Good morning, Worcester.

City pools, beaches, and spray parks reopened Tuesday, June 30, offering residents daily access from noon to 7 p.m. Facilities including Crompton Park Pool and Greenwood Spray Park provided cooling relief, with spray parks remaining open through September and other spots closing Aug. 22 (summer schedule).

Sarah Thompson, a Shrewsbury High alumna, won the top culinary award from the James Beard Foundation and now leads Casa Playa at the Encore Las Vegas resort—she credited her team and her teachers for helping shape her career.

The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 75th season with its free Patriotic Pops concert on Friday, July 3 at Institute Park — concluding with a fireworks display synchronized to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture for America's 250th birthday.

Worcester Public Schools plan to ease crowding in buildings above 85 percent capacity by redrawing boundaries and uniting feeder patterns for schools like Chandler, Rice Square and May Street.

Officials will present plans in August and vote in December, with changes starting in the new school year (2027 to 2028).

With temperatures nearing triple digits this week, Worcester is opening cooling centers at spots including the Senior Center (128 Providence) and Public Library (3 Salem Square) today for residents needing relief.

The city moved trash pickup to 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to ease heat stress.

The Bravehearts extended their six-game winning streak on Tuesday with a 6–3 win, driven by strong plays from Hunter St. Denis and Will Kraemer, while local teams like Leominster and Post 92 recorded key victories as play concluded on June 30.

Milford's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

8 p.m. — Plains Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food vendors, and a stunning fireworks finale.

Worcester Fourth of July Fireworks

9:30 PM — East Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display and community festivities.

WooSox Town Takeover Night

6:45-9:45 p.m. — Polar Park — Every ticket purchased supports a local organization — Experience Shrewsbury’s Town Takeover while cheering on the WooSox.

Summer Event Series: Insect Day

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — EcoTarium — Admission included — Celebrate Insect Day with hands-on activities, educational programs, and encounters with local caterpillar species.

Nashua Silver Knights vs. Worcester Bravehearts

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Fitton Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup featuring local teams in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Perreoland Live Show

8-11 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets start at $90 — Experience an unforgettable live performance from Perreoland in Worcester.

The Warped Tour Band Tribute

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Off The Rails — $ — Experience a night of nostalgia with tributes to Green Day and Blink 182.

Miss Fairchild Concert

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of live music with Miss Fairchild in Worcester.

Comedy Night with Christine Hurley

Doors 6:30 PM — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians Christine Hurley and James Dorsey.