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New to Worcester – or just ready to make the most of your summer here? Whether you’re settling into an apartment downtown or getting to know the area near your new Worcester home, now’s the time to explore like a local.From ice cream farm stands to rooftop fireworks, Worcester is packed with unique things to do that make planning your summer calendar almost too easy. This bucket list rounds up 10 of the best summer things to do around the city – perfect for filling your weekends, finding a new favorite spot, or just getting out of the house.
1. Summer starts at Uhlman’s Ice Cream Farm Stand
“One thing I love about New England is the summer classics like ice cream farm stands,” says Kelley from Uhlman’s Ice Cream in Westborough. “They usually have cows out in the fields, sticky kids rolling down the hills near the picnic benches, and amazing sunsets. But best of all is their creamy ice cream—recipes passed down from generation to generation. Summer starts when they open every year.”
2. Spend your lunch break at Worcester’s Summer Festival
“Downtown Worcester’s annual Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market is a must-do summer tradition,” says Lisa Malo, Marketing Director for the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District. “Each week, the Worcester Common comes alive with local food trucks, live music and entertainment, artists and makers, and a vibrant farmers’ market filled with produce and farm-fresh goods from across Central Mass. It’s the perfect snapshot of Worcester’s creative energy and community spirit, and one of our favorite ways to connect with neighbors in the heart of the city.”
3. Visit the city’s public market
“When the weather gets warm, Worcester Academy students often head down the hill to Polar Park and the Worcester Public Market,” says Sara Port from Worcester Academy. “Whether it’s cheering on the WooSox or grabbing bubble tea and tacos with friends, both spots have become go-to destinations for anyone looking to connect with the city and each other.”
4. Celebrate culture and cool down at Gibby’s
“Worcester offers many ethnic festivals during the summer and fall—Italian, Greek, Albanian, Hispanic, and more—that showcase the foods, music, and traditions that are all part of Worcester’s charm,” says the team at Gibson’s Dairy. “Afterwards, there’s always that special treat waiting at Gibby’s Famous Ice Cream. Your farm in the city for over 100 years!”
5. Discover some vintage finds and community vibes at Crompton Collective
“One of our favorite things to do in Worcester is spending a slow afternoon at Crompton Collective,” says Jill Pearson from Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts. “Between vintage finds, locally made goods, and the Canal District Farmers Market next door, it’s a perfect snapshot of the city’s creative spirit. After coffee from Birch Tree Bread, we often talk about how to keep improving our city. Worcester is a city of love and opportunity, and we’re proud to help better the lives of its residents.”
6. Learn and play at the Worcester Public Library
“If you’re looking for a free, accessible place to spend the afternoon, nothing beats the Worcester Public Library’s children’s room,” says teacher and freelance writer based out of Worcester, Sarah Connell Sanders. “They offer frequent programming with songs, stories, and STEAM, plus a play workbench where my daughter loves playing ‘auto mechanic.’ She’ll be changing my oil in no time.”
Bonus: Climb aboard at Touch-a-Truck
For another free thing to do in the summer, Touch-a-Truck event at the Worcester JCC takes place on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where you can explore giant construction and emergency vehicles, meet local mascots, do themed crafts, and enjoy lunch from food trucks.
7. Book up your calendar with special events
“Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down a favorite because Worcester really shines in the summer,” says local real estate agent, Adam Duffy. “From the Out to Lunch Festival and live concerts on the Common, to the Water Lantern Festival at Elm Park and the vibrant Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival—there’s something happening almost every week. It’s that overflowing calendar of community, music, and flavor that makes summer in Worcester feel so alive.”
8. Climb a castle at Bancroft Tower
“For a hidden gem, I suggest checking out Bancroft Tower in Salisbury Park,” says Crystal Daher from Fun Things to Do in Central Mass. “It’s a historic stone castle with stunning views of the city and a perfect spot for a quiet stroll or a picnic. Not many people know about this charming landmark, but it truly captures the unique character of Worcester.”
9. Spend the day eating your way through Worcester
“My husband and I love any excuse to head into Worcester because that means we get to eat at the Worcester Public Market in the Canal District,” says Nancy Mock of Hungry Enough To Eat Six. “Our current favorite is Little Havana—we grab ropa vieja Cuban bowls and change up the toppings every visit. After that, it’s gelato cones from Froze Zone while we browse the stalls. Don’t skip Green Street either; Seed To Stem has a fascinating collection of plants and nature artifacts.”
10. Celebrate the Fourth with a symphony and fireworks
“The Worcester fireworks are one of the city’s biggest and most beloved summer traditions,” says Charlene Arsenault from The Worcester Guardian. “Usually held the Thursday before the Fourth at Cristoforo Colombo Park, it’s an old-school celebration with live symphony music, food vendors, and a fireworks show that lights up the entire east side.”
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