5 Central Mass. Weekend Musts: Art in The Park + More

Friday, July 26, 2013

Miranda Bethune, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Art in the Park is back! Find the next great artist in Elm Park this Saturday.

Free public art in your own backyard, a night under the stars, fun Caribbean costumes...need we say more? And that's just a few of the great events going on in Central Mass this weekend. Read on for your weekend dose of summer fun!

Art in the Park Opening Reception, Worcester

Saturday “Art in the Park” is bringing free public art back to Worcester this weekend with over 20 sculptures from New England artists stationed throughout Elm Park. Be the first to meet the talented artists for the opening of the exhibit, and take a tour of the art installations on your own or with a docent if you prefer. This year’s exhibition will be made all the more remarkable by the recently renovated pond area, creating a striking background for these impressive works of art. In case of rain, the reception will be held on July 28. 5:00pm-8:00pm. Elm Park. Highland Street and Park Avenue. Free. To learn more, visit their website.

Earth Circle Drumming, Worcester

Friday Drum to the beat at this drum circle facilitated by multi-talented musician Otha Day–not only is it a fantastic musical program, it’s a great way to express yourself, connect with others from your community, and create a new rhythm together as you drum. As this drum circle has a focus on equality, it is open to all ages, and anyone who would like to participate can simply drop in. You don’t even need to own a drum, so come on out to the Worcester Public Library to improvise some great beats, and most importantly, have fun. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Worcester Public Library. Main Library, 3 Salem Square. Free. For more info, email Iris Cotto at [email protected].

Starfest 2013, Paxton

Saturday Whether you’re an astronomy buff or just looking to take someone out on a romantic star-gazing date, this “star party” presented by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. is sure to please! Starfest 2013 will be giving out prizes and raffles while celebrating the success of the Shuttle Program and the International Space Station with a special presentation by NASA Astronaut Daniel Burbank. Get your chance to mingle with Astronaut Burbank beforehand at a 6pm meet-and-greet, and then take advantage of this unique opportunity to view the heavens from the beautiful Anna Maria College campus. 6:00pm-10:00pm. Anna Maria College. Foundress Hall, 50 Sunset Lane. Donations accepted: $5.00 per family, $2.00 per person. For more info, email [email protected].

Worcester Caribbean Carnival Costume Display, Worcester

Saturday Get an exclusive, free sneak peek at the costumes that will be featured in the upcoming Worcester Caribbean American Carnival, set to take place on August 25th! This indoor-outdoor event gives you access to view the intricate adult and children costumes and admire the colorful Caribbean culture that is translated through them. Feel free to purchase food and drinks while you browse the costumes on display in Worcester’s own Three G’s Sports Bar. Patrons will also have the opportunity to register to participate in the costume parade. 4:00pm-8:00pm. Three G’s Sports Bar. 152 Millbury Street. Free. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Stanley Kunitz Birthday Celebration & Poetry Open Mic, Worcester

Sunday What better way to celebrate what would’ve been the 108th birthday of Worcester-born poet Stanley Kunitz than with a poetry open mic at his childhood home? Sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association, this event will offer poetry lovers a chance to celebrate Kunitz’s life while reading and listening to poems in the same place that inspired many of his greatest works. Meet the host (and the current owner of Kunitz’s home) Carol Stockmal in the garden under the famous pear tree to read poetry related to Kunitz and his works from 2-4pm. You’ll have the opportunity to take a docent-led house tour following the open mic in order to view unique memorabilia and artifacts from Kunitz’s life. As no birthday celebration would be complete without a birthday dessert, cake will be served in honor of the famous poet! But whether you go for the free cake, the free tour, or the chance to share your writing and hear other local budding poets, it’s bound to be an excellent birthday celebration. 2:00-5:00pm. Stanley Kunitz House. 4 Woodford St. Free admission, free tours, and free refreshments with cake. Email [email protected] for more info.