Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Wind & keys take center stage: Joy of Music Program’s Faculty Concert Series continues Sunday, Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. with a woodwinds-and-piano recital inside the Shapiro Concert Hall, 1 Gorham St. Faculty musicians Tracy McGinnis (bassoon) and Nancy Ackerman (clarinet) join guest pianist Roy Imperio for an afternoon of chamber music. A suggested $25 donation supports JOMP’s Tuition Assistance Fund, though all donations are welcome, and students and JOMP community members are invited to attend regardless of amount. The 2025–26 series is presented in loving memory of Marjorie and Daniel Borg and supported by the family of Dr. Ted and Mary Lou Conna.
- A Night for Tiny Makers (and Their Grown-Up Co-Conspirators): Give the kids a night out—and a secret mission. The Clayground is hosting a drop-off-friendly holiday workshop where young creators (recommended ages 7+) craft their own clay trinket or key/ring dishes from raw clay, with step-by-step guidance. Parents can tag along or let the surprise unfold later. Pieces will be dried and bisque-fired over the following week, and families can return anytime to glaze before the final firing. The all-inclusive ticket covers both kiln firings and the full start-to-finish process. Space is limited. The workshop runs Friday, Nov. 1, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at The Clayground. Register while spots last.
- The waiting really is the hardest part: If you’re itching for a dose of Tom Petty’s greatest hits, two tribute bands are teaming up to deliver the full spectrum — Mudcrutch roots, Heartbreakers classics and the “Full Moon Fever” era. Petty Larceny and The Tom Prettys split the bill to take on Petty’s sprawling catalog, so expect a night packed with the songs you actually want to hear: “Breakdown,” “Refugee,” “You Got Lucky,” “Free Fallin’” and plenty more. The show hits Off the Rails on Saturday, Nov. 22, with music starting at 7 p.m.
- Hammer, stamp, shine: make your own copper keepsake: Channel your inner metalsmith at the Worcester Center for Crafts this Saturday, where families are invited to drop in and learn the basics of working with copper. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll texture and stamp your own personalized keychain or charm under the guidance of a professional Jewelry/Metals instructor. It’s a laid-back, creative way to explore metalwork — and you’ll leave with a handmade piece that’s entirely your own. The event runs Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is completely free for all families, and requires no registration. Just head to 25 Sagamore Rd. and start crafting.
- Who wrote this thing anyway? Convivium Musicum launches its new season by diving into the Renaissance’s greatest “whoops, wrong composer” moments. Under the direction of Dr. Allegra Martin, the ensemble tackles Bauldeweyn’s “Missa da Pacem”—a piece long pinned on Josquin—as well as motets and gems that spent years wearing the wrong name tag. Expect lush polyphony, a bit of historical intrigue, and a whole lot of gorgeous sound in First Unitarian’s warm acoustics. The concert runs about 90 minutes with an intermission and a reception to follow. Sunday, Nov. 23, 4–6 p.m. at First Unitarian, 90 Main St., Worcester.
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
