September Brings Handful of Cultural Events to Worcester

Looking for fun things to do off campus and explore what city life has to offer?

September will afford plenty of opportunities, including Worcester’s third annual Shrewsbury Street food tasting event and two free block parties.

Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle
Saturday, Sept. 12
Noon to 3 p.m.
Amidst entertainment from area college performance groups, more than 20 restaurants will offer discounted food tastings on Worcester’s Restaurant Row. This event is exclusively for college students, faculty, staff and family. Admission buttons can be purchased in advance for $10 from Holy Cross’ Office of Student Programs and Involvement and $15 on the day of at Piccadilly Pub, Junior’s, Flying Rhino and Brew City Grill.

Pride Festival and Canal Fest
Saturday, Sept. 12
After filling up on tasty fare, walk to two free street festivals — the Canal Fest on Harding Street, which runs until 6 p.m., and Worcester Pride on Water Street, which runs until 9 p.m.

Transportation to and from Holy Cross will be provided for these events, with a shuttle departing the Hogan Campus Center at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:40, 4:40 and 5:40 p.m., and returning to campus from Junior’s on Shrewsbury Street at noon, 1, 2, 3, 4:10 and 5 p.m., and from the Canal District at 3:15, 3:50, and 5:15 p.m.

Canal Diggers 5K and ½ Way to St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 
Sunday, Sept. 13
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Strap on your green running shoes! A 5k run/walk and 1 mile fitness walk will take place at 11 a.m. to commemorate the contribution of Irish immigrants to the creation of the Blackstone Canal.

The road race will depart from Green Street in front of the Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub at the corner of Temple and Green streets and end on Harding Street. Registration fee is $22 and can be processed from 9 to 10:45 a.m. inside the Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub.

stART on the Street 
Sunday, Sept. 20 (rain date: Sept. 27)
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Central Massachusetts’ only cultural street festival will once again take over Park Ave (between Highland to Pleasant streets). The festival is free of cost and features more than 250 local artists, crafters, live bands, street performers and food vendors.

By Claire Luke ’10

Pictured: The Boulevard Diner is one of the many restaurants participating in the third annual Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle.

Related Information:

• Word on Worcester 
• Colleges of Worcester Consortium