Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Rock, Roll & Remember: WCUW’s Weekend Dance Parties: WCUW is throwing back-to-back dance parties in the Front Room (910 Main St., Worcester) to honor two of its legendary DJs. Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m., kicks off with a Sock Hop tribute to Paul Lauzon, featuring music from his archives spun by family and a live performance by Elvis tribute artist Dan Fontaine. Sunday, Aug. 24, 5 p.m., the groove continues with April Mae & the June Bugs celebrating the late Milton Cordiero with Doo Wop, boogie-woogie, and swing. Free parking across the street. Admission is a goodwill donation — matched up to $10,000.
- Pierogi, polka, and plenty more at Polish Fest: The 4th Annual Polish Festival takes over the White Eagle this Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with food, music, and cultural fun. Grab a Polish Plate or golabki, browse vendors from European Bakery to Baltic Ambers Art, and catch performances from Piast Folk Dancers (12:30 p.m.), Krakowiak Folk Dancers of Boston (1:30 p.m.), and EFO Polka Band (2–6 p.m.). DJs Robert Sky and Diesel keep the party going inside starting at 8 p.m. Sponsors include Golemo’s Market, Polish Prince Pierogi, Montachusett Vending, and Laura’s Guardian Angels.
- Laughs on Tap at O’Connor’s: Kompletely Cerious Comedy teams up with O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar on Saturday, Aug. 23, for a night of big laughs. Headliner Kristy Kielbasinski joins comics Dave McGrath, Arianna Magee, AJ Cappuccio, and Ethan Cannon, with Josh Ramirez hosting. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6. Tickets run $16–18 and drinks plus a limited apps menu will be available during the show. Want dinner first? Reserve early at O’Connor’s (plan at least an hour before showtime).
- Body slams & history slams: From 19th-century grapplers to today’s indie stars, pro wrestling has always had a home in Worcester. Local History Librarian Alex takes you on a whirlwind tour of the city’s wrestling legacy—from the old-school territories to the TV boom to the local scene still thriving today. Catch “Worcester History Deep-Dive: Pro-Wrestling in Worcester” on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 3–4 p.m. in the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library.
- Groovin’ back to the ’60s: Take a midday trip to the Summer of Love without leaving Worcester. On Thursday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., enjoy free live music on the Bank of America Stage at Francis R. Carroll Plaza, right in front of The Hanover Theatre. Holdin’ Back the ‘60s will serve up faithful renditions of classics from The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks, and more—complete with jangly 12-string guitars, Hammond organ, and rich vocal harmonies. Food trucks will be on hand, so bring your appetite along with your dancing shoes.
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
