City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division announced Monday the return of the Color the City Festival for its sixth year. The free, family-friendly festival will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, on the Worcester Common, from 3 -8 p.m. The rain date is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.

Color the City highlights the creativity of youth artists, leaders, and changemakers by centering youth expression. The event is organized and coordinated by the Create 508 program youth in collaboration with the Cultural Development Division and the Division of Youth Opportunities. 

Launched in 2021, Create 508 is a youth arts and leadership program which empowers the next generation of artists ages 14-24 through dynamic creative programming, enrichment workshops, training modules, and public event planning with the mission of driving Worcester’s culture and community while learning the business of art. 

This year, the Color the City festival celebrates the strength of the Worcester community through the theme “It Takes a Village.” To reflect this interactive theme, the Create 508 youth will transform the Worcester Common into a mini neighborhood of unique districts representing different aspects of community life. Throughout the youth-constructed neighborhood event space, there will be music, local vendors, art, games, and workshops. 

Hands-on activities and live performances will be additional highlights of the signature summer event. Courtesy of Lights Multitainment, there will be free admission to roller skate on the Oval with $5 rental equipment available for purchase. Public art designed and fabricated by program participants will be on display. Franklin Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and utilized for a creative market showcasing local artists, crafters and food trucks. 

The 2026 Color the City Festival is made possible with the support of the Worcester Community Action Council and the Worcester Cultural Coalition. 

For more information on the Create 508 Program and festival, visit: Create 508 | City of Worcester.