Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Stone Temple…and that’s it: Break out the flannel and dust off the Doc Martens — Stone Temple, a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band (because removing one word is apparently all it takes), hits Ralph’s Diner on Friday, Dec. 26, with an 8 p.m. show. Expect all the big sing-along staples — “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” “Creep,” “Down” — plus a few deeper cuts for the diehards. It’s a reminder that STP didn’t just have hits, they had a lot of them.
- Bob Marley brings on the laughs: Comedy fans can catch Bob Marley — the stand-up legend, not the reggae icon — when he brings his rapid-fire, New England–flavored humor to Worcester on Saturday, Dec. 28, with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. A Maine-based comic with a résumé that includes Leno, Letterman, Conan, Fallon and Comedy Central, Marley also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest solo stand-up set at a jaw-dropping 40 hours. If that doesn’t convince you, he’s also a SiriusXM favorite and a “Boondock Saints” alum. Two chances to catch him, zero chances you’ll confuse him with the other guy.
- Holidaze…celebrate…it could be so nice: Not ready to crawl back into your sweatpants just yet? Holidaze at the Haze brings the day-after-Christmas chaos to Electric Haze on Friday, Dec. 26. DJ Joslyn Fox spins all night, with a drag show at 10:30 p.m. hosted by Victoria Obvious and Kandi Dishe, serving high-energy performances and unapologetic flair. Doors open at 8 p.m. at 26 Millbury St.; tickets are $8 online, $10 at the door, and it’s 21+. Come dance it off — leftovers can wait.
- Seven principles, one big Community Table: Celebrate culture, community and connection at Worcester’s annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 5-8 p.m. at YWCA Central Massachusetts. Hosted by OurStory Edutainment and The Village Worcester, the evening features performances, vendors, giveaways, and a shared community karamu potluck — bring a dish to share (no pork, please). Whether you’re learning about Kwanzaa for the first time or continuing a tradition, it’s a warm, welcoming way to spend the night together.
- Pucks, sweaters and holiday swagger: Hockey meets holiday hijinks when the Worcester Railers host their Home for the Holidays game Saturday, Dec. 27 at 6:05 p.m. at the DCU Center. Expect festive vibes all around — an ugly sweater contest (with prizes), a puck bottle opener giveaway for early arrivals, and $10 kids tickets to make it a family-friendly night out. Your ticket also scores you free pre-game ice skating at the Worcester Common Oval, skate rentals included. Bundle up, lean into the cheer, and make it a full-on winter night downtown.
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
