Good morning, Worcester.

Davis Farmland in Sterling will open its Cowabunga Splash Park + one of the largest zero-depth splash parks in the country on July 10 after three years of planning and design.

Broadway in Worcester announced a 2025–2026 season that will feature Tony Award winners James Monroe Iglehart, Matt Doyle, and Lindsay Mendez with performances at the JMAC Brick Box Theater—tickets and season subscription offers are available through The Hanover Theatre.

Meghan Montaner was named the new executive director of Mechanics Hall and will take over on July 21 as she succeeds Kathleen M.

Gagne, who retired on June 30. Montaner brings years of arts programming and education experience from her time at The Hanover Theatre—she played a key role in a $32 million restoration.

Former Ambassador Francis Rooney shared his insights in an interview that Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected election as the first American pope will prompt the Church to address the global migration crisis — a humanitarian challenge affecting thousands and spur greater youth engagement.

He added that his experience managing the Augustinian order may help the new pope handle financial and personnel issues.

The Shawna Shea Film Festival will run July 16 to 19 in Worcester at the Hilton Garden Inn and Studio 50 at WICN with over 130 films from local and international makers.

Festival director Skip Shea said the event features original indie films expected to become cult classics— including the world premiere of Mary Darling’s short film Aerate at 5 p.m. on July 19— and will spotlight voices from underrepresented communities.

Governor Maura Healey signed the FY26 state budget that funds state government from July 1 to June 30 and vetoed $130 million from the legislators' bill.

The budget allocates key local funds such as $80,000 for Worcester Police software improvements and $250,000 each for firefighter cancer screenings and the Ecotarium to enhance essential services — these measures support education, transportation, and community projects across the state.

Seniors Helping Seniors will soon open a new in-home care service in Worcester that matches active senior caregivers with less active seniors based on shared interests, and it will also serve Shrewsbury, Northborough, Boylston, West Boylston + surrounding towns while hiring five to 10 caregivers after rigorous background checks.

Sterling native Jonathan Godbout, a 20-year-old ninja warrior, will appear on TV on July 21 to show his training and mental strength—he built obstacle courses as a child and placed third on American Ninja Warrior Junior.

He also works as a personal trainer and continues to push his limits in extreme fitness challenges.

Alex Hernandez & Kike Sax Live

6:30 PM — Garage Lounge 158 — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of vibrant music with Alex Hernandez and Kike Sax.

Hot Night in the City

Dusk till late — Worcester Center For Crafts — Free entry — Experience vibrant craft creation with live music, food trucks, and hands-on demonstrations.

Berry Fest 2025

11 AM-4 PM — Hollis Hills Farm — Free entry — Experience two weekends of berry picking, live music, and local vendors.

Lucius Concert

7 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience Grammy-nominated indie-pop band Lucius in an engaging live performance showcasing their new album.

Out To Lunch Festival & Market

11 AM - 3 PM — Worcester Common — Free entry — Enjoy live music, local food, and artists at this vibrant summer festival.

Yachtley Crew Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Indian Ranch — General Admission — Enjoy an evening with the nation’s #1 Yacht Rock Band in a picturesque setting.

Berry Festival at Hollis Hills Farm

11 AM-4 PM — Hollis Hills Farm — Free entry — Delight in berry picking, ice cream, and local vendors for a fruity family experience.

Jake Owen Concert with Uncle Kracker

1-2:30 p.m. — Indian Ranch — Tickets available — Experience country hits under the sun with Jake Owen and Uncle Kracker.

Lukas Nelson Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of GRAMMY Award-winning artist Lukas Nelson in an intimate setting.

Flipturn Concert

7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Resale tickets available — Experience the indie rock vibes of flipturn as they perform tracks from their new album.