YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST
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Hey Wormtowners!
Summer is officially in full swing, and Central Mass is buzzing with activity! Get ready to groove with outdoor concerts in Shrewsbury and Marlborough, grab fresh produce at the REC Farmers Market, and mark your calendars for the return of Downtown Worcester's beloved Out to Lunch Festival. There's no shortage of ways to enjoy the sunshine and support local this week.
Our vibrant arts scene is shining bright, too! Catch The Hanover Theatre's Youth Acting Company performing 'Hadestown: Teen Edition,' or experience a unique belly dance showcase at WCUW's FrontRoom. Marlborough is gearing up for a massive America 250 celebration, while Northborough hosts its charming Porchfest, bringing music right to your neighborhood.
Beyond the fun, our community continues to grow and thrive. Worcester just honored 24 incredible Legacy Businesses, celebrating their long-standing contributions. Plus, there's significant progress in affordable housing with The Phoenix at Curtis completion, and exciting new dining options on the horizon with Wonder Food Hall. Keep an eye out for grant opportunities for rural businesses too!
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In This Week's Issue:
- Summer Fun & Festivals
- Arts & Culture Spotlight
- Local Business Buzz
- Music Around Town
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Wormtown What's Your Go-To Summer Vibe?
With so many fantastic events kicking off, what's your absolute favorite way to enjoy a Central Mass summer day?
Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just enjoy soaking up the sun, our region offers a smorgasbord of summer delights. Tell us what makes your summer sizzle!
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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Downtown Worcester BID Seeking 'Out to Lunch' Summer Series Vendors
The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) is inviting local vendors to apply for its 2026 'Out to Lunch' summer series on the Worcester Common Oval. This 10-week event provides a platform for local businesses to showcase their offerings to the community.
Why it matters: This is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to engage with the community and for residents to enjoy diverse local offerings throughout the summer, including during our issue window.
Read more →
Wonder Food Hall Planning Worcester and Millbury Locations
Wonder, a fast-growing food hall and delivery company, has confirmed plans to expand into Worcester and Millbury in the second half of 2026. The company allows customers to order from over 20 restaurant brands in a single order for dine-in, pickup, or delivery. A potential Worcester location at 14 Park Ave. has been noted in job postings.
Why it matters: This upcoming expansion brings a new and diverse dining concept to Worcester and Millbury, offering more culinary choices and potential job opportunities in the local food service industry.
Read more →
Worcester Announces Inaugural Legacy Business Award Selections
The City of Worcester has named 24 businesses to its new Legacy Business Program, honoring longstanding and influential small businesses. These businesses, which have operated for an average of 70 years, will be included in promotional materials and featured on the City's website. Honorees include Addie Lee's Soul Food, Maria's Kitchen, Boulevard Diner, and That's Entertainment.
Why it matters: This program celebrates the enduring spirit and community contributions of Worcester's foundational small businesses, offering readers a chance to learn about and support these local institutions.
Read more →
Phase 1 Completion of The Phoenix at Curtis Redevelopment
The Worcester Housing Authority and Trinity Financial celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Curtis Apartments redevelopment, now renamed The Phoenix at Curtis. This phase replaced 90 aging units with 129 newly constructed affordable housing units, a significant step in increasing affordable housing options in the city.
Why it matters: This marks a major milestone in Worcester's housing development efforts, providing much-needed affordable housing and modernizing a key residential complex.
Read more →
Rural Business Development Program Grant Deadline
The Rural Business Development Program (RBDG) is accepting applications for grants to support economic development and job creation in rural areas. These grants are available to public bodies, government entities, Indian Tribes, or nonprofit entities primarily serving rural areas. Smaller requests are given higher priority.
Why it matters: This is a crucial funding opportunity for small and emerging businesses and economic development projects in Central Massachusetts' rural communities, with a deadline falling within our issue window.
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.
Author John Kenney Book Signing
Meet author John Kenney for a book signing event at Word on the Street.
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET
Location: 162 Main St, Marlborough, MA
Event details →
Hadestown: Teen Edition presented by THTC Youth Acting Company
A musical production performed by The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory's Youth Acting Company, running from Thursday, June 25, 2026, to Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
MHP 19th Housing Institute Conference
The 19th annual Housing Institute Conference, running from Thursday, June 25, 2026, to Friday, June 26, 2026.
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026
Location: Worcester, MA
Event details →
Marlborough's America 250 Parade & Festivities
Join the Marlborough community for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of America's 250th anniversary, featuring a parade and various festivities.
Date: Sat, Jun 27, 2026 · 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET
Location: 57 Orchard St, Marlborough, MA
Event details →
REC Community Farmers Market at University Park
Shop for fresh, local produce and enjoy family programming at this community farmers market.
Date: Sat, Jun 27, 2026 · 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET
Location: 965 Main Street (across from Clark University), Worcester, MA
Event details →
Raqs at the Radio Station at The WCUW FrontRoom
Namid and Baseema present “Raqs at the Radio Station,” a belly dance showcase featuring dancers from around New England performing MENAHt-influenced dance styles, including Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, and Turkish traditions. Performers include Heather Powers, Fady, Tiffany Hawko, Origins, PSYbel, Divergence Dance Collective, and more. Doors open at 4:30 PM. Showtime: 5:00 PM. Tickets are $15 cash or Venmo at the door. Light refreshments served or bring your own. Parking available in the Clark University lot across the street or on the street.
Date: Sunday, Jun 28, 2026 · 4:30 PM ET
Location: The WCUW FrontRoom, 910 Main St., Worcester, MA
Event details →
Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market
Join us for an afternoon of live performances, local food trucks, and a farmers' market in Downtown Worcester. This is part of a weekly series running through August 26, 2026.
Date: Wed, Jul 1, 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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Alfalfa
10 years, 1 month • Male • Rat Terrier/Mix
Adoption Fee: Inquire
Meet Alfalfa: a sassy little Rat Terrier with big opinions and zero interest in keeping them to himself. Alfalfa knows exactly what he wants out of life: daily walks, plenty of outdoor adventures, a chance to show off his impressive trick repertoire, and a cream cheese-filled Kong enjoyed in peace and dignity.
He's smart, spirited, and believes clear communication is the foundation of every good relationship-especially when it comes to his personal boundaries. This sassy gentleman is looking for an adult-only home with experienced dog owners who appreciate a dog who comes with both personality and preferences.
Alfalfa isn't looking to just be managed; he's looking to be understood. In return, he'll provide entertainment, companionship, and plenty of laughs.Alfalfa may enjoy sharing his home with a cat. If you're a fan of clever dogs with strong opinions and even stronger charm, Alfalfa is ready to interview you for the position of "his person."
If you are interested in adopting Alfalfa please come to the shelter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12-4pm with all of the members of your home.
Currently available for adoption at Worcester Animal Rescue League with a detailed profile and photo.
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.
Shrewsbury Recreation's Summer Concert Series
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Location: 805 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA
Enjoy an evening of live local bands, delicious food trucks, and community connection at Dean Park.
Show details →
Malodies Karaoke
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET
Location: 26 Millbury St, Worcester, MA
Enjoy a night of karaoke every Thursday.
Show details →
Marlborough Summer Concert Series: Dom V & The Swing Out Band
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: 57 Main St, Marlborough, MA
A free outdoor concert featuring the Big Band sounds of Dom V & The Swing Out Band.
Show details →
Northborough Porchfest
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2026
Location: Northborough, MA
A community music festival featuring local bands performing on porches throughout the town, running from Thursday, June 25, 2026, to Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Show details →
JC Smith at The WCUW FrontRoom
Date: Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 6:30 PM ET
Location: The WCUW FrontRoom, 910 Main St., Worcester, MA
Blues artist JC Smith performs at The WCUW FrontRoom with Jeff Gaynor on keys, Bobby Palermo on bass, Bart McCracken on drums, John Bianchi on Hammond B3 organ, and Steve LeClaire & The Brass Angels horns. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Showtime: 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 cash or Venmo at the door. Light refreshments served or bring your own. Parking available in the Clark University lot across the street or on the street.
Show details →
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Thank you, Wormtown
That's all for this week, Wormtown! Keep supporting local, exploring our amazing community, and we'll catch you next time. Stay cool!
Team Wormtown Weekly
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