Here are five picks of things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- One and done (and then some): ArtsWorcester’s thirteenth annual “One” exhibition kicks off with a public reception on Friday, July 25, from 6-9 p.m. at its downtown gallery (44 Portland St.). Artist members were invited to submit just one piece — the work they most wanted to share — resulting in a vibrant, anything-goes showcase of more than 200 entries. Expect portraits, landscapes, sculpture, photography, wearable art, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. Admission is free, there’s a cash bar, and parking is available at the Worcester Public Library lot and nearby garages (don’t park across the street unless you enjoy being towed). Works on view include Diane Mulligan’s Crystal Brook Farm, Francine Gintoff’s painted vintage chair Amy, Michelle Stevens’ Kiran, and Mari Saxon’s archival print Self portrait in a surprised mood. If you miss opening night, the show runs through Aug. 24, Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
- Get down in Spencer with Vivi & DaFunk: Spencer’s free Summer Concert Series keeps the rhythm going with high-energy local favorite Vivi & DaFunk, playing Sunday, July 27 from 2-5 p.m. at Powder Mill Park (corner of Smithville and Meadow Roads). Founded by Mike Gianfriddo and Alan D’Allessandro, the band leveled up in 2015 with powerhouse vocalist Yvette “Vivi” Rhault, and again in 2021 when multi-instrumentalists Warren Olsen and Glenn Fournier joined the crew. Now a five-piece dance machine, Vivi & DaFunk bring serious funk, soul, and party vibes to every stage they hit across New England. Bring a lawn chair—or your dancing shoes.
- Stars, stripes & super soldiers: Suit up for a superhero night in the park! On Friday, July 25, Worcester’s Movies in the Park series brings Captain America: The First Avenger to the big outdoor screen at East Park (Shrewsbury Street). This free screening follows the iconic origin story of Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans)—a scrawny kid turned shield-slinging super-soldier—who battles HYDRA and Red Skull in a WWII-era action tale that launched one of the MCU’s most beloved heroes. Bring your blankets, your buddies, and your popcorn. Show starts at sundown (8:30 p.m.), and sponsors are still being welcomed.
- Hallelujah and happy 10th: The 10th Annual Summer Gospel Fest is bringing the praise—and the party—to downtown Worcester on Saturday, July 26, from 1-8 p.m. Come celebrate a decade of music, faith, food, and community at this free, family-friendly event. Expect live gospel performances, local vendors, health and wellness services, giveaways, activities, and a joyful crowd ready to vibe in the name of spirit and song. It all goes down in the heart of the city — and this year, they’re doing it BIG. For more info or to get involved as a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer, go here. Cheers to 10 years of lifting every voice.
- Nothing but net (and nonsense): The wildly popular sports-and-comedy crew Dude Perfect lands their only New England stop in Worcester on Saturday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the DCU Center as part of their high-flying Hero World Tour. Expect jaw-dropping trick shots, laugh-out-loud antics, and crowd-fueled chaos from Tyler, Cody, Garrett, Coby and Cory — the YouTube legends with over 10 million subscribers and a trophy case full of Streamy Awards. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just love seeing basketballs do impossible things, this all-ages show is a slam dunk.
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
