Events in Worcester County today

Local business owners and leaders gather for a networking session focused on building genuine relationships, exchanging referrals, and supporting business growth. The event takes place at Hopedale Pizza Market and welcomes anyone interested, from seasoned entrepreneurs to those just getting started. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, ideas, and plenty of energy to spark productive conversations and new opportunities.

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.

This international symposium at the Icon Museum and Study Center gathers scholars from around the world to share fresh research on Greek and Russian icons in the museum’s care. Presentations spotlight notable works from the permanent collection that have not yet been published or studied in depth, and the papers will become the foundation of a new catalogue that presents the history of Orthodox icons in an accessible way for art historians, museum visitors, and devoted icon enthusiasts. The program is held alongside a collaborative exhibition featuring masterpieces from the Ikonen-Museum Recklinghausen, and together they commemorate the museum’s twentieth anniversary. Registration is required, with fees of $150 for Museum members and $185 for non-members. The schedule is available on the symposium page.

Enjoy shared studio hours in a welcoming gallery setting, where artists work side by side and take time to reflect on their practice. Bring ongoing projects or start something new while drawing inspiration from peers, with optional feedback from the Open Studio group. Suitable for any skill level. Plan to provide your own supplies. Free for Ruth Wells Center for the Arts members, and $5 for non-members.

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.

Young experimenters explore the electrochemical energy in pumpkins and other everyday fruits and vegetables. The session is intended for ages 7 to 12 and requires registration. A caregiver must accompany each child. Sponsored by the Friends of the JHPL.

Celebrate the U.S. premiere of Living Prayer in Christianity, a meditative documentary that delves into Orthodox Christian prayer through its icons and the cadence of monastic life. Guided by director Jean-Claude Lubtchansky, the film reflects on how icons act as portals to the holy, revealing what cannot be seen, and how their development is intertwined with theology, worship, and ascetic practice. The journey visits Saint Catherine’s Monastery near Mount Sinai, the monastic communities of Mount Athos, and sites across Russia, where icons continue to serve as living prayer. The narration draws from traditional Orthodox sources. The screening runs 52 minutes and is free with admission. Please note that the program concludes after the Museum has closed, and galleries will not be open following the film. Lubtchansky, a French documentarian known for influential educational work on figures such as Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci, also explored spirituality in depth, creating a trilogy on G. I. Gurdjieff titled The Seekers of Truth and a series on Shintoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, culminating in this exploration of Christianity.

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).

Craft a seasonal mason jar floral arrangement at Cold Harbor Brewing Company. Using fresh sunflowers, green hydrangeas, berries, autumn greenery, roses, asters, eucalyptus, wheat, and more, participants will design a fall-themed piece to take home. Food and beverages can be ordered from the menu during the workshop. Space is limited. Admission is $59.

Trapt takes the stage for a live show that is open to all ages.

Enjoy relaxed Magic: The Gathering Commander games with fellow players. This casual meetup takes place at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 184 Webster-Dudley MA.

The REC Farmers Market at Beaver Brook Park offers locally grown produce and opportunities to connect with community organizations. Vendors include Harper's Farm & Garden, Fay Mountain Farm, Juakumbah Farms, Bucket List Maple Syrup, and the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA) Mushroom Farm, with additional sellers participating. Payment options include cash, card, SNAP, HIP Healthy Incentives Program benefits, and Senior and WIC Farmers Market coupons. On-site parking is available.

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.

An in-person fall and winter kids consignment pop up brings together a broad selection for growing families. Browse baby and youth essentials, including clothing from infant sizes through youth 18, toys, games, shoes, gear, and decor, all contributed by local families and reviewed for quality, all in one place. Select items are discounted by half on the final public shopping day. Early entry options are offered with registration and limited capacity, including a cause-driven session where ticket proceeds support charity, along with some free early shopping opportunities. Those interested in selling can earn cash for outgrown or unused clothing, toys, baby gear, games, shoes, decor, and more. Payment is accepted by cash, Mastercard, Visa, and Apple Pay. All purchases are final.

The Second Chance Mobile Adoption Van visits Klem’s, offering a convenient way to meet adoptable pets and consider welcoming a new companion into your life. The event emphasizes that adoption is a lifelong commitment. If adoption is not possible, there are still meaningful ways to help by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word so these animals can find loving homes.

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.

Presented by Kings Court Booking, this EP release celebration for Okami brings a full lineup to Raven Worcester in Worcester, MA. The Mighty Fall, Among Ghosts, Proxies, Slated, and Forced Mayhem round out the bill. Admission is 18 and over. Tickets are $15 and available only on the day of the show.

Week six of the 2026 varsity football season takes place at Gardner High School, with the Gardner Wildcats on their home field. This varsity matchup showcases high school football in a local setting.

Settle into a guided meditation designed as a Reiki Experience, where you relax while Reiki energy surrounds you and supports healing for specific concerns. This is not a touch-based treatment. The practitioner simply maintains a supportive space as the energy does the work. Participants rest comfortably, most often lying down, though sitting is welcome. This session centers on energetic healing and nourishment. Cost is $30.

Scott Magill and Heather Deary appear together at Tailwind Tavern in Hopedale MA for a live performance. This event features both artists sharing the stage.

Chris Houston and Peter Wise take the stage together at The Mill for a live performance. The show highlights their music as a duo, with both artists sharing the bill.

At Electric Haze, ODACOVA takes the stage for one of its final performances of the year, opening the night for PEAK.

For 17 years, Tusk has celebrated the music of Fleetwood Mac through performances powered by a lifelong bond. The five founding members have known one another for more than four decades, from childhood moments like Little League and middle school band to years of collaborating in original groups, jam bands, songwriter circles, and alternative rock projects. That shared history builds trust and near-telepathic timing, turning every note and beat into a reflection of their friendship on stage and a connection the audience can feel. All-in ticket pricing is $44, $54, $64, or $74, depending on seat location. Purchasing in person at The Hanover Theatre box office reduces handling fees, and the box office can be reached at 877.571.7469 for details.

The 2026-2027 season opens with a spotlight on Mozart, as Emanuel Ax performs with The Knights in a program featuring two piano concertos alongside an overture by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Ax, widely recognized among the nation’s leading classical pianists, teams up with an adventurous orchestra often noted as a forward-looking force in American classical music. Celebrated well beyond their Brooklyn origins for relaxed virtuosity and a wide-ranging repertoire, The Knights bring a vibrant energy to the stage. The program presents Bologne’s Overture to L’amant anonyme, followed by Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453, and Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major, K. 503. Listeners can anticipate the lightness and sparkle associated with French Classicism, full of color and ornament, alongside Mozart’s elegant command of form and style.

Enjoy a casual outing with a Guinness or the drink of your choice, whatever suits your taste.

Curious about curling? This introductory class at Worcester Ice Center offers a welcoming first step onto the ice. Over about two and a half hours, you will begin with 15 to 20 minutes of instruction off the ice, spend roughly an hour learning on-ice skills, then finish with a short game. It is open to all skill levels and costs $50 per participant. Please reserve your spot in advance and complete payment using the linked form provided during sign up and in your receipt.

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.

The REC Farmers Market at University Park features fresh, locally grown produce and opportunities to connect with community organizations. Vendors include Harper's Farm & Garden, Fay Mountain Farm, Coolidge Hill Farm, Circling Carrots Farm, Wooden Bakery, and more. Payment options include cash, card, SNAP, the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and Senior and WIC farmers market coupons. Parking is available in the Clark University lot on Gates Street in Worcester.

This performance features lively, all-ages acoustic renditions of familiar songs at the Gardner farmers market, bringing an upbeat, family friendly vibe.

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.

Discover scratchboard in a welcoming workshop designed for all skill levels. No prior experience is needed, and all necessary supplies are provided so participants can focus on learning. Joe will also present a free live demonstration of this distinctive art form, offering another opportunity to see the process in action.

Celebrate an International Space Station contact with a day of special programs at the EcoTarium. Discover ham radio, experiment with the radio technology that allows students to speak with an astronaut in outer space, and watch a complete replay of the conversation. The focus is on how space-to-Earth communication works, highlighting the systems that make a call to the cosmos possible from the EcoTarium.

Take part in a prerelease sealed event featuring the Unleashed set, played in best-of-one matches. Entry is $30 and capacity is limited to 24 players. Pre-registration is available through the Riftbound website, with payment accepted upon arrival. Walk-in entries may be accommodated if space remains.

Playful pups take center stage at the second annual Howl-O-Ween Party, a doggie open play celebration filled with costumes, games, and prizes. Highlights include a pup costume parade and contest, Halloween themed dog games, treats for four-legged guests, and plenty of photo opportunities. Dogs can strut their spooky or silly style while owners mingle with fellow dog lovers in a fun and festive setting. More details will be shared as the event nears. Entry is charged per pup, and human companions attend for free.

Wild Kratts Live 2.0: Activate Creature Power! brings the Kratt brothers to the stage for a lively creature adventure that blends onstage performance with animated segments. Chris and Martin appear in person while the rest of the Wild Kratts team participates on screen from their Tortuga headquarters. The show invites the audience to call out answers from their seats, using their animal know-how to help power the mission. Look forward to surprising facts about amazing creatures and the excitement fans know from the Wild Kratts television series. All-inclusive ticket prices are $44, $57, or $67 depending on seat location. A limited number of VIP Meet and Greet seats are available for $169. VIP access includes a post-show meet and greet with Chris and Martin Kratt. Each child attending the meet and greet must be accompanied by an adult who also holds a VIP ticket. For more information, call the box office at 877.571.7469.

Celebrate character building and stage presence at a cosplay competition that spotlights creativity, craftsmanship, and accuracy. Participants will compete for honors that include Best in Show, Creativity, Craftsmanship, Accuracy, and Best Presentation or Performance, with cash prizes selected by a panel of Comic Book Fest judges. Each person may enter only one costume, and preference is given to builds created at home. Professional commission-based costumers are invited to showcase their work at Comic Book Fest but should not enter the competition. Costumes that include nudity, obscene or graphic elements, or anything not in keeping with the spirit of the event will lead to disqualification. Judging focuses on resemblance to the character, the quality of construction, creative choices, presentation to the audience, and how well the costume is represented. Registration is free at the Comic Book Fest entry table inside Athol Town Hall and requires a name, age, character title, and franchise, along with a quick photo at sign-up. During the contest, each entrant will cross the stage, pause for a pose, and answer one or two brief questions from the MC about the character or the costume. To remain eligible for prizes, contestants are expected to present a new cosplay each year.

Spend the afternoon playing board games and enjoying barbecue at BBQ Underground in Worcester.

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.

The HUB and the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon are seeking volunteers for Haunted Happenings, a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Winchendon Community Park. Highlights include Trunk or Treat, music, seasonal games, haunted trails after dark, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of spooky fun. Volunteer roles cover setup, cleanup, serving, cafe support, and other on site needs, with most shifts lasting about two to three hours. Proceeds from the HUB and Kiwanis food tent help fund The HUB’s year-round programs and services, including Community Food, Emergency Assistance, Community Threads, Youth Leadership Training, Senior Bowling, Teen Drop-In, cooking classes, after school programs, and more, and also support the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon’s ongoing service to children, families, and community initiatives throughout Winchendon.

This session offers assistance with VA claims and provides an opportunity to have questions answered.

Fox and the Dragon perform live at Wormtown Brewery’s Worcester taproom and production site with a set that spans 90s favorites, one-hit wonders, classic rock, and folk. The music pairs with the brewery’s beers in a welcoming setting.

This performance is made possible in part through funding from the Wales Cultural Council, a local agency, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Dillinger Escape Plan performs live at Worcester Palladium with a hard-hitting show. Recognized as an iconic band in metalcore, they bring an intense concert experience that spotlights their fierce sound and onstage power.

Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet performs live in the FrontRoom at WCUW. The group blends jazz with the blues and funk they grew up on, stepping outside strict genre boundaries. Admission is $20, payable in cash or Venmo at the door.

Wind Walkers headlines an all-ages live music event, joined by special guests If Not For Me and True North.

Dave Mansfield and Ben Cote return to The Cellar 14Mill with an acoustic duo performance featuring some of their favorite songs from the 1960s through the 2000s. The set focuses on acoustic versions of familiar favorites spanning several decades.

Blackstone Soul transforms Point Breeze into a lakeside dance floor with an upbeat mix of funk, soul, disco, R&B, yacht rock, and modern dance favorites, blending timeless cuts with current hits. The six-piece lineup features both female and male lead vocals, a saxophone that drives the groove, and a tight rhythm section built for nonstop movement, creating a polished, feel-good atmosphere from start to finish. Dinner seating offers the prime spots, and reservations can be made by calling 508-943-0404. There is a $10 cover at the door. Dress up, gather friends, and plan for a celebration by the water.

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.

Discover self-care through floral arts with Flower Therapy in Oxford, MA. This hands-on class focuses on designing an elegant autumn arrangement in a dark, moody palette of cream, deep burgundy, and rich purple. Beginners are welcome. Learn foundational floral design techniques and build your own seasonal piece while taking time for mindfulness, stress relief, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature. All materials are provided and instruction is live. The workshop is led by Ashley Starzec, LMFT, a mental health professional with nearly two decades of experience and the creator of Flower Therapy wellness groups. While Ashley brings a mental health perspective, the session is a wellness workshop, not psychotherapy.

Explore the pottery wheel in a relaxed two hour class that covers the basics of centering clay and shaping a bowl or other small vessel. Work with durable stoneware clay that is safe for the oven, dishwasher, and microwave. Suitable for beginners and welcoming to all experience levels, this hands-on session offers a simple way to try the wheel and create something of your own.

This benefit bingo brings together 10 vendors, each offering a brief introduction before calling a round. There is a single winner per game, and the prize is the calling vendor’s product. Play 10 games for $5. Vendors on hand include Tastefully Simple with Sheila Perrow and Acadian Gifts & More with Melissa Cominoli.

Evening Sky brings its genre-blending sound to the FrontRoom at WCUW with a special appearance by guitarist Mino Lanzieri. This quartet of pedal steel guitar, electric guitar, bass, and drums crafts modern takes on jazz, rock, country, and pop alongside original pieces that shift from spacious and reflective to tight and funky grooves. Listeners and writers have praised the group for its balance of jazz and roots traditions, its soulful rhythms, and its spirited improvisation that draws on Americana, R&B, country, and more. The collaboration with Lanzieri traces back to guitarist Gino Rosati’s time in Naples, where the two first connected and performed together, eventually reuniting in the studio at Jim Eno’s Public Hi-Fi in Providence for sessions that highlighted both players’ compositions and interplay. With pedal steel guitarist Chris Brooks in the fold, their recent work moves easily between modern jazz textures and expansive Americana. Admission is $20, payable in cash or via Venmo at the door. Light refreshments are available, or bring your own. Parking is available across the street in the Clark U lot.

Madame LeDuke leads an evening at The Cursed Page Bookstore offering tarot readings, spiritual guidance, and otherworldly insights. A mystical atmosphere encourages reflection and curiosity as attendees explore questions and seek clarity.

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.

Scene Queen presents METALICIOUS with guest sets by Wargasm and Bailey Spinn. Open to all ages, this show brings these artists together on one stage for a night of live performances.

Exercise Hour at the Gardner Family Resource Center offers a welcoming, judgment free space to move and boost energy while following along with prerecorded fitness videos designed for adults at all activity levels. Options include yoga, low impact aerobics, chair exercises, gentle stretching, and more, so participants can choose what fits best. Childcare is available upon request. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House presents a laid-back pairing of buck-a-shuck oysters and blues. Enjoy oysters shucked for a dollar each with the sounds of blues setting an easygoing mood.

Marine Corps League Worcester Detachment #144 holds a monthly meeting on the third Monday at its lakeside club in Worcester, MA. All Marines and Corpsmen are welcome, and the gathering is open to the public. Visitors can check out the club and take in the view of the lake. Food and drinks are available at the bar.

Settle into a calm, supportive meditation session created as a gentle pause in the week, a place to rest, breathe, and meet yourself in quiet. Each gathering may include silence, soft sound, simple breathwork, or light guidance, shaped by what the group needs that day. There is no right way to participate. The focus is simply showing up for yourself, your body, and your healing. No prior experience is required. Bring your presence, and a blanket or cushion if that feels comfortable. This is a donation-based offering, so contributions are welcome in whatever amount feels right. Space is limited, so sending a text in advance is encouraged to make sure there is room. Participation from home is also available through an online option. Everyone is welcome, exactly as they are.

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.

Enjoy friendly games and conversation at the Winchendon Senior Center. Boards and cards are provided, with options like cribbage, Scrabble, checkers, chess, and card games. Newcomers, returning players, and experienced enthusiasts are all welcome, and there are already a couple of cribbage regulars looking for additional players. Transportation support is available for anyone who needs a ride to the center. For help arranging transportation or for general questions, call 978-297-3155 or email communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org or winchendoncoa@gmail.com.

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.

Settle into a weekly practice of mantra and breathwork designed to bring balance to mind, body, and spirit. In a supportive community setting, participants explore what has been avoided, cultivating clarity rooted in liberation and heart-centered solutions. Admission is $15.

An open jam fills the lounge at Point Breeze, with host Mike Silvia guiding the night. Bring an instrument or your voice to sit in, or relax and enjoy the performances. Mike keeps the music moving, offers pointers to musicians who want them, and fosters a friendly, collaborative room. Expect the feel of a full band with a rotating mix of dedicated local players and plenty of upbeat energy, engaging for both performers and listeners. There is no cover. Enjoy live music, local talent, and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

A relaxed meet up for Magic fans to enjoy casual Commander games together. This gathering focuses on easygoing play and friendly matches.