Hot Night in the City

Celebrating the “hot” processes and traditions of craft creation, the Worcester Center for Crafts’ Hot Night in the City practically combusts each summer with music, food, drinks, the opening of an exhibit, and fun around the flames. All are welcome as we explore the hot processes of craft in and outside of the Center.

The dusk darkness dissipates as Craft Center artists demonstrate their profession in our studios. There is a lot of hands-on fun for the fearless and demonstrations for the appreciator. We hold Hot Night in the City rain or shine.

Outdoor Activities will Include:

• Live music
• Food trucks
• Artisan vendors

Indoor Activities will Include:

• Mary Aroian Community Gallery showcasing artwork by Blackstone Valley Art Association and ValleyCAST
• Hot Night in the City Gallery Exhibition in our Krikorian Gallery curated by Brad Chapman Bleau
• Live demonstrations in clay, metals, glass, in the Open House Art Studios
• Live music in the lobby
• Full access to the Handcrafted Shop, which represents over 300 artists from around the country

Questions? contact Candace Casey, ccasey4@worcester.edu.
We are accepting artisan applications for 2026 : Apply Here

Accessibility at Hot Night in the City Arts Festival

Worcester Center for Crafts | Worcester, MA

Overview

Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) is committed to ensuring that Hot Night in the City Arts Festival is welcoming, navigable, and fully accessible to all attendees including people with physical disabilities, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and anyone requiring additional support. Accessibility is not an afterthought at WCC; it is embedded in our facility design, staff training, and community partnerships.

Physical Accessibility

WCC’s facility at 25 Sagamore Road is designed to accommodate attendees with mobility disabilities and physical access needs:

• Accessible parking- Designated accessible parking spaces are available on site, located close to the main entrance
• Entrance ramps- All building entrances are equipped with ramps providing step-free access
• Accessible doorways- Doorways throughout the facility are ADA-width compliant to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Automatic door buttons-  push-open buttons are installed at key entry and transition points throughout the building, allowing hands-free access
• Accessible restrooms-  The facility includes ADA-compliant restrooms as well as all-gender restroom options, ensuring dignified access for all attendees
• Braille signage- Braille signage is installed at all rooms and key locations throughout the facility, supporting navigation for blind and low-vision visitors

During the festival, WCC ensures that outdoor vendor and demonstration areas are arranged to maintain clear, navigable pathways for wheelchair users and attendees with mobility devices.

Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Access

WCC provides the following accommodations to ensure Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees can fully participate in and enjoy the festival:

• Printed programs- Detailed printed programs are available to all attendees at no cost, providing written descriptions of all festival activities, performance schedules, studio demonstrations, and gallery exhibitions, ensuring that attendees who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing have full information without relying on audio announcements
• Visual announcements- Key event announcements and schedule updates are communicated visually through signage displayed throughout the festival footprint, so no attendee must depend solely on verbal or amplified audio communication

Community Partnerships

WCC’s commitment to disability inclusion is strengthened through active community relationships:

• Seven Hills Foundation- WCC maintains a partnership with Seven Hills Foundation, one of Central Massachusetts’ leading disability services organizations. This relationship informs WCC’s inclusive programming practices and helps connect the festival with participants and attendees across the disability community
• Staff and volunteer training- WCC staff and festival volunteers receive overviews in disability awareness and inclusive service, ensuring that all attendees are met with knowledgeable, respectful support throughout the event

Financial Accessibility

WCC believes that cost should never be a barrier to participation:

• Fee waivers- Financial accommodations, including fee waivers, are available for art vendors who require them. Those seeking support are encouraged to contact WCC in advance of the event
• Free admission- Hot Night in the City is free and open to the public, removing the most fundamental financial barrier to attendance

Requesting Accommodations

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