Walkabout Ranger

While most of the Blackstone Valley was home to textile mills, Whitinsville produced the textile machines that kept the other towns working. Discover the backstitch story of Whitinsville at the Ranger Walkabout on Thursday, June 4. Walk with a National Park Service Ranger from the Heritage Corridor to discover Whitinsville’s past and present. From its beginnings at Fletcher’s iron forge through the cotton mill and on to the massive Whitin Machine Works, Whitinsville has been one of the key industrial centers of the Blackstone Valley. Dress for the weather, wear walking shoes (duh). Oh yeah, and its free. 6:30-8:30p.m. Whitinsville Social Library, 17 Church St., Whitinsville. 401-762-0440 or nps.gov/blac.

Row

June 6 is National Learn to Row Day, so why not try a short row in a crew boat at Regatta Point on from 8 a.m. to noon? The Killer Bees will host as they show the basic rowing stroke, and dish out information about the sport of rowing. You must know how to swim, be over 18 and sign a waiver – the rest is free! At the gate, mention that you are at the park for Learn to Row Day and parking is free too. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 508-579-1829/978-808-1102 for more info. Quinsigamond State Park: Regatta Point, follow the yellow balloons, 10 North Lake Ave.

Zippy

This month’s WAM Zip Tour features Saint Roch and an Angel (Upper Rhenish Master, German) on Saturday, June 6. These monthly, fast-paced docent-led gallery talks are designed to offer a short but in-depth view of a single work (or artist) on view in the Museum. Free with Museum admission. noon-12:30 p.m. Worcester Art Museum, Meet at Lancaster Street entrance lobby., 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406, worcesterart.org.

Classic

June 4 through 7 stop by the beautiful Cathedral of St. Paul for the 7th Annual St. Paul’s Music Festival for another stellar season featuring internationally acclaimed artists, as well as many talented local musicians. June 4: 7p.m. Guy Fishman, cello with Ian Watson, piano featuring works by Boccherini, Schumann, Bach and Beethoven; June 5: 7:45 p.m. The Seven Hills Symphony featuring Overture to Marriage of Figaro, Mozart and Symphony in C, Bizet. June 6: 7:45 p.m. Wine Cheese and Mozart, directed by Ian Watson with St. Paul Cathedral Choir and soloists Paulette LaBarre, Ray Delisle, Beth Gondek, Brenda McDonald, and John Salvi; June 7: 4 p.m. Newton Choral Society featuring Requiem with soloists Pamela Dellal and John Salvi, Ian Watson, organist Milhaud Trois Psaumes with Ray Delisle, soloist, and Durufle Quatre Motets. Free, but feel free to make a donation. 38 High St., Worcester, 508-754-9822, stpaulsmusicfestival.org/Festival.htm.

yodelayheehoo

Stop by Nick’s on June 7 for a CD release party unlike any other as Ludwig and Hilda celebrate their new CD Schwarze Schafe Plays Oktoberfest Music and raise money for homeless Veterans through the sale of their latest release. Besides some German dances and songs, a chocolate cake eating contest, yodeling contest and audience participation, you’ll be partying for a good cause. Free, 6-8 p.m. Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St. 508-752-6213.

Fairies

Hear ye! Hear ye! The Silver Kingdome Renaissance Faire has arrived with a fantasy flair. Held June 6 – 14, come join the singing and storytelling with Gypsies dancing and brave nights fighting. There will be vendors galore and many other things that will be fun for young and old alike. 7 and under free, 8-12 $5, 13 + $12, Weekend pass $20, Both weekends $30, Military $10 with I.D. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ye Olde Commons, 120 Northside Road, Charlton. 508-248-7075 or kingdomfestival.com.

Fresh Feis

The McInerney School of Irish Step Dance will hold it’s fourth School Feis on June 7 over at the DCU Center. The word Feis (pronounced fesh) is an abbreviation of the old Irish word for festival, and with approximately 300 dancers and their families expected for this competition and year-end performance, this Feis aims to overtake downtown Worcester with the glorious sounds of Irish steps. $10 (Adults); $5 (Students). 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. DCU Center, Convention Center, 50 Foster St. 508-755-6800 or marymacirishstep.com.

Whiskers

2009 Whisker Walk will be held on Sunday, June 7. Whisker Walk is a fun day for dogs and their families, featuring a dog walk-a-thon fundraiser to benefit animal shelters and rescue groups throughout New England. Last year’s walk brought in over 100 animal rescue groups, pet related vendors/manufacturers and sponsors, and the 2009 Whisker Walk is sure to be bigger and better. Held at the Lancaster Fairground (Home of the Bolton Fair) there are 35 acres for Pet owners and animal lovers to walk and lend a paw for the animal shelters and pet rescues they love and support. Come see exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, special attractions, product giveaways, entertainment, auctions/raffles, food, fun and things for adults and kids to see, do and buy - both human and pet related. From 11-3 a.m. at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, 7 Bridge Road, Lancaster. 978-422-8585 or visit whiskerwalk.org.

Take Five

Head over to the block on June 7 for the 3rd Annual Block Five 5K Race, Fun Walk & Block Party. This benefit for the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance and Worcester’s Hope Lodge offers you a chance to get some exercise (5K is about 3 miles), have a good time, and raise funds for the 4th leading cause of cancer death. Registration: 10a.m. Start Time: 11a.m. $30. Not up to running/walking? Then stick around for entertainment, raffles, children activities, food, beer, wine & soda. Learn more at block5bistro.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Block 5 Bistro Bar, 139 Green St. 508-767-3483 or pancreaticalliance.org.