‘Class Act’ — which comes to OBERON on Father’s Day, June 15, at 4 pm — is a tap dance ode to the 1920s and ’30s inspired by Vaudeville, crime noir, Fred Astaire, and The Great Gatsby – We have 2 tickets to give away!! Send an email to giveaways@eventsinsider.com for a chance to win! Oberon TheatreCambridge, MA, –.more
Win & Preview: Chick Singer Night
We have 2 tickets to give away for this Saturday’s show! Send an email to giveaways@eventsinsider.com for a chance to win! The Regent TheatreArlington, MA, .more
Johnny’s Picks
Ancient and Honorable June Day Parade
Leading up to the election of the Officers and Sergeants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, a parade takes place. Don’t let the words ‘ancient’ and ‘honorable’ mislead you, this is a truly moving and patriotic event, if you’re into that. Boston CommonBoston, MA, .more
Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Festival
I have only one rule for ice cream: The more, the better. This all-you can-eat fest offers ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. It’s the biggest event of its type in the world. 12-8pm daily. Boston City Hall Plaza, One City Hall SquareBoston, MA, –.more
Japan Festival
This annual festival offers the best in Japanese art, culture, and food, right in Central Square as part of the Cambridge Arts River Festival. 12pm-4pm. Central SquareCambridge, MA, .more
Corvette Day at Larz Anderson Museum
The Corvette is THE American sports car. No wonder it has its own day at Larz Anderson Auto Museum, which is a world class venue. You know this event is going to be good. Register and bring your own ‘vette to the party! 9am-3pm. Larz Anderson Auto MuseumBrookline, MA, .more
Boston Irish Festival
The Irish are friendly people, no matter what others say. Come enjoy Celtic music, great food, and fine company at this Irish Festival. There will be a 5K race, games for kids and a dance competition. The Irish Cultural CentreCanton, MA, –.more
Arlington Greek Festival
Consider this the Olympics of cultural festivals. There’s Greek food, dancing, and live music. and the mix is completed by Greek style kids games and activities. St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox ChurchArlington, MA, –.more
Run for the Beach 5K!
Run along the beach to raise money for local beaches. Seems like a great way to celebrate World Oceans Day! Dane Street BeachBeverly, MA, .more
Vintage Baseball Tournament
Step into the 1860’s and watch a Civil War- era baseball game with original rules and uniforms. That is to say, baseball uniforms, not Civil War uniforms — although that WOULD be awesome. Fort WarrenBoston, MA, .more
Chinatown Main Street Festival
Chinatown gets even more exciting with this day full of folk dance, art, food, martial arts, and even a karaoke competition. Boston, MA, .more
Cambridge River Festival
Cambridge sure knows how to throw a party! More than 33 art performances, paired with interactive activities and more than 150 food vendors. Cambridge, MA, .more
Arlington Soapbox Derby Race Day
I’ve seen this! Children race awesome gravity-powered homemade cars. This is the only one I know of near Boston. BTW, winners go to the International Race in Akron, Ohio. Eastern AvenueArlington, MA, .more
Winchester Town Day
Welcome summer, engage in athletic competitions and races, play games with kids and enjoy music. Winchester Town Day closes with an amazing fireworks show. Downtown WinchesterWinchester, MA, .more
Superhero Scramble Charger
It takes a SUPERHERO to complete this intense obstacle race. Are you up to the challenge? Come find out! Cape and tights optional. Amesbury Sports ParkAmesbury, MA, .more
Kite Festival at Lawrence
Not every kite festival comes with trolley rides and kite making. Not to mention the other healthy activities and food! Pemberton ParkLawrence, MA, .more
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
One does not usually expect someone to die after a nice fancy dinner on a train. Come solve this interesting murder mystery case. 6pm. Conway Scenic RailwayNorth Conway, NH, –.more
The Fort at No 4 French and Indian War Encampment
The British are coming! Wait, so are the French and the Native Americans! Step into the past at this French and Indian War reenactment. Charlestown, NH, –.more
Outdoor movies!
Nobody lists more outdoor movies in New England! I track 97 different series with more than 400 shows, and most of them are free! To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom. more
Outdoor Theatre!
I list more outdoor theatre than anyone else in New England! I track 75 performance series. That’s more than 600 shows, some of which are free! To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom to see them. more
Outdoor concerts!
Events Insider keeps track of all the outdoor concerts in New England. This is where you find the places and events you cannot miss.To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom. more
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). All Over, , –.more
Also Fun
The Moving Wall
The Moving Wall is visiting the area, and it’s a great chance to pay homage to the heroes who gave their lives in Vietnam. Winchendon, MA, –.more
Puppet Showplace Legacy Gala
The Muppets would love to have it this good. Spend an evening enjoying courtyard performances while supporting this 40 year old theater. 6:30-9:30pm. George H. Wightman MansionBrookline, MA, .more
MIT Inventions
Many MIT students are known for their contributions to society over the years. Check out what current students have been up to, see their inventions on display. MIT MuseumBoston, MA, –.more
Charles River One Mile Swim
Are you comfortable swimming for 40 minutes straight? The Charles River Swimming Club holds their annual 1-mile swim this weekend. Experienced swimmers only. 6:45am. Arthur Fiedler DockBoston, MA, .more
Watch the stunt kites perform tricks, or fly one of your own; there will also be giant kites, buggys, and boards. 9-5pm. Nahant, MA, .more
Coolidge Corner Arts Festival
This ‘arts festival’ is basically a marketplace. But with 75 artists showing off their work, you’re bound to go home inspired and maybe with some neat art too. 10am-6pm. Devotion SchoolBrookline, MA, .more
Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari
Lansdowne Street becomes one big safari, offering up activities, parties, and all sorts of food, including lots and lots of hot dogs. 12pm-4pm. Landsdowne StBoston, MA, .more
Crawfish for Cancer
Crawfish are like tiny lobsters, so you can eat a bunch of them and join the battle against cancer. You’ll find live entertainment as well. 2pm-7pm. Pier 4 Charlestown Navy YardBoston, MA, .more
Boston Arthritis Walk
Join this walk to raise awareness of Arthritis. There are also events for the whole family. Northeast Delta Dental StadiumManchester, NH, .more
Summer Squared Series: Intro to Modern Dance
Here’s a chance to learn the basics of modern dance in one night for just ten bucks. It’s for fun, so relax and let your body do the talking. The Cambridge CenterCambridge, MA, –.more
Special Olympics – Summer Games
I volunteered for this once and it was fun. This is a great sports program that allows everyone to get involved. Various locations (Boston University, Harvard, John A Ryan Arena)Cambridge, MA, –.more
Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony and Reception
Boston Portuguese Festival is a celebration of all things Portuguese, of course. The kick-off event is basically a reception that includes a flag raising ceremony. There will be music and food. Boston City Hall Plaza, One City Hall SquareBoston, MA, .more
Walk for Boston’s Children Hospital
The esplanade was made for walking, and on Sunday lots of people will be doing just that to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital. DCR Hatch ShellBoston, MA, .more
Boston Race Amity Day Celebration
Head to the Greenway Sunday to celebrate diversity. You’ll find live bands, food from around the world, and even a scavenger hunt! Rose Kennedy GreenwayBoston, MA, .more
A Pride Week Walk through Mount Auburn Cemetery
Learn about several fascinating LGBT figures from Boston’s past on this walk that pays homage to some amazing individuals. Cambridge, MA, .more
Bike-A-Thon
Choose between 4 different bike rides, and then stay for the ride after-party. It’s fun but to enter you need to fundraise 150 green bills. Park at Boylston & Lamartine StreetsBoston, MA, .more
Taste of Somerville
Whether you’re out of touch or in love with the Somerville nighlife and dining scene, you can experience it all in one place. 5:30-7:30pm. Davis SquareSomerville, MA, .more
John Hancock Fenway Fantasy Day
This fundraiser really hits it out of the park by giving you a chance to literally hit one out of the park. Live your Fenway fantasy while fighting cancer. 9-5pm. Fenway ParkBoston, MA, .more
Start the month off on the right foot: free admission to deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum the first Wednesday of each summer month. They have both indoor and outdoor sculptures, a forest trail and much more. It’s one of my favorite museums! deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond RdLincoln, MA, .more
Concord Museum Garden Tour
Gardens so exclusive that you have to pay before seeing them? With this tour in its 25th year, they must really be worth it! Concord MuseumConcord, MA, –.more
Statewide Free Fishing Weekend
This is one weekend fish don’t look forward to! This weekend, Fishing Festivals are held across Massachusetts, and you don’t even need a license. All OverAll Over, , –.more
Green Up the Blue Hills
No one likes weeding a garden. Could you imagine weeding the Blue Hills?? If you pitch in, you’re promised a number of cool rewards like music, face painting, and a scavenger hunt! Ponkapoag AMC CabinsMilton, MA, .more
Ice Cream Social and Open House
Phillips House hosts an open house with ukulele music, ice cream and outdoor games. Who said museums are boring? Phillips House MuseumSalem, MA, .more
Salem Arts Festival
Name any form of art, and Salem’s probably got you covered at this family-friendly annual arts festival. Various LocationsSalem, MA, –.more
Adult Prom! ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ Rotary Benefit Event!
It’s prom all over again, just without 80’s hair, acne, or a curfew. Who will be king and queen? Includes DJ, snacks, dessert, and coffee. Peabody Holiday Inn Grand BallroomPeabody, MA, .more
Historic New England: Salem
Historic New England is fascinating. Adding an ice cream social makes it irresistible! Well played, Salem. Various LocationsSalem, MA, .more
Randolph Country Fair
Fiesta Shows seems to be everywhere! This time it is visiting the Randolph Country Fair. Also, food and games, and the Randolph County Market. Zapustas Ice ArenaRandolph, MA, –.more
Nantasket Beach Car Show
This show features half a mile of awesome looking cars, parked side by side. You can also ‘pull over’ at any point, and walk to the beach for a great time. There will be food vendors so that you can fill up your tank. Nantasket BeachHull, MA, .more
Rhythm and Spirit Weekend
This is a weekend full of hand drumming, yoga, and kayaking. They invite people to open their souls… but to what? Registration is required, BTW. Pinewood Lodge CampgroundPlymouth, MA, –.more
Ekphrastic Poetry Reading ‘The Stories We Tell’
Come for the art, stay for the poetry readings about the art. Several poems are about the current exhibit ‘The Stories We Tell’. Free with museum admission. 1-4:30pm. Fuller Craft MuseumBrockton, MA, .more
Plymouth Outdoors Day
Plymouth has lots of outdoor fun to offer, so much so they have a day to celebrate it. You can fish, ride bikes or hike, even go on a geocaching adventure. All OverPlymouth, MA, .more
Foxborough Founders Day
Foxborough’s Founders would love this annual celebration that begins with a parade, ends with fireworks, and offers tons of fun activites in between. Foxborough CommonFoxborough, MA, .more
Day of Portugal Festival Weekend
Compete in a soccer or golf tournament, or even a race. Or, just relax and experience the music, art, food, and culture of Portugal. Various LocationsNew Bedford, MA, –.more
Charles W. Morgan Whaleship Official New Bedford Homecoming Ceremony
New Bedford has nine days of concerts, programs, regattas, whaleboat races and parades, a whaling history symposium, public ceremonies and much more planned for one special ship. State PierNew Bedford, MA, .more
Antique Car Rally at Old Sturbridge Village
Classic cars look funny, but cool at the same time. This event reunites more than 50 pre-1946 vehicles for you to see. they also invite owners to join their parade. 3:30pm. Old Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MA, .more
The Great Holyoke Brick Race
You might not think a brick would make a good car. Gravity and these competitors would like to prove you wrong. Downtown HolyokeHolyoke, MA, .more
Shelburne Falls Riverfest
You can enjoy Riverfest on the river if you’d like, but there’s plenty to do on land too. Take a trolley ride, listen to live music, and keep an eye out for wandering troubadors! 10am. Various LocationsShelburne Falls, MA, .more
Polar Seltzer Great Chowder Cook-Off & The Newport Oyster Festival
This long running chowder fest has everything you’d expect, but also oysters, live music, and some fun competitions. Downtown NewportNewport, RI, .more
Fish Passage Project on the Pawcatuck Paddle
If you know your way around a kayak, you’re sure to enjoy this paddle through the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association’s recently completed Fish Passage Project. Biscuit City LandingSouth Kingstown, RI, .more
Wickford Regatta
Regatta racing is about speed, and fun. Even just watching a race is fun. There will be a dinner for competitors at the Wickford Yacht Club. Wickford Yacht Club,North Kingstown, RI, –.more
Block Island Music Festival
This 6 day music festival sounds great: Free food for the attendees, awesome musical performances, and a grassroots, organic feel. Captain Nick’s Rock N’ Roll BarBlock Island, RI, –.more
Public Stargazing
Every Friday, this Observatory opens its doors to the public for some stargazing. There’s a dome, telescopes, and even a sky theatre. Frosty Drew ObservatoryCharlestown, RI, .more
Wellfleet Restaurant Week
Enjoy Wellfleet before the summer crowds arrive, both at some of their best restaurants and Saturday night’s bonfire! Various locationsWellfleet, MA, –.more
Around the Sound Cruise
This cruise not only takes a gorgeous route around Vineyard sound, it also retraces the course of a historical voyage with narration and has free appetizers! Falmouth Museums on the GreenFalmouth, MA, .more
Lupine Festival
Music, museums, tours, and delicious foods are all things complimented by flowers. Celebrate the beautiful Lupine in the mountains of New Hampshire. Sugar Hill, Route117 Main StreetLincoln, NH, –.more
WOKQ Chowder Festival
I’d be on time to this huge New England chowder tasting event. They start serving at 11:30am, and don’t stop until it’s gone. Prescott Park Arts FestivalPortsmouth, NH, .more
Goffstown Old Home Day
Explore yard sales and a car show, eat a pancake breakfast, and take a trolley ride. Old Home Day in Goffstown sounds pretty great! Main StreetGoffstown, NH, .more
Performance
Muriel Robin
Ok, so maybe high school French classes didn’t quite prepare you for this comedienne – but laughter is still a universal language, promising bon temps for all. Oberon TheatreCambridge, MA, .more
Review: Carrie the Musical
Carrie the Musical sounds macabre and thrilling! SpeakEasy Stage CompanyBoston, MA, –.more
Review: Into the Woods
Your favorite fairy tale characters will get chewed up and spit out in this epic mashup, will there be a happy ending? The Lyric StageBoston, MA, –.more
The Tempest
This performance of a Shakespeare classic gets even better with the addition of magic straight from the secrets of Teller of Penn and Teller! Loeb Drama CenterCambridge, MA, –.more
Smart People
Are we born into stereotypes? This witty and intelligent play explores the idea by exploring the lives of four smart and interesting characters. South End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCABoston, MA, –.more
Gideon’s Knot
Gideon’s Knot is essentially the most intense parent-teacher conference ever. Luckily, none of us is the student being discussed. Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
XX PlayLab Festival: New Ideas
There are plenty of performances, panel discussions, parties, and things that don’t begin with ‘p’ at this festival, like lots of female playwrights ;). BCA Plaza TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Travel
A People’s History of the United States
This is a discussion about a book that paints a picture of America through the eyes of average citizens. And an art book that captures our history in pictures. Expect to leave feeling patriotic! The Mark Twain House & MuseumHartford, CT, .more
Robin Hood Springtime Festival
I’ve been to this event, and it’s the best renaissance faire in New England, hands down. Come dressed as Robin Hood for added fun. Guilford FairgroundsGuilford, CT, –.more
Gardenfest at Florence Griswold Museum
Gardenfest celebrates nature with multiple events in and around their historic gardens, including everything from special events to family activities. Free with admission. Florence Griswold MuseumOld Lyme, CT, –.more
World Oceans Day at Mystic Aquarium
To celebrate World Oceans Day, Mystic Aquarium has prepared activities for both children and grown-ups. Don’t forget to visit the sharks and the beluga whales! 10am-4am. Mystic AquariumMystic, CT, .more
Victorian Days in Willimantic
Take a lantern tour through Willimantic, enjoy Victorian tea, or take in a classic brass band performance in historic downtown Willimantic. Historic Downtown WillimanticWillimantic, CT, –.more
Beck & Call! The Servants Tour
You’ve never toured a home quite like this! Experience the organized chaos of the servants who worked for the Clemens family from their point of view. Mark Twain HouseHartford, CT, .more
New England Fiddle Contest
How’s your fiddling skills? This is the New England Fiddle Contest. There will be cash prizes for the winners. Get yourself to this music fest and enjoy some fine music! Center ParkManchester, CT, .more
First Fridays in Downtown Putnam
Downtown Putnam becomes a great, fun space for the arts, every first Friday of the month. Live music, craft vendors and friendly people make this a great experience. DowntownPutnam, CT, .more
Captain Kidd Day
They say this is Connecticut’s best and largest scavenger hunt! And how could it not be so, if everyone’s looking for Captain Kidd’s treasure? Now seriously, there will be a parade (re-enactment included), live music and fun for everyone. Downtown MilfordMilford, CT, .more
Connecticut Trails Day
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching. It’s the US’s largest outdoor park festival, they say, with 258 events. On Trails Throughout ConnecticutAll Over, , –.more
Strawberry Park Cajun/Zydeco Festival
I hear ‘Cajun’ and think about food. This festival, however, is about music. Come dance, sing or join a workshop. It’s fun and I’m sure there will be food somewhere. Preston, CT, –.more
Connecticut Early Music Festival
This major annual festival opens this year with the tragic opera Dido and Aeneas. Just because it’s sad doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. Various LocationsNew London, CT, –.more
Georgetown Day
This festival includes a chili cook-off and a dunking booth in addition to music, more food, and a 5k. They had me at chili and the dunk tank, though. Main StreetGeorgetown, CT, .more
MadHackers
After this technology-themed day of exploration and fun that includes live bands and a food truck rally, we’ll all be mad hackers. 10-5pm. CityCenter Danbury GreenDanbury, CT, .more
Maine Fiber Frolic
With workshops like ‘Don’t Be a Wimp – Spin Cotton!’ and ‘Weave Like It’s 1699! (parts 1 + 2)’ it’s obvious that this Fiber Frolic is all about having fun. Learn something new or watch demos. Music, food, and shopping too. Windsor Fairgrounds, Rt. 32Windsor, ME, –.more
Back to the Beach Corvette Weekend
Corvettes, while extermely awesome, are just the beginning of the fun events during this revved up weekend. Old Orchard BeachOld Orchard Beach, ME, –.more
Lost River Gorge Evening Lantern Tours
Experience the caves and gorges of Lost River under a new light…attached to your forehead. That’s right, it’s a nighttime lantern walk, and it ends with s’mores. Lost River Gorge and Boulder CavesNorth Woodstock, NH, –.more
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Burlington discover Jazz Festival has been called one of the top ten festivals in the world. Looking at this year’s lineup, it might be true. There will be plenty outdoor and intimate indoor performances. Flynn CenterBurlington, VT, –.more
Retreat from Canada in 1776
Go back to 1776 , and witness the retreat of the American Northern Army from Quebec. This is an interesting re-enactment. 10:01am-4pm. Ethan Allen Homestead MuseumBurlington, VT, .more
Vermont Dairy Festival
Take part in a baking contest, or join the Texas Hold ’em tournament. This festival also includes fireworks, games and a milking contest for kids. Enosburg Falls Lions Club, Rt.105 and Rt.108Enosburg Falls, VT, .more
Roots on the River
A great lineup has been prepared for this year’s festival, and you can expect to see lots of friendly people, great music and delicious food. The Big TentBellows Falls, VT, –.more
Strolling of the Heifers Parade and Dairy Fest
This festival includes a gallery walk, a parade, cycling tours and pretty much anything else you would’ve never thought could be related to dairy. Check their website for other cool events in June. Various LocationsBrattleboro, VT, –.more
Outdoor Theatre & More
Outdoor Theatre & More – click map above to set region
Mon 6/2
Tue 6/3
Wed 6/4
Thu 6/5
Fri 6/6
Sat 6/7
Sun 6/8
Mon 6/9
Salsa in the ParkBoston, MA
Mondays at 6-9pm. Blackstone Community Center
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Ocean Beach Park Classic Car Cruise NightNew London, CT
Mondays at 6pm. Ocean Beach Park
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Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movies – click map above to set region
Mon 6/2
Tue 6/3
Wed 6/4
Thu 6/5
Fri 6/6
Sat 6/7
Sun 6/8
Mon 6/9
America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to BroadwayProvidence, RI
Tuesdays at 6pm. Providence Public Library
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Movies on the BlockProvidence, RI
Thursdays at 7:30pm. Westminster St at Union St
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Winthrop Movies in the ParkWinthrop, MA
various times. Ingleside Park, 617-846-8243.
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Outdoor Concerts
Outdoor Music – click map above to set region
Mon 6/2
Tue 6/3
Wed 6/4
Thu 6/5
Fri 6/6
Sat 6/7
Sun 6/8
Mon 6/9
Downtown Boston Brass strolling musiciansBoston, MA
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12nn-2pm. Downtown Crossing
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Kendall Square Concert SeriesCambridge, MA
12-1:30pm. North Plaza, 300 Athenaeum Street, 617 577-7354.
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Concerts in the Courtyard at Boston Public LibraryBoston, MA
Wednesdays at 6pm & Fridays at 12:30pm. Central Library in Copley Square, 617-536-5400.
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Music at the Manse Concert SeriesConcord, MA
5pm. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, 978-369-3909.
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Hudson Summer Concerts – Wood ParkHudson, MA
Wednesdays at 6-9pm. Wood Park, Park Street
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Middlesex Concert Band RehearsalsWakefield, MA
2014:Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm. Church, 8 Lafayette St
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Salem Free Summer ConcertsSalem, MA
various times. Salem Square, 336-721-7300.
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Sunday Concerts in the ShellBeverly, MA
Sundays at 6-8pm. Lynch Park
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Concerts on the CommonBeverly, MA
Sundays at 6-8pm. Beverly Common
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Outdoor Concert at the Sampas PavillionLowell, MA
Mondays 7pm. Sampas Pavilion
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Grille on the HillWorcester, MA
Thursday at 6 – 8pm. Worcester Common, 508-799-1400 x3.