Good morning, Worcester.

Mercado Restaurant is holding a soft opening from March 10 to 15 and serving Peruvian + Ecuadorian dishes at 278 Shrewsbury St. The new eatery replaces the former Flying Rhino Cafe and accepts both reservations and walk-ins.

Gas prices in Greater Worcester reached $3.40 per gallon on Tuesday after a 14.54% rise since early March, driven by global supply issues and higher crude oil costs (AAA Northeast noted similar trends statewide).

Former governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker will speak at College of the Holy Cross commencement on Friday, May 22 at the DCU Center as diplomas are set to be handed out to the 180th graduating class (the college will also honor Tim Garvin with an honorary degree).

Medical student Ahnyia Sanders is leading prenatal breastfeeding education for Black mothers by running a free postpartum support group in Worcester.

Sanders, funded by a Remillard Family Community Service Fund award, also works as a doula program coordinator at UMass Memorial Medical Center (a role that strengthens community health outcomes).

Central girls basketball beat Andover 69-29 on Tuesday at Worcester State University to advance to the Division I state finals where they will face Wachusett.

Coach James Gee said the team showed strong play after a challenging season.

Masconomet boys basketball won 50-48 on Tuesday, March 10 at Worcester State University after Thomas Denton scored 19 points in a tight semifinal + coach Jaycob Morales said his team will face St. Mary’s in the Division II championship at UMass Lowell.

Freshman Zahara Wilson said joining Minnechaug helped her grow in her game and as a person after a Tuesday state tournament loss to Medfield at Worcester North High School.

She transferred from Springfield International Charter School, averaged 12.5 points, and coach Ryan Minns praised her performance.

Speak Easy Story Night

7:30-11:59 p.m. — Ralph's Diner — $10 — Share your raw and true stories on stage with a guiding theme.

The Super 70's Rock Show featuring Super Trans AM

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — Tickets starting at $30.50 — Experience a nostalgic journey through the iconic rock anthems of the 1970s.

Mid-Century and Beyond Part II on the Mighty Wurlitzer

2-5 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticketed entry — Experience nostalgic tunes played on the iconic Mighty Wurlitzer organ with Dr. Kleefield.

Brandenburg Concertos by The Sebastians

8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience Bach's timeless Brandenburg Concertos performed by a renowned early music ensemble.

Papercut - A Tribute to Linkin Park

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket pricing available — Experience the energetic tribute to Linkin Park and relive classic hits.

NCAA DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship - Worcester Regionals, Session 1

8 PM – 4 AM — DCU Center — Check venue for costs — Experience thrilling NCAA Division I collegiate hockey action.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

8:30-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the magical music of Coldplay by a string quartet in an enchanting candlelight setting.

NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship - Worcester Regional

8 PM – 4 AM — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience collegiate hockey excitement as four Division I teams compete for glory.

NEWWA Spring Conference and Exhibition

8 a.m. – 12 a.m. — DCU Center — Admission costs vary — Connect with 3,000 water works professionals at this key industry event.

Parsons Dance Company Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the artistry of movement with the renowned Parsons Dance Company.