NOTE: Community bulletin board-type items are welcome for inclusion in the Happenings! section of the Xpress newspapers. Please allow enough lead time for publication. Email your calendar or event notice to [email protected].

SATURDAY, JULY 18 

• Northbridge Annual Fireworks Show. (Rain date July 19) Gates open at 5 p.m. Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with an evening of music, activities, food and a spectacular fireworks display at Northbridge Middle School in Whitinsville.

• Come and celebrate America's 250th with St. Patrick's Parish, 7 East Street, Whitinsville on Saturday, July 18th from 5pm - 9pm.  They will be serving dynamites and ice-cold beer prior to the Northbridge fireworks!  The menu will also include hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and treats. Take-out options will also be available.  FMI 508-234-5656 . Payment by cash or VENMO. The rain date for this event is July 19th.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

• The Whitin Community Center (WCC) is excited to invite all automotive enthusiasts and families alike to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of our highly anticipated “Cars In The Park” event. Join us for a day of automotive excellence and community fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the picturesque 7.5 acre Whitin Park, located at 60 Main St., Whitinsville.  This year’s Cars In The Park promises an unforgettable showcase of classic and contemporary cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Participants can vie for the prestigious Best In Show title and 25 other trophy categories, People’s Choice Award, with the first 100 registered vehicles again this year receiving exclusive Show Dash Plaques and Goodie Bags. The event will also feature a selection of food trucks, exhibit vendors, a 50/50 raffle, and live entertainment, ensuring a fun-filled day for the entire family. Entry is complimentary for all spectators, making it the perfect summer outing.  Last year’s event had a turnout of over 300 cars! Vehicle owners are encouraged to register early and take advantage of a special $10 donation fee before July 15th, after which the registration donation will increase to $20. Pre-registration closes on August 12, 2026. Registration for vehicles is available online at www.WhitinCommunityCenter.com, in-person at our Member Services Desk, or on the day of the event. Additionally, we are now welcoming applications from exhibit and food vendors looking to be part of this exciting event. Funds raised during Cars In The Park will directly support the Whitin Community Center’s mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the health, well-being, and community spirit of the Blackstone Valley. For more information on vehicle and vendor registration, volunteering, or any other inquiries, please visit our website or contact Tammy Bodwell, Director of Operations, at [email protected] or call 508-234-8184 ext 118. 

Auburn’s Summer in the Park Concerts

The Summer in the Park Concert Series takes place at the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion at the Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex at 203.5 Pakachoag St. in Auburn.

Performances during the summer are on Thursday nights from 6-8 p.m. Rain dates are for the following Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.

2026 Concert Listing, July – September

• July 9 - Boys Gone Wild (80’s Rock Tribute)

• July 16 - The Brat Pack (80’s Tribute)

• July 23 - XS Band (Motown to Top 40)

• July 30 - She’s Busy (Classic Rock)

• August 6 - Dock 10 (70’s and 80’s)

• August 13 - Below Deck (Yacht Rock)

• August 20 - 4EverFab (Beatle’s Tribute)

• August 27 - Aquanett (80’s Rock)

• September 3 - Petty Larceny (Tom Petty Tribute)