Rich with music!

By Christopher Coyle

Music Performances in North Central Massachusetts

Live music flourishes throughout North Central Massachusetts, offering a rich mix of performances  in charming, welcoming venues—many of which serve food and drink to complete the experience. Whether you’re into folk, rock, jazz, or Celtic tunes, there’s something for every music lover this fall.

Groton Hill Music Center: A Premier Cultural Venue

Opened in September 2022, the Groton Hill Music Center in Groton has quickly become a regional hub for performance and music education. The facility boasts two state-of-the-art performance halls, 35 classrooms, and a dining room, all designed with acoustic precision.

Bull Run Restaurant: Music with a Meal

Located at 215 Great Road in Shirley, the historic Bull Run Restaurant has hosted live music for decades. Owned by the same family since 1946, Bull Run offers an intimate setting where dinner and a show go hand-in-hand. Once you’ve purchased a concert ticket, there’s no need for a separate dinner reservation. A $15 minimum food and drink purchase per person supports the venue’s ability to bring in top-tier musical talent.

More Local Gems for Live Music

Beyond the headline venues, several other institutions and locations across the region offer excellent musical programming:

• Thayer Conservatory & Youth Ensemble of New England (337 Main Street, Lancaster) presents recitals and ensemble concerts.
• Fitchburg State University’s music department hosts a variety of public concerts throughout the academic year.
• Fitchburg Art Museum occasionally programs musical performances alongside visual arts exhibitions.
• Davis Farmland in Sterling (145 Redstone Hill Road) offers family-friendly weekend music events featuring country, folk, bluegrass, and classic rock.
• Hollis Hills Farm (340 Marshall Rd. Fitchburg). Is definitely a go-to place for farm goods as well as live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each weekend in season.
• Westminster Brew Yard, part of the Wachusett Brewing Company, combines local brews with live music.
• Red Apple Farm in Phillipston hosts musical performances at both the farm and the cozy Brew Barn.
• Robinson and Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater at the Winchendon Community Park is a beautiful state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts, festivals and other performances.

A Region Alive with Music

From intimate farm venues to grand concert halls, North Central Massachusetts is alive with music throughout the fall and winter. December in particular sees a burst of performances, so be sure to check local listings regularly for the latest shows.

Whether you’re sipping cider under the stars or enjoying a jazz piano in a polished concert hall, the region offers countless ways to enjoy the sounds of the season.

Looking for more live music?

Check out our full Events Calendar for upcoming concerts and performances across North Central Massachusetts.