One of Central Massachusetts’ best-known live music venues is closing up shop later this year, ending an 11-year run that made Halligan’s Bar a destination for local bands, tribute acts and music fans from across the region.
In a message shared with patrons this week, manager Trina Bertel announced that Halligan’s final day in business will be Saturday, Dec. 12, saying she, her husband Gus Bertel and business partner Paul Brosnihan have decided to retire and begin a new chapter.
“It has been an extremely emotional and difficult decision, but Paul, Gus & I have decided that Sat. Dec. 12, 2026 will be Halligans last day,” the owners wrote in the announcement.
For Bertel, however, the decision wasn’t made overnight.
“We knew last year that 2026/2027 would be our last year,” Bertel told the Worcester Guardian. “Eleven years times seven days. We have been looking forward to traveling a bit, enjoying family and friends. Gus just turned 67 and has worked a full-time job while devoting himself to Halligan’s.”
The venue quickly became a fixture in Central Massachusetts’ live music scene after opening in 2015, regularly hosting cover bands, tribute acts and local musicians while developing a loyal following that packed the Auburn venue on weekends.
Halligan’s was founded by Gus Bertel and Brosnihan, who took over the business in November 2015. Trina Bertel said she entered the venture with no experience running either a bar or a music venue.
“My job as the owner’s wife was just to make everyone feel welcomed, comfortable & safe,” she said. “I wanted it to feel like an extension of our home. Quaint, intimate and full of love.”
She said the venue ultimately became far more than she ever imagined.
“Halligan’s has become so much more than the vision I had 11 years ago,” Bertel said. “An older building in a strip mall on a major route… to us it was gold. A space to bring people together to listen to so many amazing bands. Two rooms that also allowed us to give back to the community by having countless benefits for anyone & everyone in need.”
“It was never about the money,” she added. “This journey has been 100% about people. I wanted to bring the best band I could to a small-town venue without breaking the bank.”
The owners announced they will spend the next five months celebrating with customers before closing day.
A farewell celebration is scheduled for Dec. 12, beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until closing, featuring live music, food and what the owners described in the announcement as “a day full of love & light.”
“Music is what brought us together and music we will have,” the announcement states.
When asked what she’ll remember most, Bertel’s answer came quickly.
“Hands down … the absolute greatest part about Halligans has been the people,” she said. “They have touched our lives beyond measure. They have certainly made us feel we did something right in our lives to have been so blessed with their support and friendships. That is the most heart-wrenching part of closing our doors.”
She also recalled one of Halligan’s most memorable booking stories, involving Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute band.
After discovering the group online and calling manager Gerald to book them, Bertel said the performance was delayed first by scheduling issues and then by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the band finally arrived years later, she learned Halligan’s was unlike its usual venues.
“He says, ‘You know Trina, we don’t ever play venues this size or bars!’” Bertel recalled. “He says we don’t usually play for less than 1,000 people.”
Wondering why the group had agreed to perform in Auburn, Bertel asked.
“He says, ‘You were so damn excited I couldn’t break your heart!’”
The show became the beginning of an annual tradition.
“To later hear from them that Halligans was one of their absolute favorite places to play, well… no better feeling in the world,” she said.
For Bertel, though, Halligan’s legacy extends beyond the music.
She recalled meeting a homeless man named Bruce who had been sleeping outside the business while waiting to receive services through a nearby church.
For several weeks, she said, the Halligan’s family made sure he had meals, clothing and spending money, while Gus Bertel even let him sleep in a work truck to stay out of the weather. When Bruce was eventually accepted into a treatment program in Maryland, Halligan’s patrons collected money and supplies to help him make the trip.
About a year later, Bertel received a phone call with an update.
“Bruce was doing amazing,” she said. “He was now helping others that suffered alcoholism.”
As for what comes next, Bertel said the future of the building remains uncertain.
“We honestly have no idea what the plans for the building might be,” she said. “That rests on the owner of the building. If we could hand the torch over to the next owner… or this is the ending of an incredible journey.”
The owners closed their announcement by thanking the staff, musicians and patrons who helped build Halligan’s over the past decade.
“There are no words big enough to express how much love & gratitude we hold for each and every single one of you! Staff, Family, Friends, Patrons, Bands, THANK YOU so deeply,” they wrote.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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