What's Happening This Weekend in Worcester – September 25–27

The last full weekend of September in Worcester County is peak harvest season: apple picking is in full swing, the orchards and farms are glowing with color, and there is a packed slate of festivals and shows across the county. From the Northboro Applefest's parade and street fair to kids' festivals on the mountain and at the zoo, plus live concerts downtown and silent-film magic with the Wurlitzer organ, this is one of those weekends where the hardest part is choosing. Here is your complete September 25–27 roundup.

Friday, September 25

Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic (5th annual, at Polar Park)

The Police vs. Firefighters Baseball Classic returns to Polar Park for its fifth year on Friday night, pitting Worcester Police Officers against Worcester Firefighters in a charity ballgame presented by the WooSox Foundation and Country Bank. The traditional procession from St. John's Church steps off at 5:30 PM and first pitch is expected around 6:00 PM. Tickets are general admission at $10 (kids under 2 free), and the pregame ceremony honors first responders lost in the line of duty, including the six Worcester firefighters killed in the 1999 Cold Storage fire and Officer Manny Familia. It is a genuinely moving, family-friendly night downtown that supports a great cause.

Tickets at PolarPark.com/PoliceFire

Kamelot (with Visions of Atlantis & Frozen Crown)

For the symphonic-metal crowd, Kamelot headlines the downstairs room at The Palladium on Friday night, joined by Visions of Atlantis and Frozen Crown. Expect soaring vocals, orchestral flourishes, and the full theatrical spectacle Kamelot is known for, in one of the Northeast's best live-music rooms. If that is your scene, it is a great way to kick off the weekend.

Get tickets at ThePalladium.net

Saturday, September 26

Northboro Applefest (Parade, street fair, car show)

The Northboro Applefest is the signature fall celebration of Northborough, and Saturday is its big day: a 5K road race, a parade, the Rotary street fair, a craft fair, a farmers market, a classic car show, and live concerts all through town. It is one of the classic Central Massachusetts small-town fall festivals, free to wander and packed with things to see and taste. Bring the family, grab a cider donut, and soak in the hometown parade atmosphere.

Festival details at NorthboroughApplefest.com

KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain (All weekend)

Head up to the mountain this weekend for KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, an outdoor family fall festival with activities, games, and plenty of room to run in the crisp autumn air. Ride the chairlift or gondola for the sweeping views, and take in the golden hilltop scenery that makes the region shine this time of year. It is a fantastic low-key family outing just a short drive from Worcester.

Event details at Wachusett.com

Harvest Fest at Southwick's Zoo (Family harvest celebration)

Down in Mendon, Southwick's Zoo hosts its Harvest Fest on Saturday, a family harvest celebration on top of New England's largest zoo. In addition to the animals, expect fall-themed activities, seasonal treats, and plenty of fun for the kids across the zoo's 300 acres. With a rain date on Sunday, it is an easy pick for families who want a full day out.

Plan your visit at SouthwicksZoo.com

Taking Back Sunday (with Thrice & Saves The Day)

Saturday night at The Palladium belongs to the emo and pop-punk crowd: Taking Back Sunday headlines with Thrice and Saves The Day in a stacked nostalgia bill. Three beloved acts from the genre's golden era on one stage in Worcester, it is a big draw for anyone who grew up on those albums and a lively night out downtown.

Get tickets at ThePalladium.net

Master Works Concert (At Mechanics Hall)

If you are looking for an evening of live performance in one of the region's most beautiful halls, the Master Works Concert takes the stage at Mechanics Hall on Saturday at 6:00 PM. It is an 18+ event, so it makes for a polished date-night option downtown that pairs perfectly with dinner in the area before or after.

Event info at MechanicsHall.org

Worcester University Park Farmers Market (Saturday staple)

Start your Saturday at the University Park Farmers Market on Main Street, where local growers sell fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and more through the end of October. It is a friendly community market and a great place to pick up weekend groceries straight from the people who grew them, especially with apple season in full swing.

Market info at WorcesterMA.gov

Sunday, September 27

Sherlock Jr. and Seven Chances (Buster Keaton on the Wurlitzer)

On Sunday afternoon, The Hanover Theatre screens Sherlock Jr. and Seven Chances, two of Buster Keaton's most beloved silent comedies, accompanied live by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Watching Keaton's death-defying stunts with a live organ score in the historic downtown theatre is a special, one-of-a-kind experience and a wonderful way to spend a Sunday with family.

Get tickets at TheHanoverTheatre.org

Market on Exchange (Sunday hours)

In the heart of downtown, the Market on Exchange runs Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM through late October. It is a compact, friendly market of local vendors and makers, perfect for a relaxed Sunday stroll in the Canal District and downtown area, and an easy way to support local growers before the season winds down.

Market info at WorcesterMA.gov

Sturbridge Farmers Market (Sunday staple)

If you are heading into the southern part of the county, the Sturbridge Farmers Market runs Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Main Street. It is a classic country market in one of Central Massachusetts' most scenic towns, and pairs beautifully with a visit to Old Sturbridge Village or a drive through the fall countryside.

Market info at Sturbridge.gov

All Weekend: Apple Picking & Theatre

Apple Picking Across Worcester County

Late September is prime apple-picking time across Central Massachusetts. Tougas Family Farm in Northborough has pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, Berlin Orchards in Berlin is an old-fashioned orchard with Honeycrisp and Golden Supreme ready now, Stowe Farm in Millbury runs weekend festivals with wagon rides and cider donuts, and Davis Farmland / Davis Mega Maze and Meadowbrook Orchards in Sterling both offer PYO apples and family fun. Each sets its own hours and apple varieties, so check the pages before you head out and bring an extra bag.

Tougas Family Farm · Berlin Orchards

THT Rep's "Romeo + Juliet" (Running through Oct 11)

For theatre lovers, THT Rep opens its production of "Romeo + Juliet" this week at The BrickBox at JMAC, running from Wednesday, September 23 through October 11. It is a fresh take on the classic in the intimate BrickBox space, and a great addition to the weekend if you want a dose of live theatre in the city.

Show info at JMACWorcester.org

Enjoy the Weekend

One quick note if you are wondering about the WooSox: the Worcester Red Sox regular season wrapped up on September 20, so there are no home games at Polar Park this weekend. Instead, Polar Park hosts the Police vs. Fire charity classic on Friday, and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District and other venues keep the city lively all weekend. Each festival, farm, and venue sets its own hours and ticketing, so check the pages before you head out.

Between the Northboro Applefest, KidsFest on the mountain, the Harvest Fest at the zoo, two big concerts at the Palladium, silent film on the Wurlitzer, and apples as far as the eye can see, Central Massachusetts is giving you plenty of reasons to get out there. Fall is officially here, and the season only gets better from here.

Have a gorgeous late-September weekend, friends. Whether you are marching in the parade, cheering on the first responders at Polar Park, or filling an apple bag at the orchard, I hope your calendar is full of the good stuff. If you have been thinking about making Worcester County home, I would love to help you find the right fit, and I am always happy to talk market or community any weekend, festival or not. See you out there.