Wednesdays, June 24 – August 26, 2026
Rain Dates: September 2 & September 9
11 am–3 pm (Headliners begin at 12 pm)
Location: Worcester Common Oval
Free and open to the public
Features food vendors, artists and crafters, non-profits, and a weekly farmers’ market

The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market returns for Summer 2026, bringing a dynamic lineup of musical talent to Downtown Worcester. Presented by the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and the City of Worcester, the festival will take place every Wednesday from June 24 through August 26 from 11 am to 3 pm on the Worcester Common Oval.

This year’s headlining lineup features a mix of regional favorites, nationally touring artists, and globally inspired performers spanning genres from funk and soul to rock, jazz, and world music. Each week, audiences can enjoy live music on the main stage, alongside intermission performances highlighting local talent (to be announced). The event series is free and open to the public, with rotating vendors offering food and refreshments, handmade art and crafts, farm fresh produce and other local wares available for purchase.

Fabian Barracks, Cultural Development Officer for the City of Worcester, said: “The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market has become one of those defining summer experiences in Worcester. The 2026 headliner lineup reflects that. There’s a great mix of sounds, styles, and artists that give people a reason to come Downtown every single week, stick around, and feel part of something.”

Victoria Mariano, Program Director for the Downtown Worcester BID, added: “This lineup of performers has been so much fun to curate. It’s the kind of mix where you might come for one band and end up discovering something totally new the next week. It’s never the same thing twice at Out to Lunch. We’ve got everything from high-energy funk to laid-back acoustic sets. Getting to experience all of that for free, right in the middle of Downtown, is special.”

In Addition to Live Music:

• Food Trucks & Vendors
• Local Artists & Crafts
• Community Organizations
• Farmers’ Market (featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and locally made products)

2026 Out to Lunch Live Music Headliners:

• June 24: MINKA | A bold, genre-blending band with a theatrical edge—think Bowie meets Prince with a touch of Talking Heads.
• July 1: Honeycomb | Beatboxer, musician, and viral performer Gable Johnson III delivers high-energy, genre-crossing sets backed by co-signs from artists like T-Pain and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• July 8: Brown Eyed Women | The world’s only all-female Grateful Dead tribute band, bringing top-tier musicianship and a soulful, jam-driven take on the Dead’s iconic catalog.
• July 15 (Disability Pride Month): Flame | A returning headliner and crowd favorite, delivering beloved hits and originals with global performance experience and undeniable energy.
• July 22: Polyrhythmics featuring Adryon DeLeon | A nationally touring powerhouse blending funk, soul, Afrobeat, and psychedelic rock into groove-heavy, high-energy performances.
• July 29: Acoustic Winos | A Worcester favorite, this acoustic classic rock group brings a fun, crowd-pleasing mix of familiar hits and personality.
• August 5 (National Farmers’ Market Week): Agua Fresca, Tributo a la Sonora Ponceña | Led by renowned percussionist Miguel Martinez, this high-energy ensemble delivers a vibrant tribute to salsa legends Sonora Ponceña with infectious rhythms and nonstop dance energy.
• August 12: Niki Luparelli and the Born to Die Orchestra | With old Hollywood glamour and a sharp, theatrical edge, Niki Luparelli leads this Lana Del Rey tribute blending cinematic sound, dark pop, and bold stage presence.
• August 19: K Fingers Band | Led by New England musician and producer Keith “K Fingers” Muhammad, this groove-driven band blends jazz-funk, R&B, and instrumental soul with sax, guitar, and synth-forward sound.
• August 26: Crocodile River Music Presents Abluno Mbie | A globally inspired performance featuring Mozambican artist Abluno Mbie, blending Afro-soul, jazz, and traditional rhythms into a rich, dynamic sound.

Katelyn O’Brien, Executive Director of the Downtown Worcester BID, noted: “The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market series creates even more reasons for people to spend time enjoying Downtown in the middle of the week—and gives them a great experience when they’re here. The music is a huge part of that experience, and it also supports our vendors, our small businesses, and the overall energy of the neighborhood all summer long.”

Follow @outtolunchworcester, @downtownworcesterbid, and @cityofworcester on Instagram for updates.

More Out to Lunch Event Information

About the Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market
The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market has been a beloved tradition in Downtown Worcester for over a decade, bringing together local food vendors, artists and crafters, and farmers for a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Held every summer, the festival offers a lively mix of delicious food, fresh produce, handmade goods, non-profit organizations, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. With a commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of togetherness, the Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market continues to be a highlight of Worcester’s summer event scene.

Out to Lunch Festival
Worcester Common Oval
455 Main St, Worcester MA
FREE!

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