Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Step into the shadows: The 4th Annual Crompton Street Haunted Walk is back, bigger and scarier than ever. Hosted by Carolyn Swift-Arcuri and Jennifer Hassett, this community fright fest takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at 28 Crompton Street in Worcester. This year’s “Chapter 4” promises handcrafted sets, eerie surprises, and immersive scenes that pull visitors deeper into the darkness. The Haunted Walk is designed for all ages, with customizable scare levels — scare, no Scare, touch, or no touch — so everyone can choose their level of fear. Admission: $5 donation and a non-perishable food item to support the local community.
- Celtic magic for Irish illusion — and a Good Cause: Irish folklore meets jaw-dropping illusion when Daniel and Bella GreenWolf bring Celtic Magic: An Evening of Irish Illusion to the JMAC BrickBox Theatre Oct. 17–19. Expect a mix of storytelling, comedy, sleight of hand, and daring stunts — all wrapped in a celebration of Irish culture. The husband-and-wife duo blends theater and heritage with high-energy stage magic, raising funds for the World Tang Soo Do Association Region 9 Scholarship Fund. Tickets start at $44, with VIP options and discounts for students, seniors, and first responders.
- History Comes Alive (and Maybe a Little Undead) at Rural Remains: Preservation Worcester is back with Rural Remains, a lantern-lit walking tour through Worcester’s historic Rural Cemetery that blends history, humor, and just the right dose of haunt. Guided tours depart every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 24, with a seated, accessible version Oct. 22 at Salisbury House. Along the way, costumed actors portray some of Worcester’s most notable past residents, sharing eerie and forgotten tales. “Rural Remains is an incredibly creative and fun method to connect people to stories from Worcester’s rich history,” said Patrick T. Maloney, executive director of Preservation Worcester. Guests 12 and up are invited — bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes, and maybe some courage. Advance reservations required. This one sold out last year.
- Inside the walls: a look back at Worcester State Hospital: Step into Worcester’s past this Saturday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. when local history librarian Alex London leads a deep dive into the nearly 200-year history of Worcester State Hospital. Held in the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library, the talk explores the stories of the men and women who lived and worked beneath the hospital’s iconic clock tower — a haunting symbol of the city’s past.
- Strings attached: JOMP launch concert season: Catch a show by the Nashaway Trio to kick off to the 2025–26 faculty concert series this Sunday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. in the Shapiro Concert Hall as JOMP faculty members Caroline Reiner-Williams (cello) and Angel Hernandez (violin) join guest pianist Roy Imperio for a rich afternoon of chamber music. A $25 donation is suggested to benefit JOMP’s Tuition Assistance Fund — but all music lovers are welcome, no matter the amount.
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
