Check out events happening around Central Massachusetts this month!

Worcester Music Awards
Pulse will take over Jillian’s to host the annual Worcester Music Awards on April 13. Through a crowd-sourced nomination process, favorite local artists, radio stations and venues will be awarded the title of Worcester’s best. The night will offer performances by local bands, T-shirts, giveaways, a photo booth and more. Come out to enjoy and support the local music scene. Free; 18+ to enter; 7 p.m. April 13; Jillian’s, 315 Grove St., Worcester; visit the event page on Facebook.

New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
Indulge in the head-banging, guitar-shredding music of Worcester’s 18th annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival at The Palladium. Bear witness to the brutal melodies of bands such as Killswitch Engage and Memphis May Fire. The intense sounds of nearly 40 metal and hardcore bands will posses you during this two-day festival. $30 in advance for Friday, $35 for Saturday; doors open at 3 p.m. Friday, April 15, and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16; The Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester; thepalladium.net.

REC Earth Day Cleanups
Join the Regional Environmental Council for its 27th annual Earth Day cleanup around the city of Worcester. Help commemorate Earth Day and show appreciation for your world by volunteering to clean your community with your community. Come together with neighbors and friends to clean a record number of city streets, neighborhoods and parks. 8 a.m.-noon April 9; around the city of Worcester; volunteer at recworcester.org.

Craft Brew Races
What better way to celebrate running (or walking) a fun 5K race than with an amazing craft beer event at Worcester Commons? Enjoy a relaxed run followed by a tasting of outstanding local and regional craft beers. This will make for an afternoon you won’t want to miss, and hopefully, one you will remember. Prices vary, must be 21+; noon-4 p.m. April 30; Worcester Common, corner of Front and Commercial streets; craftbrewraces.com.

ACE Spring Festival
Head over to the African Community Education Spring Festival for drumming with Crocodile River Music, dances performed by ACE students, student speakers, a dinner of African cuisine and more. This is a great chance to immerse yourself in different African cultures! Free; 3-6 p.m. April 16; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester; visit the Facebook event page for details.