There is plenty to do in Worcester, the second-largest city in New England behind Boston and labeled the new 'It' town by NPR. Below is just a short sampling of options.
Discover Central MA has a great tool where you can follow itineraries of different experiences in the city, plus look up events, restaurants, and accommodations. Select some itineraries/destinations, and map out your own day. Search "Discover Central MA" in your app store to download their app with the same information.
(Are you curious about our great city? Learn more about Worcester, how to pronounce it (it may not be how you think!), why it's one of the fastest-growing hubs of innovation in the US, and additional activities in this vibrant college town.)
ART
Worcester Art Museum: Steps from WPI with American, European, Asian, Greek, and Roman works, and rare collections of medieval armor. See Monet, Roman mosaics, and Paul Revere’s silver.
There's also...ArtsWorcester, POW! WOW! Worcester
EVENTS
Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts: World-class performances from touring Broadway hits, comedians, musical acts, and more. Consistently ranked by POLLSTAR as one of the Top Theatres in the World.
There's also…DCU Center, The Palladium
GREEN SPACES
Tower Hill Botanic Garden: A botanic garden and arboretum 8 miles from Worcester with 17 distinct gardens, preserved woodlands, and miles of walking trails.
There's also… Worcester’s 50+ parks, including Institute Park next to WPI!
SHOPPING
Crompton Collective: A curated boutique marketplace with local independent makers selling antiquities, arts, décor, crafts, and more. Seed to Stem is a lifestyle and plant boutique also located in Crompton Place.
There's also… Auburn Mall, Shoppes at Blackstone Valley
MUSEUMS
EcoTarium: A science and nature museum with hands-on exhibits and three floors of interactive exhibits, shows, live animal habitats, and nature trails.
There's also…American Antiquarian Society, Worcester Historical Museum
SPORTS
Worcester Red Sox and Polar Park: The minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox celebrates its inaugural season in Worcester beginning in 2021 in brand new Polar Park.
The DCU Center: An entertainment center that hosts a variety of sporting events including wrestling, motocross, bull-fighting, trucking, and more (ComicCon, anyone?). Home to the arena football league Massachusetts Pirates and the minor-league ice hockey Worcester Railers.
There's also… Lake Quinsigamond regattas, WPI athletic events