YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST
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Welcome back to Wormtown Weekly!
Summer is officially kicking into high gear across Central Mass, and this week's calendar is bursting with ways to celebrate! From family-friendly fun in Milford to a dazzling fireworks display in Upton, there's no shortage of outdoor excitement to mark the season's start.
Dive into local history with Juneteenth commemorations at Old Sturbridge Village, or get your creative juices flowing at a junk journal workshop in Millbury. And for music lovers, our stages are alive with everything from blues legends at WCUW to free outdoor concerts in Shrewsbury and Marlborough.
On the civic front, Worcester just approved its first-ever $1 Billion budget, signaling big investments ahead. Plus, we've got the scoop on new dining spots, media expansions, and crucial grant opportunities for our rural businesses and biodiversity efforts. Don't miss a beat!
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In This Week's Issue:
- Summer Fun & Festivals
- Community & Culture
- Local Business Buzz
- Live Music Lineup
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Wormtown Wormtown's Weekend Wanderlust
With so much happening, what's your top pick for a Central Mass summer weekend?
The sun is shining, the events calendar is packed, and Central Mass is calling! From dazzling fireworks to exploring beautiful gardens or grooving to live tunes, how do you prefer to soak up the summer vibes right here in our backyard?
One tap records your answer and takes you to our confirmation page.
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What’s moving and shaking in Worcester County
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Governor Healey Discusses Route 2 Improvements at North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Governor Maura Healey addressed the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, acknowledging the need to improve Route 2 through Fitchburg and Leominster due to congestion. She emphasized the importance of regional economic development outside Greater Boston and highlighted the region's strengths in manufacturing and agriculture.
Why it matters: Important regional business and infrastructure news, highlighting government focus on economic development in Central MA.
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Popular Restaurant Chain Yard House Opens in Millbury
Yard House, known for its large beer selection and expansive menu, is officially open at The Shops at Blackstone Valley in Millbury. The early reviews talk about the fabulous food and drink but many say it's quite loud. Have you tried it yet?
Why it matters: A new restaurant opening in a Central MA town, contributing to local dining options and economic activity.
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Worcester City Council Approves First Ever $1 Billion Budget
The Worcester City Council unanimously approved the city's first-ever $1.001 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a 4.7% increase over the previous year. The budget includes significant investments in education, roads, sidewalks, water and sewer infrastructure, parks, public safety facilities, and municipal operations.
Why it matters: This is a major financial and governmental update directly impacting the business and community landscape of Worcester.
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Grant Opportunities Available for Rural Businesses and Biodiversity Projects in Massachusetts
Rural Business Development Grants are available with a closing date of June 30, 2026, for most applicants, supporting small and emerging businesses in rural areas. Additionally, the Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program has a deadline of June 24, 2026, offering between $20,000 and $150,000 for local efforts to protect and restore biodiversity.
Why it matters: Useful information for local businesses and non-profits seeking funding and development opportunities.
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MassLive Media Group Officially Opens New Worcester Office
MassLive Media Group has officially opened its new office in downtown Worcester at 10 Mechanic St. The new space will house dedicated sales and news teams, demonstrating the company's commitment to the Worcester community and statewide coverage.
Why it matters: A local business expansion and commitment to the Worcester area, relevant to the media and business community.
Read more →
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Mark your calendars, Wormtown
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Here is what is coming up in Wormtown and the suburbs.
Worcester Business Journal Hosts 2026 Massachusetts Energy Summit
The annual Massachusetts Energy Summit, produced by the Worcester Business Journal in partnership with National Grid, took place at Hogan Campus Center. The event aimed to equip businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities with knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving energy landscape, featuring expert panels and discussions on market trends, efficiency, and cost savings.
Date: Tue, Jun 16, 2026 · 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Summer Kick Off Party & Open House at The Learning Experience – Milford
Celebrate the start of summer with an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community. The event includes tours, crafts, face painting, and giveaways.
Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM ET
Location: 350 E Main St, Milford, MA
Event details →
Juneteenth at Old Sturbridge Village
Commemorate Juneteenth at Old Sturbridge Village.
Date: Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET
Location: 1 Rd, Sturbridge, MA
Event details →
Junk Journal Workshop at the Spicy Water Distillery
Participate in a creative workshop to learn how to make junk journals.
Date: Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Location: 108 Elm St, Millbury, MA
Event details →
34th Annual Hopkinton Against the Tide
A family-friendly, multi-sport event benefiting the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC), featuring swims, runs, and walks.
Date: Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Event details →
Upton Fireworks Festival
The annual Upton Fireworks Festival offers a great event for the entire family, celebrating independence. (Rain Date: Sunday, June 21).
Date: Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM ET
Location: 65 Pleasant St, Upton, MA
Event details →
Worcester's Gardenscapes Tour
Explore a tour of beautiful gardens across Worcester.
Date: Sun, Jun 21, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market
The first date of a summer series featuring live performances, local food trucks, crafters, and a farmers' market.
Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Got an Event Coming Up?
Whether it is a craft fair, a concert, or a community gathering, share it here.
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Your next best friend is waiting
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Blu-Ray
2 Years 10 Months • Female • Domestic Medium Hair
Adoption Fee: Please Inquire
Meet Blu-ray!
Blu-ray would like everyone to know that she did not sign up for surprises. A quiet life? Excellent. A predictable routine? Purrrfect. A tiny new human suddenly appearing in her home and taking up all the attention? Absolutely not.
This beautiful diva came to WARL after life changed in a way that left her feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. Blu-ray has recently been spending time in an office where she's slowly remembering that the world isn't quite as scary as it seemed. Still, if you look into her eyes, you can tell she's processing a lot of big feelings.
Blu-ray is looking for a calm home with a patient, compassionate human who understands that trust is earned, not rushed. She would prefer to be the only cat in the home, though she may be able to live with a respectful dog.
Most of all, she's hoping to find a true cat whisperer who can give her the space she needs to settle in and let her wonderful personality shine. Preferably with out young children!
If your love language is respecting boundaries while getting to know each other, Blu-ray may be your soulmate.
If you are interested in adopting Blu-ray, please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm.
Blu-Ray is an ideal Pet of the Week with her affectionate personality and manageable age, perfect for someone seeking a loving feline friend.
Adoption details
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This week’s best local stages
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Fresh picks across Wormtown and the suburbs. Save these dates and support your local venues.
Neil Diamond Tribute with Dinner | Charlie Lask
Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: 420 Main St, Sturbridge, MA
Enjoy a dinner show featuring Charlie Lask, who performs a dynamic tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond.
Show details →
Shrewsbury Recreation's Summer Concert Series
Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Location: 805 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Enjoy an exciting lineup of live local bands and food trucks.
Show details →
Marlborough Summer Concert Series: The Reminisants (Oldies/Rock)
Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: Marlborough, MA
The Reminisants performing pop and rock favorites as part of Marlborough's free summer concert series.
Show details →
Sugar Ray & The Bluetones at WCUW FrontRoom — Worcester
Date: Fri, Jun 19, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET
Location: WCUW FrontRoom, 910 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Sugar Ray Norcia and The Bluetones return to the FrontRoom at WCUW for a night of blues. The group brings nearly forty years of experience, with a sound rooted in Chicago blues, Kansas City swing, Texas blues, and Louisiana swamp blues. Listed time: 7:00 PM.
Show details →
Space Jam - Open Jam every Wednesday
Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET
Location: 26 Millbury St, Worcester, MA
Open jam session for musicians.
Show details →
Kittie, Kingdom of Giants & Gore
Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2026 · 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM ET
Location: Worcester, MA
Live performance by Kittie with support from Kingdom of Giants & Gore.
Show details →
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Thank you, Wormtown
That's all for this week, Wormtowners! Stay local, stay curious, and we'll see you next time. Got a tip? Send it our way!
Team Wormtown Weekly
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