This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an Event and Marketing Coordination intern with the City of Worcester Cultural Development Department. Nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, Worcester is a city that buzzes with cultural vibrancy year-round. However, the period from June to September truly shines as a time when the city comes alive with a plethora of exciting events and activities. Join me on this journey as we explore the highlights of Worcester’s cultural scene this past summer.
June-September: Movies on the Common The month of June kicked off with a bang as Worcester hosted its annual Movies on the Common series. Families and friends gathered on the Worcester Common Oval to enjoy outdoor screenings of beloved films including Napoleon Dynamite; Turning Red, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; and Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The four movie nights hosted by the City of Worcester and Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District from June through September benefited from great weather under the starry night sky, feature local performances and plenty of popcorn. The Movies on the Common created unforgettable moments of shared laughter and cinematic magic.
August: Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market Series One of the city’s beloved traditions is the Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market held on Thursday afternoons throughout August. Every other Thursday, the Worcester Common Oval transformed into a musical wonderland, welcoming diverse acts from acapella and African beats to local country hits performed by Ball in the House, Crocodile River Music and Stomp N’ Holler. Collaboration between the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, these free concerts paired with over 120 local artisans and vendors of Worcester, brought the community together, offering an opportunity for people of all ages, to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and fun.
Color the City Festival In August, the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Department and Division of Youth Opportunities collaborative program Create 508 hosted the Color the City Festival, an explosion of creativity and expression. The event celebrated art, music and culture on the Worcester Common for hundreds of youth attendees, families, and young creatives. The program featured youth artists, performers, and creators with spectacular performances, vibrant paintings and interactive exhibits. Talented musical and dance performance by local youth artists made this colorful celebration an amazing experience for folks of all ages.
My Internship Experience: As an international student from Nepal, my internship with the Worcester Cultural Development Department has been an enriching and eye-opening experience. It has allowed me to connect with the local community, learn about American culture, and contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy. During my internship, I had the privilege of collaborating on each of these incredible events. From liaising with artists and performers to managing logistics, I gained valuable insights into the hard work and dedication that goes into making these cultural celebrations a reality. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the vital role that arts and culture play in building a strong, connected community. Worcester’s commitment to fostering cultural vibrancy is evident in the diversity of events held throughout the summer months, bringing people together and enriching the lives of residents and visitors. The City’s commitment to celebrating the arts and nurturing creativity is a testament to its vibrant spirit. I am excited to see what the future holds for Worcester’s cultural development, and I look forward to returning to enjoy these events as a member of this wonderful community.
Shambhavi Dhakal is a graduate student at Clark University and the Event and Marketing Intern at City of Worcester- Department of Cultural Development.
