Events

Institute Park hosts a number of activities, festivals, and events throughout the year. A notable annual attraction is the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra’s admission-free Summer Family Concert Series which celebrated its 70th year in 2021. Significant gatherings that have brought vitality and large crowds to the park include Black Heritage’s Juneteenth Festival, and the Caribbean American Festival, among many others.

To reserve Institute Park for an event, concert, or festival, please call the Worcester Parks Division at (508) 799-1190.

Upcoming Events

Roots of Resilience Foundation - Race for ACEs -- Saturday, May 16, 2026 -- 7AM - 2PM

AMC150 Worcester Chapter TrailsFest Celebration -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 -- 12PM - 4PM

https://amcworcester.org/amc-150-worcester-east-west-trailsfest/
Join the Relay 150 TrailsFest Celebration at Institute Park in Worcester. TrailsFest, which has been held annually since 2018, coincides with National Trails Day and is co-hosted by a group of organizations including the Appalachian Mountain Club and Park Spirit.
Food, live music, speakers, friends, and fun!

Worcester Firefighters 6K -- Sunday, June 7, 2026 -- 11AM - 5PM

https://www.wfd6k.com/
Kids Race start 11AM. 6K and 3K Walk start: 11:30AM
The race is unlike any other race around, our race day focus is not simply on the race itself, nor is it the focus on the charitable donations. It is more about the community and bringing the city and surrounding towns together as we celebrate the spirit of the day – block party style! Everyone is invited to join us at the finish line for a free BBQ, live music, beverages, clowns, moonwalk, massages, a silent auction, a post race party and so much more.

Juneteenth Festival -- Saturday, June 20, 2026 -- 12PM - 8PM

https://www.facebook.com/blackheritagefestivalworcester/
A commemoration of freedom: live entertainment, local vendors, food & fun, all ages welcome!
Rain date: Saturday, June 27 at 12PM

Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival -- Sunday, June 21, 2026 -- 8AM - 10PM

https://www.caribbeanamericanheritagefest.com/worcester.html
Showcasing the rich diverse Caribbean American community of arts and craft, Caribbean food, and music

MSO Fireworks Concert -- Friday, July 3, 2026 -- 7:45PM - 10PM

https://masymphony.org/mso/Concerts.html
Patriotic Pops Concert with Fireworks. Myron Romanul, Conductor, Gary Rosen, Master of Ceremonies; Jane Shivick and Taylor Lawton, vocal soloists.
This concert featuring the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra is a patriotic pops concert celebrating 75 years of MSO’s admission-free Institute Park concerts, and the nation’s 250th birthday. Music primarily by American composers including Bernstein, Copland, and Williams. The concert will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa marches, including Stars and Stripes Forever performed during the course of the fireworks display.
Rain date: Sunday, July 5 at 7:45PM

MSO Latin Jazz Concert -- July 11/12, 2026 -- 7PM - 10PM

https://masymphony.org/mso/Concerts.html
Latin Jazz in the Park: In Concert with Manolo Mairena and La Pura Vida
This concert will feature virtuoso musician Manolo Mairena and La Pura Vida in an evening of Latin jazz, including original works by Mr. Mairena. Check above website on Friday, July 10, 2026 for concert details including selection of Saturday July 11 or Sunday, July 12 for chosen performance date.

MSO Salute to Disney Concert -- July 18/19, 2026 -- 6:30PM - 10PM

https://masymphony.org/mso/Concerts.html
Salute to Disney. Jorge Soto, Conductor; Gary Rosen, Master of Ceremonies. Taylor Lawton and Elisabeth LaBarre, vocal soloists.
This concert will feature the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra in a Salute to Disney including musical highlights from Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Brave, Encanto, Frozen, Moana, Pirates of the Caribbean, Planes, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Lion King, among others. Check above website on Friday, July 18, 2026 for concert details including selection of Saturday, July 18 or Sunday, July 19 for chosen performance date.

Greater Accra Social -- Saturday, August 1, 2026 -- 12PM - 8PM

Crocodile River Music - Worcester's Got African Talent -- Saturday, September 12, 2026 -- 8AM - 6PM

https://www.crocodilerivermusic.org/our-programs
A live showcase celebrating African artists who live and create in Worcester. The festival highlights artists across disciplines - music, dance, visual art, fashion, videography, and more.

Brazilian Festival -- Sunday, September 13, 2026 -- 8AM - 8PM

https://www.facebook.com/brazilianworcesterfestival/
Experience Brazilian Culture in Worcester
Music, food, dance, community
Free admission, all are welcome!