First time in Worcester – or are you ready to make the most of your summer here? Whether you’re settling in your downtown apartment or knowing the area near your new Worcester home, it’s time to explore like a local home. From ice cream farms to rooftop fireworks, Worcester is packed with unique things that you can’t plan for a summer calendar. This bucket list concludes with the best summers you should do in the city. Perfect for filling up your weekend, finding a new favorite place, or leaving the house.
1. Summer begins at Woolman’s Ice Cream Farm Stand
“What I like about New England is summer classics like an ice cream farm stand,” says Kelly, the Ullman ice cream in Westborough. “They usually have cows in the fields. The sticky kids roll down the hills near the picnic bench, and it’s an amazing sunset. But more than anything, it’s creamy ice cream.
2. Spend your lunch break at the summer festival in Worcester
“The annual Lunch Festival & Farmers Market in Downtown is not a summer tradition,” says Lisa Maro, marketing director for the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District. “Each week, Worcester Common comes alive with a vibrant farmer market filled with local food trucks, live music and entertainment, artists and manufacturers, and farm fresh products from the central public. It is a perfect snapshot of Worcester’s creative energy and community spirit, one of my favorite ways to connect with city neighbours.”
3. Visit the city’s open market
“When the weather gets warmer, students at Worcester Academy often head down the hills to Polar Park and the Worcester Public Market,” says Sarah Port at Worcester Academy. “Whether you cheer for Woosox or grab a bubble tea or taco with friends, both spots have become destinations for the city and those who want to connect with each other.”
4. Celebrate culture and cool down with Gibby
“Worcester offers many ethnic festivals in the summer and fall. Italian, Greek, Albanian, Hispanic and more – showcasing the food, music and traditions that are part of Worcester’s charm,” says Gibson’s dairy team. “After that, there’s always a special treat waiting for Gibby’s famous ice cream. The city’s farms have been around for over 100 years!”
5. Discover some vintage discoveries and community atmosphere at Crompton Collective
“One of my favorite things to do in Worcester is having a late afternoon at Crompton Collective,” says Zil Pearson, Massachusetts, from a neighbor. “While between vintage discoveries, locally made goods and the neighboring Canal District Farmers Market, it is the perfect snapshot of the city’s creative spirit. After coffee from birch wood breads, we often talk about how we continue to improve our city.
6. Learn and play at Worcester Public Library
“If you’re looking for a free, accessible place to spend your afternoon, there’s nothing better than a child’s room at Worcester Public Library,” says a teacher and freelance writer based in Sarah Connell Sanders of Worcester. “They often provide programming with songs, stories and steam, and offer drama workbenches that their daughter loves to play “auto mechanics.” She will change my oil soon. ”
Bonus: Climb with Touch-A-Truck
To do another free thing in the summer, the Touch-a-Truck event at Worcester JCC will be held on June 1st from 11am to 3pm, where you can explore huge construction and emergency vehicles, meet local mascots, do themed crafts and enjoy lunch from the food truck.
7. Book your calendar at a special event
“To be honest, Worcester really shines in the summer, so it’s hard to narrow down your favorites,” says local real estate agent Adam Duffy. “From the Out Lunch Festival to live concerts at Common, to the Water Lantern Festival in Elm Park and the lively food truck and craft beer festivals, there’s a calendar full of community, music and flavours that bring Worcester summer to life.”
8. Climbing the castle at Bancroft Tower
“For hidden gems, we recommend checking out Bancroft Tower in Salisbury Park,” Crystaldar can do with the central masses. “This historic stone castle offers stunning views of the city, making it a perfect spot for a quiet walk or a picnic.
9. Spend a day eating your way through Worcester
“My husband and I love the excuse to head to Worcester because we can eat at Worcester public market in the Canal area,” says Nancy Mock of Hungry, which is enough to eat six people. “My current favourite is Little Havana. I grab a bowl of Lopavieha Cuban and exchange toppings with each visit. Then, while browsing the food stalls, I’m going to have gelato corn from the frozen zone. Don’t skip Green Street either.
10. Celebrating the fourth with a symphony and fireworks
“Worcester fireworks are one of the city’s biggest and most beloved summer traditions,” says Charlene Arsenault of the Worcester Guardian. “Usually held on Thursday before the fourth time at Cristoforo Colombo Park is an old-fashioned celebration featuring live symphony music, food vendors and fireworks shows that illuminate the entire East Side.”
