thePULSE
It’s summer, and that means the sun is out, but what about you? After being cooped up all winter, it’s time to take advantage of all the great things Central Massachusetts has to offer this season. Whether you enjoy experiencing new cultures, trying a new dish, listening to great music or appreciating artistic talent, there’s something for everyone in the area. Go exploring, and make this summer one to remember!
Celebrate Good Times
African American Juneteenth Festival
Experience the richness and vastness of the African American community at the 14th annual African American Juneteenth Festival. You’ll get a sense of just how vibrant this heritage is while enjoying live music from the islands, as well as North, South and Central America, and sampling Southern, Caribbean and African cuisine. Entertainment includes an African American history tent, children’s tent and performers, as well as vendors of handmade jewelry, Afro-centric art and clothing, books and homemade oils. For those interested in learning more about history of the culture, the African American History Interactive Workshop, presented by Joel Mackall of Reldren Business Group, is sure to please. Head on over to Institute Park on June 28 with your blankets and lawn chairs for a celebration you’ll never forget.
2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Institute Park, Salisbury Street, Worcester. Free. Juneteenthfestival.org.
Asian Festival
Hosted by the Southeast Asian Coalition, the Asian Festival is back again for its 11th year Sunday, June 29. This cultural event is sure to be fun for the whole family, with dance performances, costumes, music, food and games, all celebrating the Asian heritage. “Worcester is a great city, with a variety of Asian cultures, and here at the festival, you get to see the entire Asian community together, learn a bit about their culture, while enjoying the food and performances. There is a togetherness during the festival which is pretty special,” said Nam Nguyen, of the coalition. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than to come together in celebration of community, culture and fun?
Noon-7 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at the Italian-American Cultural Center, 28 Mulberry St., Worcester. Free. Seacma.org.
Latin American Festival
Celebrate Latin American culture Aug. 16 with a free outdoor festival presented by Centro Las Americas. The festival will feature traditional live Latin music and cuisine. Festival Coordinator Dolly Vazquez said people should take advantage of this exciting “chance to taste, hear and feel the Latino culture in the center of Worcester in a family-oriented environment.” She said the best part of the festival is by far the music, so you know you’re in for a treat. Information tables set up on the Common contribute to the sense of community and offer an opportunity to learn more about all of the services available in the city. A beer garden and children’s tent of crafts (sponsored by the Worcester Art Museum) add to the list of fun activities you definitely won’t want to miss!
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the City Hall area of Worcester. Free. Worcesterlatinfestival.com.
Worcester Caribbean Carnival
After its successful debut in 2013, this festival is back for its second year. Hosted by Worcester American Caribbean Carnival Association, the event will include a parade from Foley Stadium to Institute Park, with floats playing music for dancing and masqueraders donning costumes of feathers, beading and bright, vibrant colors. Jennifer Gaskin, president of the association, said, “It’s all-ages, family-friendly and offers the opportunity to see something from a different culture they may never have been exposed to if they’ve never been to the Caribbean.” Caribbean and Afro-centric food, as well as vendors of jewelry, clothing and other items ~ some specific to the Caribbean and some not ~ add to the cultural displays offered. Live music from New England band Tropical Fire, as well as other special guests, gives spectators a taste of Caribbean heritage. If you love some friendly competition, you’ll enjoy watching judges award Best Costume and Band of the Year.
Vendors open at noon; parade starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, from Chandler St. to Park Ave., Worcester. Free. Worcestercarib.com/Home_Page.php.
Food for Thought
Big Dipper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Head down to Elm Park on June 28 for an afternoon dedicated to savoring delicious ice cream flavors. Hosted by Children’s Friend, the oldest child and family service agency in Central Massachusetts, this festival is not only fun but also philanthropic. All of the proceeds are donated toward improving its critical service programs. Expect to enjoy games, raffles, music, clowns, balloons, face-painting and more. Debby Huegel, director of marketing and events at the agency, said, “For a great day out in beautiful Elm Park ~ whether you’re 9 months or 90, there is something for everyone. … Every dollar you spend at the Big Dipper, in turn, helps children and families experience better lives.”
10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Elm Park, 284 Highland St., Worcester. $5 for ages 10 and older, $1 for ages 4–9 and free for children 3 and younger. Childrensfriend.org/?page_id=1289.
Taste of Shrewsbury Street
Looking for a new favorite restaurant? On June 17, you’ll have the opportunity to sample food and drinks from more than 30 participating restaurants and pubs on Shrewsbury Street. Sponsored by the Shrewsbury Street Merchants Association, a $25 button gives you access to sample dishes from each of the participating restaurants. The variety and quality are unbeatable, and even better, the proceeds benefit the continued beautification of the locale, as well as children’s charities in the area. Entertainment and arts and crafts presented by local vendors add to the vibrant ambience. Be a part of the unofficial kickoff of summer at Worcester’s biggest block party.
5-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 17. $25 for a button, available from participating restaurants and at Shrewsburystreet.com. Facebook.com/TasteOfShrewsburyStreet/info.
The Worcester Food Truck Festival
Food Truck Festivals of New England will roll into Worcester on June 21! The festival will feature more than 20 popular New England food trucks, including the Bacon Truck, Boston’s Baddest Burger, the Happy Taco, Mei Mei Street Kitchen, Frozen Hoagies and more. Your taste buds will go into overdrive with options ranging from local seafood, barbecue and duck tacos to cupcakes and whoopee pies. Festival producer and Senior Vice President Janet Prensky said, “We find that people are just so surprised and pleased to discover what fantastic food is created by the chefs at our food trucks. It’s not just grilled cheese; it’s grilled fontina with short rib on pressed sourdough. It’s not just an Asian salad; it’s soba noodles with bean sprouts, carrots, chicken and cilantro in an amazing sauce. The Worcester Food Truck Festival is all about the food … as it should be!” The fun doesn’t stop there, as the event will also feature live music, prizes, a beer tent, children’s activities and ~ new this year ~ a handmade arts market.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Elm Park, 284 Highland Street, Worcester. $5 (cash only) for ages 13 and older, free for children 12 and younger. Facebook.com/TasteOfShrewsburyStreet/info.
Worcester Restaurant Week
The summer edition of Worcester Restaurant Week returns the first two weeks of August with more great food at one low price. Food-lovers can experience the fine dining of some of the best local restaurants for only $23.14 a person, so take advantage! As an added bonus, some establishments will even offer a special chef’s menu. Whatever tickles your taste buds ~ be it Italian, Asian, Mexican, seafood or grill ~ you can be sure to find it at a participating restaurant.
Aug. 4-16 at participating Worcester restaurants. Three-course meal for $23.14. Facebook.com/worcesterrestaurantweek.
Play that Funky Music
Indian Ranch Summer Concert Series
Back for its 68th concert season, Indian Ranch will host about 20 exciting concerts and events this summer. Suzette Raun, president at Indian Ranch, said, “It is a truly unique and special place to attend a concert, offering music-lovers a chance to see some of the greatest country, roots rock, classic rock and pop bands just a few steps from Chaubunagungamaug (Webster Lake). Nestled between pine trees, the amphitheater is very intimate, offering the ability to see the stage from anywhere in the audience.” George Thorogood and the Destroyers open the series June 22 and other scheduled performers include Jamey Johnson, Barenaked Ladies, Happy Together Tour, The Mavericks, The Marshall Tucker Band, Scotty McCreery, Thompson Square, Bret Michaels, Chris Young and The Charlie Daniels Band. Other notable shows you won’t want to miss include Blues at the Beach on July 13, as well as the annual Indian Ranch Brewfest on Aug. 16.
Days, times and ticket prices vary throughout June, July and August. 200 Gore Road, Webster. Indianranch.com.
Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series
If local music is your thing, you have to check out the sixth annual Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series, held Thursdays, June-August. Featuring live entertainment from New England bands ~ including up-and-coming talent from right here in Worcester ~ as well as a farmers market, craft displays and a variety of food from local restaurants and vendors, this event can’t be beat. “Out to Lunch is a creative spark in the everyday work week. …Worcester is fortunate to have city leadership working with cultural organizations, artists and the business community to bring the city to life with great music, dance and art,” said Erin Williams, cultural development officer of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Head over to the Worcester Common for the perfect outdoor setting to enjoy great music and fun downtown this summer!
Noon-2 p.m., vendors open at 11 a.m. Thursdays from June 19-Aug. 21 on the Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester. Free. Facebook.com/OutToLunchConcertSeries.
MusicFest at Wachusett Mountain
Voted Best Local Music Festival at the 2013 and 2014 Worcester Music Awards, the 16th annual MusicFest at Wachusett Mountain is an event you don’t want to miss. Two stages of the best national, regional and local music, along with a mountainside barbecue, food stations, beer festival, local craft vendors and a classic and muscle car show, make this a one-of-a-kind summer festival in every way. You can even take a scenic skyride up to the mountain summit. Bands on the main stage this year include Badfish, A Tribute to Sublime, Strange Machines, Air Traffic Controller, Michael Bernier & Freevolt, as well as Ashley Jordan and Andy Cummings on the side stage. Pack your blanket and lawn chairs and head out for a great afternoon!
12-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Wachusett Mountain, 400 Mountain Road, Princeton. $20-$37 for adults, $4-$22 for children 6-12. Festival package admission also available. Wachusett.com/EventsActivities/CalendarofEvents/MusicFest/tabid/118/Default.aspx.
Paulie’s New Orleans Jazz n’ Blues Festival
Back by popular demand, Paulie’s New Orleans Jazz n’ Blues Festival will be in the Canal District for the first time. This festival is all about the music, incorporating the sounds of live Louisiana zydeco, blues, jazz, funk and rock n’ roll. “Support live music in Worcester before it disappears,” said festival founder and organizer Paul Collyer himself. Fans of this genre don’t need to be told twice. Iconic New Orleans band George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners, Big Chief Juan Pardo & The Golden Commanche Mardi Gras Indians, Little Freddie King, Roomful of Blues and Mem Shannon & The Membership are just a few of the acts lined up. Traditional food, including jambalaya, gumbo and alligator sausage, and refreshments from Harpoon Brewery afford an all-around southern vibe. The festival will wrap up with Pauliestock 5K on Sunday.
7 p.m.-midnight Friday, June 20; noon-midnight Saturday, June 21, noon-9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22, in the Canal District, 152 Green St., Worcester. $15-$65. baevents.com/pauliesnolabluesandjazzfestival/index.html.
Shrewsbury Street Walk & Rock
Enjoy a variety of live music and great food on Shrewsbury Street on selected Thursday evenings in July. With 10 venues, this free event allows you to connect with local music and local cuisine for one great evening. Walk Shrewsbury Street and catch local bands playing live at area restaurants.
7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 24, on Shrewsbury Street. Free. Shrewsburystreet.org/walkrock.htm.
How Great Thou Art
Fitchburg Art Museum Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft
One of the oldest juried exhibitions of its kind in New England, this annual summer tradition celebrates its 79th year bringing together the best artists and crafters in the region. If you are an art enthusiast, spend a day enjoying the works of nearly 80 artists of the area. Eugene Finney, director of marketing and community relations at FAM, said, “Our region is filled with high-quality and professional artists and crafters, and some of them are your neighbors. Not many museums are still dedicated to the artists and crafters of their particular region, but the Fitchburg Art Museum is, and that is just one of the many reasons that we set the bar high for other community museums.”
Opening reception is 1-3 p.m. June 22. Exhibition runs through Aug. 31 at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. $9 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for ages 13-18 and college students and free for members, children 12 and under and other select groups. Fitchburgartmuseum.org/Upcoming-Exhibitions.php.
Hot Night in the City
Worcester Center for Crafts’ Hot Night in the City returns July 9 with new partners and new sources of fun! Park Spirit will provide a zydeco band; Broadmeadow Brook will collaborate in the opening of a new photography exhibition; Wachusett Brewery will do a beer-tasting; and Woodberry and a surprise guest food truck will sell tasty treats. Music, food and entertainment are only the half of it, as the event will also be showcasing its craft disciplines such as glass-blowing, ceramics (including rake firing on the patio), enameling and metalsmithing. Honee Hess, executive director of the center, said, “It gives us a chance to turn the Worcester Center for Crafts inside out and let people enjoy our ‘hot’ processes under the night sky!”
6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester. Free. Worcestercraftcenter.org.
Art + Market
This year, the Worcester Art Museum will offer an art and farmers’ market sure to brighten your summer Saturdays. Experience a diversity of fresh produce, inspiring art, art-making activities and live music as you engage in activities offered by cultural and community partners. Bringing together artisans, farmers and the community at large, you can find fresh foods from nearby farms and even meet the people who grow your meal. As Victoria Hall, public events coordinator at WAM, explained, Art + Market will enhance current programs and exhibits at the museum by engaging visitors in a new and exciting way. What better way to reinvest in the local community while enjoying the museum’s collection and exhibitions!
10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday from July 12-Sept.20 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Lot, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Free. Worcesterart.org/Events/art+market.
Third Thursdays on the Common
Movies on the Common just got that much better. Back for its fourth year, under collaboration between Worcester Film Works and Las Mariposas Productions, the series has been expanded into Third Thursdays on the Common. As in the past, three free movie nights will be held on the third Thursday of each summer month, and new this year will be a food truck park and beer and wine garden. Located downtown at the historic Worcester Common, the entire park, from the City Hall Plaza to the Common’s green space, will buzz with cultural activity. Victoria Hall, CEO and event producer for Las Mariposas Productions, said, “Families, adults and people of all ages will find something attractive about this summer event. … We want to make sure that everyone, from city residents to surrounding communities, enjoy themselves every third Thursday of the summer and can count on having a great time in the downtown.”
Begins at 6 p.m. for food and music; movie begins at sundown. Thursday, June 19; Thursday, July 17; Thursday, Aug. 21, on the Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St., Worcester. Free. Worcesterfilmworks.org.
By Erin Cornell
