Here are five picks for the weekend:
- Playing with fire, professionally: Things heat up at the Worcester Center for Crafts on Friday, July 17, as Hot Night in the City returns for an evening devoted to the fiery side of art-making. From 4 to 9 p.m., visitors can watch live demonstrations in clay, metals and glass, explore exhibitions throughout the center and browse work from more than 50 artisan vendors. The annual event also features live music indoors and out (including a performance by Roomful of Blues), hands-on activities, and a serious lineup of food and drink vendors, from George’s Coney Island and Sabrosa Venezuela to Lost Shoe Brewery, the Decanted Wine Truck and plenty more. Visitors can also explore the Handcrafted Shop, representing more than 300 artists from around the country. The celebration takes place inside and outside the center at 25 Sagamore Road and is held rain or shine.
- Lake views, funky grooves: Yeah, so bring your moves as We and the Dawg brings its blend of funk, soul and R&B to the Marine Corps League (MCL Club) on Sunday, July 19, beginning at 2 p.m. Performing everything from ’70s classics to modern favorites, the longtime Worcester-area band is known for its danceable grooves, horn-driven sound and energetic live shows. The outdoor concert takes place on the club’s waterfront overlooking Lake Quinsigamond, making it an ideal way to spend a summer afternoon. Admission is $10, or $5 for Marine Corps League members.
- Bunking with the dinosaurs, elephants and owls: Trade your bedroom for the museum during an overnight adventure at the EcoTarium beginning Saturday, July 18, at 5:15 p.m. Families with children ages 5 to 14 can spend the night exploring the museum after hours, taking part in hands-on activities and enjoying a one-of-a-kind sleepover experience. The overnight wraps up Sunday morning, with participants able to add a discounted day pass to continue exploring the museum after breakfast. Registration is required, and organizers recommend signing up early, as space is limited to 80 participants.
- Stairway to Saturday night: Experience the thunder that is Led Zeppelin live again. A Night of Zeppelin takes over Ralph’s Rock Diner on Saturday, July 18, at 8 p.m., delivering favorites from one of rock’s most influential bands. Expect everything from “Black Dog” to “Dazed and Confused” as five seasoned local musicians recreate the sound, energy and swagger of Zoso’s legendary catalog.
- Expect the unexpected — that’s the whole point: Music, movement, visual art and who-knows-what-else collide during Some Things From Nothing 4, a two-night festival celebrating the art of improvisation on Friday and Saturday, July 17-18. Hosted by Sudden Somethings, the free festival brings together more than 20 improvisers from around the country for performances created entirely in the moment, with artists working across multiple disciplines — not just music. This year’s festival also shines a spotlight on performers whose improvisation centers on visual and movement-based expression. Admission is free, though donations to support the artists are encouraged. Advance RSVP is required by July 16 to receive the event location.
For more events, visit the Discover Central Massachusetts events calendar.
Have an event, news tip, idea for a feature, information, joke, favorite recipe or anything else you’d like to tell us about? You should. Contact carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
