Summer is in full swing, and this weekend Worcester County offers a beautiful mix of cultural festivals, outdoor markets, family-friendly outings, and live entertainment. Whether you want to dance around a midsummer pole in Shrewsbury, catch a Broadway show downtown, or explore the stars at the EcoTarium, there’s something for every taste. Here’s what I’m excited about.
Saturday, June 27
123rd Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
This is one of the most unique annual traditions in the area, and it’s back for its 123rd year. Head to SAC Park in Shrewsbury for a full day of Scandinavian culture: the iconic Midsummer Pole is raised at 11:15 AM with traditional ring dances, there’s a Viking encampment by the Boston Viking Irish, live music from the SAC Spelmanslag and vocalist Birgitta Whited, plus the Revontulet Dancers and accordionist Dan Mackowiak. It’s family-friendly, colorful, and a real community gem. Admission is $10 ($8 for seniors 70+), and kids 13 and under are free with an adult. Cash only, and free parking on site.
Learn more at SACMidsummer.com
University Park Farmers Market
Start your Saturday morning at one of Worcester’s favorite summer markets. The REC’s University Park Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 AM to noon with local produce, prepared foods, live music, face painting, and balloon art. It’s a great way to meet local farmers and grab fresh goods for the week.
Worcester Public Market
If you prefer an indoor market experience, the Worcester Public Market at the Canal District’s 100 Front Street is open every Saturday with a rotating roster of local food vendors, artisan goods, and specialty foods. It’s air-conditioned, walkable, and a great way to discover new local makers. Perfect for a midday break between outdoor activities.
Visit WorcesterPublicMarket.org
EcoTarium — CAPCOM Go! The Apollo Story
The EcoTarium is one of Worcester’s best-kept secrets for families, and this weekend you can catch “CAPCOM Go! The Apollo Story” in the planetarium — a stunning look at the race to the moon that’s running through the end of June. The museum also has interactive science exhibits, a wildlife center, and the Treehouse, making it a full-day adventure for kids and adults alike.
Plan your visit at EcoTarium.org
Mrs. Doubtfire — The Musical
The Hanover Theatre is bringing Broadway to Worcester with the touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire. Based on the beloved 1993 film, this musical is packed with heart, humor, and dazzling costume changes. Two performances on Saturday — a matinee at 2 PM and an evening show at 7:30 PM — with tickets from $55 to $105. It’s a perfect date-night or family outing.
Get tickets at TheHanoverTheatre.org
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Also at the Hanover complex, the THTC Youth Acting Company presents Hadestown: Teen Edition — a condensed, teen-performed version of the Tony Award-winning musical that retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It’s a showcase of incredible local young talent, with subsidized tickets starting at just $19 plus a $4 fee. A wonderful way to support arts education in Worcester.
Get tickets on TheHanoverTheatre.org
Sunday, June 28
Mrs. Doubtfire — The Musical (Matinee)
If you missed Saturday’s shows, there’s a Sunday matinee of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Hanover. It’s a great excuse to extend the weekend with a Broadway-caliber performance right here in Worcester.
Get tickets at TheHanoverTheatre.org
Worcester Art Museum — Last Chance: “A Weather Eye”
Sunday is your last chance to see “A Weather Eye: Art and Early Modern Meteorology” at the Worcester Art Museum — it closes June 28. This fascinating exhibition explores how artists and scientists observed and depicted weather before modern forecasting. The museum is also hosting “Fever Dreams of a Cool-Breathed Earth” (on view through August 16), so there’s plenty to see. Open 10 AM to 4 PM both days this weekend.
Plan your visit at WorcesterArt.org
EcoTarium — Full-Day Adventure
The EcoTarium is open again on Sunday if the planetarium and science exhibits didn’t fit into your Saturday. It’s one of the best family outings in the region — the elevated Treehouse walk, the wildlife center, and the hands-on exhibits make it a hit with kids of all ages.
Stroll the Canal District
If you’re looking for something more low-key on Sunday afternoon, take a walk through Worcester’s Canal District. The neighborhood has really come alive with local restaurants, breweries, and shops. Grab lunch, check out the Worcester Public Market if you haven’t yet, and enjoy the energy of one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. It’s a great reminder of why Worcester is such an exciting place to live right now.
Enjoy the Weekend
From a 123-year-old Scandinavian tradition in Shrewsbury to Broadway musicals downtown, a planetarium journey to the moon, one last look at a stunning art exhibition, and the simple pleasure of a farmers market on a summer morning — Worcester County has no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy 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.
- Scandinavian Midsummer — Sat, 10:30 AM, Shrewsbury
- Mrs. Doubtfire — Sat & Sun, Hanover Theatre
- University Park Market — Sat, 9 AM, Worcester
- EcoTarium — Sat & Sun, 10 AM, Worcester
- WAM “Weather Eye” — Sun (last day!), Worcester
- Canal District stroll — Sunday afternoon