patio

It hasn’t looked too much like summer yet, but on Thursday July 2 summer will be forced to arrive at VIA’s Party on the Patio from 4pm – 10pm. With a tasting of wines from the collection of California wines sponsored by United Liquors, beer tastings featuring Sam Adams Summer Ale, food samplings throughout the evening, and a few fun give-aways. Stop your denial – the outdoor dining season has begun! VIA Italian Table, 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. 508-754-4842, viaitaliantable.com.

rockin’ the arts

Help support school arts & education at the Arts Rock! Summer Concerts featuring the Thundertones with Chet Williamson (pictured) & The Hazardous Constituents on Friday, July 3. At this live outdoor rock concert for all ages, bring a chair or blanket and relax to the tunes under the night sky. In event of rain show, moves indoors at Major Edwards School, 125 Crescent St., West Boylston. $10 (free under 12 yr. with adult). 7-11 p.m. Goodale Park, Crescent St., West Boylston. wbaf.org/ArtsRock.

dockin’

Summer on the lake can only be improved with a little live music, so stop by “Rock The Dock” featuring Beatles For Sale the Tribute on Wednesday, July 8. Oldies radio station WORC-FM 98.9 presents “Rock The Dock” at Waterfront Mary’s, 103 Birch Island Road, Webster. Come be a part of a fun, live radio broadcast on Webster Lake! 5-7pm. Weather permitting event. Free. 5-7 p.m. Waterfront Mary’s, 103 Birch Island Road, Webster. 508-943-9731.

fa-fa-fashion

Colombiana’s International Fashion, at 63 Hamilton Street in Worcester, was founded by Lina Abdelnour two years ago and has made a name for its offerings in the latest South American fashion and styles. Check out what’s new and upcoming in the world of fashion at the Colombiana Fashion Show strutting down the runway over at the Boiler Room on 70 Winter St. on July 8th. $5. 7:30-10 p.m. For more information call 508-755-1729.

bugs

How about a little hands on family time this weekend? Stop by River Bend Farm Visitor Center in Uxbridge for a free Family Adventures with Creepy Crawly Bugs on July 4. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is partnering with Metacomet Land Trust to offer a children’s workshop from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Take a walk through the park to observe habitats, bond over a craft- making workshop and take home an informational handout to welcome these crawling creatures into your own backyard. Meet at River Bend Farm Visitors Center, 287 Oak Street Uxbridge. For more information, call the park at 508-278-7604. Free!

rocket

Mad Scientist Rocket Show on Tuesday, July 7. Jeff Boyer, the Mad Scientist, brings you a program about the fun of energy. Be prepared to help Professor Von Schmartkopf get his home-made rocket to the moon. Free tickets to the show are available at the Frances Perkins Branch Library. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Frances Perkins Branch Library, Program Room, 470 West Boylston St. 508-799-1687.

spangled

Shift gears into holiday mode as Fourth Gear jams during the Annual Fireworks Celebration for the Town of Rutland on Friday, July 3. free. 7:30-11 p.m. Rutland Town Common, 250 Main St., Rutland. townofrutland.org, myspace.com/fourthgearband.

The Lucky Dog Music Hall celebrates Independence Day with the Mullethead’s 4th of July Bash on Saturday, July 4. 89 Green St. If you need to know more, try these: 508-363-1888, luckydogmusic.com.

Nope, we haven’t made a big blunder. That’s really Santa and he’s really coming to the area for a summer holiday. Santa Claus is coming to town...and CoCo Key! on Saturday, July 4. Taking a chill-break to relax and ride the slides, Santa will be available for wishlist reading from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Help celebrate Independence Day and Santa’s freedom from the workshop for one day only. $25. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coco Key Water Resort, 150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg. 978-342-7100, cocokeywaterresort.com.

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates Independence Day the old-fashioned way, with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a citizens parade around the Common, 1830’s baseball, music, magic, and family games galore. At July 4th at Old Sturbridge Village on Saturday, July 4 come add your name to a giant Declaration, and give your “huzzahs” to the reading and cheering. Come back after hours for a spectacular fireworks display (separate fee) and festive holiday atmosphere! $20 adults; $18 seniors; $7 youth (3-17): under 3 Free. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830, osv.org.

The Cannery in Southbridge rocks the holiday with a 4th of July celebration featuring Otherwise, Weight of Gravity, The Franks, The Alchemystics, Straddledaddy, DJ Joe E Crak and more on both indoor and outdoor stages. Plus food, beer and instant party – what more could you wish for? 5 p.m.-1:45 a.m. The Cannery, 12 Crane St., Southbridge. 508-764-1100.