Francis R. Carroll Plaza

Featuring the outdoor Bank of America Stage

On the left of the photograph, a live band plays on top of the Bank of America stage in front of the Hanover Theatre. In the right foreground, an audience sits and enjoys the music as a Bees And Thank You food truck services others in the background at the Carroll Plaza Ribbon Cutting, 2023. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.

Savor the Summer with Free Events on the Plaza

Join us on the plaza during the summer for any of our events, FREE and open to the public! For a full list of events on Francis R. Carroll Plaza, utilize the venue filter on our event listing.

Lunchtime Concert Series

People on Francis R. Carroll Plaza enjoying live music performed on the outdoor Bank of America Stage

After a successful first summer of performances on the outdoor Bank of America Stage in 2023, the Lunchtime Concert Series returned in 2024 with a brand-new lineup performing FREE live music every Wednesday from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, July 10 – August 28. These now-annual concerts are the perfect excuse to get out of the office and enjoy the vibrant downtown scene this summer.

The Party Band | July 10
Clatta Bumboo | July 17
The Suitcase Junket | July 24
Girls Just Want To Have Fun | July 31

Scottish Fish | August 7
Hot Honey | August 14
Kotoko Brass | August 21
Stomp N’ Holler | August 28

Curtain Call Beer & Wine Garden

two women stand side by side, one looking down and holding a cup, the other smiling at the camera

Join us on select 2024 dates from 4-7 pm for our Curtain Call Beer & Wine Garden, where you can indulge in refreshing brews and fine wines. Enjoy music and bask in the summer sun. Carroll Plaza is the perfect backdrop for a vibrant evening with friends and the community!

Tuesday, July 9
Tuesday, July 16

Thursday, August 1
Thursday, August 8

Tai Chi Tuesdays

a tai chi instructor holding a pose

Join us for Tai Chi Tuesdays for a study in grace and balance, a meditation in motion, a method of increasing flexibility and ease of motion, and a great stress reliever. Tai Chi takes place Tuesday mornings July 9 – August 27, 2024 from 7:30-8:30 am on Carroll Plaza!

 

Free Evening Events

group photo of Yuranian aliens with "Big Nazo"

We hosted our 3rd annual Christmas in July on Thursday, July 25, 2024, the only indoor/outdoor event of its kind at The Hanover Theatre!

BIG NAZO brought an extraterrestrial invasion under the stars to the plaza on Saturday, August 3, 2024 for two performances, featuring international performance group.

To celebrate Worcester Pride weekend, we hosted our Worcester Pride Dance, a fun celebration and dance party on the plaza on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Immerse Yourself in the Arts on Francis R. Carroll Plaza

Francis R. Carroll Plaza is the public outdoor space located in front of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory dedicated to celebrating art, culture and community. This space pays tribute to Worcester businessman and veteran Francis R. Carroll, who is celebrated locally and nationally for his exceptional contributions to charitable organizations and philanthropic efforts. The vision for Carroll Plaza was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City of Worcester, local community organizations and generous contributions from individuals and corporations committed to the city’s growth and prosperity.

With the addition of the outdoor stage generously sponsored by Bank of America and programming of the space by The Hanover Theatre, the plaza promises a powerful commitment to the arts through free programming open to the public.

Carroll Plaza also showcases the public art installation “Calliope” by Ross Miller, which was inspired by The Hanover Theatre’s own historic Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and features a light display. Francis R. Carroll Plaza marks an exciting chapter in Worcester’s history, an emblem of its determination to evolve as a thriving cultural destination.


For information on booking Francis R. Carroll Plaza and the outdoor Bank of America Stage contact Andrew Plummer, programming and booking associate, at [email protected].

Francis R. Carroll smiling while holding a red box and City of Worcester official reads off his plaza dedication behind a podium at the plaza ribbon cutting event, 2023. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.
A lead singer of a live band at the Francis R. Carroll Plaza ribbon cutting event holds a note, 2023.
Francis R. Carroll Plaza art installation shining with blue lights. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.
Live band performing on the Bank of America stage in front of the Hanover Theatre at the Francis R. Carroll Plaza ribbon cutting event, 2023. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.
A quarter-perspective photograph from the right side of the audience watching the Youth Acting Company present James and the Giant Peach, 2023-2024. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.
Francis R. Carroll Plaza at night, lit up with the colors of the rainbow.
A distant overhead photograph of the Youth Acting Company presenting James and the Giant Peach, 2023-2024. In the foreground are trees with green and yellow leaves, slightly obscuring the audience sitting in a semicircle in front of the Bank of America Stage where the actors are performing. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.
Partial photograph of the silver metal pillars art installation in Francis R. Carroll Plaza. Photo by Unity Mike Photography.

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