
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen (Worcester)
Friday, February 13, 2026 • 6:00–7:30 PM
Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA
A string quartet takes on the music of Queen under the glow of hundreds of candles in one of Worcester’s most iconic rooms.
Read More
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special (Worcester)
Friday, February 13, 2026 • 8:30–9:30 PM
Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA
A romantic candlelit program of love-themed favorites, performed live in Mechanics Hall for a Valentine’s night out with serious atmosphere.
Read More
Gimme Gimme Disco (18+ Event) (Worcester)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • 8:00–10:00 PM (Show 8:30 PM)
The Palladium Upstairs, 261 Main St, Worcester, MA
An ABBA-themed DJ dance party packed with ’70s and ’80s disco bangers—dress up, bring your dancing crew, and plan on singing every chorus.
Read More
The Cline and Cash Show – A Tribute to Patsy Cline & Johnny Cash (Worcester)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • 8:00 PM
Off The Rails Music Venue, 90 Commercial St, Worcester, MA
Classic country fans get a full night of hits from two legends, with a live band covering favorites from Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.
Read More
The Midnight Riders at Wachusett Brew Yard (Worcester)
Sunday, February 15, 2026 • 1:00 PM
Wachusett Brew Yard, 152 Green St, Worcester, MA
Daytime rock show in the beer garden with The Midnight Riders plus Wachusett’s tap list and pub food on Green Street.
Read More
That’s a wrap on this week’s Wormtown Weekly — thanks for reading, sharing, and showing up for the places and people that make Central Mass feel like home.
If you check out any of these events, discover a new favorite spot, or hear about a business opening we should know about, hit reply and tell us. This newsletter is way better when it’s a two-way street.
Until next time, keep it local, be kind to your neighbors, and we’ll see you out there dodging potholes, sipping something good, and making the most of life in Wormtown and beyond. 🪱
PS. Do you know a business or individual that could use a shoutout? Let me know here! [email protected]
