Irena Kaci 

Another summer winding down, another school year already in our sights. Worcester’s constantly shifting college populace will be experiencing yet another influx of comings and goings and the electricity of this shift is palpable. We here at Pulse are all too happy to do our part in welcoming the class of 2028 and providing a quick glossary of all things Worcester that will appeal to incoming youth.

While each of the Worcester area universities has their own process for welcoming their students, the college friendly offerings extend beyond the campuses. But first, let’s talk about what some campuses offer their incoming class. I spoke with Danielle Morgan Acosta, Senior Associate Dean of Student Success at Clark University to get the scoop on what Clark U. brings to the table. 

“Clark has a robust undergraduate orientation program that begins a few days before classes begin.  Students arrive and move into their residence halls, and engage in a days of programming and activities in the community to learn more about college, Clark, and Worcester as part of their transition process.  Activities include:  a Common Academic Experience with Emily Hanford, the host and producer of the award-winning podcast, “Sold a Story”, walking tours of Main South and service projects benefiting local schools and shelters in partnership with the United Way of Central Massachusetts and, lastly, engaging in activities about the role they want to play and type of community they’d like to create and enhance at Clark.” 

However, everyone’s favorite activities are under the umbrella of ‘Clark After Dark’.  Acosta continues: “From trivia and music bingo, to speed friending and lawn games, karaoke, arts and crafts activities and a glow in the dark dance party, new undergraduates get a taste of college and start making new friends and having a lot of fun each night! Clark After Dark continues through the fall on Fridays and Saturdays, too!”

Once everyone has returned to campus and school has started in earnest, the Welcome parade begins its final stretch. “Welcome Back Week continues the activities for the entire campus community, with events like Red Fair to show Clarkie pride, a gaming Freeplay Friday, and the Student Activities Board’s Welcome Back Carnival – this year it is a Y2K theme with food trucks, laser tag, airbrush tattoos, bracelet making and more! And then, the second week of classes Clarkies get serious about getting engaged – our student club Involvement Fair and our Community Engagement & Volunteering Fair take place the first week of September!”

Nearly thirty miles to the north of Worcester, Fitchburg State University welcomes its own influx of college aged young adults looking to explore and discover central Massachusetts. I spoke with Fitchburg State’s Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs Matthew Bruun who has the scoop on what Fitchburg State students can expect. “ On September 4th we have our  “welcome back” event. Fitchburg State’s new president, Dr. Donna Hodge, will welcome new and returning students along with faculty, staff and community members with a State of the University address and fall semester picnic. The event, open to the public, is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 on the main quadrangle.” 

But that is only the beginning. Bruun continues: “Fitchburg State’s popular clubs and organization fair, known as Rock the Block, is now in its 26th year. The event will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 on the main quadrangle and along Highland Avenue, and is designed to celebrate the extracurricular opportunities available to all students.  We also celebrate Latinx Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Details on specific programs will be posted on the University’s website at fitchburgstate.edu.”

One of the most popular Fitchburg State offerings is their observation of Constitution Day, on September 17th.  “We will celebrate in the main lounge at Hammond Hall. The keynote address, entitled “Knowing Your Rights: Title IX and Gender Equity on Campus” will be offered by guest speaker C.L. Lindsay III, J.D., an attorney, author and student advocate. The program is free and open to the public.” LGBTQ+ History Month rounds out the season in October, with countless events and specific programs that will post on the campus website by the middle of September. 

Ethan Bates, Holy Cross Arts Marketing & Communications Manager was all too eager to talk about the variety of programming available to students and the general public from Holy Cross. “I’ll take the opportunity to share information on our Prior Presents series of events coming to campus this year. Beginning with Camille A. Brown and Dancers on September 12 and ending with Sphinx Virtuosi (a co-production with Music Worcester) on March 30, this amazing series brings some of the world’s most exciting performing artists to The Prior on campus at College of the Holy Cross and is available for students of all years to attend. While some are free entry for all, all ticketed events in this year’s series offer highly competitive student pricing to students both on Holy Cross campus and also to students elsewhere in the community.”

But local schools are not the only game in town. Tim Power, Business Development and Engagement Manger for Discover Central Mass, a nonprofit that centralizes local events, had his own list to share.

“Discover Central Mass is a wonderful resource available to anyone for free. The events calendar covers events all over Central Massachusetts, ranging from arts and culture programming to showcases and performances. We are a great resource for all college students and anyone else looking for something fun to do in the region. Secondly, we have a lot of different materials that are great for finding attractions in the region. We have a downtown walking map, a Visitor guide and even a college bucket list!”

High on the list is Worcester’s annual Pride Day, happening every September. This year, the day falls on Saturday September 7th and it’ll be brimming with local vendors and music. Preceding it, this year, there is also the Friday September 6th, Queer AF event. Taking place at Mechanics Hall, Founder & President Joshua Croke had this to say: 

“Queer AF is a night that centers queer joy and amplifies beauty in all forms. The queer community, people questioning their identity, and allies enjoy a fashion show featuring a diverse group of models wearing bespoke looks by national designers and performances including music, drag, and dance. It’s all in support of LGBTQ+ youth, and proceeds will support Love Your Labels programming.” 

For those not familiar with Love Your Labels, they encourage LGBTQ+ youth to explore identity and expression through art, fashion, and design. Programming includes Threads: Woven Together, in which high school-age youth use fashion and design on their self-discovery journey, and Drag Story Time, where drag queens read affirming, inclusive stories to show kids they are valid and create space for families to come together. 

This year’s Queer AF theme is “I’m with the Banned,” a theme that channels the spirit of resistance running through the community. Croke continues: “Our celebration of queerness, art, fashion, and expression is also a loud proclamation that our voices will not be silenced, our books will not be removed, and our existence will not be erased. Through every stitch and every word, we honor all individuals facing oppression and collectively fight back against the tide of censorship. Fierce fashion, stunning models, incredible music and drag performances, and joy. Prepare to watch models smash mainstream beauty standards in one-of-a-kind styles made by queer designers. You’ll be entertained by live music, drag performers, and more.” Queer AF will mark an incredible kick off to Worcester’s Pride Day, which will take place on Saturday the 7th, and welcome everyone.

Have you ever experienced the delight of a traditional German Oktoberfest? You won’t be sorry that you did. On September 28th, 2024, Lost Towns Brewery & Farmer Matt invites you to do exactly that. I spoke with organizer Pam Spurell from Lost Town Brewing who had this to say: “Join us for a local fest that captures the spirit of the original celebration of Bavarian culture and agriculture at your favorite Quabbin Hills farm, Farmer Matt’s! This fest is for the young and old, and everyone in between! Oktoberfest trivia, best dressed/Bavarian costume, stein holding competition (a classic Bavarian strength challenge). Hosted by Lustige Steifenhornchens Deutsche Band! Happy Chipmunks. Lustige Steifenhornchens Deutsche Band! Happy Chipmunks A four instrument professional Bavarian Band with trumpet, accordion, drums & tuba. Woodshed, local country folk band with 3 part harmony playing original music.”

If you’re a cinephile looking for a social movie event, look no further. The final movie night of the ‘Movies on the Common’ series will delight and scratch the spooky Halloween itch. Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” will air on October 17th. “Adding to the haunted atmosphere, the evening will also include a short talk on the history of the Worcester Common Burial Ground by William D. Wallace, Executive Director of the Worcester Historical Museum, and ghost stories told live by Tim Weisberg before the movie begins. In the event of rain, this movie will be shown in the YWCA’s gym, located at 1 Salem Square.”

On October 19th The Annual Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge Town Common is a family fun tradition. I spoke with the Chamber of Central Massachusetts Executive Director Alexandra Mcnitt to learn more. “Our Harvest festival includes countless local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh harvests. We expect roughly 80 crafters, specialty foods and local nonprofits offering all sorts of delightful items, many seasonal decor pieces and excellent holiday gifts. We feature three bands over the two days and a magic act each day too! New this year will be a bounce house for the kids, and axe throwing trailer for the adults, and on Sunday, we’ll have a half hour performance from the Southern New England Witches Dance Troupe.”

As you see, studying in Worcester for four years will open your world up to a wide range of possibilities, from local farm harvest festivals, to world-class entertainment. Performance juggernauts like Mechanics Hall, and Hanover Theater, large University Halls with plenty of artistic and social programming, as well as grassroots organizations looking for the next wave of world-changers.