Free events in Worcester County, MA

Enjoy an hour of lively conversation and good reads at the Gardner FRC Book Club. Selections are supplied by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so there is no need to bring a book. A free lunch is provided, and child care can be arranged upon request. All readers are welcome, whether you are an avid book lover or simply looking for a relaxing break. Registration is required. To sign up, call 978-730-1275 or email Kathy.MartinPalumbo@csoinc.org.

Enjoy four complimentary rounds of music bingo at The Paddock Lounge/ La Chacra in Fitchburg, with the possibility of winning a prize.

Focused on substance use and addiction recovery, this free support group at ACTION Community Health & Urgent Care Center in Fitchburg welcomes adults 18 and older who are navigating sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. It is part of weekly groups offered by CHC. Meetings are led by CHC recovery coaches and emphasize personal growth through self exploration and peer support. At the Fitchburg location, the group meets on the second floor in Conference Room 2. For questions or additional details, call 978-878-8484.

Weekly recovery support groups offer a welcoming space in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner for adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. These free, public groups focus on personal growth through self-reflection and peer connection, and each meeting is facilitated by CHC recovery coaches. In Gardner, the group meets in the Greater Gardner CHC third floor conference room. Fitchburg sessions take place on the second floor in Conference Room 2 at the Fitchburg CHC, and Leominster meets at Entrance B in the Behavioral Health conference room. There is also a site at ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For information or questions, call 978-878-8484.

A weekly farmers market gathers local farmers and artisans at The Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness. Explore fresh seasonal produce and handcrafted goods, meet the vendors, and enjoy a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. It offers an easy way to support local growers and makers while connecting with the community.

Enjoy a season of library film screenings with options for families, evening features, and timeless classics, all shown on a large screen. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. September includes Family Movie Matinee: Minions & Monsters (G), Beals Movie Night: Sheep Detectives (PG), and Classic Movie Matinee: Taxi Driver (R). October presents Family Movie Matinee: Toy Story 5 (G), Beals Movie Night: Project Hail Mary (PG-13), and Classic Movie Matinee: To Sir with Love (Not Rated).

This relaxed program for infants and toddlers offers brief stories, interactive songs, and unstructured play, giving caregivers and children time together in a friendly, child-centered space. It is free to attend. Activities encourage early development and provide chances to connect with other families. Light refreshments are available for children and adults. No registration is required.

A free teen drop-in at The HUB features bowling at no cost, ice cream, and a relaxed space to spend time with friends. Enjoy casual games and a welcoming atmosphere without any fees or pressure. Sponsored by The United Way of North Central MA.

Discover a community craft fair filled with handcrafted goods from local artisans and crafters. Browse jewelry, home decor, gifts, and other specialty pieces, then enjoy tasty bites while you shop. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It is a chance to support small businesses, uncover unique finds, and spend time with family and friends in a creative marketplace.

Casey and Kathy bring lively music.

Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press are teaming up for the fifth annual celebration of comics at Athol Town Hall. The venue becomes a lively hub for enthusiasts with comics, live drawing demonstrations, author question and answer sessions, games, vendors, a cosplay contest, free activities, and crafts, offering something for every age group. Admission is free for all ages. The full 2026 schedule will be shared soon. Cosplay contestants can sign up during the registration window before the competition, and cash prizes are offered.

Winchendon Community Park hosts a free, family friendly Halloween celebration featuring car to car trick or treating, festive music and seasonal games, a spooky trail experience after dark, and a lineup of food trucks and local vendors. Costumes are welcome. The festivities also celebrate the second year of the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater and bring together communities from across the region for entertainment, food, vendors, and games.

That’s Entertainment hosts a free Pokemon Trading Card Game league that welcomes both new and experienced players. Bring a deck for casual matches or come ready to learn the basics with guidance on site. The league is open to all ages, and children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Attendees receive prize packs. For questions about the game or getting started, contact Pokemon professor Jeff at obijeff@outlook.com.

A soothing yoga nidra session invites deep rest and a sense of joy. Participants ease in with gentle shapes to settle the body and focus the mind, then recline in stillness as an enveloping soundscape supports relaxation throughout. This is a donation based offering. To register, send a text to 774-261-3126. Space is limited.

A free support group at Fitchburg CHC welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use. Sessions are led by CHC recovery coaches and focus on self-exploration, mutual support, and personal growth through peer conversation. Meetings take place on the second floor in Conference Room 2. Weekly recovery groups are also available in Leominster and Gardner. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

Weekly recovery support groups offer a welcoming space in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner for anyone navigating sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. This session takes place at Leominster Community Health & Urgent Care Center. At the Leominster location, the group meets at Entrance B in the Behavioral Health Conference Room. CHC recovery coaches facilitate the groups with a focus on personal growth, self-exploration, and peer support. Participation is free and open to the public, and the group is for adults 18 and older. For questions or to learn more, call 978-878-8484.