"Dinner and A Movie." Every Saturday, May thru October, enjoy a three-course dinner followed by a classic film shown in their private screening room. See details and full schedule on their web site. 'An elegant and affordable twist on date night!' -Worcester Magazine. Have a Culinary tour - Chef Shari Alexander offers International Cooking Classes with a flair! Private dining is available by reservation for that special occasion or party, from 2 to 24.
Special/Annual Events
318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA 01523 978-365-7206
August 10 - 12, 2012: The Bolton Fair is a traditional New England fair with animal exhibits and shows, crafts, artisans, entertainers, a midway, and a farmer's market. The fair was originally held in neighboring Bolton, but moved to its new location in Lancaster in 2004 to further expand the exhibits, booths and entertainment. The Bolton Fair draws attendees from all over New England and is one of the few remaining fairs to focus on agriculture and animals. Off season, the site is available for rent for outings and meetings.
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Event Name: Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Shows
Main Street, Brimfield MA 01010
Note: these happen throughout the summer on Dates: May 8-13 - July 10-15 - Sept 4-9, 2012
Brimfield, MA is the site of the largest outdoor antique show in New England, with over 5000 dealers from all over the country. Known as one of America’s best antiques and collectible shows. The shows, a week each, happen three times a year, May, July, and September. The shows are all located within a one mile stretch on both sides of Route 20. There are 21 Fields each approximately 3 to 5 acres. It is by far the classic antique event of the year!
Event Name: May Day Celebration & Puppet Show at the Arts Center
Date: May 12, 2012
The Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities (QVCAH)
The Arts Center
111 Main Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
May Day! May Day! Come celebrate the birth of Spring with QVCAH's 2nd Annual May Day Celebration!
The schedule of events includes: May Pole dancing , Mask making & flower wreath/tiara workshop , Puppet show - 2pm, May Queen Pageant , Live Music , Food, Beer & wine throughout the day - Exhibition in the QVCAH galleries - "Terra Verde 25 Recycled/up cycled art show by local students
url: www.qvcah.org
Event Name: Asparagus & Flower Heritage Festival
West Brookfield Town Common, West Brookfield, MA 01585
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Now in its tenth year, the FREE West Brookfield Asparagus and Flower Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday 19th May 2012 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. A highlight of the Spring calendar, join in on the fun, festivities and food on the West Brookfield Town Common, Routes 9 and 67, while we celebrate all things asparagus, flowers and heritage. The event is proudly sponsored by the Quaboag Historical Society and the West Brookfield Historical Commission. There is no rain date.
Asparagus is celebrated in West Brookfield for its long seeded roots in the town. The story goes that in 1790 Deiderick Leertouwer, a Dutch Consul, was sent to the new state of Massachusetts and New England to promote trade. Settling in West Brookfield, legend has it that he missed his beloved asparagus so much that he had roots shipped over, which he then planted near Foster Hill. Asparagus patches appear each Spring with several people claiming to have the original patch!
Stroll amongst the stalls of over 100 local growers, artisans, businesses and organizations. Live music will be provided by musician Dick Chase, with a Maypole Dance at 1:00pm followed by a bring-your-own Frog Jumping Contest at 1:30pm. Kids can meet magician Ed the Wizard and join in on the many free activities that will take place throughout the day. Enjoy lunch in Asparagus Alley where a variety of asparagus dishes will be available in addition to other lunch selections. You can even pick up a locally produced asparagus cookbook so you can enjoy this wonderful vegetable at home.
Website: http://asparagusfestival.blogspot.com
Event Name: Antique Car Rally at Old Sturbridge Village
June 2, 2012
Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge MA 01566
See dozens of pre-1946 automobiles will be showcased on the Common throughout the day and a grand procession of the autos will take place at 3:30 p.m.
url: www.osv.org
Event Name: stART on the Street Spring Edition
Date: Sunday, June 3, 2012- 11am and 5 pm, with a rain date of June 10.
Description: Worcester’s premier arts festival stART on the Street moves to Green Street this June for its annual Spring Edition event. The new location will host over 150 area artists and crafters, as well as musicians, school groups, food vendors and kids’ activities. The annual stART on the Street: Spring Edition will be held between 11am and 5 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012, with a rain date of June 10. In addition to the variety of local music groups, artists and crafters, stART will also host a non-profit area, kids’ activities, and a food court including vegan ice cream and organic pizza. The family friendly and free festival takes place on Green Street, between Temple and Madison Streets.
url: startonthestreet.org
Event Name: Live at Sunset Concert Series 2012
EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
Date: Friday nights: June through July.
The EcoTarium and WICN 90.5 Public Radio kick off another year of their unique Live at Sunset outdoor concert series-- now in its 22nd year-- is one of Central Massachusetts' most popular summer events, thanks to its casual atmosphere, multigenerational appeal, and dynamic range of nationally acclaimed performers and local legends.
url: www.ecotarium.org
Event Name: Fruitlands Museum Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday, June 21 – July 26, 7PM
102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451
Description: Join us at Fruitlands for our 27th season with the Concord Band. Grounds open at 6PM for picnics, the band begins to play at 7:15. $10/car for museum members, $15/car for nonmembers. Dogs welcome. The Harvard Lions Club will be selling food and drinks. This is an outdoor venue. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. Handicapped seating under the tent on the patio.
url:www.fruitlands.org
contact person: Mary Delaney mdelaney [at] fruitlands [dot] org 978-456-3924 x292
Event Name: 15th Annual African American and Juneteenth Festival
Date: June 23rd
Description: This great family and community event celebrates African American history and culture and the oldest nationally recognized end of slavery with music, art and craft, food, dance, and vendors from the Worcester community.
URL: http://www.williscenter.org/events/african-american-festival
Event Name: The Longsjo Classic Bicycle Race
June 28-July 1, 2012
races will be held in: Worcester, Leominster, Wachusett Mt and Fitchburg
The Longsjo Classic is notably the second oldest cycling race in the United States. The race began in 1960 in memory of long-time Fitchburg resident Art Longsjo, who competed in both the Winter Olympics as a speed skater and at the Summer Olympics as a cyclist. The race has changed in 2012 to a stage race after a devastating structure fire along the race course that caused the race to be cancelled in 2011.
Event Name: 2012 Out to Lunch Concert Series & Farmers Market
Dates: Fridays, June 29th – August 31st
Worcester City Hall Plaza
455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Description: 10 week concert series featuring a diverse collection of dynamic performers live on historic Worcester Common! Browse our Farmers Market, artisan marketplace and enjoy lunch compliments of one of our many local restaurant vendors.
url: www.OutToLunchWorcester.com
contact person: Victoria Hall, Hallv [at] worcesterma [dot] gov or 508 799-1400 x244
Event Name: New England Summer Nationals 2012
Date: July 5 – 8, 2012
Downtown Worcester
Once again 2012 will be the absolute largest automotive party on the east coast! This show has long been known for having some of the wildest controlled burnouts anywhere! And if that's not enough to excite you then the flame thrower display is sure to blow you away! Top name live bands and DJ's perform on the outdoor stages, and don't miss the famed Miss Summer Nationals beauty pageant! On top of all this there is a huge car show with over 5000 of the wildest, most beautiful cars, trucks and custom bikes that you've ever seen!
url: http://www.summernationals.com
Event Name: Fire & Ice at Old Sturbridge Village
Jul 14, 2012
Old Sturbridge Village. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge MA 01566
Half-price admission is offered for all firefighters on this day.
Old-fashioned fire fighting
See an exciting demonstration of historical 19th-century hand-pump fire trucks, and lend a hand by helping to pump the water. Enjoy a fire truck parade around the Common.
19th-century ice cream
For ice, cool off with demonstrations of 18th- and 19th-century ice-cream making (using period tools, techniques, recipes, and ingredients). Popular flavors in the 18th century included gooseberry, ginger, and even asparagus ice cream.
The Best Chili in History Contest
Help judge our third annual chili contest.
url: www.osv.org
Event name: The Worcester Food Truck Festival at Elm Park
Date: July 14, 2012
Description: Introducing the 2012 Food Truck Festivals – rolling through the Bay State from Worcester to Topsfield, from Lowell to Cape Cod– and several communities in between this summer and fall. All festivals will take place from noon to 4 pm, with a special VIP Preview hour from 11am – noon.
url: www.foodtruckfestivalsofne.com.
Event Name: 3rd Annual Hot Night in the City
Date: Thursday, July 19, 2012 5:00 PM-8:00 AM
Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA 01605
Hot Night in the City returns with a block party style event to celebrate the traditions of craft with the community. Hot Night in the City promises to be a dynamic event featuring demonstrations and activities inspired by the heat of the summer, forge, torch, furnace, and kiln. The party starts at 5PM and is free and open the public.
Hot Night in the City is funded by the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Event Name: Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
Date: August 4, 2012 - Aug 05, 2012
starts at: Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main Street, Sturbridge MA 01566
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC is a model of fundraising efficiency. Since 2007, the PMC has donated 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is so well-known in cycling and fundraising circles that each year people travel from around the world to participate. Cheer on the riders or visit their website to register or to donate!
url: www.pmc.org
Event Name: Art in the Park
Dates: August through October
Elm Park, Corner of Highland and Park Aves, Worcester, MA
Elm Park, Worcester is the host to Art in the Park. Free and open to the public, visitors will view large-scale sculptures suitable for long-term outdoor and human interaction and exposure. Art in the Park was one of six projects to receive the Gold Star Award in 2009, a statewide award given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to recognize exemplary cultural programs funded by a local cultural council.
url: http://artintheparkworcester.org
Event Name: 130th Bolton Fair at the Lancaster Fairgrounds
318 Seven Bridge Road Route 117 - Lancaster, MA 01523
August 10 - 12, 2012: The Bolton Fair is a traditional New England fair with animal Exhibits and shows, crafts, artisans, entertainers, a midway, an a farmer's market. The fair was originally held in neighboring Bolton, but moved to its new location in Lancaster in 2004 to further expand the exhibits, booths and entertainment. The Bolton Fair draws attendees from all over New England and is one of the few remaining fairs to focus on agriculture and animals.
url: www.boltonfair.org
Event name: Centro Las Americas 2012 Latin American Festival -Worcester
Date: Saturday, August 18, 2012 Noon to 9 PM
Worcester City Hall Plaza
455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Description: Latin music on stage, food vendors, crafts, children's tent, beer tent, and more. Free entrance.
url: www.worcesterlatinfestival.com
Event Name: Wachusett Valley Folk Festival 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012 - 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Wachusett Village Inn & Conference Center
9 Village Inn Rd., Westminster, MA 01473
Scheduled Performers:
Joan Osborne, John Gorka, Mustard's Retreat, Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli, The Rafters, Perry Desmond-Davies, Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, David Tamulevich will host a Music Business Seminar and Micharl Hough will host a Drum Circle
Event Name: BlackStone Canalfest
Date: September 8th
Description: The Blackstone Canalfest is a classic street festival complete with music, entertainment, vendors, food, an abundance of kids' activities, horse-and-wagon rides, kayak rides, historic as well as current canal project information, a giant raffle and much more.
URL: http://blackstonecanalfest.org/index.htm
Event Name: Open Road Music and Arts Festival
Date: September 8th
Description: Open Road is Worcester's first sustainable and earth-friendly music and arts festival. On top of the great live music, there will be an eclectic variety of cuisine, many local artist and vendors, family-friendly activities and much more.
URL: http://www.openroadfestival.com/temp/thanks.html
Event Name: Historic Cemetery Walk 2012
Date: September 22, 1012: 5 – 7 pm
The The Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities (QVCAH): Arts Center
111 Main Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Take a tour through Southbridge, MA history by way of a stroll through Oakridge Cemetery just before twilight. Actors from the Gateway Players Theatre will portray a number of historical figures, both famous and obscure. This event is a joint production between QVCAH, The Gateway Players Theatre and The Southbridge Historical Society. Attendees are encouraged to call ahead to reserve tour times. The Cemetery Walk will take place rain or shine.
url: www.qvcah.org
Event Name: 2012 Harvest Festival
Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm
216 Wachusett St, Rutland, MA 01541
September 29 & 30 11a.m.- 4 p.m.
Explore the homes in the Heifer Global village to learn about traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more.Take a hay ride to the gardens and enjoy other activities. Purchase local pumpkins and a variety of organic produce from the farm stand. Browse the shop@Heifer that features fair trade and unique handcrafted items from around the world. Throughout the day, learn about Heifer International as you meet many of Heifer's animals including a yak, lamas, and traditional farm animals such as pigs and goats. Admission: $5 per person/12 and under free. ( A fee will also be charge for food and pumpkins.)
Event Name: The UniBank Greenway Challenge
September 29, 2012.
Each year, the UniBank Greenway Challenge athletes run, paddle and bike on a newly designed course, through one of the most beautiful and historic regions of New England, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This annual race is quickly becoming one of New England's premier adventure races.
The mission of the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. Working with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. and other partner organizations, the UniBank Greenway Challenge supports clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of waterway access.
http://www.greenwaychallenge.org
Event Name: 2012 Celebration of Living Gifts
Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm
216 Wachusett St, Rutland, MA 01541
December 1 & 2 11a.m.- 4 p.m.
What do you buy the person who has everything? How about a goat, a llama or a water buffalo? At Heifer International's Celebration of Living Gifts, learn how sponsoring animals like these can provide food and income for hungry families. You get a handsome card to give and a hungry family gets hope. Take pictures with the animals and purchase gifts from around the world in our fair-trade Shop@Heifer. Enjoy hot cocoa and cider, make gingerbread animal cookies and warm yourself by a bonfire. Admission: Canned goods which will be donated to a local food bank.
P.O. Box 332, Brimfield, MA 01010
Visit the member businesses of the Brimfield Show Promoters Association who exhibit and help organize the annual outdoor Antique and Collectible Shows at Brimfield. This group promotes the three yearly events which are held for 6 days each May, July and September. These shows are the largest outdoor gatherings of antiques & collectibles in the nation and voted # 1 by the Travel Channel.
, Worcester, MA 01614 508-799-4909
"First Night Worcester" is an annual New Year's celebration well known as a Worcester sensation. Celebrants are invited to come face-to-face to sample the most amazing selection of creative and cultural arts ever assembled in Central Massachusetts. This is a special night where the arts are accessible to all -music, magic, dance, theatre, comedy, and more are all represented offering for families, artists, children and adults alike! For more specific information, please consult their website.
30 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519 508-839-5335
Participate in special events and activities throughout the year: May - The Annual Grafton Gazebo 5K Road Race and Fun Run; Summer Vacation Kids’ Day Camp, Craft Classes and Swim Lessons; From Father’s Day to Labor Day - visit Silver Lake Beach; October - Scarecrow Making Contest; November - The Great Turkey Hunt; and in early December - Grafton Celebrates the Holidays. For up-to-date details and registration information for all programs, visit their website.
260 W Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585 508-867-2345
Step back in time, slow down, experience food prepared as it should be. Whether it is a memorable lunch, a casual dinner in our Hexmark Tavern, the "red carpet" treatment in our dining room or one of our many special events-the Salem Cross Inn has some thing for every taste. Sit back, relax, enjoy the ambiance of a restored 1705 farmhouse and the tranquility of over 600 acres of New England countryside. Your palate will enjoy creatively prepared, fresh, seasonal fare. The Salem Cross Inn is also a great place for weddings, banquets and group meetings or tours.
One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895 401-762-0250
September 29, 2012 (raindate: Oct. 6, 2012) An annual Run-Paddle-Bike event. "An Adventure Race...Like No Other!" Blackstone Valley's premier sporting event has grown to encompass all of the Valley's 24 communities, historic locales, and recreational assets that showcase the Valley as a true tourist and recreational destination. Participants and spectators alike, learn the proud history of "the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution" while sampling the natural beauty along its rivers, bike paths, roadways, and trails.
14 South St, Southbridge, MA 01550 508-764-0700
Enchanting historic inn with "Old World Charm". Serving an Austrian, German, Eastern European menu, as well as steaks and seafood. Full liquor/bar and winelist available. Chandeliers, fireplaces and steins adorn with soft music and romance. Catering, weddings and private parties are their specialty! Open holidays/365 days a year. Outside dining/fireplaces.
