🪱 Greetings Central Massachusetts!
Winter isn’t easing up here in Central Mass, but this week’s Wormtown Weekly is packed with reasons to leave the couch (or at least daydream about it). From Worcester to Sutton, Northborough, and beyond, there’s a lot happening in our own backyard over the next couple of weeks.
In this issue, we’ve got kids’ events and library happenings to help you through the midwinter slump, plus a stacked slate of live music—everything from cozy pub sets to big, loud nights in the Canal District. Theater fans can snag seats for a brand-new local production of Remedial, and we’re taking you 24 floors up for a Local Business Spotlight on VUE, the new cocktail lounge with skyline views and serious “night out” energy.
We’re also saying hi to Archie, a long-haired Chihuahua with a big personality who’s looking for the right adult-only home to call his own.
As always, thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting the people and places that make this corner of Central Mass feel like home.
Best Coffee Shop Survey - Winner!
Once again thank you all for playing along with our latest survey and we now have a winner!
We’d like to congratulate Matt B from Millbury! Matt voted for the Sutton Center Store and now has an extra $20 for some of that delicious coffee.
Stay tuned for our next survey or poll and your chance to win!
Local Business & Community Buzz
EcoTarium to Host Live Call with the International Space Station
Worcester • Spring 2026
Worcester’s EcoTarium science museum has been selected to host a live radio contact with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station this spring. The event will give local students a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with space, ask questions, and see how a Central Mass museum ended up on NASA’s radar.
WooSox Set 2026 Field Staff; Tracy Back as Manager
Worcester • 2026 Season
The Worcester Red Sox have announced their 2026 field staff, with Chad Tracy returning for his fifth season as manager and most of the coaching crew back at Polar Park. The largely intact staff signals continuity on and off the field as the WooSox gear up for another year of Triple-A baseball in the Canal District.
New Dining, Retail & Nightlife Additions Downtown
Worcester • Ongoing
Downtown Worcester keeps adding to its mix of spots to eat, shop, and go out. Recent additions include Alma Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse on Main Street, vintage clothing shop Ace of Babes on Portland, jewelry boutique Boom Jewels in the Owl Shop Building, and the new VUE Cocktail Lounge with skyline views from the Glass Tower.
St. Vincent Opens New Urology Office in Northborough
Northborough • Newly opened
Saint Vincent Medical Group Urology has added a new satellite office in Northborough, giving local residents another option for specialty care close to home. Division Chief Dr. Chintan Patel calls it part of a push to make preventive men’s and women’s urologic care easier to access in Central Mass.
Uncommon Cow: From Ice Cream Trailer to Downtown Café
Grafton • Expansion plans
Grafton’s Uncommon Cow started as a “Mooving Cow” ice cream trailer and has since grown into a full-on café in the center of town. A recent feature traces the couple behind the brand, how they built a local following, and what’s next as the business prepares for its next chapter.
Brickstone Kitchen Puts Family at the Center
Sutton • Restaurant spotlight
Brickstone Kitchen in Sutton is getting recognition as a cozy, family-owned spot with something for everyone. A recent story focuses on the team behind the restaurant, their ties to the area, and why it’s becoming a go-to for locals looking for a relaxed, homey meal out.
Electric Rates Dropping for Sutton Power Choice Customers
Sutton • Starts January 2026
Sutton’s Power Choice electricity program is lowering its standard and 100% renewable supply rates under a new 24-month contract that begins with January 2026 meter reads. The town says most customers will see monthly savings, and the program’s standard option is also priced below National Grid’s current commercial rate—good news for local small businesses.
Promote Your Business in Northborough’s Spring/Summer Guide
Northborough • Ad opportunity
Northborough Recreation is putting together its Spring/Summer brochure, which gets mailed town-wide and shared online. Local businesses can purchase ad space to get in front of Northborough families before the warm-weather rush of camps, events, and activities.
🪚 Local Business Spotlight:
(Courtesy: Troy Pontbriand, Niche Hospitality Group)
VUE Cocktail Lounge (Downtown Worcester)
High above Main Street on the 24th floor of Worcester’s glass tower, VUE Cocktail Lounge is aiming straight for “special night out” status. The space is all city views and low-light glamour, with a cocktail list built around elevated classics, Champagne, thoughtful wines, and polished zero-proof options. The food leans luxe bar-snack: caviar service, raw bar and chilled seafood, tinned fish, artisan meats and cheeses, plus a house favorite Floor Two Four cheesesteak. Live jazz and standards set the mood on weekend evenings and during Sunday Champagne Brunch, making it feel more “mini–city getaway” than just grabbing a drink downtown. Parking is easy, too—there’s an attached garage at 40 Pleasant Street with complimentary validation and direct elevator access up to the lounge.
Why we like it:
Worcester finally has a true “dress up a little and sip something fancy with a skyline behind you” spot. VUE feels special without being stuffy, works equally well for a date night or celebratory drinks with friends, and gives locals a reason to stay in the city instead of driving to Boston for that big-night-out vibe.
Upcoming Events
⭐ Featured: "Remedial" by Gateway Players Theatre
Southbridge • Feb 27, 28 & Mar 6–8
Gateway Players Theatre is staging Remedial, an original play by local playwright Jordan Miller, at Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church (61 Elm St, entrance on Park St). Evening shows run Feb 27, 28 and Mar 6, 7 at 7:30pm, with a matinee on Mar 8 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth under 18, and can be reserved by phone or purchased online.
The story follows Robin, a burned-out author who takes a job teaching remedial English to adult students. As the class wrestles with their own baggage, the classroom turns into a space for humor, conflict, and unexpected connection—digging into resilience, empathy, and second chances.
EcoTarium: One Month in Space – Passport to the Universe
Worcester • Thu, Jan 22
Head to the EcoTarium’s Alden Planetarium for a $10 double-feature: Passport to the Universe (narrated by Tom Hanks) plus an interactive tour of the winter night sky with an in-house educator. A very “only in Worcester” way to spend a January evening.
Grafton Public Library: Arts & Crafts Night
Grafton • Thu, Jan 22
Drop in at Grafton Public Library for a free arts & crafts session geared toward grades K–5. Kids can swing through the Children’s Room between 5:30–7:00 p.m. to make seasonal projects while caregivers catch their breath nearby.
Wiggle Words at Shrewsbury Public Library
Shrewsbury • Thu, Jan 22
A short-and-sweet morning option for little ones: Wiggle Words runs 10:00–10:30 a.m. with stories, songs, and movement in the Shrewsbury Public Library meeting rooms. Designed for “walking kiddos,” but all ages are welcome.
Aequora: Teaching Literacy with Latin
Shrewsbury • Thu, Jan 22
For grades 5–8, Shrewsbury Public Library is hosting a 4:30–5:30 p.m. Aequora session that uses Latin, mythology, games, and crafts to boost reading and critical thinking skills. Part of the library’s Teens Teach program, registration required.
Young Scientists at Northborough Free Library
Northborough • Thu, Jan 22
A STEM series for ages 3–6 at Northborough Free Library, 1:00–2:00 p.m. Kids (with caregivers) get hands-on science, engineering, and math activities led by STEM Beginnings, plus a story and simple experiments. Registration is required.
Worcester Family Partnership Playgroup
Worcester • Thu, Jan 22
A free, in-person playgroup on Leeds Street from 10:00–11:30 a.m. Focused on school readiness and social play, this drop-in session lets kids explore a classroom-style setting while parents and caregivers connect with other families.
Venerini Academy Early Childhood Open House
Worcester • Thu, Jan 22
Venerini Academy is opening its early childhood classrooms for prospective families with two sessions (9:00–11:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m.). Meet teachers, see the classrooms, and learn how they approach hands-on, values-based learning for young kids.
Columbus Park Neighborhood Meeting
Worcester • Thu, Jan 22
The Columbus Park neighborhood meeting runs 6:00–7:00 p.m. at historic Stearns Tavern (140 Mill St). It’s a chance to hear updates from Worcester Police and neighbors, ask questions, and stay plugged into what’s happening on the west side.
Author Visit: Christine Greige at Shrewsbury Library
Shrewsbury • Sat, Jan 24
Local author Christine Greige will read from her picture book You and Me and lead a kid-friendly art activity at Shrewsbury Public Library from 3:00–3:30 p.m. Perfect for ages 1–6 with a grown-up in tow; no registration required.
People to Watch 2026 (Pulse Magazine)
Worcester • Thu, Jan 22
Pulse Magazine’s annual People to Watch bash lands at El Basha Grille & Bar on Park Ave, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Expect food, drinks, and a chance to meet this year’s slate of Central Mass movers and shakers being honored by the magazine.
📣 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 Archie
Age: 10 years, 1 month
Breed: Long Coat Chihuahua
Sex: Male
Weight: 11 pounds
Spayed / Neutered: Yes
Archie is a charming Chihuahua with a big personality and a big heart. Like a tiny dragon guarding his treasure, Archie has a history of resource guarding around food. If allowed to collect and hoard food items in his bed or crate, he may growl or lunge to protect them. Archie will thrive in a home that understands this behavior or is willing to learn. His new home should be adult-only, relatively quiet, and committed to management, structure, and positive reinforcement.
Outside of this challenge, Archie is tons of fun. He loves going for walks, enjoys staying active, and can be an incredibly affectionate, loyal companion. With the right guidance and consistency, Archie has so much love to give and is ready to share his life with someone who sees the wonderful dog he is.
If you are interested in meeting Archie, please email [email protected]. Meeting Archie is by appointment only, thank you!
Upcoming Live Music
Matt Brodeur at Quinn’s Irish Pub
Worcester • Fri, Jan 23 • 8–11pm
Local singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Brodeur brings a full night of classic and modern rock to Quinn’s Irish Pub in the city’s north end. Grab a pint and settle in for three solid hours of live tunes.
Quinn’s Irish Pub, 715 W Boylston St, Worcester.
Boy Polloi at Electric Haze
Worcester • Fri, Jan 23 • 8pm (doors 7pm)
Worcester’s Electric Haze hosts Boy Polloi for a high-energy night of indie rock and jammy grooves at this Millbury Street staple.
The Metrons at the WCUW Frontroom
Worcester • Sat, Jan 24 • 7pm
Veteran Rock/R&B outfit The Metrons (Bob Palermo, John Bianchi, Todd Dufault, Bart McCracken) plug in for a night of classic soul, blues, and rock at community station WCUW’s cozy Frontroom space.
Ladd Trio at Boland’s Bar & Patio
Worcester • Sat, Jan 24 • 9pm
Mike Ladd and crew return to Boland’s in the Canal District for a night of rootsy rock, Irish-leaning favorites, and sing-along covers in one of Worcester’s most beloved neighborhood bars.
Lakeline, Old Tom & the Lookouts, and Brothers of Black Valley at Ralph’s
Worcester • Sat, Jan 24 • 8pm
Three New England bands pack Ralph’s Diner for a stacked bill of Americana, rock, and alt-country in one of Worcester’s most legendary music rooms.
Not Quite Dead Yet at Electric Haze
Worcester • Sat, Jan 24 • 7–11:30pm
Jam band fans: Electric Haze hosts Not Quite Dead Yet for a long night of Grateful Dead–inspired grooves and extended improv downtown.
Lord of the Lost & The Birthday Massacre (with Wednesday 13)
Worcester • Sat, Jan 24 • 7pm (doors 6pm)
Gothic rock and industrial metal take over The Palladium as Lord of the Lost and The Birthday Massacre roll through with special guest Wednesday 13.
School of Rock Winter Seasonal Rock Performance
Worcester • Sun, Jan 25 • 1:30–5pm
Students from School of Rock Northborough hit the big stage at Off the Rails to showcase a season’s worth of classic rock and modern favorites. Family-friendly and open to the public.
Jorge & Mateus — 20 Years Tour at DCU Center
Worcester • Sun, Jan 25 • 7:30pm
Brazilian duo Jorge & Mateus bring their 20 Years tour to the DCU Center for a big night of sertanejo hits and sing-along anthems.
The Oklo’s Live at Seven Saws Brewing
Holden • Sat, Jan 31 • 5–8pm
Holden gets in on the live music action as The Oklo’s bring an evening of rock covers and originals to Seven Saws Brewing’s Industrial Drive taproom.
Thanks for reading and thanks for making time in your inbox for local stories, small businesses, and all the little things that make Central Mass feel like home.
If you stumble on an event, hidden gem, or neighborhood story we should know about, hit reply and tell us about it—we’re building this with you. Until next time, stay warm, be kind, 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]
