23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts | Hey! East Coast USA (2024)

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Looking for fun things to do in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second-largest city in New England?

From historic monuments to trendy breweries, this guide shares how to spend time in the Heart of The Commonwealth.

You may also like our guide to the best places to visit in New England.

Best Things to Do in Worcester, MA

To help get your bearings, our guide to Worcester activities starts centrally in downtown.

Worcester Common Oval

Worcester Common Oval (455 Main St) has a rich history and has been the site of many important events in the city throughout the years.

The oval is surrounded by historic buildings including the Worcester City Hall.

During winter, a 12,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink bigger than the one at Rockefeller Center is opened and is decorated for the holiday season with tons of colorful lights.

You can rent skates there, enjoy snacks from the concession stand, and skate the night away on this professionally-maintained ice rink.

We also wrote about the city in our guide to Massachusetts in the winter– check it out!

23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts | Hey! East Coast USA (1)

Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts

Hanover Theatre (2 Southbridge St) is one of the best places to visit in Worcester for performing arts.

It is known as one of the Top Theatres in the World (Pollstar), with its construction bringing new cultural experiences to Central Massachusetts.

Here, you can register for classes on different performance topics, from dance to acting and theater.

Woo Sox at Polar Park

Catch the Woo Sox play Minor League baseball in Worcester.

Pick up tickets to cheer on the home team at Polar Park stadium (100 Madison St).

Birch Alley

Birch Alley (19 Harrison St) is a small artisan shop in downtown Worcester that is filled with unique items and works from local artists.

For almost 10 years, Birch Alley has curated a special selection of art pieces and trinkets, making it a perfect store to explore on a rainy day.

Seed to Stem

If you have a green thumb or a passion for mindful products, Seed to Stem (138 Green St) is one of the best places to go in Worcester, MA.

The store is curated to feel like a vintage curio shop, with small treasures, home goods, jewelry, and of course, hundreds of plants.

You’ll love wandering through the greenhouse-like store and picking out a plant to take with you!

Crompton Collective

If you’re looking for interesting stuff to do in Worcester, look no further than Crompton Collective (136 Green St).

Located in an old mill building that is so true to Worcester’s history, Crompton Collective is a curated vintage store containing collections by dozens of vendors.

Each booth is arranged and managed by a separate collector, which means you’ll always find something new and different each time you visit.

Worcester Public Market

Head to the Worcester Public Market (152 Green St) if you’re craving a snack from every corner of the globe.

From an organic produce market, to a specialty food shop, to restaurants with African, European, Asian, and American inspirations, you’ll find something to eat no matter what kinds of food you like.

23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts | Hey! East Coast USA (2)

Worcester Historical Museum

The Worcester Historical Museum (30 Elm St) is the only place in the city that is dedicated to sharing its local history.

With thousands of books, documents, and essential artifacts, the Worcester Historical Museum preserves the most important parts of the city’s history.

The museum is located in the Salisbury Mansion, built in 1772 and restored to resemble its appearance in the early 1800s.

Mechanics Hall

Mechanics Hall (321 Main St) is a stunning event and concert venue, and is one of the most beautiful Worcester attractions.

The hall is steeped in history: it is well-known as one of the best performance venues built before the Civil War and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Check out upcoming events and buy tickets on their website.

Ed Hyder’s

Ed Hyder’s (408 Pleasant St) offers a Mediterranean Marketplace experience in Worcester!

This family-owned shop has been selling prepared food and specialty items for almost 50 years, becoming a staple in the community.

Be sure to pick up some house-made pita chips and tabouli for a perfect snack!

Union Station

Besides fulfilling its role as a public transportation hub in the city, Union Station’s (2 Washington Sq) amazing architecture has appeared in multiple movies, including American Hustle, Gilded Lilys, and The Parenting.

Whether you’re catching a train at the station or just want to explore the grounds, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of this building.

23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts | Hey! East Coast USA (3)

Wormtown Brewery

If you love unique, local breweries, head to Wormtown (72 Shrewsbury St) for deliciously fresh and hoppy beers.

Wormtown Brewery has won more than 180 awards from around the world for their brews, so you shouldn’t miss them on your visit to Worcester.

Their taproom is simple and features a rotating draft list and a scaled-down, yet creative, food menu.

23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts | Hey! East Coast USA (4)

Elm Park

Elm Park (121 Russell St) is one of the oldest public parks in America, and contains wooded trails, open green space, ponds, and basketball and tennis courts.

If you come in the winter, you can skate on the ponds and cross-country ski on the trails.

Visit Elm Park in the summer to enjoy the Summer Concert Series, a decades-old tradition that features performances from local musicians.

C. C. Lowell

Art and stationery supply lovers need to make a stop at C. C. Lowell (55 Pleasant St).

While they always stock the highest quality supplies, stationery, and greeting cards, the best part of C. C. Lowell is their custom-made art bundles.

The working artists create bundles and sell them at a discount to help their customers launch into a new hobby or medium for a lower price.

Also, keep an eye out on their website for their class schedule so you can hone your art skills with professional instructors!

Worcester Art Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Worcester, the first thing on an art lover’s list should be the Worcester Art Museum (55 Salisbury St).

More than 5,000 years of artworks are on display at the museum, totaling more than 38,000 art objects in their collection.

Besides their massive collection, the museum also hosts lessons, classes, and instruction workshops.

Massachusetts Symphony at Tuckerman Hall

While Tuckerman Hall (10 Tuckerman St), a building designed by one of America’s first female architects, is amazing in itself, watching the Massachusetts Symphony at the Hall is another experience entirely.

This smaller hall has a capacity of just over 500 people, making it an intimate experience for all.

Pick up tickets at their website using their Ticket Order Form.

Bancroft Tower

The Bancroft Tower (Bancroft Tower Rd) is a fixture in Worcester history, and this beautiful stone structure has been open to the public for more than 40 years.

Built in 1900 using horses and carriages, the tower is an iconic landmark in the city in the heart of Salisbury Park.

We also featured the tower, among so many other activities, in our spring in Massachusetts guide.

American Antiquarian Society

History buffs, you can’t miss a visit to the American Antiquarian Society (185 Salisbury St), a national research library that has been open for more than 200 years.

Tour the Hall for free on Wednesday afternoons to learn more about how the Society has been collecting and archiving essential pieces of American history.

You can also check out their schedule for public programs, which are put on virtually and in-person.

Green Hill Park

If the weather is nice, visit Green Hill Park (301 Green Hill Parkway) for tons of activities spread across all 500 acres.

From a golf course, to sport fields, to an arboretum, ponds and playgrounds, there is something to do for everyone at Green Hill Park.

The property has undergone many changes since its original purchase in 1713, and its complete history can be found on its website.

Cascading Waters

The Cascades (4 Ash St) in Worcester is a natural area that features wooded trails, a sprawling meadow, and a beautiful waterfall.

You can also spot wildlife, explore vernal pools in the spring, and visit the wetlands natural area.

All 157 acres can be explored on winding trails, making it one of the most lovely things to do in Worcester for nature lovers.

If you like waterfalls, check out our guide to waterfalls in Massachusetts.

Blackstone River Greenway

Bikers, runners, and walkers should check this out: the amazing Blackstone River Greenway is a bike path that connects Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island.

The bike path runs along the National Heritage Corridor and follows the Blackstone River.

Whether you walk just a short distance or make the trip to Providence, you can explore so many different natural areas and take in the best outdoor opportunities Worcester has to offer.

If you make it to Providence, you should take a small group tour of the city to learn more about its history!

Worcester Wine Festival

There are also several events in Worcester you can catch during your visit.

The Worcester Wine Festival is an annual summer event that takes place around August and features over 600 different wines from around the world.

This is a great opportunity to discover new wines and indulge in some tasty treats, as well as live music and other fun activities.

For an updated schedule and location, check out their events page.

StART on the Street

Every year in late September, stART on the Street takes place on Park Avenue in Worcester.

It is the largest festival of its kind in Massachusetts and features art, music, and performance.

Wander the street and check out more than 250 artist stalls, live demonstrations, and children’s programming.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our guide to some of the fun stuff to do in Worcester, MA.

Feel free to let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Our Massachusetts Travel Guides

  • Massachusetts Bucket List
  • Best Beaches in Massachusetts
  • Waterfalls in Massachusetts
  • State Parks in Massachusetts
  • Spring in Massachusetts
  • Fall in Massachusetts
  • Winter in Massachusetts
  • Our Boston Guides
  • All Our Massachusetts Guides
23 Fun Things to Do in Worcester, Massachusetts  | Hey! East Coast USA (2024)

FAQs

What is the nicest part of Worcester MA? ›

West Side — Affluent and idyllic with top-rated schools

Known as one of the Worcester neighborhoods with the best schools, this area is especially preferred among families with children and teens. The West Side (which is also referred to as West Worcester) is also known for being an upscale and historic part of town.

What food is Worcester Massachusetts known for? ›

Worcester's Most Famous Dishes
  • Pies.
  • Classic Hot Dogs.
  • Vegetables.
  • Soda Pop.

What is special about Worcester Massachusetts? ›

Worcester has many 19th-century triple-decker houses, Victorian-era mills and related buildings, and lunch-car diners, such as Miss Worcester. Worcester is the principal city of Central Massachusetts, and is a regional hub of government, industry, and transportation hub.

Where can I walk around in Worcester MA? ›

Top trails (27)
  • Cascade Falls Loop Trail. Easy• 4.4(819) ...
  • Broad Meadow Brook Trail. Easy• 4.5(826) ...
  • Broad Meadow Sensory Trail. Easy• 4.4(245) ...
  • Blackstone River Bikeway. Easy• 4.1(421) ...
  • Waterfront Loop. Easy• 4.4(223) ...
  • Nick's Woods Loop. Easy• 4.1(118) ...
  • Worcester East Side and Blue Trail. Moderate• 4.1(119) ...
  • Green Hill Loop.

What is the wealthiest neighborhood in Worcester? ›

Check Out The Top 10 Most Expensive Neighborhoods To Live In Worcester:
  1. College Hill. With a median home price of $369,906 and a median rent of $444, College Hill is the most expensive neighborhood on our list. ...
  2. Franklin Plantation. ...
  3. Tatnuck. ...
  4. Webster Square. ...
  5. Lake Park. ...
  6. Brittan Square. ...
  7. Green Island. ...
  8. Burncoat.

Is Worcester a wealthy area? ›

Overall, the city's total average income straddles the total average income nationally, which stands at £29,000 per household. Across the country, 87 per cent of local areas had an average household income between £22,500 and £39,200 in the year leading up to March 2018.

What snack is Massachusetts known for? ›

Massachusetts is known far and wide for its exuberant sports fans, but did you know it's also a hub for apple cider doughnuts, Portuguese pastries and uber-fresh seafood, like oysters and fried clams?

What is Massachusetts main dish? ›

Massachusetts is known for its seafood like lobster, crab, oysters, New England Clam Chowder (or “chowdah”) and Scallops. It's also the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, Nestle Toll House Cookies, Parker House Rolls, and fluffernutter sandwiches, which I took as inspiration for my Fluffernutter Cookies.

What vegetable is Massachusetts known for? ›

Introduction: Massachusetts, Rich in Culinary History

In western Massachusetts, asparagus, corn, tomatoes, blueberries, potatoes, pumpkins, and even hops thrive. Juicy berries and grapes ripen on Martha's Vineyard. In Plymouth, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and the South Coast, cranberry bogs flourish.

Why is Worcester called Wormtown? ›

The moniker was bestowed upon the city by L.B. Worm, a locally famous disc jockey who coined the name in the late 1970's when rock 'n' roll was in it's punk heyday of green hair and pierced body parts. The Worcester punk scene was so lifeless that it made Mr. Worm think of death and worms--hence Wormtown.

What is a fun fact about Worcester? ›

Worcester Facts and Firsts

#1- Worcester was first settled under the Indian name of Quinsigamond in 1673. At the start of King Philip's War, the settlement was abandoned. #2- It was at the second attempted settlement that the name “Worcester” meaning “war-castle” was adopted.

What is the nickname for Worcester? ›

Worcester was given the nickname “Wormtown” in the late 70s. It's said that Worcester received this nickname from a local DJ for the city's lack of a punk rock scene.

Is Worcester MA cheap? ›

Worcester, Massachusetts's cost of living is 16% higher than the national average.

Can you walk along the river in Worcester? ›

The Worcester Riverside Walk is a 3.5-mile circular walk that begins and ends at the city's cathedral. The route takes visitors along the banks of the River Severn and offers stunning views of the city's bridges and historic buildings.

What is the nice area around Worcester? ›

Best Places to Live in Worcestershire
  • Great Malvern. If you're familiar with Worcestershire, you'll no doubt recognise the picturesque landscapes of the iconic Malvern Hills. ...
  • Barbourne, Worcester. ...
  • St John's, Worcester. ...
  • Ombersley. ...
  • Pershore.
Jan 22, 2024

Is Worcester, Massachusetts a nice place to live? ›

Living in Worcester offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Worcester there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Worcester and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Worcester are above average.

What is the richest part of Massachusetts? ›

Nestled in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Dover is the richest town in Massachusetts. The town's status as the richest place in Massachusetts is underscored by its impressive per capita income of $133,500.00.

Why is Worcester so popular? ›

Today, many of our historic buildings dotted around the city serve a modern purpose, housing restaurants or independent shops. Worcester is also home to the world famous Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, and was once home to one of the most renowned English composers.

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