November can be a tough month when it comes to finding things to do. The idyllic summer weather has long passed, and the vibrant fall foliage has followed suit.
So we’ve pulled together a list of fun things to get you out and about!
Super Mega Fest Comicon
Friday, Nov. 21 – Sunday, Nov. 23 | Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Framingham.
Attendees of this local comicon can meet some of their favorite comic book artists, see props from well-known movies and TV shows, and meet celebrities like Hulk Hogan. Ticket-holders can also request their own custom hero sketches by Evan Van Sciver. This local comicon starts Friday night with the Cosplay Comedy Kickoff Party and runs all weekend with opportunities to visit the various booths, buy souvenirs and take plenty of pictures. Ticket prices vary, newenglandsupermegafestcom.com.
Elf the Broadway Musical
Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23 | The Hanover Theatre, Worcester
Check out a musical theater version of the 2003 blockbuster hit at the Hanover Theatre. Whether you go see the show with family or friends, this unique rendition of a modern holiday classic is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. Ticket prices vary, thehanovertheatre.org.
The Taste of North Central
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | DoubleTree Hotel, Leominster
This year, the Montachusett Opportunity Council will host its 10th annual Taste of North Central. The event features area restaurants, including Il Forno Restaurant, Rye and Thyme and Happy Jack’s. Participants can also enter an electronic silent auction through BidPal on the MOC website. Additionally, the event includes a beer- and wine-tasting hosted by Wyman’s liquors. $40 regular admission and $80 for VIP access, tasteofnorthcentral.org.
Winterfire Celebration
Friday, Nov. 21 | Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
If you’ve lived in the area long enough, you’ve probably at least heard people talk about the Providence Waterfire. On Friday, Nov 21, head to Wachusett Mountain and check the fourth annual Winterfire Celebration. While there, you can hang out at the fire pit, enjoy live music and try fire-grilled gourmet specials. Be sure to catch the skiing and snowboard-related movies, Almost Ablaze and Higher, to get in the mood for the upcoming season. Wachusett Mountain also offers a Get Fired up for Winter Sale for those who still haven’t purchased lift tickets/passes for the year, and, weather permitting, Wachusett will ceremoniously start up the snow guns. Ticket prices vary, wachusett.com.
Kicker Arenacross
Saturday, Nov. 22 | DCU Center, Worcester
See the nation’s top indoor motorcycle race series, Kicker Arenacross, featuring some of the top professional and amateur Arenacross competitors in the nation. After the race, watch the ultimate Freestyle Motocross show, as freestyle stunt riders jump more 70 feet through the air and perform amazing stunts. Tickets $21-$26, cyclecitypromotions.com.
Winter Hiking
The cold weather is reason enough not to go outside, but have you considered trying out winter hiking? While everyone else is trapped inside, go out and explore with the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Worcester Chapter of AMC holds regular workshops and meetups at places like Mount Monadnock and Wachusett Meadow. Winter camping workshops are also offered on various dates, as well as biking meetups. This November, bundle up, pack a thermos, grab a camera and take some photos worthy of a postcard. Dates, activities and prices vary, amcworcester.org.
Skating
Ice skating at night under Christmas lights is a ubiquitous winter date in the Northeast and a fun wintertime activity with friends. While you’re waiting for the Worcester Commons Oval to open for the season, you can always lace up your skates and practice at an ice rink in the area during free-skate sessions. If you don’t quite feel like freezing, try roller skating indoors at Skylite Roller Skating Center. Prices and locations vary.
Art Classes
Have you ever wanted to tap into your creative side but didn’t know where to start? The Worcester Center for Crafts offers workshops for beginners all the way to advanced artists in mediums like glass, clay, metal and even photography. Courses can be as short as a day or run for multiple weeks, with prices as low as $29. Night classes and weekend workshops are also offered so anyone can find the time to get creative. Class schedule and prices vary, worcester.edu/WCC.
By Sean M. Haley