Molly Prior

Summer is fading and change is in the air as we transition to Fall. However, the seasons are not the only thing changing as Worcester experiences a new renaissance and revival. There are so many different and fun things going on this Fall. College students come back, sports seasons kick off and fun holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner. From art exhibits, to concerts, to sports games and more there is sure to be something for people of all ages. Here is just a little sneak peak of some of the unique activities and events going on around the Worcester county area as the city turns over a new leaf!

Art

The art scene in Worcester is growing and thriving. Art can be appreciated by everyone of all ages and there are so many exhibits for different audiences. From tattoos, to modern and contemporary art and more, one may just discover a new found love of art! Check out some interesting art inspired events coming up in the city.

•The 4th Annual Massachusetts Tattoo Convention will take place the weekend of September 20th-22nd at the DCU Center. Come to the ultimate event for the celebration of tattoos, and maybe get one of your own! There will be three days of world class tattoo artists, vendors and performances. The event is sponsored by Witch City Inc., and tickets are available on the venue website.

•The Worcester Art Museum has a new exhibit; “Archaic Avant Art Garde: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection.” It features late 20th century ceramists who have experimented with Japaneese pottery techniques. The exhibit runs through 27 October and is free with museum admission. 

•The Worcester Pop Up Gallery presents “Through The Pavement.” The art show, which will take place on 28 September, will celebrate the strength and beauty of women. Additionally, all proceeds will be donated to the WYCA of Worcester for the cause of domestic violence. 

Music/Entertainment 

Worcester is home to a few famous music venues such as The Palladium and the Hanover Theatre. On a weekly basis, one can be sure to find an event for music and entertainment going on throughout the city, from classical to mainstream. Several well-known bands and famous theatre productions straight from New York City are always making their way to Worcester. Take a look at a few that are coming this fall!

•Well known band “A Day to Remember” will be coming to the Palladium in Worcester for their “Self Help Fest” tour. The date of the concert is September 7th at 1:00 pm. Not only will the band provide some great American rock music, but this event also supports mental health related charities by donating a portion of their proceeds.

•“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”, the hit Broadway show will be making a stop in Worcester from September 26th-29th. The autobiographical show will feature the life story of music star Carole King and will feature some of her most popular hits such as “One Fine Day” and “You’ve Got A Friend.” 

•Looking for laughs? Worcester’s new comedy club, WooHaha has got you covered. Located on Franklin Street, the club hosts shows with various acclaimed comedians that are traveling throughout the country. This fall, you can expect to see comedians such as Griag Murphy on September 21st, Trevor Wallace on October 10th, Irene Bremis on November 22nd with even more comedians making appearances throughout the season! All shows are 18+, and there is a full food and drink menu. 

•For classical music lovers, the Worcester Chamber Music Society will have two notable events in the Fall. “Night Music” will take place at Assumption College on Sunday, November 3rd at 4:00 p.m. The event will feature two acclaimed musicians; Ashleigh Gordon on the violin and Rhonda Rider on the cello. The Society will also have “Music on the Main”, which will be a neighborhood pop up that offers free concerts by local musicians. This event will make classical music more accessible with its family-friendly and casual take on refined music. 

Sports

With the college scene in Worcester being so huge, sports are also a big part of the cultural scene here in Worcester. Football and hockey season come into full swing, so there are plenty of college games to attend. Additionally, there are a few minor league teams such as the Railers and Pirates in Worcester that present up and coming players to the city’s sports scene. 

•Worcester’s professional hockey team, the Worcester Railers, has the start of their season on Saturday, October 12 at the DCU Center, versus Adirondack. For more information on their 2019-2020 season schedule, go to RailersHC.com.

•Fall means back to school and back to the grind for college sports teams. Look out for games in soccer, football and basketball from schools like Assumption, Holy Cross, Clark, WPI and more! Worcester’s division one football team, the Holy Cross Crusaders kick off their football season on September 7th against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. Both Worcester State and WPI also kick off their home seasons that weekend, on September 6th as they face off against each other at WPI’s Alumni Stadium. 

•At some other division two and three schools such as Assumption College, both men’s and women’s soccer begins on September 5th. The women’s starts off the home season against Bloomfield. Clark University kicks off it’s women’s field hockey Fall season against Simmons on August 31st, just in time for the crisp Fall weather to start kicking in!

Food +Drink

Worcester has so many different options for food. In fact some of the most iconic food in Massachusetts is from right here in the city! From locally owned startups, to more exclusive and fancy eateries, there are some amazing restaurants to try out! You can find almost any type of food, from Mexican, to Italian, Japanese and more! 

•Looking for fresh fruits and healthy vegetables? The University Park Farmers Market will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Park, across the street from Clark University. Perfect for grabbing fresh ingredients for a home cooked meal or even just to enjoy a nice refreshing stroll, this market last all Fall ending on November 9th. 

•Are you a fan of the iconic TV show “Friends”? Are you a breakfast person? If so, be sure to check out the newly opened “Friends Cafe” right here in Worcester on June Street. The cafe is primarily a breakfast place, with speciality omlettes, french toast, pancakes and more! Their motto is “Come as a guest, leave as a friend.” 

•Mead is one of the oldest and most popular types of beer, having been around since 7000 B.C. Now, you can learn how to make your own! The Mass Audoban Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary is putting on a workshop event with instructions on how to make mead on your own at home. The workshop will cover the history, style, ingredients and the step-by-step process to make mead. It will take place on 8th September from 1-3 p.m. It is a 21+ event with limited space. Secure your spot today!

•C’mondz is a new restaurant on Shrewsbury Street that features “a fusion of cuisines” such as French, Italian and Asian. The goal of the restaurant is to make locally produced, seasonal dishes. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offer several vegan and vegetarian options!

No matter what you decide to do this Fall, Worcester has what you are looking for! As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather becomes crisper, come see the other transformations that are taking place in the city for yourselves.