Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- A night of powerful voices and shared history: Music Worcester welcomes the American Spiritual Ensemble, founded by Everett McCorvey — the organization’s 2026 Artist in Residence — for an evening honoring the roots of American music through Negro spirituals. The ensemble performs internationally, celebrating a tradition shaped by strength, community and the search for freedom, with hallmarks like call-and-response and rich storytelling. The concert also marks the local premiere of McCorvey’s artist-in-residence work. The show takes place Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at Mechanics Hall.
- Back to the Cats: beloved Worcester hockey team suits up again: Dust off your throwback gear — IceCats Weekend brings Worcester hockey nostalgia roaring back for two straight nights as the Worcester Railers celebrate one of the city’s most beloved eras. The weekend kicks off Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:05 p.m. with IceCats Night, featuring specialty IceCats-themed jerseys, retro music and in-game entertainment, and appearances by Scratch, the legendary IceCats mascot. Fans can also snag limited-edition IceCats merchandise, available first at Friday’s game. The Railers face the Florida Everblades both Friday and Saturday night, making it a full weekend of hockey and hometown history at the DCU Center.
- Hop to it: Peter Rabbit takes the stage: Little ones ages 3–11 are invited to enjoy “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” brought to life by the Pumpernickel Puppets. Follow Peter and his mischievous friends as they sneak into Mr. McGregor’s garden, outsmart the grumpy gardener, and pick up a few lessons along the way — all in a fast, kid-friendly performance. The puppet show runs Thursday, Jan. 8, from 5-5:30 p.m. at the Frances Perkins Branch Library, FPB Meeting Room.
- Spill the beans (and the chili): Heat things up at the Second Annual Chili Cook-Off at 4th & 1 Sports Club, where local cooks go ladle-to-ladle for bragging rights and cash prizes. Tasting kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7 Muskeego St., and the top three chilies will take home cash. Come hungry, vote for your favorite, and enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and serious flavor.
- Jazzy good lunch break: Take your Friday noon hour somewhere unexpected with a live performance by Grammy-nominated harpist and composer Deborah Henson-Conant, featured in WICN’s Emerging Artist Series. Part of The Friday Blend radio program, the show brings fresh Jazz+ sounds straight into WICN’s Studio 50, spotlighting boundary-pushing artists from across the jazz landscape. Henson-Conant, a Boston-based innovator, performer and educator, is known for reimagining what the harp can do — and this intimate midday concert is a rare chance to see it up close. Friday, Jan. 9 at noon, WICN Studio 50, 50 Portland St.
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
