Good morning, Worcester.

Saint John's Food for the Poor in Worcester is operating a 45-bed winter overflow shelter on Temple Street throughout February, offering meals, lodging + warmth.

The shelter opens daily at 5 p.m. as organizers seek extra volunteers and donations.

The Flourish Summit will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Apr.

9 at the Hogan Campus Center at Holy Cross, featuring an eight-hour event with keynote speakers (Maria Milagros Vazquez, Tess Waresmith, Kimatra Maxwell, and Timothy Hally), panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking to promote inclusive leadership.

Worcester County Poetry Association is seeking nominations for the Stanley Kunitz Medal—an award honoring a local poet who embodies the late poet's commitment to verse.

Letters must be received by March 31 and the award will be announced in May with a ceremony at the Museum of Worcester in July.

Local events include a free 21st annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash at Worcester Youth Center on Feb.

7 from 1 to 5 p.m., a free artist talk at Fitchburg Art Museum, and a journalism panel at the Public Library, with film screenings and art shows continuing through Feb. 13.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill will host Cicely Carew’s 'Elevated, An Orchid Exhibition' from Feb.

7 to March 22 featuring 2,000 orchids and aerial sculptures. The Feb. 7 to Feb. 8 period includes live music and a vendor market while later events offer Orchids After Dark with performances.

WPS and Assumption University launched Worcester Together to offer scholarships to every current student for the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 school years and discounted graduate tuition for employees; high school students will receive campus visits and workshops (details released Jan. 23).

A state health policy report said that commercial insurers in Massachusetts denied about 20% of claims in 2024, mostly for administrative reasons (with only 1% due to clinical issues) and Gov. Healey’s Health Care Affordability Working Group will discuss improvements on Feb.

19 in an effort to simplify billing.

Southborough native Korey Dropkin (who trained at Broomstones Curling Club) and teammate Cory Thiesse won their first two mixed doubles curling matches on Thursday at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium; they will face Canada and Czechia today.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's enchanting tale of love and magic come to life.

Be My BBQ Valentine Night with The Deloreans

9-11 p.m. — Firefly's BBQ — $5 Cover — Enjoy a night of brass-kickin' Rock and Soul from the 70s and 80s with The Deloreans.

Lunar New Year Celebration

10 AM – 5 PM — EcoTarium — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with lively performances and engaging educational programs.

Lunar New Year Celebration

10 AM – 4 PM — Worcester Art Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with art, music, dance performances, and activities for all ages.

Cirque Kalabante

7-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket required — Experience an unforgettable night of thrilling performances with Cirque Kalabante.

Aaron Diehl Trio Performance

8:00 p.m. — Prior Performing Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience the sophisticated musical blend of jazz and classical with the acclaimed Aaron Diehl Trio.

Back In Black - AC/DC Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the electrifying tribute to AC/DC while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Rascals.

Worcester Spring Home Show

4 PM – 1 PM — DCU Center — Free entry — Discover innovative home improvement ideas and connect with local experts to transform your space.

Colin Quinn Live

7-9 p.m. — Tuckerman Hall — $49 – $59 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Colin Quinn as he brings his stand-up show to Worcester.

Irish Seisiun in Worcester

4-7 p.m. — Hibernian Cultural Center — Free entry — Experience live Irish music and the best craic in the city with musicians welcome to join in.