Here is more detailed information on some of Worcester's most popular annual events and fairs.
stART on the Street
This is Central Massachusetts' largest free arts, music, and performance festival. Held on the third Sunday of September, it transforms Park Avenue into a lively cultural hub.
What to Expect: Over 250 artists and crafters display and sell their handmade goods, ranging from paintings and jewelry to pottery and woodwork. The festival features live music on multiple stages, interactive art demonstrations, and a dedicated area with free activities for children and families. A diverse array of food trucks and local vendors are also on site, with a special focus on vegan options.
Location: Park Avenue, between Highland Street and Pleasant Street.
Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market
This is a popular weekly summer series that combines a farmers' market with a community festival.
What to Expect: Held every Wednesday from June through August on the Worcester Common Oval, this free event features an expanded farmers' market with locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Visitors can enjoy lunch from a variety of local food trucks and vendors while listening to live music from a rotating lineup of regional and national artists. The festival also includes booths from local artists, crafters, and community organizations.
Location: The Worcester Common Oval, 455 Main St.
Worcester Carnival
There are two distinct annual carnival events held in Worcester:
Fiesta Shows Carnival: A traditional carnival experience with rides, games, and classic fair food. The event typically runs for a few days in late July or early August and is presented by Fiesta Shows.
Worcester Caribbean American Carnival: This cultural celebration is a vibrant festival organized by the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association. It typically takes place on the last Sunday of August (the Sunday before Labor Day) and is dedicated to preserving Caribbean traditions through music, food, and colorful parades.
American Craft Fair
This juried fair is a collaboration between the Worcester Center for Crafts and the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
What to Expect: The fair features a curated selection of fine American craftwork from over 30 artisans specializing in various media, including ceramics, jewelry, wood, metalworking, glass, and fiber arts. The event is held indoors and is free with paid admission to the New England Botanic Garden, allowing visitors to also explore the beautiful grounds and plant collections.
Location: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA.
Holiday Festival of Crafts
Hosted by the Worcester Center for Crafts, this indoor festival offers a unique holiday shopping experience.
What to Expect: The center is transformed into a European-style holiday marketplace, complete with lights and decorations. It features the work of over 50 fine craft artists, providing a one-stop shop for unique, handmade gifts. The festival is a popular alternative to big-box shopping and is a great opportunity for craft collectors to find new pieces.
Location: Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road. It is typically held on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving.
stART at the Station
This is the holiday edition of the popular stART on the Street festival, bringing the same community-focused, handmade spirit indoors.
What to Expect: The event takes place at the historic Worcester Union Station and features over 100 local artists and crafters selling their handmade goods. It's a great place to find unique holiday gifts. The festival is free to attend, though a paid "preview hour" is often offered for those who want to shop without the larger crowds.
Location: Union Station, 2 Washington Square. The festival is typically held in early December, 10 days after Thanksgiving.