Above: A peek at some of the happenings this weekend through the next. (images cropped from flyers)

Here are highlights of what’s happening around (or related to) our town this weekend through next weekend.

(The gray font below is for previously established long running events that take place weekly or bi-weekly.)

Friday evening, June 12, 2026

• Rent the Musical (7:30 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. For details, see dedicated post.
• Live Music: The Jeff Thomas Experience (8:00 pm) @ Owen O’Leary’s, 50 Turnpike Rd: Jeff Thomas and Mario will perform classic rock. For details, click here.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

• Community Yard Sale (8:00 am) @ Red Gate Lane & Hickory Road: The neighborhood has organized yard sales on their streets for this morning. (This is the one that was postponed from May due to rain.)
• Art on the Trails Installation (10:00 am – 5:00 pm) @ Beals Preserve: Artists will be installing their work as part of the 10th Annual exhibition of Art on the Trails. The public is invited to watch and to meet the artists. For details, see dedicated post.
• DIY Gulbankian Workshop (1:00 pm) @ Gulbankian Florist, 40 Mt Vickery Rd: There is a registration fee and attendance is limited. This session is to make a Container Garden. For details, click here.
• Sit & Knit (2:00 – 4:00 pm) @ Southborough Library: Semi-monthly program for ages 18+ to drop in and work on your latest knitting or crochet projects while you enjoy the company of fellow yarn crafters in a relaxed social setting. All levels are welcome but no formal instruction will be given.
• Youth Football & Cheer Clinics (5:00 – 7:00 pm) @ Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St, Northborough: Free clinics and chance to meet coaches. Registration is required. For details, see dedicated post.
• Pilgrim Church Chicken BBQ (5:00 – 7:30 pm) @ Pilgrim Church, 15 Common St: Annual community event put on by Pilgrim Church. Event features a BBQ dinner, raffle, bounce house, games, and face painting. There is a fee and pre-registration is requested. For details, see dedicated post.
• Rent the Musical (7:30 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. For details, see dedicated post.
• Stand Up Comedy Night (7:30 – 10:15 pm) @ St. Mark’s School: Fundraiser for SOS (the non-profit parent group for Southborough Public Schools). Featuring comedian Corey Rodrigues “& Friends”, plus cocktails and a raffle. Show begins at 8:30. For details, see dedicated post.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

• Rent the Musical (3:00 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. For details, see dedicated post.
• Flag Retirement Ceremony (6:00 – 7:30 pm) @ DPW office, 147 Cordaville Rd: The community is invited to take part or drop flags off in advance in a collection box at the Transfer Station. For details, see dedicated post.

Monday, June 15, 2026

• Walking Group for Seniors (8:30 am) @ Trottier Middle School’s outdoor track: Free weekly walking group organized by the Southborough Senior Center. (Dependent on weather conditions.) Walkers generally go for an hour, but continue for as long as you wish. The location is a loop, so feel free to join late.
• Rummikub (11:00 am) @ Southborough Senior Center: Drop-in to the game group for seniors, meeting the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Monday of each month.
• Knitting Club & Quilting Club (1:00 pm) @ Southborough Senior Center: Weekly opportunity for senior crafters to work on their projects in a social setting, including knitting, sewing, cross stitching, needle point.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• Spicy Ladies Club (11:00 am) @ Southborough Senior Center: A monthly social group for seniors. New members are welcome to drop-in. For details, see related post.
• Bridge (12:00 pm) @ Southborough Senior Center: A weekly card group, welcoming new participants. For details, contact the Senior Center at 508-229-4453.
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night (8:00 – 10:00 pm) @ Owen O’Leary’s, 50 Turnpike Rd: Weekly Trivia game night with prizes. For details, see dedicated post.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

• Walking Group for Seniors (8:30 am) @ Southborough cemetery, 11 Cordaville Road: Free weekly walking group organized by the Southborough Senior Center. (Dependent on weather conditions.) Walkers generally go for an hour, but continue for as long as you wish. The location is a loop, so feel free to join late.
• American Mah Jongg Meetup (1:00 – 4:00 pm) @ Southborough Library, Main Floor Stacks: Weekly opportunity to play. Drop ins are welcome, but groups of 4 are generally necessary. For details, click here.
• Interboro Community Band Summer Concert (7:00 – 8:00 pm) @ the Willows, 1 Lyman St, Westborough (or Westborough High if it rains): The final concert of the 2025-2026 season for the regional community band including Southborough members. For details, see dedicated post.
• Southborough Rotary Club (7:00 – 8:00 pm) @ Southborough Library, main floor: Regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Southborough. New and prospective members are always welcome. (Held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month.)
• Live Blues Jam n’ Open Mic (8:00 – 11:00 pm) @ Owen O’Leary’s, 50 Turnpike Rd: Come play or sing with the house band and fellow musical talent, or just enjoy the show. For details, see related post.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

• Mah Jongg (10:00 am) @ Southborough Senior Center: The weekly program would love new players to join. Feel free to stop by to watch or talk to one of the players to see if you would be interested. For details, contact the Senior Center at 508-229-4453.
• Baby/Toddler Storytime (11:00 – 11:30 am) @ Southborough Library Children’s Room: A weekly program for ages 0-2 years with their parents/caregivers. Each session will include puppets and music. No registration required. For details, see related post.
• Genealogy Club (2:30 – 4:00 pm) @ Southborough Senior Center: The Club welcomes drop-ins to its monthly meeting by those interested in learning more about their own family history and genealogy. For details, see related post.
• Karaoke (9:00 – 11:00 pm) @ Owen O’Leary’s, 50 Turnpike Rd: Weekly Karaoke night. For details, see related post.

Friday, June 19, 2026 — Juneteenth

• Town Closures: The public schools, Town Offices, the Southborough Library and Senior Center are closed for Juneteenth, the state holiday.
• Opening Art Reception (6:00 – 8:00 pm) @ Apothecary Artists, 11 Main St: The opening reception for the fair themed art exhibits featuring works Southborough artists — painter Jane Schwartz Gates and artisan Erica Champney. For details, see dedicated post.
• Rent the Musical (7:30 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. For details, see dedicated post.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

• Electronic, Appliance, and Bicycle Recycle Day (9:00 am – 2:00 pm) @ Saint Anne’s Church parking lot, 20 Boston Road: Recycle Electronics and Appliances for a fee. (No fee on some small items.) Also collecting bicycles for no fee. A portion of the event proceeds will be paid to St. Anne’s Church.. For details, see dedicated post.
• DIY Gulbankian Workshop (1:00 pm) @ Gulbankian Florist, 40 Mt Vickery Rd: There is a registration fee and attendance is limited. This session is to make Cutting Flowers Container Gardens. For details, click here.
• Fairy House Workshop (1:00 – 3:00 pm) @ Apothecary Artists, 11 Main St: Registration and a fee are required for this children’s workshop led by artisan Erica Champney. For details, see dedicated post.
• Rent the Musical (7:30 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. This performance will feature ALS interpretation. For details, see dedicated post.

Sunday, June 21, 2026

• Rent the Musical (3:00 pm) @ Fay School’s Harris Event Center: The 90s hit rock musical is being put on by the adult theater troupe, A Common Thread Theatre Company. For details, see dedicated post.

The post Events this week appeared first on My Southborough.

Tomorrow, June 13th, Northborough-Southborough Youth Football and Cheer programs are holding free clinics.

It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the program and meet coaches before signing kids up for the season that starts this summer.

On Facebook today, Southborough Recreation shared details about the opportunity:

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend check this out!
We would like to invite you to our FREE clinic for all ages of cheer, flex and tackle football in partnership with Algonquin Coaching Staff & Players on 6/13/26 from 5:00-7:00pm at Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough (STADIUM FIELD).

You are welcome to join if your son or daughter is interested in trying out the sport, or if you’re already registered! Come meet our coaches, ask any questions, see how we prioritize safety, and what an amazing opportunity this sport provides our youth. It’s a great way to come try things out before registering! . . . 

Don’t forget to invite your friends. See you there! Contact nsbod@gmail.com with any questions

The clinic is free, but they require pre-registration for planning purposes. Click the links below to sign up:

• Football Clinic Registration Form
• Cheer Clinic Registration Form

The post Youth Cheer & Football Clinics Saturday evening appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: An upcoming art exhibit features artists who work in different media, tied together by fairy magic. (images from Facebook)

The downtown studio, Apothecary Artists, is hosting two special events next week. Both of them celebrate fairies.

Next Friday, the studio will hold an opening reception for two artists aligned with the theme. And the next afternoon, they’ll hold a related workshop for kids.

Art Reception

The upcoming exhibit features works by Southborough artists — painter Jane Schwartz Gates and artisan Erica Champney.

Gates painting exhibit is themed “Magic Lives Everywhere”.

Champney’s exhibit of fairy homes is titled “Enchanted Adventures”.

The opening reception takes place Friday, June 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. No registration (or fee) is required to attend.

The studio promotes:

Please join us for an evening of faires and wonder! Jane brings her ethereal paintings, wonder, and whimsy. Only to be matched with Erica’s fairy houses fit for an avid book reader, nature lover, and dreamer.

Below is another example of Champney’s work that she posted to Facebook will be included in the exhibit.

The post is under the same “Mama E Crafter” Facebook alias listed as running a children’s workshop the next day. . .

Fairy House Workshop

The workshop takes place on Saturday, June 20th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. It appears the workshop will be led by Erica Champney, who clearly knows a thing or two about building fairy houses.

On Facebook, the studio promotes:

An enchanting fairy house workshop for children inside a magical forest studio. Kids are building tiny fairy houses using found natural objects: pinecones, acorns, twigs, bark, pebbles, leaves, shells, bottle caps, fabric scraps, and tiny sticks. The room is surrounded by glowing fairy paintings by the amazing artist Jane Gates and whimsical fairy dwellings by Erica Chamney. Just think warm lantern light, moss-covered tables, miniature tools, sparkling dust in the air, cozy fantasy atmosphere, highly detailed storybook style, imaginative and playful, soft pastel colors, and magical woodland aesthetic.

The fee is $45 per participant (all materials included). To register, click here.

The post Apothecary Artists’ exhibit & workshop embrace the magic of fairies appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: Looking at the range of options in our area for water play this summer. (images L-R Marlborough Rec Facebook post and photo by Beth Melo)

The “Heat Advisory” is in effect until 8:00 pm tonight. Even after that passes, it will be a hot weekend with highs of 90 and 92. Mornings will be more bearable for classic outdoor summertime fun.

For those of you who aren’t planning weekend getaways to coastal beaches or lake houses, but are still eager to frolic in the sun and water, I’m posting this summer’s updated details on local places to splash around.

Southborough doesn’t have any public wading areas of our own (yet), but there are nearby options that residents can take advantage of.

Before you visit, please click on links for details including rules of use for each facility. (Plus any updates from authorities if there’s an unexpected, temporary closing.)

Splash pads and wading pools may get quite hot some days, but they can be an easy option for some fun water play for young ones. The following are free, and some are already open for the season:

• Northborough’s Assabet Park includes a splash pad that opens this Saturday. The hours will be Mon, Wed, Fri, and weekends from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, except in inclement weather. (It is closed on Tues & Thurs.) (No date is listed yet for when the season will end.)
• Marlborough:
  • Splash pads are open at Ghiloni Park and Stevens Park daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm through September 7th. The Town website does warn of potential occasional automatic shutdowns “if the chemical levels fall outside standard parameters”.
  • Later this summer, Wading pools are “anticipated” to open on June 23rd. Those are located at Sawin Street and Ward Park. The planned hours are still posted as daily fro noon – 5:45 pm (with gates locked at 6:00 pm). Regular disposable diapers are prohibited in the pools, but “Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Pants are allowed”.

Lake Swimming. If you’re family is too old for the above options (or your kids are demanding real swimming) then you may want to find a beach. No need to drive for hours in traffic. Take advantage of parks a stone’s throw away.

The state has three local swimming holes. Unfortunately, those can sometimes be closed due to bacteria issues. And parking can also fill up, especially on weekends.

Due to the frequency of beach closures from algae/bacteria spikes, DCR has posted an “Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard” with hourly updates. You can also check for DCR’s updated advisories (including ones unrelated to water quality) here. (You may also want to check their tweets, since they have used it in the past to announce when a park’s parking lot reached full capacity.)

The State parks only charge admission for parking. Cash is no longer accepted. (They now have parking meters and an app for online payments). You can borrow a free pass for the day from the Southborough Library to display on your dashboard (limited availability). For the parks with beaches near us, the cost for is $8/day (for state license plates). You can also purchase a $60 season pass, or a $10 senior-lifetime pass (for ages 62+).

Except for the occasional closures, these are open for swimming daily:

• Hopkinton State Park (10:00 am – 6:00 pm through Labor Day; the park is open for other activities from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm year round)
• Ashland State Park (10:00 am – 6:00 pm through Labor Day)
• Cochituate State Park in Natick (weekdays sunrise to sunset, weekends 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, boats off the water at 6:00 pm): As of the morning of June 12th, a “No swim warning” Advisory was in effect due to Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom. (You can check here to see if that has been lifted.) But boating activities were still available.

The Town of Marlborough also allows use of its lakeside beach by out-of-towners, though at the below non-resident rate:

• Memorial Beach  – Parking is $20 per car, and no drop-offs are allowed. It is open daily 11:00 am – 6:45 pm (though the bathrooms close at 6:30 pm). There are special hours for Labor Day weekend. (Closing date not listed yet.)

Do you have a favorite water play spot not listed above? (Or have a tip about one of these to share?) Shout out in the comments.

The post Where to Splash Around this Summer appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: A community group is working with the police chief to put on a “non-partisan” forum this month to answer questions about the police department’s policy for dealing with immigration issues and ICE. (images cropped from flyer)

The group “Southborough Hate Has No Home Here” is sponsoring a community forum with Southborough Police Chief Ryan Newell. The focus of the event is his department’s role related to immigration enforcement.

During the forum, Chief Newell will provide an overview of the SPD’s guidelins for Civil Immigration Enforcement.

The public will also “have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open conversation with the Chief.”

According to the announcement, attendees will also receive information about “Southborough Public Schools’ policies and procedures related to ICE” (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

The promotion promises:

This is a non-political, nonpartisan community information event. All are welcome.

The forum will take place on Wednesday, June 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Pilgrim Church (15 Common Street).

The event flyer includes a QR code linking to the SPD’s policy (effective last July). The guidelines introduction includes the following “considerations”:

In adherence to the department’s community policing philosophy, all
community members and general stakeholders should know that they are
encouraged to seek and obtain police assistance and protection regardless
of their specific immigration and! or documentation status without fear of
status checks..

This type of mutual trust and spirit of cooperation is crucial in preventing and solving crime incidents, as well as maintaining public order, safety, and security in the entire community.

The policy maintains that immigration investigation and enforcement is the role of the federal government, not the Town police. However it does also specify exceptions:

The prohibition does not preclude the Southborough Police Department
from cooperating and assisting with federal immigration officials from the
DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency when formally
requested as part of an on-going criminal investigation, or from notifying
those federal officials in serious situations where a potential threat to public
safety or national security is perceived.

To read the full policy, click here.

The post Community forum on SPD’s Civil Immigration Enforcement Guidelines —  June 24 appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: This home at 63 Pine Hill Road went on the market this week for $1,175,000 (MLS photo)

Here’s what went on and off the market this week. Thanks to Gail DuBois (email) of William Raveis Real Estate for supplying the town’s new listing information for the week.*

New on the market

• 8 Ted Lane (map) – 9 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Split Entry – $799,900
• 53 Carriage Hill U:53 (map) – 10 room, 2 bed, 3f 1h bath Townhouse, Attached – $969,900
• 2 Garrison Ln (map) – 11 room, 5 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial, Garrison – $1,150,000
• 63 Pine Hill Road (map) – 8 room, 4 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial – $1,175,000
• 2 Watkins Ln (map) – 11 room, 4 bed, 4f 0h bath Colonial – $1,850,000

Sale pending

• 40 William Onthank Lane, Unit 40 (map) – 7 room, 2 bed, 2f 1h bath HalfDuplex – 6 days on the Market, Listed at $639,999
• 188 Parkerville Road (map) – 12 room, 5 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 16 days on the Market, Listed at $950,000
• 3 Foxhill Drive (map) – 9 room, 4 bed, 3f 1h bath Colonial – 56 days on the Market, Listed at $1,550,000

Sold*

• 135 Southville Road (map) – : Southville 6 room, 3 bed, 2f 1h bath Colonial, Antique – 21 days on the Market, Listed at $675,000, Sold at $770,000
• 21 Carriage Hill Cir, Unit 21 (map) – 7 room, 2 bed, 3f 1h bath Townhouse – 14 days on the Market, Listed at $949,900, Sold at $985,000
• 5 Foxhill Drive (map) – 11 room, 4 bed, 4f 1h bath Colonial – 16 days on the Market, Listed at $1,899,900, Sold at $1,917,000
• 14 Wolfpen Lane (map) – 16 room, 5 bed, 6f 0h bath Colonial – 16 days on the Market, Listed at $2,595,000, Sold at $2,500,000

*Listings for the week are based on data pulled from MLS on Thursday mornings. Occasionally, that includes “sold” info that isn’t captured by MLS until a week (or more) following the sale. [Listings don’t include houses that weren’t publicly listed through MLS.]

The post On the market this week in Southborough appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: On Facebook, the SFD posted a photo of a Southborough firefighter preparing to attempt the rescue operation.

The Southborough Fire Department posted news about an unusual emergency in town yesterday. A seriously injured worker was trapped in a tree. He was successfully rescued, then flown out by a Life Flight helicopter.

SFD Chief Andrew Puntini wrote:

On June 10, 2026, at 10:20 a.m., Southborough Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a worker trapped in a tree while performing tree work on Pinecone Lane. Engine 22 and Ambulance 29 responded and found a worker approximately 100 feet above ground, entrapped in a tree and suffering from injuries.

Recognizing the complexity of the incident, crews requested a Marlborough Fire Department aerial tower, activated the District 14 Technical Rescue Team, and requested Life Flight due to the anticipated prolonged extrication.

A member of the on-duty shift who is a Rescue Technician quickly assessed the situation and, with assistance from the tree crew and the equipment already in place, conducted a successful rescue operation. The victim was safely lowered to the ground and transferred to the awaiting ambulance crew approximately 20 minutes after the initial 911 call.

The patient was then transported to the landing zone at 9/11 Field and transferred to the Life Flight medical helicopter for transport to the UMass Memorial Medical Center trauma center with serious injuries.

I would like to recognize the quick thinking of the on-duty crew in requesting additional resources early in the incident, as well as their professionalism, technical skill, and teamwork in executing a complex rescue and providing exceptional patient care. Their actions contributed directly to a successful extrication and rapid transport of the injured worker.

WCVB News was among the tv stations to cover the news:

Updated (6/12/26 9:48 am): On Facebook, the SFD shared on Facebook a photo of firefighter William Kipp in mid-air as part of the rescue effort. (Below are the full shot and a closer look.)

The MetroWest Daily News shared more details about the accident from an interview with Chief Puntini. It included news that the federal agency in charge of workplace safety rules is opening an investigation:

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident, which occurred about 8:20 a.m. on Pinecone Lane, according to Southborough Fire Chief Andrew Puntini.

OSHA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor, investigates workplace injuries. It also sets workplace standards, conducts safety inspections and issues penalties for violations. . .

“From what it appears, while the worker was cutting the top of the tree, the cut-off section moved in an unexpected way, causing injury and not allowing the worker to self-rescue,” the fire chief explained.

The post Injured worker rescued from tree on Pinecone Lane <i>(Updated)</i> appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: Every year, veterans in town hold a ceremony to “retire” worn out flags “with dignity” (photos from past ceremonies L-R contributed by Steve Whynot and by Susan Fitzgerald)

There’s likely to be a lot of news about celebrations and political protests this Sunday. That may overshadow the holiday that is attracting the activities — Flag Day.

The community is invited to take part in Southborough’s Flag Day Retirement Ceremony or drop flags off in advance in a collection box at the Transfer Station.

The Southborough Veterans’ traditional ceremony will take place on Sunday June 14th at 6:00 pm to approximately 7:30 pm at the DPW office (147 Cordaville Rd.) Last year’s announcement promoted:

Join the Southborough Veterans this Flag Day for a meaningful and respectful Flag Retirement Ceremony.

After a brief ceremony, we will properly retire the American flags that have been collected over the past year, honoring them in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

Have a flag that’s torn, faded, or worn? Now’s the perfect time to retire it with dignity. Drop it off in the collection box at the Control Station at the Transfer Station-or bring it with you to the ceremony and be part of this special tribute.

Let’s come together to show our respect for the symbol of our freedom.

The post Flag Retirement Ceremony this Sunday appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: Indoor fun in our area includes an area trampoline park and a puzzle course with physical challenges (Altitude and Level 99 pics by Joao Melo)

With a heat warning today through tomorrow, I’m posting my annual update on tips for indoor fun in our area.

The idea is to help people find places to find respite from homes that are too hot (or places to head when cabin fever hits). It’s equally handy for rainy days that are bound to hit again this summer. 

Many of the options are geared to families with kids. But there are also ones good for teens and adults (especially if you’re young at heart!), or specifically for seniors.

Every year, some of the details change. (Venues open and close, and hours change, etc.) Here is my updated look at what’s available this summer.

Free entertainment/relaxation

• Free playspaces: the Solomon Pond Mall (on the lower level), and McDonald’s (155 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough and 299 Turnpike Rd, Westborough). The mall hours are Mon-Thurs 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Fri-Sat 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, and Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

• Libraries – The Southborough Public Library can be warmer than usual in high heat – but certainly better than outdoors or no A/C. Find a comfy chair and a good book to curl up with. The “Teen Space” is a good area for young adults to hang out. Over the summer, the Children’s Room offers lots of summer reading activities for younger kids. Hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Mon and Fri (plus, Saturdays in June), and 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Tues-Thurs.

Unfortunately, our Library is closed on weekends in July & August. Fortunately, there are libraries in neighboring towns that are open Saturdays year round. For this summer, the Saturday hours are: Northborough (9:30 am – 5:00 pm), Marlborough (9:00 am – 5:00 pm), Westborough (9:00 am – 5:00 pm), Hopkinton (9:00 am – 5:00 pm), Shrewsbury (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Hudson (9:00 am – 5:00 pm). Bonus, those all share the same library card system as Southborough (CW MARS). So you can check materials out there and return them in Southborough (or vice versa). Framingham isn’t on the same lending system, but in addition to being open 9:00 am – 5:00 on Saturdays, it is also open Sunday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00 pm in June.

• Senior Centers – For seniors, you can relax at the Southborough Senior Center weekdays from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. You can play pool most days. If you check their schedule, you may also be able to drop in on a game of cards or Mah Jongg. See the senior center’s May/June newsletter here. (I’ll try to remember to update this when the July/Aug issue becomes available!)
• Most Surrounding towns’ centers are open a little longer:
  • Northborough opens at 8:00 am and closes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 4:00 pm, with extended hours to 7:00 pm on Tues. Friday hours are 7:00 am to noon.
  • Marlborough is open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekdays
  • Westborough is open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm on Mon, Wed, and Thurs; 8:00 am – 8:00 pm on Tues; and Fri from 7:30 am to noon.
  • Framingham is open weekdays at 8:30 pm, closing at 4:30 pm on Mon, Wed, and Thurs, extended to 7:30 pm on Tues and closing Fri at 1:30 pm.

Indoor Play for a price

• Paid playspaces:
  • Happy Play Day playcenter in Westborough for ages 0-6. Open Tues – Fri 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 am, and Sundays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
  • Hey Kiddo’s Playtime for ages 0-12. Open play bookings are for two hour timeslots Sunday through Fridays. Hours are mostly mornings, but appear to vary by day.
  • The Natick Mall’s playspace is a Jam Time that charges for kids to play there. Mon, Thurs, & Fri: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Tues & Wed 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and Sat/Sun: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm.
  • Let’s Bee Kids playcenter in Hudson is another option, open Mondays through Saturdays 9:30 am – 2:00 pm — but check the website, because there are occasional closures for booked private events.
• Trampolines/inflatables – These require purchasing tickets:
  • Altitude Trampoline Park in the Apex complex in Marlborough. The entertainment extends beyond just trampolines, with dodgeball, hoops dunking, “battles”, a rock wall, a height challenge test, trapeze, and more. The business opens daily at 10:00 am, closing at 8:00 pm Sun-Thurs with extended hours to 10:00 pm on Fri & Sat. (Worth noting, they offer a special “Junior” jump time for ages 2-6 on weekdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and a Friday night special for younger teens and tweens from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.)
  • Apex Kids for ages 2-12 (jungle gyms, inflatables, and obstacle courses) is open daily from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Launch in Framingham opens 10:00 am Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun. They open 3:30 pm on Wed, and 1:30 pm on Fri. They stay open until 8:00 pm Mon – Thurs, 10:00 pm Fri & Sat, and 7:00 pm on Sun. (Their Toddler Time for kids 5 and under is weekend mornings 9:00 – 11:00 am.)
• Entertainment Centers/Arcades/Laser tag:
  • Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough definitely has the largest range of indoor activities – ropes course, bowling, arcade, laser tag, Bumper cars, go karts, sports simulators, arcade, mini golf, and ax throwing. Bowling has to be booked at least 24 hours in advance. (Note: Altitude Trampoline Park and Breakout escape rooms share the facility but have their own websites for reservations.)
  • Dave & Busters at the Natick Mall has an arcade, virtual reality games, and sports bar.
  • Immersive GameBox in the Natick Mall is an “immersive reality” gaming experience with projected images, and tracking players’ movements. Current games (including Soccer Arcade, Batman, Squid Game, Floor is Lava, Angry Birds, Ghostbusters, and Paw Patrol) cover interests for little ones through adults.
  • Fun & Games in Framingham, Pinz Bowling in Milford, and Roller Kingdom in Hudson also offer an arcade and laser tag.
  • In the Solomon Pond Mall, there’s also the arcade WOW Family Entertainment.
• Indoor Sports:
  • Indoor Mini Golf:
    • Trombetta’s Farm in Marlborough has indoor golf. (This facility better setup for rainy weather than brutally hot temps. Bonus, they also sell their handmade ice cream.)
    • Puttshack in the Natick Mall is air conditioned and offers “tech-infused” courses. (For adults, they also sell cocktails.) The venue allows online reservations, and you may need them.
    • Apex Entertainment‘s “black-lighted” course in Marlborough is also air conditioned and with online reservations.
  • Bowling:
    • Apex Entertainment in Marlborough (needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance)
    • Pinz in Milford (with an arcade and laser tag). You can sign kids up to bowl for free throughout the summer – two free games per day.
    • Bowlero in Shrewsbury
  • Skating: Roller Kingdom in Hudson (Only open Wed & Friday evenings and weekend days)
  • Misc.
    • Bosse Pickledom at the Natick Mall offers Pickleball courts, golf simulators, and “dart lanes”
    • Ax Throwing at Apex in Marlborough
• Challenges/Escape Rooms:
  • Breakout at Apex
  • Level 99 at the Natick Mall is described as offering “challenge based entertainment”. It includes a slew of physical and mental challenges that can be taken on individually or as a team. Instead of purchasing a challenge, you purchase the amount of time you want to spend in the facility.
• Artistic Fun:
  • Two Tales Pottery Studio in Northborough not only has pottery painting, but also allows building pottery (including on a pottery wheel). (This is closed on Mondays.)
  • Clay Time in Shrewsbury offers pottery painting, glass fusing, and stoneware glazing
  • Plaster Fun Time in Marlborough focuses on painting plaster figurines
• Museums: Click here for museum passes offered by the Southborough Public Library (most sponsored by The Friends of the Southborough Library). If a pass is booked for the day you want it, you can also check with other local libraries.
• $1 matinees – Regal Cinema at Solomon Pond Mall’s summer deal is back for kids’ movies matinees at 11:00 am. As usual, the discounted lineup doesn’t include recent releases. This summer, the program is Mondays through Thursdays, running through August 13th.

Have a tip for someplace that I should add to the list? Post a comment or email mysouthborough@gmail.com.

For more of my “Favorite local places” series, click here.

Updated (6/11/26 11:11 am): I edited the arcade section to fix a link and add a location.

Updated (6/11/26 8:02 pm): I added Ax Throwing

The post Indoor Fun for all ages appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: Highlights from recent ceremonies celebrating the Class of 2026. (images clockwise by Beth Melo, from Facebook, and from St. Mark’s website)

This past Saturday, Algonquin Regional High School and Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School held their graduation ceremonies. Close to two weeks earlier, St. Mark’s School celebrated its Prize Day. Here are some highlights from the events.

ARHS Graduation

On June 6th, on a much milder morning than was forecast, Algonquin held its ceremony for 274 graduating seniors in the GonkPlex stadium.

In his opening remarks, Superintendent Gregory Martineau spoke about the shoes students wore over the years as a metaphor for the importance of having empathy for others and the unknown lived experiences that shaped them. Class President, Southborough’s Brandon Truong, focused on encouraging classmates to embrace their authentic selves, rather than trying to be what they believe others want them to be.

Class Essayist Danny Schanzer (also from Southborough) thanked teachers for their impact over the years:

You all were behind so many of the moments that shaped us, even when you were not the ones standing in the spotlight.

To his classmates, he followed:

we did it. Not just through assignments, tests, sand projects, but through all these moments that really shaped these years. We grew up together. We experienced first days, last days, stressful nights, friendships, changes, successes, failures. And even though we all shared different versions of high school, we shared this place.

The final speech by Principal Sean Bevan recalled the delight that he and colleagues experienced this spring, seeing students suddenly embrace an activity from his youth — kicking around hacky sacks with each other. He used it as an example of something he encourages students to find time for and appreciate — moments where they are “fully present” with those around them.

You can view the video of the full ceremony below, and read more highlights (and some great photos) in the Community Advocate’s coverage. And you can read the list of graduates here.

 
For The Harbinger’s Senior Issue, the school paper published 11 “Reflections” essays by seniors. You can read most of them on the website here.¹ 

The printed issue also reported on students’ plans for next year, but with far fewer details than past years. There is no info specified about students who aren’t going to college. For those that are, they shared a list of the “most popular colleges” but without details on how many will attend them. (Although, many of the seniors posted their college plans with photos to Instagram here.) The popular college list was:

• UMass Amherst
• UConn
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Stonehill College
• Quinnipiac University
• Indiana University
• Endicott College
• Providence College

AVRTHS Graduation

As usual, Assabet’s graduation was held at the DCU Center in Worcester. In her address, Gabrielli Vitoria Mariano Costa Dos Santos noted the diverse plans of their graduating class: entering straight into the workforce, heading to trade schools, moving on to college, and even serving in the U.S. Military. She told the crowd:

Our paths are divided, and we don’t know exactly what its [going] to be in the end. The beauty of our Assabet educations is that we didn’t force us into a single mold. It gave us the tools to choose our own adventure.

Valedictorian Casey Knott spoke about her impactful decision to transfer from Leicester High School as a sophomore. She recalled how welcoming the school was. Looking ahead, she advocated for graduates to give themselves “grace for the mistakes that are bound to happen, some of which may lead you through doors you never thought would open in the first place.”

Below are photos from the ceremony posted by AVRTHS to Facebook:

And here is the video:

St. Mark’s School Prize Day

On May 25th, the school held the ceremony for graduating students. On their website, the school’s recap included highlights, like:

Using a LEGO cherry blossom set as a visual prop, [valedictorian, Elijah Abraham] reflected on how a simple moment during his junior year transformed his view of time and purpose. Walking across campus one spring day, he noticed the School’s cherry blossom trees in bloom for what felt like the first time.

“I stopped in my tracks, in awe,” he said. “I wondered, ‘How could I have never noticed these trees before?’” After learning that cherry blossoms bloom for only about 10 days, Abraham became captivated by them, spending as much time as possible beneath the trees during their brief flowering season.

“The meaning didn’t lie in a future job or a tangible benefit,” Abraham told his classmates. “It came from a feeling in my soul.” He challenged the audience to think beyond achievement and external success, asking them to consider what truly gives their actions meaning.

You can read more about the event and view a video highlight reel here. And you can check out all of their photos from the event here.

The post Congrats to Class of ’26 Graduates appeared first on My Southborough.