Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Silver Scream Con returns with monster lineup: Horror fans, sharpen your fangs: Silver Scream Con 4 takes over the DCU Center Sept. 12–14 with a monster lineup of film icons, panels, and fear-filled fun. Created by Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas, the convention offers celeb signings, “scary-oke,” photo ops, trivia, and even a costume contest. The guest list reads like a horror hall of fame — Danny Trejo, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, Kane Hodder, Heather Langenkamp, Doug Bradley, Tom Savini, and many more. Friday through Sunday, expect nonstop panels and appearances, capped Saturday night with Ice Nine Kills’ Hell of a Summer tour stop at the DCU. .
- Step right up, and side to side: Get your toes tapping this Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Worcester Contra Dance. Held at Wesley UMC’s gymnasium (114 Main St., Worcester), the evening kicks off with a quick orientation at 6:45 p.m. before the dancing runs from 7-10 p.m. No experience or partner required — just bring yourself (and maybe a few friends) for live fiddle music, laughter, and plenty of spins across the floor. A second Saturday tradition from September through June.
- Steady and seasoned: Enjoy an evening of classic rock and R&B when The Metrons hit the WCUW Frontroom on Saturday, Sept. 13. This seasoned four-piece — featuring Bob Palermo, John Bianchi, Todd Dufault and Bart McCracken — brings together alumni of Albatross, The Heartbeats, The Mighty Bel-Mars and more. Expect a setlist packed with Tom Petty, The Allman Brothers, The Band, Derek and the Dominoes and blues staples, all delivered with fresh twists. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7. $15 cash at the door. Light refreshments served, or BYO. Parking available across the street in the Clark U lot.
- Broadway magic, and it’s Sirius: Sirius XM’s Seth Rudetsky brings his celebrated Broadway concert series back to Worcester on Friday, Sept. 12 (7:30–9 p.m.) at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), 20 Franklin St. This time, he’s teaming up with Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, Wonderful World) for a one-night-only event blending hilarious backstage stories with powerhouse performances. Expect Iglehart to revisit some of his most iconic roles — from Genie’s “Friend Like Me” to Hamilton’s “What’d I Miss?” — plus dream roles like Sweeney Todd and Aaron Burr. With Rudetsky steering the night’s spontaneous twists, no two shows are ever the same. Tickets at jmacworcester.org
- Fire…fire on the mountain: Wachusett Mountain cranks up the heat this weekend with a full-on barbecue festival, serving some of the best smoked and grilled eats in the region, plus cold beer on tap. Live music, family-friendly entertainment, and scenic sky rides round out the experience. Kids under 5 get in free, and advance tickets mean extra savings. Don’t forget to check the Ski Train schedule for an easy ride straight to the mountain. Runs Saturday, Sept. 13, to Sunday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in Princeton.
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
