Fireworks, metal, baseball & kids pop: 5 fun things to do this weekend
Here are five picks for the weekend:
- Three nights, three fireworks, one very patriotic weekend: If your Fourth of July plans revolve around fireworks, Worcester’s got three chances to celebrate. The festivities begin Thursday, July 2, at East Park, where the city’s annual Independence Day celebration features family activities, food vendors, live music by Dan Gabel and his Orchestra with special guest Alisan Porter and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. On Friday, July 3, the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra returns to Institute Park for its beloved Patriotic Pops concert, culminating in the “1812 Overture,” Sousa marches and another spectacular fireworks display. Then, on Saturday, July 4, Polar Park hosts the WooSox Fourth of July Family Fest with family activities, a screening of “Field of Dreams” and, yes, more fireworks. With the nation celebrating its 250th birthday, it’s shaping up to be one of Worcester’s biggest Independence Day weekends in years.
- Heading out to the Slaughter….Tour: One of metal’s most enduring tours returns to Worcester when the Summer Slaughter Tour rolls into The Palladium on Sunday, July 5, led by hardcore heavyweights Hatebreed. Fronted by Jamey Jasta, the Connecticut band has spent decades earning a reputation for ferocious live shows and crowd favorites like “I Will Be Heard” and “Destroy Everything.” They’ll be joined by Devourment, Snuffed On Sight, Balmora and Face Yourself for an all-ages evening of crushing riffs and nonstop energy. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the show beginning at 4:45 p.m.
- Worcester’s other hometown nine: The WooSox aren’t the only baseball team calling Worcester home. The Worcester Bravehearts take the field Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. against the New Britain Bees at Fitton Field. Playing in the collegiate Futures League, the Bravehearts offer an affordable way to catch high-level summer baseball featuring many current and future college standouts. With intimate seating, family-friendly prices and plenty of action on the field, it’s a chance to enjoy America’s pastime while cheering on one of Worcester’s lesser-known home teams.
- See the Declaration the way your ancestors did: Celebrate Independence Day by stepping back to 1776 at the American Antiquarian Society, which is hosting a free community open house on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can view rare printings of the Declaration of Independence spanning the nation’s first century, print their own commemorative keepsake on a tabletop press, and attend a public reading of the Declaration at noon on the steps of historic Antiquarian Hall. Timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event offers a chance to experience one of America’s founding documents not just as history, but as generations of Americans first encountered it. Read our full story to learn more about the fascinating evolution of the Declaration through the centuries.
- Bopping to K-pop: Whether you already know every dance move or you’re simply curious what all the excitement is about, K-Pop Icons promises a high-energy night celebrating one of the world’s biggest musical phenomena. The family-friendly production comes to the The Hanover Theatre on Monday, July 6, at 7 p.m., combining a live dance troupe with the UK’s first virtual K-pop band for an interactive concert experience. Featuring songs by BLACKPINK, BTS, TWICE, ROSÉ, KATSEYE and music from Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the show invites audiences to sing, dance and even help crown their favorite virtual performer. Tickets range from $48 to $81.
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
