Join us for an afternoon of live performances, local food trucks, and lots more at the 2026 Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market, presented by the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, the City of Worcester, and our generous sponsors!
The Out to Lunch series is back and bigger than ever this year, with 10 festival dates every Wednesday from June 24 through August 26. Each event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm on the Worcester Common Oval. It’s the perfect excuse to get out for your lunch break, spend time enjoying the historic Worcester Common, and explore the best of Worcester right here in the heart of the city this summer.
Mark your calendars for the following 2026 Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market dates: June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19 & August 26. (Rain/Weather Dates: September 2 & September 9)
What’s Happening
Here’s some of what you’ll find at this year’s Out to Lunch Festival & Farmer’s Market…
Live Performances
For over a decade, a highlight of Out to Lunch has been the combination of main stage acts and local performers. This year we’re excited to bring incredible musical talent to Downtown Worcester and to invite members of our community to perform. There will be live music, dance, and some special surprises, too.
Check out the full lineup of headlining acts for the 2026 Out to Lunch series below!
Food Trucks
You’ll find loads of delicious lunch options all in one place at the festival. Local food trucks will be parked all around Worcester Common Oval, serving up mouthwatering meals and snacks you can eat on the spot or take with you on-the-go.
Whether you want to go healthy or indulge, or if you’re craving something savory or sweet, you’ll find something to delight your tastebuds at Out to Lunch.
Farmers’ Market
Pick up the freshest produce and lots of local goodness at Out to Lunch. This year the Out to Lunch farmers market is growing!
Farmers from all across Central Massachusetts will be selling their fresh produce and wares Downtown so you can stock your fridge with a summer bounty of locally grown fruits, veggies, and more while you’re here.
Artist & Makers Market
Shop for handmade goods from a variety local artists, crafters, and makers. If you’re looking to treat yourself or pick up a unique gift for someone else, you’ll find something new to love at the Out to Lunch artist and makers market.
Think: handmade jewelry, candles, art, clothing, toys and games, pet items, and more.
Community Organizations
Worcester is home to countless non-profits that are on a mission to help our community thrive. Stop by the non-profit area at Out to Lunch and meet folks from dozens of different community-based organizations at once.
Hear about their work, take part in some interactive activities and fun giveaways, find out how they can help support you, and learn how you can get involved.
2026 Out to Lunch Headliners
We’ve curated a world-class lineup of musical acts for this year’s Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market.
Check out our 2026 headliners below and don’t miss your chance to see some truly impressive musicians in Downtown Worcester for FREE this summer!
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: Flame
A high-energy American cover band (and returning Out to Lunch headliner) consisting of talented members who happen to have disabilities, Flame performs globally playing all your favorites, from the classics through today’s hits, along with some originals.
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: 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 24: 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.
Getting to the Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market
You have lots of options for getting around Downtown.
If you live or work nearby, why not walk or bike to the Out to Lunch Festival?
You can also ride the bus. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus hub is located at Union Station; a 5-6 minute walk from the Common. There are a number of convenient bus stops all around our Downtown neighborhood, too. Check the WRTA bus schedules for more info.
If you’re driving, you’ll find ample parking in Downtown Worcester, including on-street parking, parking garages, and parking lots located steps away from the Worcester Common.
Check out our full list of resources for Getting Here and Parking.
Out to Lunch Sponsors & Partners
The Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market would not be possible without our community partners and sponsors.
We are currently welcoming sponsors for the 2026 Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers’ Market series. To learn more, please get in touch with Downtown Worcester BID Program Director Victoria Mariano at victoria@downtownworcester.org or 508-622-3050, ext. 2.
Presenting Sponsors
Want More Summer Events Downtown?
Out to Lunch is one of the many events happening in Downtown Worcester this summer.
You’ll find lots of activities and special offers all around the neighborhood, all season long. Come celebrate summer in the city with us!
Check out our Events Calendar for even more Downtown Worcester events and sign up for our once-a-month email newsletter below to stay up to date on all the fun things happening Downtown this summer.
