Worcester Common in colour
The Color The City Festival, which has been led by young Worcester artists for the past few years, returns to Worcester Common on the afternoon of Aug. 16. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., festival-goers can enjoy dancing, artistic activities, live music, a drag performance rated 6+, face painting, art and food stalls and what the festival describes as “giant games” in the shadow of City Hall. The event was postponed from an earlier date to Aug. 16 due to inclement weather. Last year, revelers worked together to create a temporary sidewalk chalk mural that covered the entire Worcester Common oval, and this year’s festival is sure to be just as colorful. (MT)
What: The city festival in colour
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., August 16
Where: Worcester Common, 455 Main St., Worcester
How much: Free. worcesterma.gov.
(Hot) dog days of summer
The Worcester Hot Dog Safari returns on August 17 to crown the best hot dog in Worcester County and raise money for the Worcester County Food Bank. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. at Ralph’s Rock Diner, where participants can pick up a scorecard and then spend the afternoon visiting every restaurant and food stand on the list and rating each hot dog in five categories: hot dog, bun, toppings, presentation and value for money. Scorecards must be turned in to Ralph’s by 5 p.m., and after votes are tallied, the Hot Dog Safari will announce a winner. After fueling up on hot dogs all afternoon, it’s time to dance the night away on Ralph’s patio. (MT)
What: Worcester Hot Dog Safari
When: 17 August, 11am
Where: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove St., Worcester
How much: It’s free to watch, but if you attend, please bring enough money to try a hot dog from each participant. See the Facebook event page.
Good to the last note in Spencer
The bad news is that the Spencer Parks & Recreation Commission’s 2024 summer concert series ends on August 18. The good news is that the artists will be popular vocal guitar duo Fender Road and special guest New Zealand country singer Kylie Harris. Paul “Fender” Lirange and Gary Suter are Fender Road and perform a variety of pop, rock and country songs from the 1950s to today that are instantly recognizable. Harris is a country artist from New Zealand who performed for years in Nashville, Tennessee and hosted her own television show. She will be inducted into the Gold Guitar Hands of Fame in 2023 at a ceremony in New Zealand’s country music capital of Gore. (RD)
What: Fender Road with special guest Kylie Harris
When: 2:00 p.m., August 18
Where: Powder Mill Park, Smithville and Meadow Roads, Spencer
How much: Free. spencerma.gov.
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United Nations made of brass
Kotoko Brass is a celebratory synthesis of music, people and cultures from around the world. Musicians from Ghana, Antigua, Japan and the United States play together in unity. Drums, horns, guitar, keyboards and bass blend African, Caribbean and New Orleans musical styles. Kotoko Brass will perform outside on the Bank of America stage in Francis R. Carroll Plaza on August 21 as part of the Hanover Theatre’s lunchtime concert series. Food trucks will be available. (RD)
What: Kotoko Brass – Lunchtime Concert Series
When: 21 August, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Francis R. Carroll Plaza, 551 Main St., Worcester
How much: Free. RSVP. thehanovertheatre.org.
A whole lot of Zep at the Indian Ranch
Get The Led Out, described as a “Celebration of ‘The Mighty Zep,” has become so popular at the Indian Ranch in Webster that the group played two shows in 2022 and 2023 and is now returning for a second concert this summer on August 23 after performing on June 15. The six-piece Philadelphia band aims to bring Led Zeppelin’s studio recordings to life in concert. (RD)
What: Get The Led Out – Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”
When: 23 August, 7 p.m.
Where: Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster
How much: $35 to $40. indianranch.com
