Good morning, Worcester.

Theresa Lynn of the Girl Scouts previewed the upcoming Fork It Over fundraiser—featuring chefs, cookies and celebrity judge Che Anderson—at the AC Hotel in Worcester on August 5.

Worcester readers can vote in the first round of a summer contest set up by The Worcester Telegram to rank local spots like hikes, museums and sports games — the vote closes Sunday, July 20 and winners earn bragging rights.

Flutist Emi Ferguson and early music group Ruckus will perform their album Fly the Coop — featuring modern Baroque arrangements of Bach — at BrickBox Theater on July 25 at 7 p.m., marking Ferguson’s first local concert as part of Music Worcester’s Summer@Music Worcester series.

The EcoTarium, a science and nature museum on 222 Harrington Way, will celebrate its 200th birthday on Saturday, July 19 from 10 AM to 6 PM with free admission and hands-on science programs (including live animal encounters, an explorer express train, and planetarium shows).

Free parking is available at Biotech Two on 373 Plantation St with shuttle buses running every 10 to 20 minutes.

A new Monet immersive exhibition will open in Worcester this September to offer visitors a fresh look at the artist’s work.

Morrison joined Worcester Bravehearts GM Don Porcaro on the Discover Central MA Podcast—he previewed the upcoming Futures League All-Star Game at Polar Park and the Home Run Derby at Fitton Field.

Read Pukkila-Worley, MD has been named director of the UMass Chan MD/PhD program — a move that highlights his long service as an infectious disease physician scientist and mentor.

He succeeds Catarina Kiefe, MD, PhD and brings his experience as associate director of the program and inaugural director of the Robert W. Finberg Physician-Scientist Training Program to his new role.

State Senator Michael Moore said the new state budget gave Central Mass important wins with $500,000 for Veterans Inc. and $250,000 for firefighter cancer screenings—plus funding for local programs such as a museum/zoo and afterschool services.

He warned that federal cuts could later affect Medicaid, SNAP, education programs—and other supports in the region.

Mikayla Nogueira, a 27-year-old beauty and lifestyle creator from East Freetown known for her makeup tutorials on TikTok and Instagram, was named to TIME’s top 100 creators of 2025 — she launched her skincare brand earlier this year and recently bought a home in Quincy with her husband.

The Worcester Red Sox will play their only home weekend from July 18–20 and will host Bluey Day on July 20 at Polar Park to draw large crowds while working with developers on community projects—such as building a hotel in left field.

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.

Drive By Truckers Live Concert

6-10 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Check the event page for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening with the Southern rock legends performing live.