Welcome to Worcester! Whether you are starting your freshman year and are new to the city, are a veteran coming back for more or simply live in the area, there’s plenty to do in September. Fall is the time for festivals and outdoor fun in New England, so grab a sweater and see what’s happening!

Wachusett Valley Music Festival. Starting at 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at the First Church of Chris Unitarian Church in Lancaster, this festival is a place to bring a blanket and a cooler, kick back and enjoy some folk music from some really talented artists. Performers this year will include Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli, John Flynn, Dale LePage, Dean Stevens, Brother Sun and more. soundsofwachusett.com.

Canalfest. Organized by the Canal District Alliance, the Blackstone Canalfest takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. There will be raffles, kayak rides, music, tons of food, a children’s tent, dancing, horse and wagon rides and a wealth of artists and vendors. One big highlight will be a recreated segment of the canal itself (75 feet long and filled with more 4,500 gallons of water) at the center of the festival! There is no charge for the event itself. The event celebrates the revitalization of the Canal area. Parking is available for $1 at the Union Station garage. blackstonecanalfest.org.

Worcester Pride. The Worcester Pride parade and pageant will take place Saturday, Sept. 6. The event begins at Institute Park at 10 a.m. and marches all the way to Worcester City Hall and to the Common. Each year is different, but performers include musicians, magicians, drag performers, dancers and more. This year, Joslyn Fox (from Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race) will join the lineup. worcesterpride.org.

Appleseed Country Festival. On Sept 6and 7, Red Apple Farm in Phillipston will host its festival, beginning at 10 a.m. each day. It’s the best of New England, with hayrides, walking trails, a petting zoo, apple cider donuts, kettle corn and tons of fresh apples, blueberries and other yummy produce. redapplefarm.com.

Paint Nite. This seems to be the new “big thing” ~ getting together with friends for a painting lesson and some drinks. I must admit, I am dying to do this. You can give it a try at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Nu Café and at 7 p.m. Sept 9 at Peppercorn’s, The Center Bar and Park Grill & Spirits. There are other dates and locations, too, and you must buy tix ahead of time. paintnite.com.

The Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle. The ultimate welcome for college students, the eighth annual Shrewsbury St. College Shuffle is a streetwide celebration from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 13. For $10 ($15 the day of), you can taste food from local restaurants, catch live performances and enjoy contests and giveaways. Also, there’s free transportation to and from area colleges. thecollegeshuffle.com. 

The Import Evolution Car Show. If you’re a car enthusiast, head to the DCU Center on Sept. 14. dcucenter.com.

stART on the Street. On Sept 21, check out one of the area’s largest art and music festivals. There are amazing artists selling and creating their artwork for you live, vendors of every kind, local food (including vegan) and performances from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. startonthestreet.org.

Hanover Theatre. The Hanover Theatre has plenty of great shows in September. Country fan? Grammy-winner Emmylou Harris graces the stage Sept. 23. If you’re looking for some comedy, check out Girls Night: The Musical on Sept. 26 and Last Comic Standing on Sept. 27. thehanovertheatre.org.

By Jennifer Russo