Good morning, Worcester.

Bonchon Chicken, a fast food chain founded in South Korea in 2002, is set to open at 81 Gold Star Blvd. in Worcester by mid-summer and will serve Korean fried chicken, potstickers, and Korean tacos — adding a new flavor to local dining.

The Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants will host the third annual New England African Business Expo at Worcester Polytechnic Institute Innovation Studio on May 3, where community and business leaders will join panels, a pitch contest, and networking sessions.

The expo—organized in partnership with WPI's African Graduate Student Association—will feature speakers such as Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson and State Sen. Robyn Kennedy to discuss ways to support Black and African-owned businesses.

Debbie Gibson will headline the 26th annual 104.5 XLO Awesome '80s Prom on April 26 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

She returns 13 years after her last show with local band the Flock and prizes for best '80s costumes and biggest hair (tickets cost $45 general admission and $75 VIP, with Meet and Greet sold out).

A Worcester Polytechnic Institute study, commissioned by the Automotive Recyclers Association, found that using recycled auto parts can lower harmful emissions & reduce energy use by avoiding the high costs of manufacturing new parts, as reusing a Toyota Camry engine prevented 710.82 kilograms of CO2 emissions.

On April 26, the Regional Environmental Council will host its 35th annual Earth Day cleanup in Worcester starting at 8 a.m., with more than 1,500 volunteers from 75 groups expected to work at various city parks.

Long-time volunteers will return for the 35th time as the cleanup partners with the Department of Public Works and Superior Waste & Recycling to remove litter and large discarded items — efforts that have cut annual trash pickups in half over the past two decades.

Worcester Mayor Petty restarted his campaign Tuesday at Burncoat High School, pledging to replace the outdated Burncoat Middle School and high school with modern facilities in a project estimated to cost $500 million (a $3 million loan for a feasibility study has been approved).

He also vowed to expand affordable housing to address the city's homelessness crisis as he competes against City Councilor Khrystian King in the November 4 election (the two ran against each other before).

Tommy Cassell gathered seven top boys’ lacrosse performances from Central Mass for readers to vote on the Hometeam Player of the Week — Algonquin’s Ryan Roman led with 8,392 votes, well ahead of Assabet’s Zach Cormier who received 1,541 votes.

Players from Monty Tech, AMSA, Westborough, Littleton, St. Bernard’s and Tyngsborough also shined in their games.

The Awesome 80’s Prom featuring Debbie Gibson

7 PM – 2 AM — Mechanics Hall — $45+ — Experience a monumental throwback party with live music and special guest Debbie Gibson!

Toledo Mud Hens at Worcester Red Sox

4:05-8:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting showdown between the Toledo Mud Hens and Worcester Red Sox.

Through the Listening Glass

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Museum of Worcester — Cost info not provided — Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica.

Judy Collins Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the stunning voice of Grammy award-winner Judy Collins as she performs timeless folk classics.

Lunch & Learn: HR Essentials for Startups

12:00 – 1:30 PM — WorcLab Incubator & Coworking space — Free — Gain essential HR insights tailored for startups in an interactive session.

Northeast Section IFT Food Industry Expo

Various times — DCU Center — Entry ticket fees apply — Check out the latest innovations in the food industry at this major expo.

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long

4-6 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience a lively Broadway-style production featuring favorite sing-along songs from CoComelon.

Conservatory Spring Reflection 2025

1-2:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of spring in an engaging performance reflecting nature's renewal.

Nekrogoblikon Concert

6-10 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Nekrogoblikon as they bring their high-energy performance to Worcester.