If you are looking to day trip up to central MA, here are five events that are worth the drive and easy on the wallet.
1. Make Music Worcester
What started as an annual tradition in France in 1892, Make Music Day has now spread to countries around the world. The idea is to fill your city with music on June 21st, the first day of summer, and the longest day of the year. People of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in performances, workshops and lessons – what better way to celebrate the start of summer than will a full day of free music?
2. stART on the Street
stART on the Street is the largest art, music and performance festival in all of central MA, and brings in between 20,000 and 50,000 patrons each year. There are handmade craft tents lining the streets, food trucks, three stages for musical performances and tons of street performers. This will be the 12th year that this event has taken place and it only gets bigger and better each year. Best of all, it is free!
3. Pow! Wow! Worcester
Another international festival that has planted roots in Worcester is the Pow! Wow! Mural festival. Over the course of 10 days, artists from all over the world paint large scale murals across the city and participate in a number of demonstrations, speaking engagements and hands-on educational experiences with local schools. 2018 will be the third year that this event has taken place, and will add to the nearly 40 murals that have gone up in just the past 24 months. While the event itself is free, some of the other side events and parties may have an entrance fee.
4. Art on the Line
If there is one thing that prevents people from purchasing original pieces of artwork, it is generally the price tag. But if you want to find something affordable for your home, Art on the Line is a must-go event. The event is an annual fundraiser for ArtsWorcester and takes place at the Aurora Gallery. Established and emerging artists donate 5×7″ or 8×10″ pieces of original work and they are priced at $20 – $30 dollars. Each piece is tagged and hung on clotheslines within the gallery and when the doors open, people race in to grab the ones the want. This event raises thousands of dollars for the non-profit gallery each year.
5. Worcester World Cup
One of my favorite things about Worcester is its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. What better way to celebrate this than with a three day long World Cup-style soccer tournament? The cost to get in the gates is only $6 and covers you for every game of each day, and kids are always free. Local ethnic restaurants serve food all day, and there are loads of activities for kids, including a visit from Slyde, the Mascot of the New England Revolution.