What’s Happening This Weekend in Worcester — June 20–21

Whether you’re exploring Worcester for the first time or you’ve lived here for decades, this weekend has something for everyone. I’ve pulled together the best events across Worcester County for Saturday and Sunday — festivals, markets, outdoor adventures, arts, and plenty of food. Let’s dive in.

Saturday, June 20

University Park Farmers Market

Kick off Saturday morning at one of Worcester’s most popular summer markets. The REC’s University Park Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 AM to noon, featuring local produce, prepared foods, and family-friendly activities including live music, face painting, and balloon art. It’s a great way to meet local farmers and stock up on fresh goods for the week.

Learn more at REC Worcester

Massachusetts Cheese Festival

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Massachusetts Cheese Guild at this beloved annual festival. Head to Stone Cow Brewery in Barre for a day of New England cheesemakers, tastings, educational programming, and live music — all set on the gorgeous historic Carter & Stevens Farm. This is a family-friendly event, and Stone Cow’s own ice cream stand will be open too.

Get tickets on Eventbrite

Juneteenth Festival

Worcester’s annual Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival returns to Institute Park for an afternoon and evening of music, dance performances, local vendors, children’s activities, and incredible food. This community celebration is one of the biggest events of the summer and a wonderful way to honor and learn.

Visit the official site

5th Annual Nashoba Rock N Brewfest

Head to Lancaster for this popular outdoor beer festival featuring 25+ craft brewers, food trucks, live music, and outdoor games. Now in its fifth year, the Nashoba Rock N Brewfest is a great way to sample local brews and spend a laid-back afternoon with friends. The Fairgrounds setting gives it a relaxed, festival atmosphere.

Get tickets

Sunday, June 21

Market on Exchange

The Market on Exchange is back for its second season, bringing 20+ regional vendors to downtown Worcester every Sunday. Expect fresh produce, meats, seafood, handmade goods, craft beer from places like The Ragged Hill Cider Company, and prepared foods. It’s a strollable, community-friendly market right in the heart of the city.

See vendor list on MarketSpread

Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival

Sunday’s edition of the Institute Park doubleheader features the Caribbean American Heritage Festival, celebrating National Caribbean American Heritage Month with Caribbean cuisine, live music, arts and crafts, and vibrant cultural performances. If you went to Juneteenth on Saturday, come back for more on Sunday — same beautiful park, totally different vibe.

Get tickets on Eventbrite

Worcester Art Museum — Weekend Visiting

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, the Worcester Art Museum is open both days this weekend with two exhibitions worth catching: “Fever Dreams of a Cool-Breathed Earth” (through August 16) and “A Weather Eye: Art and Early Modern Meteorology” (closing June 28 — last chance!). It’s a perfect stop between the Saturday and Sunday festivities.

Plan your visit at WorcesterArt.org

Summer Solstice Hike — GWLT

Cap off the weekend with a guided sunset hike led by the Greater Worcester Land Trust. This board-led Summer Solstice Hike follows a challenging linear route along Asnebumskit Ridge from Briarcliff Road to Thoreau’s Seat — a gorgeous way to celebrate the longest day of the year. Free and open to all, but wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Parking is available at the end of Briarcliff Road.

Details at GWLT.org

See You Out There

This is one of those weekends where Worcester County really shines — festivals in the park, cheese in Barre, brews in Lancaster, local markets downtown, and a solstice hike to top it all off. Whether you’re bringing the kids to the farmers market, exploring the art museum, or toasting the longest day of the year from a ridge trail, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your community this weekend.

If you see me out there, say hello! And if you have questions about the Worcester County real estate market — or you’re thinking about making a move — I’d love to help.