WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Worcester is celebrating its 300th birthday this weekend.
The city will host its Tercentennial Weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with events that are free and open to the public.
"We look forward to celebrating with and among all our residents and showing the world why Worcester is both the Heart of New England and the birthplace of the Smiley Face," said Mayor Joseph Petty in a statement.
Festivities kick off Friday evening at Polar Park with a fireworks show and a performance by "The Voice" finalist and Worcester native Ricky Duran.
On Saturday, there will be a 5K race, parade, and festival downtown with live music, food trucks, vendors, artists, and more.
The Tercentennial Weekend will conclude Sunday with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performing at the DCU Center with special guest Brian McKnight, as well as opening up Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field for a family outing.
Worcester was first established as a town on June 14, 1722, then later became a city on Feb. 29, 1848.
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