For Immediate Release: 8/8/2023 3:55 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – The Color the City Festival, presented by the Create 508 youth program, returns to the Worcester Common for its third year Friday, Aug. 11 from 4 to 9 p.m.
The popular youth-driven arts festival is coordinated by a dozen local youth Artist Mentors and Youth Leaders participating in the City’s Create 508 youth entrepreneurship program.
The festival will include entertainment from 15 local performers, youth artists, dozens of vendors, and local organizations. There will also be a skate/roller skate jam coordinated by Push Worcester. Friday, Aug. 18 is reserved for a rain date.
“The City is committed to amplifying youth voices and developing extraordinary leaders in the arts,” said Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. “Create 508 is one of those unique programs that empowers our youth to express themselves creatively while making a difference in the community.”
While the festival is geared toward youth ages 14 to 24, there will be fun activities for families and community members of all ages with an interactive chalk mural installation, a mixed media art display, games, live music, and more.
“Our team of youth has worked tremendously hard this summer to prepare a Color the City Festival for the history books,” said Create 508 Program Coordinator Riley Pettit. “This year, we have new vendors, performers, and interactive programming, which is sure to be a hit with young people from across Worcester!”
Started in 2020, Create 508 is a program of the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Office, Division of Youth Opportunities, and Worcester Cultural Coalition that is generously supported by the Worcester Community Action Council, YouthWorks Summer Job Program, and Greater Worcester Community Foundation. The program offers a platform for youth to engage with Worcester’s cultural institutions and creative organizations while developing skills in creative entrepreneurship.
“Color the City is an event planned by youth for youth,” said Division of Youth Opportunities Director Raquel Castro-Corazzini. “The Division of Youth Opportunities is excited to support young people who want to create opportunities for other youth to have fun and feel welcomed downtown.”
For more information and updates about the Color the City Festival and Create 508 program, follow @cityofworcester and @Worcester_DYO on Instagram and Facebook.
