Good morning, Worcester.

Local fireworks shows are scheduled in Central Massachusetts in the coming months, including events after Worcester Red Sox games at Polar Park on June 26 & during 4th of July Family Fest at the same venue, with additional displays at Cristoforo Colombo Park and Memorial Beach Park.

Worcester will hold four free World Cup watch parties on Worcester Common with giant screens, food trucks, local vendors, a beer garden, and soccer activities this summer — aiming to bring residents and international visitors together while a $120,000 tourism grant helps boost local businesses.

A federal trustee filed a petition on June 12 alleging local developer Chip Norton concealed over $4 million by routing funds to a personal account and making transfers to family.

Norton said he will respond in court by July 6.

El Rinconcito Feliz Ice Cream & Antojitos started rollout on Wednesday at a Dudley plaza on 185 West Main St. and will hold its grand opening on Saturday; the shop, replacing the former Ice Cream Pharm, offers ice cream, mangonadas, crepes, burritos and empanadas and is owned by Hugo Cifuentes.

BLS data released Friday show Worcester County added 0.1% to reach 358,200 jobs in 2025 while Middlesex County dropped 2.1% to 901,200 jobs, and statewide employment declined 0.9% despite a slight national rise.

Bear sightings have been reported from Hubbardston, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Amherst, Fitchburg, Barre and Millbury as local residents share encounters on social media; officials ask locals to send bear photos or videos ([email protected]) to help track the trend.

The 26th Miss Massachusetts Teen Competition

7-10 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — $59 — Celebrate the talent and ambition of young women competing for the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Teen.

Massachusetts Cheese Festival 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — Stone Cow Brewery — VIP ticket available — Celebrate local cheese with tastings, music, and educational sessions.

Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival

12-7 p.m. — Institute Park — Free entry — Celebrate diverse cultures with music, food, and entertainment honoring Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Worcester Bravehearts vs. Norwich Sea Unicorns Baseball

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Fitton Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as local teams battle it out on the diamond.

Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Polar Park — Tickets from $15 — Catch a thrilling baseball game between the Mud Hens and the Red Sox in Worcester.

Kittie Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful sound of Kittie as they rock the stage with fan favorites and new songs.

Ash & Eric: ValleyCAST Free Summer Concert Series

5-9 p.m. — Open Sky Alternatives' Whitin Mill — Free entry — Enjoy a live performance by Ash & Eric, bringing gritty tunes from Worcester's heart.

Comedy Night with Tony V

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — Tickets required — Experience a night of laughter with comedy legend Tony V and special guest Emily Ruskowski.

Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox

4:05-8:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an exciting minor league baseball showdown with local flair.

Jewish Heritage Day at the WooSox

1:05 – 2:05 PM — Polar Park — Tickets from $17 — Celebrate Jewish culture while enjoying a thrilling match between the Worcester Red Sox and Toledo Mud Hens.