Here are five picks for the weekend:
- There’s no place like home: Before the international tours and “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Joslyn Fox got a start right here in Worcester—and now the hometown favorite is celebrating a milestone birthday where it all began. Electric Haze hosts “No Place Like Home,” Joslyn Fox’s 40th Birthday Bash, on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. featuring DJ Joslyn Fox, dazzling drag performances and plenty of surprises. Joining the celebration are Kandi Dishe, Victoria Obvious and additional special guests for a night that’s equal parts dance party, drag spectacular and hometown reunion. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
- A thousand wishes set afloat: As the sun goes down over Elm Park on Saturday, Aug. 1, the Worcester Water Lantern Festival turns the water into a sea of glowing lights. From 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., attendees can decorate biodegradable lanterns with hopes, dreams or messages before joining hundreds of others for a sunset launch. The evening also features live music, food, lawn games and family-friendly activities, creating a memorable night that’s equal parts celebration, reflection and community gathering.
- Whipped Cream, brass and a lifetime of hits: For more than six decades, Herb Alpert has been one of popular music’s most distinctive voices, and on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m., he brings those timeless melodies to The Hanover Theatre. Backed by his new Tijuana Brass, Alpert performs classics including “Spanish Flea,” “A Taste of Honey,” “The Lonely Bull,” “Tijuana Taxi” and more while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the landmark album “Whipped Cream & Other Delights.” The 90-minute show also features stories from Alpert’s remarkable career, audience Q&A, and a multimedia presentation showcasing the music, artists and memories that helped define an era.
- One show, 250 different perspectives: There’s no theme, no required medium and no single way to experience “The Fourteenth Annual One” at ArtsWorcester—just more than 250 works by local and regional artists, each choosing the one piece they most wanted to share. The annual members exhibition features everything from paintings and photography to sculpture and fiber art, including a handwoven work reflecting on artificial intelligence, a powerful mixed-media exploration of chronic illness, and even a portrait of Frida Kahlo painted on a tea bag. The exhibition is on view through Aug. 23 at ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland St., with free gallery hours Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
- You can dance. You can jive. Dust off the sequins and prepare to sing every word as Mamma Mania: A Tribute to ABBA brings the Swedish supergroup’s biggest hits to Off The Rails on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. The outdoor show promises an evening of disco-era nostalgia with favorites including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of your youth or discovering ABBA for the first time, expect plenty of dancing, singalongs and feel-good energy under the summer sky.
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
