Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
Paddles, Art, and Cozy Winter Vibes: Ping Pong Salon Worcester hosts Winter Games 2026 on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 5–8 p.m. at The White Room, 138 Green St. The free, all-ages event blends ping pong (from serious play to casual fun) with chess, Mexican Bingo, contemporary art and plenty of space to hang out. Extra paddles, three tables, snacks, hot chai tea, and even hammocks are provided, making it just as inviting for spectators and art lovers as it is for players.
- A Candlelit Dinner 200 Years in the Making: Step just outside Worcester for an elegant night out at the Historic Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury, which hosts A Toast to Two Centuries: A Candlelit Inaugural Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 24, with doors opening at 6 p.m. The evening features a candlelit, multi-course dinner by Johnny Burke Catering, live music by acclaimed cellist Skip VonKuske, a cash bar and exclusive mini-tours of the 200-year-old mansion at 123 Elm St., Millbury. Tickets are $65 per person, seating is limited and advance registration is required.
- Worcester’s Valentine Era (glue sticks encouraged): Families with children ages 0–12 are invited to a hands-on Valentine’s program hosted by the Museum of Worcester at the Frances Perkins Branch of the Worcester Public Library (West Boylston Street) on [time: 4–5 p.m.]. Kids will learn about Worcester’s unique role in Valentine history, then create their own special cards to take home. Children in grades 3–6 can also submit their creations to the museum’s annual “Be Our Valentine” Contest, while families of all ages are welcome to participate just for fun.
- Seven comics, one Stage…and on the clean side: O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar hosts a comedy showcase on Saturday, Jan. 24, bringing together a sharp lineup of New England comics for a “clean-ish” night of laughs. Corey Leigh Percival hosts, with sets from Ian Matthew Sargent, Andrew Balestieri, Daralyn Kelleher, Josh Ramirez, and Mark Branson, before JJ Jones closes out the night. Expect a mix of styles — from dry wit to high-energy storytelling — in a show that’s funny without trying too hard. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m., tickets start at $16. Dinner reservations before the show are recommended, with drinks and limited apps available during the performance.
- Bach beyond the holidays (still hits hard): The Winchendon Players join The Worcester Chorus for a powerful night of Bach at Mechanics Hall on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. (with a 7 p.m. pre-concert talk). The program features selections from Bach’s exuberant “Christmas Oratorio (Cantatas 1, 3, and 5)” alongside “Ich habe genug,” one of his most beloved and reflective sacred cantatas. Led by Chris Shepard and featuring internationally recognized instrumentalists, the performance offers both grandeur and intimacy — with tickets including a pre-concert talk by musicologist Claire Fontijn.
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
