From a Jerry Garcia tribute and a downtown snowman showdown to drag brunch, a celebration of Black women songwriters and a deep dive into the Worcester Galleria’s rise and fall, here are five ways to spend your weekend in Worcester
Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- All about Jerry: If your weekend needs a little soul, a little groove, and a whole lot of extended improvisation done properly, head to Electric Haze Friday, Feb. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m., as Sans Souci brings its deep-dive tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band songbook to the stage. Founded in 2017, the regional favorite explores not just JGB staples but also the wider Garcia universe—from Jerry & Merl Saunders to Legion of Mary and beyond—blending rock, blues, Motown and gospel influences into long-form jams that feel both faithful and freshly alive. Expect Hammond organ swells, layered vocals and the kind of communal vibe that turns a simple Friday night into a small-scale revival meeting.
- Frosty face-off: Got snow? Put it to work this Saturday at CitySquare Park, where the Downtown Worcester Snowman Challenge invites anyone—solo or in teams—to sculpt the ultimate winter masterpiece. Show off your creativity, compete for prizes up to $200, and claim serious bragging rights, all while enjoying the snowy outdoors. Just bring your supplies and keep an eye on the Snowman Alert for the official go-ahead—Mother Nature’s approval required. 1–3 p.m., judging at 2:45 p.m.
- Singing her story: Before the standards were standards, Black women were writing them—and now Worcester gets to hear their music live. This Saturday at the YWCA, five local vocalists perform songs by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and other trailblazers from 1920–1970, with jazz pianist/host Nat Needle leading the celebration, at the Black American Women Songwriters Concert. From blues to civil rights–era classics, it’s history, heart and seriously good music all in one evening. 6:30–8:30 p.m.; donations welcome.
- Sequins at brunch: Queer the Scene presents The Best Little Drag Brunch in Worcester: Glam Edition on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the LGBTQ-owned Worcester Beer Garden, 64 Franklin St. Doors open at noon, brunch buffet runs 12:30–1:30 p.m., and the show kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Victoria Obvious, the lineup features performances by Diva D, Dale Lepage and special guest Candace Persuasion, with DJs from DanceAway Sound keeping the energy high. Tickets ($48.76) include brunch and the show; 18+ only. Seating is first come, first served and groups must purchase together to sit together. Online ticket sales only.
- Mall memories & urban myths: Take a deep dive into downtown’s retail rollercoaster at the Worcester History Deep-Dive: Rise & Fall of the Mall on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 3–4 p.m. in the Saxe Room at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St. Local history librarian Alex traces how the Worcester Galleria reshaped the city through urban renewal—then endured a dramatic rise, fall, comeback and final curtain. Free to attend; registration required. Adult program.
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
