Good morning, Worcester.

Downtown Worcester celebrated community fun on Aug 22 when Skate Night Worcester brought families together with live music, and upcoming events include a journalism panel and Pride festival on Sept 6 and another skate night on Sept 26 — each offering unique local culture experiences. Local venues like Notch Brewing continue to support a busy downtown scene that appeals to many residents.

Taylor Hurst, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to manslaughter after fatally strangling his fiancée and was released in October 2022, is held without bail as he faces a murder charge for the July death of Stephen Gomes in a Boston apartment—prosecutors referenced his Worcester conviction during an Aug. 22 arraignment.

Massachusetts food lovers are voting online until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept.

1 to choose the state's top grocery food in a contest that narrowed 32 brands to two finalists—Toll House cookies and Kayem hot dogs. Voters can only cast a ballot once per hour as the contest showcases historic recipes from Whitman and Chelsea.

The Museum of Worcester is hosting a benefit event at the Fletcher Auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug.

28—to support the upcoming documentary film 'Whirlwind' about Marshall W. 'Major' Taylor—and to unveil a portrait from Louis Garneau’s 'Resilience' collection. Guests must dress in vintage style and register to purchase $35 tickets.

Just three days before school begins, the Parent Information Center at Moody Shattuck House helped parents register their children during a busy enrollment week.

It offered ESL testing, vaccinations and special education information—and director Patricia Padilla led a multilingual team to support diverse families.

UMass Chan will begin its academic year with a weeklong convocation from Sept 5 to Sept 11 to honor new students in medicine, nursing, and biomedical sciences.

The events will start with the White Coat Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Hanover Theatre—tickets are available from the Office of Student Life and all events will be live streamed online.

Voters can cast in-person early ballots at Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, with hours running until Friday, Aug.

29 — the preliminary election with two races is scheduled for Sept. 2 and the general on Nov. 4.

VentureMeets Networking Event

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Courthouse Brew Co — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and expand your professional network in Worcester.

Dawes Concert

7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music at a popular local brewery.

Thousand Below Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Palladium — Cost not specified — Experience the atmospheric and emotional sounds of Thousand Below in an engaging live performance.

Matt Soper: Easy Season Performance

1-5 p.m. — Janine's Frostee — Free entry — Enjoy the lush harmonies and unique renditions of popular songs from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

The Pike RokFest 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Indian Ranch — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a day of tribute performances featuring classic rock hits from iconic bands.

Dorothy Concert

7-9 p.m. — Palladium — $51 — Enjoy a last-minute concert experience with Dorothy in Worcester's vibrant music scene.

Kaleo Concert

6:30 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Resale tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music at the Summer Stage.

Wachusett Brew Yard 0.0 Road Race

2-6 p.m. — Wachusett Brewing Company — Registration fee benefits charity — A fun non-race event supporting Boston Children's Hospital with food, drinks, and music.

Family Day at Free Play Bar & Arcade

11 AM – 5 PM — Freeplay Bar Arcade — $12 admission — Enjoy a day filled with arcade games, skee ball, air hockey, and pinball with the whole family.

Trombone Shorty Live

7-11 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Entry details not specified — Enjoy an electrifying performance from the renowned Trombone Shorty.