Good morning, Worcester.

Celebrate July 4 at OSV (with historical activities) and at the Antiquarian Society (with a Declaration reading); enjoy live music from The Chain and Hatebreed on July 5, watch a free screening of Zootopia 2 on July 9, and listen to Worcester teens at BrickBox Theater on July 10.

Percy's TV & Appliance in Worcester will refund customers who made purchases between May 15 and May 31 if July 4 reaches 92°F, with the temperature measured at Worcester Regional Airport by the National Weather Service.

Owner Alan Lavine hopes the sun sale lifts spirits after a harsh winter.

The Center for Nonviolent Solutions will host a free walking tour to honor Quock Walker Day on July 8 at Lincoln Square — the tour will feature actors who share the local history of ending slavery in Massachusetts.

Mary Sealey, former principal at Nelson Place (on leave since May), has been named principal at Woodland Academy for the 2026 to 2027 school year, according to Worcester Public Schools' executive director Christopher Kursonis, who noted her 13 years of leadership experience.

Grafton officials met on Wednesday, July 1 to plan safety improvements at the Providence & Milford intersection after 23 crashes in three years, including the fatal June 28 collision that killed off-duty Trooper Jacob Mick.

Crews will clear vegetation, enhance pavement markings and install flashing beacons by early fall.

Dave Portnoy returned to Worcester on July 2, 2026 to review three pizzerias, including Pepe's Italian Restaurant, Newton Square Pizza, and Auntie Dot's Pizza, scoring 7.2, 7.5 and 7.9 respectively.

He praised the quality of crust and ambiance + friendly service, noting standout bread and local charm at each spot.

Since 1918, George’s Coney Island in Worcester has served its classic Coney Island dog in a casual eatery with wooden booths & a juke box.

The restaurant offers grilled hot dogs at $2.95 topped with chili, mustard, onions, and other options.

Groupon is offering family discounts on activities for the 4th of July weekend.

Residents in Worcester can save on movie tickets, amusement parks and attractions at AMC, Cinemark, Chuck E. Cheese and SeaWorld—making holiday fun more affordable.

Worcester-based GoVenture Capital Group plans a 74-unit apartment building on Chandler Street (near the Theatre District) by redeveloping a former warehouse site downtown.

Plans have been proposed to convert the historic five-story building at 1 Jackson St. (once home to a bowling pinsetter manufacturer) into 32 affordable apartments for residents earning up to 60% of the area median income, with a review by the Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled for July 20.

Teacher and competitive eater Geoffrey Esper is set to compete against reigning champion Joey Chestnut in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest tomorrow at Coney Island (starting at 12:30 p.m. on ABC).

Local American Legion baseball games delivered wins as Milford edged Shrewsbury 5-4 on July 2 with key plays from Nick Pedroli, while Cherry Valley, Northbridge and Leominster won their matches.

Thursday’s games took place at Memorial + Valley Tech, Riverside + Rochdale venues.

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.

Ekoh Concert

7-10 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets from $47 — Experience the electrifying live performance of hip-hop artist Ekoh.