WORCESTER — Summer is nearing its end, but there is still plenty happening around Worcester this weekend.
From an outdoor jazz concert and a Polish cultural festival to the city’s first kite festival and a pair of rock tribute acts, residents have several options for live music, food and family-friendly activities.
Here are five events happening Friday through Sunday.
1. Jubilee Gardens returns to WCUW
Jubilee Gardens returns Sunday, Aug. 23, for an evening of original music and a fundraiser benefiting WCUW 91.3 FM.
Singer-songwriter Jubilee Connolly will perform with a large ensemble featuring guitar, keyboards, violin, oud, harp, bass, drums and percussion. The music will draw from folk, world, pop and rock influences.
Gang of 3, featuring John Solaperto, Evan Harriman and Dan Hunt, will open the show.
The concert begins at 6 p.m. at WCUW, 910 Main St. A minimum donation of $20 is suggested at the door, with cash and Venmo accepted. Light refreshments will be available, and guests may bring their own.
2. Love Dogs headline outdoor jazz concert
The Love Dogs will headline the ninth annual Jazz+ Live behind The Hanover Theatre on Friday, Aug. 21.
The seven-piece group performs jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock ‘n’ roll, with a lineup that includes horns, piano, guitar and vocals.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.
The picnic-style outdoor event will feature food trucks and cash bars. Guests may bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages.
General admission tickets are $30 in advance and include space for guests to bring their own chairs. Tickets increase to $35 on the day of the event. A stage-front VIP table for four costs $175.
3. Polish Festival brings food, music to Canal District
The White Eagle will host its fifth annual Polish Festival Saturday, Aug. 22, in Worcester’s Canal District.
The noon-to-6 p.m. celebration will feature Polish and American food, vendors, traditional music and dance.
Performances include the Piast Children Folk Dancers at 12:30 p.m., Krakowiak Folk Dancers at 1:30 p.m. and the EFO Polka Band from 2 to 6 p.m.
Organizers are also planning a possible pączki-themed contest.
The festivities continue Saturday night with DJ Voy inside the White Eagle from 8 p.m. to midnight.
4. Worcester hosts its first kite festival
Institute Park will become the center of a new community celebration Saturday as Worcester hosts its first-ever kite festival.
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature synchronized kite flying, a kite contest, art displays, live music, performances, vendors and food trucks.
One of the day’s highlights will be the unveiling of a 15-foot community-created kite inspired by the Guatemalan barrilete, a traditional kite associated with Guatemalan culture.
The festival brings together several local organizations, including Technocopia, Guardians of Traditions, the Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts, the Guatemalan Center of New England, The Village and the No Evil Project.
5. KISS and Poison tribute bands take the stage
Fans of classic glam and arena rock can head to Ralph’s Diner Saturday, Aug. 22, for an evening featuring tribute performances honoring KISS and Poison.
KISS Forever will recreate the music and theatrical style associated with the iconic rock band, while Nothing But a Good Time will perform songs associated with Poison and the glam-metal era of the 1980s.
The outdoor show is for guests 21 and older and costs $15 at the door.
With several music, cultural and outdoor events taking place across the city, Worcester residents have plenty of ways to make the most of the final weekends of summer.
