Events happening around Central Massachusetts this month!

Worcester Running Festival
Lace up your running shoes and make your favorite playlist, the Worcester Running Festival is speeding into the Woo. This is the second race in the New England Half Marathon Grand Prix, offering a challenge for even the most experienced runners. But marathons are not your thing? Sign up for 5k run or walk. There’s also a youth 1k.

7 a.m. June 19; the Common at City Hall in Worcester; prices and registration fees vary; halfgp.com.

Bee-cology Crowdsourcing Project
Native bees are under increasing threat and facing extinction unless preventative measures are taken. Be part of the solution by joining Dr. Robert Gegear in his crowdsourcing project. There will be a short presentation on bumblebee behavior and an indentifying segment, when participants will explore the flower gardens, searching for bumblebee patterns.

10 a.m.-noon June 18; Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston; free with admission, pre-registration required; towerhillbg.org.

The Ichabod Ball – Wired in Worcester
Join Preservation Worcester to celebrate the people and prosperity of the city at the turn of the 20th century with this hidden gem of a fundraiser. Enjoy live music, sculptures, lights, food and much more on the brick and cobblestone alley behind the Washburn and Moen North Works buildings.

7:30-10:30 p.m. June 4; North Works Building Alley, 100-102 Grove St., Worcester; $60 in advance, $80 at the door; preservationworcester.org.

Hanover Theatre Performing Arts Conservatory
Celebrate the renovation of 551 Main St., adjacent to the Hanover Theatre, with a ribbon-cutting and tour of the new conservatory, followed by a block party. The Hanover’s new Performing Arts Conservatory will offer educational programs, function facilities – and a new restaurant in the future! The expansion is part of the Theatre District Campaign, which aims to revitalize the city’s Theatre District.

4:30 p.m. June 2; Francis Carroll Plaza, Southbridge Street, Worcester; free; hanovertheatre.org.

Taste of Shrewsbury Street
Celebrate the city’s unofficial kickoff to summer! Explore the exquisite flavors of the 16th annual Taste of Shrewsbury Street. With more than 40 local restaurants participating, this year’s Taste of Shrewsbury Street promises to entertain and satisfy.

6-9 p.m. June 21, Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; $25; shrewsburystreet.org.