Good morning, Worcester.

Love Your Labels moved its Queer AF fashion show to next week to avoid a Rosh Hashanah conflict and urged Pride Worcester to shift its festival date so that queer Jewish community members can attend the celebration at Mechanics Hall (historic venue).

WBDC leaders and JLL discussed progress at Worcester’s Green Tech Park, which has been demolished, cleared, and prepped for up to 500,000 sqft of advanced manufacturing.

The project aims to attract global investments and create high-quality jobs in the city — a key priority for local economic growth.

Joseph Peng, a sophomore from Shrewsbury High School, won the 20th Annual Central Massachusetts Brain Bee at UMass Chan Medical School on March 7, earning the Andrew Sheridan Young Neuroscientist Award.

He is set to represent the region at the USA National Brain Bee in California.

On April 22, nearly 2,000 trout were released into Lake Quinsigamond during a community stocking event that excited families and anglers, although environmental advocates raised concerns over hatchery pollution and effects on native species (a debate unfolding amid a Senate bill supporting hatchery funding).

UMass Memorial is transferring 17 Community Healthlink programs to two local nonprofits today + the change comes as the hospital said it can no longer sustain the programs financially, aiming to secure essential healthcare for local residents.

A report by the American Lung Association finds that 170,000 children in the Boston-Worcester-Providence metro area are breathing unhealthy air; local counties received varying grades (Worcester got a C) while officials urge policymakers to improve air quality.

Identity Coffee is set to open a new 2,537 sqft coffee shop at The Revington in Canal District—joining UniBank and Playa Bowls as commercial tenants in the 228-unit development; its lease begins in May.

Fran Granger, Worcester’s longtime baseball coach who led the 2002 Little League team to a national run, died at 76 on April 17; he is remembered for his calm guidance and his commitment to youth baseball + community spirit, leaving behind his wife Mary, four sons and eight grandchildren.

Pitcher Jake Bennett delivered a strong outing for the WooSox on Wednesday (April 22) at Polar Park; he allowed four hits and one run in 4⅔ innings with 68 pitches and improved his record to 2-1 with a 0.86 ERA in five starts.

After spending five days with Triple-A Worcester, top prospect Payton Tolle is set to join the Red Sox today at Fenway Park as the team faces the Yankees in their series finale (he was kept in limbo until a roster need emerged).

Jay Webb Concert

7-11 p.m. — Palladium — Cost TBD — Country artist Jay Webb delivers heartfelt songs reflecting his Southern roots.

2026 Latin American Business Expo

12-4 p.m. — DCU Center — Free entry — Explore a vibrant fusion of business, culture, and opportunities at the Latin American Business Expo.

Worcester Princess Day

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — AC Hotel Worcester — Ticket required — Experience a magical day with princesses featuring photos, songs, crafts, and games.

PCB EAST Conference & Exhibition

April 28 - May 1 — DCU Center — Registration details to be confirmed — A key event for the electronics industry featuring networking, presentations, and exhibits from top companies.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Concert

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — $ — Experience an energetic performance by the three-time BMA nominees.

Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders vs. Worcester Red Sox

6:05-7:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting Minor League Baseball action as the RailRiders take on the Red Sox.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating ballet performance featuring imaginative choreography and diverse music.

Kreator Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary metal band Kreator and their evolving sound live on stage.

Wage War Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience Wage War's dynamic blend of heavy technicality and memorable melodies live.