 YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST | Hey there, Wormtowners and Central Mass explorers! Welcome back, Wormtowners! The summer heat is on, and so is the action across Central Mass. This week, get ready for a whirlwind of activity, from the return of Worcester's beloved Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market downtown to a massive rock celebration at the Seven Hills Music Festival. Grab your shades and your calendars – there's no excuse for boredom! Beyond the big stages, our communities are buzzing with unique opportunities. Learn to ride a bike in Grafton, catch a free outdoor screening of 'Hamilton, the Movie' in Fitchburg, or dive into contemporary art in Framingham. And for the sports fans, a Semi-Final Soccer Watch Party in Leominster promises a lively atmosphere. There's truly something for every interest and every age. On the business front, Worcester welcomes a new taste with the upcoming Wonder Food Hall on Park Ave, and Tatnuck Square gets a touch of Irish charm with the Erin Gift Store opening its doors. Plus, Shrewsbury's Coghlin Companies facility is now fully operational, bringing more jobs to our region. It's clear our local economy is thriving right alongside our vibrant community spirit! | In This Week's Issue: - This Week's Top Picks
- Arts & Culture Scene
- Community & Family Fun
- Local Business Buzz
| Wormtown What's Your Go-To Summer Vibe? With so much happening, from outdoor movies to music festivals and farmers' markets, what's your absolute favorite way to soak up the Central Mass summer? Whether you're a culture connoisseur, a foodie fanatic, or an outdoor adventurer, we want to know how you make the most of these sunny days and warm nights. Tell us what truly defines your ideal summer experience in our neck of the woods! One tap records your answer and takes you to our confirmation page. | |  | What’s moving and shaking in Worcester County | Coghlin Companies' New Shrewsbury Manufacturing Facility Fully Operational Coghlin Companies has officially opened a new 100,000+ square-foot manufacturing facility in Shrewsbury, located within Centech Park North. The site was expected to be fully operational in Q2 2026, strengthening the company's advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions and creating over 100 new jobs. Why it matters: Major industrial expansion and job creation within the core region, reaching full operational status recently. Read more → Bartholomew & Co. Transitions to Hybrid Registered Investment Adviser Worcester-based financial advisory firm Bartholomew & Co. is reshaping its business by launching as an independent hybrid registered investment adviser. This change, announced on July 7, 2026, allows for greater flexibility and increased access to resources for clients and advisers, while maintaining its relationship with Commonwealth Financial Network. Why it matters: Significant business restructuring and expansion of services for a local financial firm, announced just before the issue window. Read more → Erin Gift Store to Open New Worcester Location Erin Gift Store, an Irish import shop focusing on woven tweeds, woollen products, jewelry, handmade art, and giftwares, is scheduled to open its new, larger storefront in Tatnuck Square, Worcester, in mid-July. The owner, originally from Ireland, aims to provide an authentic Irish shopping experience. Why it matters: New local business opening within the core region and issue window, offering unique retail. Read more → Warby Parker to Open New Storefront in Acton Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker is expanding its presence in Central Massachusetts with a new storefront in Acton, expected to open this fall. The 2,790-square-foot space at the Brookside Shops plaza will be the brand's 19th store in Massachusetts. Why it matters: Retail expansion of a known brand within the broader Central MA region, announced in early July. Read more → House of Possibilities Undergoing New Addition in Auburn Auburn Construction is partnering with the House of Possibilities (HOPe) on a new ground-up addition to their facility, dedicated to serving children and adults with developmental differences. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025–2026. Why it matters: Ongoing development and expansion of a significant local non-profit within the core region, with completion expected this year. Read more → | |  | Mark your calendars, Wormtown | Here is what is coming up in Wormtown and the suburbs. Fitchburg State Summer Series - Outdoor Movie: Hamilton, the Movie Gather on the Main Quad with a blanket or lawn chair to celebrate our nation's historic 250th birthday with a cinematic screening of the award-winning musical phenomenon, Hamilton, the Movie. This event is free and open to the public. Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2026 · 8:00 PM ET Location: Fitchburg, MA Event details → Grafton Farmers Market Visit the Grafton Farmers Market on Grafton Common for fresh produce, local goods, and community interaction. Date: Wed, Jul 15, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET Location: Grafton, MA Event details → Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market returns for Summer 2026, bringing a dynamic lineup of musical talent, food trucks, artisan vendors, and farm-fresh produce to Downtown Worcester. This free event is a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Date: Wed, Jul 15, 2026 · 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET Location: 455 Main St, Worcester, MA Event details → Semi-Final Soccer Watch Party Join fellow fans for a Semi-Final Soccer Watch Party at Doyle Field. Cheer on your favorite team in a lively community atmosphere. Date: Wed, Jul 15, 2026 · 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET Location: 206 Priest Street, Leominster, MA Event details → ArtsWorcester Fourteenth Annual One Exhibition Reception ArtsWorcester kicks off the summer season with the Fourteenth Annual One, an exhibition inviting artist members to showcase one work they most want to share, regardless of medium or theme. The free public reception will feature more than 250 works. Listed time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Date: Wed, Jul 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET Location: ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland Street, Worcester, MA Event details → Got an Event Coming Up? Whether it is a craft fair, a concert, or a community gathering, share it here. | |  | Your next best friend is waiting |  Cardigan 1 year, 2 months • Female • Domestic Longhair Adoption Fee: 145 Cardigan is a 1-year, 2-month-old female Domestic Longhair cat. Adoption fee: $145. A beautiful Domestic Longhair, Cardigan is looking for a warm home and loving family. Adoption details | |  | This week’s best local stages | Fresh picks across Wormtown and the suburbs. Save these dates and support your local venues. Malodies Karaoke - every Thursday - Electric Haze Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET Location: 26 Millbury St., Worcester, MA Karaoke night every Thursday. This is a 21+ event. Show details → ChamberFest Summer Concerts - Concert 1 Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2026 · 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET Location: 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA The first concert of the ChamberFest Summer Concerts series, featuring Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Trio No 2 in E minor, op. 67 and Johannes Brahms Horn Trio in Eb Major, op. 40. Guest: Jean Jeffries, French horn. Tickets: Adults $30, Students $10, EBT/WIC $5, Youth under 17 free. Show details → Seven Hills Music Festival Feat Four Year Strong Date: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 · 3:00 PM ET Location: 261 Main St, Worcester, MA New England's rock band Four Year Strong celebrates their 25th anniversary, performing their album Rise Or Die Trying in full. Special guests include Silverstein, Haywire, Knuckle Puck, Origami Angel, A Loss For Words, Worry Club, One Step Closer, Spaced, Hard Target, and more. Show details → Peter Hi-Fi Ward Blues Benefit with Ronnie Earl Date: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 · 6:30 PM ET Location: The WCUW FrontRoom, 910 Main St., Worcester, MA Peter Hi-Fi Ward and friends return to The WCUW FrontRoom for a blues benefit show in support of WCUW, with very special guest Ronnie Earl. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Showtime: 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 cash or Venmo at the door. Light refreshments will be served, or guests may bring their own. Parking is available in the Clark University lot across the street or on the street. Show details → Solar Cross, Impure, I Destroyer, Cruentation, & Nocturnal Gatherer Date: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 · 8:00 PM ET Location: 148 Grove St., Worcester, MA Live music performance by Solar Cross, Impure, I Destroyer, Cruentation, & Nocturnal Gatherer. Tickets start at $22.07. Show details → Six Feet Under, Kataklysm Date: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 6:30 PM ET Location: 261 Main St, Worcester, MA Live performance by Six Feet Under and Kataklysm. Show details → Summer Concert Series - Opera Meets Broadway Date: Wed, Jul 15, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET Location: 330 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA Part of the popular summer concert series by Greater Worcester Opera, featuring singers from throughout New England performing beloved music from the stage. This concert's theme is 'Opera Meets Broadway'. Show details → | Thank you, Wormtown That's all for this week's Wormtown Weekly! Stay local, stay lively, and we'll catch you next time. Team Wormtown Weekly |
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