Here are five picks of things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Celebrate roots, resilience, and rhythm on the common: The Worcester African Festival returns Saturday, Aug. 2 (noon to 6:30 p.m.) to the Worcester Common, pushing through economic setbacks and political headwinds with a powerful message: unity through culture. This year’s theme, A Gateway to Africa: Embracing Our Roots, sets the tone for a vibrant day of Afrobeat and hip-hop performances, five regional DJs, a youth-powered fashion show, and cross-cultural celebration. Despite losing major sponsors and scaling back, organizers from MOAD (Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants) say the community’s determination made the event unstoppable. Rain date: Aug. 9.
- Step right up, and don’t be shy…cuz you will not believe your eyes: The Worcester Carnival rolls into town from July 31 to Aug. 3, this carnival put on by Fiesta Shows takes over Officer Manny Familia Way with bright lights, classic rides, fried dough, and family-friendly thrills. Weekday hours start at 6 p.m., and the gates open at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Unlimited ride wristbands are available on discount days — check fiestashows.com for details.
- Giuliano brings grit, glam & guitars to Femme: Catch Giuliano live at Femme Bar on Friday, Aug. 1, from 8–11 p.m. The rocker blends soul, swagger, and storytelling in a set that’s part Springsteen, part protest, but full of soulful grit. Expect a mix of originals, covers, and raw charisma — with or without the Telecaster.
- Word up, Worcester: From prison walls to exam rooms, the Worcester Writers’ Collective’s second annual Summer Showcase brings 12 local voices to life through poetry, plays, and fiction. The free performance runs 6–7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Boroughs Theatre at the Prior Performing Arts Center (Holy Cross). Expect a mashup of dramatic readings, projections, and raw emotion — all workshopped right here in the city.
- Mixtape magic, shoulder pads and mullets optional (but encouraged): Joyride 80s Mixtape Live lands at Off the Rails on Sunday, Aug. 3, bringing neon-soaked nostalgia and big-hair energy to the stage. The show kicks off at 7 p.m., serving up synths, swagger, and singalongs straight from the Reagan era. It’s a full-on live concert love letter to the ’80s — minus the cassette rewinding.
For more events, visit the Discover Central Massachusetts events calendar.
Have an event, news tip, information, joke, favorite recipe or anything else you’d like to tell us about? You should. Contact carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
