Rockets, riffs and really good reads: 5 Fun Things to Do This Weekend

Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend: 

1. Rocketing to the museum: Celebrate Worcester’s place in space history at a free family fun day at the Museum of Worcester on Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., part of the Highland Street Foundation’s Spring Week. Tied to the Robert Goddard Centennial, the day is packed with hands-on activities and local connections to the rocket pioneer—try on David Clark Company spacesuits, test out a Goddard-inspired video game built by Clark University students, and catch the Worcester premiere of Moon Man, a short film by Maximillian Kent. Visitors can also explore NASA images, build their own rockets, and take guided tours of the museum’s “Worcester to the Stars” exhibit. Bonus: a rare Revolutionary War-era trunk tied to John Hancock will be on display for one week only, and families can head over to the Salisbury Mansion for a kid-friendly tour (noon to 1 p.m.) with additional tours later in the afternoon. It’s a full day of science, history and hands-on fun—completely free. 
   
2. Turn It up for those who served:  Headbang for a cause at Veterans Rock 2026, an all-ages benefit concert bringing together a stacked lineup of local bands including Unknown, Creation from Crisis, Fall of Atlantis, Slight of Mind, One Demon Down and Superchild. Hosted at Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435, the show kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Admission is $20 at the door, with proceeds supporting veterans through Project New Hope. Presented by Speed Demon Promotions and Mission 84 Productions, this one’s equal parts loud and meaningful. 
   
3. Time for Tee, the stigma-busting comedian: Spanky’s Comedy Series brings Amy Tee to Spanky’s at 120 Green Street for a night of quick wit and unfiltered storytelling on Saturday, with the show running from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25. A New England native with national touring credits, Tee blends personal experience with sharp, stigma-busting humor—touching on everything from recovery to mental health—without losing the laugh-per-minute pace. It’s smart, honest stand-up that lands without trying too hard. 
   
4. Plants, plates and a packed house:  New England VegFest returns to Worcester State University on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m., bringing one of the country’s largest and longest-running plant-based festivals back to Central Massachusetts. The free event features more than 100 exhibitors, including vegan food trucks, bakeries, local businesses and national brands, along with cooking demos, guest speakers and plenty of samples to try. Whether you’re fully committed or just curious, it’s an easy (and tasty) way to explore a more sustainable, animal-friendly lifestyle—no pressure, just good food and good company. 
   
5. Have some shelf control: Stock up without breaking the bank at the Friends of Worcester Public Library Spring Book Sale, happening Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Worcester Public Library. Browse a huge selection of adult, teen and children’s books at bargain prices, whether you’re hunting for a beach read, a hidden gem or just an excuse to add to the pile at home. Bonus: every purchase helps fund programs and services at the library, so your next read does a little good, too. 

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