Polar Park once again trades baseball for fireworks, music and family activities this Independence Day as the Worcester Red Sox bring back their Fourth of July Family Fest.
The event, now in its second year, returns Friday, July 4, after drawing more than 5,000 attendees during its inaugural run in 2025. While the WooSox will be on the road in Syracuse, the team plans to fill the ballpark with a full evening of entertainment capped by a patriotic fireworks display.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include a live performance by the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, a screening of the classic baseball film “Field of Dreams,” a sunset catch on the field and a variety of family-friendly attractions throughout the ballpark.
Among the activities planned are inflatables, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon artists, Touch-A-Truck displays, a water balloon toss, bingo and a scavenger hunt. Fans will also have an opportunity to meet the Central MASScots — Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto the Rocket and Clara the Heart of the Commonwealth.
The appearance by the Worcester Symphony Orchestra marks the first time the ensemble has performed at Polar Park.
The event grew out of a desire to establish a local Independence Day tradition regardless of the WooSox schedule.
“When we started studying Worcester in 2018, we learned that the city’s Independence holiday fireworks were typically on another date,” WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg said in the announcement. “We then sought to create a community tradition so that whether the WooSox are home or on the road, families can enjoy the 4th of July at Polar Park.”
Admission includes access to all Family Fest activities. Tickets purchased in advance cost $10 for adults and $5 for children, while children age 2 and younger are admitted free. Organizers note that fans may leave and re-enter the ballpark during the event provided their tickets are scanned when exiting.
For those seeking an upgraded experience, VIP packages include access to an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet in the climate-controlled DCU Club, along with outdoor cushioned seating for the concert, movie and fireworks. VIP tickets are priced at $40 for adults and $30 for children.
The WooSox Team Store will be open during the event and will feature patriotic-themed merchandise, including a limited-edition WooSox 250th USA collectible pin. A tie-dye activity will also be available on the concourse.
Although there won’t be a game at Polar Park, fans won’t miss the WooSox entirely. The team’s July 4 road game against the Syracuse Mets will be shown on televisions throughout the ballpark while Family Fest activities are underway.
The celebration concludes with a fireworks display sponsored by UniBank.
Tickets are available through the WooSox website and the Polar Park Ticket Office.
