Learn more: https://www.mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail
The Franklin line schedule can be found - https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Commuter Rail schedules return to the 'normal' Spring/Summer schedule (World Cup over for Boston Stadium)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
MetroWest Regional Fan Zone Welcomes Thousands Over 5 Days Of World Cup™ Celebration
For 5 days in June, MetroWest became a place where the world came together—not only to watch soccer, but to celebrate cultures, communities and the universal language of sport.
More than two years in planning, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative generated 16,437 advance registrations for five days of free World Cup celebrations in Marlborough and Franklin. As one of only a handful of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ watch party experiences in Massachusetts, the initiative transformed two communities into vibrant gathering places where thousands of residents and visitors experienced the excitement of the tournament together. Attendees watched matches on giant LED screens while enjoying live music, local food and beverages, family activities, and dozens of local vendors, nonprofits and community organizations.
The events were free to everyone thanks to more than $200,000 in privately raised cash and in-kind contributions, along with $170,000 in state grant funding through the Sports & Entertainment Events Fund Grant administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
"Watching thousands of people from different countries, cultures and communities celebrating side by side was a reminder that sports have a remarkable ability to bring people together," said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. "We set out to create places where people could experience the excitement of the World Cup together, and what we witnessed over those five days exceeded every expectation. We couldn't be prouder to have welcomed the world to MetroWest."
The celebration kicked off June 11-13 at Kelleher Field in Marlborough, where 8,726 people registered to attend three days of matches and festivities. Despite a record temp of 96 degrees, families with kids of all ages watched the opening ceremonies and the Mexico vs South Africa match on June 11. Enthusiastic crowds then packed the venue for the United States' victory over Paraguay before returning in force for Brazil's highly anticipated match against Morocco.
Throughout the day, Kelleher Field became a sea of yellow as Brazilian supporters from across the state arrived wrapped in Brazilian flags and wearing Brazil jerseys, including even the youngest fans. Later that evening, Scottish supporters wearing kilts, Glengarries and national team jerseys brought their own traditions and enthusiasm to Haiti's match against Scotland, adding to the festival's international atmosphere.
Attendance reached the Fan Zone’s planned capacity for Brazil's match against Morocco. Thanks to the calm, family-friendly atmosphere and close coordination with public safety officials, organizers were able to safely welcome an additional 250 attendees for the evening's matches.
The Marlborough Fan Zone featured interactive soccer challenges, axe throwing, inflatable attractions and sponsor activations from Southwick’s Zoo, Sartorius, Quest Diagnostics, Shaw’s, Alltown Fresh, MWRTA, Viking Sports, and the New England Revolution, while visitors enjoyed a popular beer garden featuring Lawson's Finest Liquids, along with 32 local food, beverage and retail vendors.
The celebration continued June 24-25 at the Franklin Town Common and adjacent Hayward Manor, where nearly 4,000 people attended on Wednesday and an estimated 3,400 attended on Thursday following more than 7,700 advance registrations.
By kickoff, Hayward Manor had transformed into a patchwork of national colors. Canadian flags waved proudly during Switzerland vs. Canada, a sea of yellow Brazil jerseys stretched across the grass for Scotland vs. Brazil, and Ecuadorian supporters erupted in celebration after their team's dramatic upset victory over Germany, while German supporters raised glasses of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers in good spirits and applauded a memorable match.
While the games captivated adults, the Common belonged to the kids. Soccer balls rolled across the grass in every direction as children challenged each other at Franklin Youth Soccer's kick walls, posed for photos with New England Revolution’s defender Andrew Farrell and mascot Slyde, and raced to be first in line for the giant inflatable obstacle course, forming a queue almost as soon as it finished inflating.
Kids cooled off with ice cream while adults relaxed with wine slushies from La Cantina Winery in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. Fifty-three vendors, including restaurants, breweries, retailers, nonprofits and community organizations, kept the festival buzzing throughout both days, with many food vendors enjoying steady lines from opening until the final whistle.
One of the event's most memorable surprises greeted organizers on the morning of June 25, when they discovered that members of Scotland's famed Tartan Army had "coned" the Ben Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library overnight—a lighthearted tradition that has become synonymous with Scottish soccer supporters around the world. Organizers embraced the gesture as a sign that MetroWest had earned a place among the Tartan Army's many welcoming host communities and were delighted to see Franklin become part of that tradition.
The Fan Zones were designed not only to create memorable World Cup experiences, but also to encourage visitors to discover everything MetroWest has to offer. Throughout both events, attendees explored local businesses, attractions and communities before and after the matches.
One attendee shared that he went to Marlborough for the United States match because he didn't want to watch the game alone in his living room. Two weeks later, he returned to Franklin with Ecuadorian and German friends so they could cheer on their teams together—a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones.
"That's exactly what we hoped these Fan Zones would become,” said Stacey David, “places where people could celebrate with friends, neighbors and even strangers while exploring MetroWest."
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Marlborough, the Town of Franklin, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, the Anglican Church of the Redeemer who owns Hayward Manor, municipal staff, public safety personnel, volunteers, community partners, media partners, and the many organizations whose collaboration, generosity and countless hours of work brought this ambitious regional initiative to life. Special thanks also go to sponsors Michelob Ultra, Southwick's Zoo, Dean College and Brazilian Times, as well as partner Lawson's Finest Liquids, for helping make these free community celebrations possible.
As the final whistle blew on five unforgettable days of soccer, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones had accomplished far more than creating places to watch matches. They created places where strangers became friends, neighbors celebrated alongside visitors from around the world, and communities came together through a shared love of the world's game.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 ???
Wednesday, June 24
9:00am Fallen Hero: Baldo S. Lazzerini (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin TV Studio)
2:00pm Watch Party (Franklin Town Common)
3:00pm Watch Party: Switzerland vs Canada (Hayward Manor)
6:00pm Watch Party: Scotland vs. Brazil (Hayward Manor)
6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)
6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)
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| For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/ |
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| For additional details on Senior Center events -> |
*** Town Meetings today ***
Council on Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 11:00 AM
no agenda available
Petition Hearing - Grant of Location for Small Cell Antenna
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 12:15 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242026-2376
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 6:00 PM
Franklin School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM
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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Monday, June 22, 2026
Franklin Welcomes the World! - Fan Zone Watch Party Weds - June 24 & Thurs June 25
Bring the whole family to enjoy live FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on a giant jumbotron, delicious food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Gather with friends and neighbors, celebrate the spirit of the game, and cheer on your favorite teams from around the world!
📅 June 24 | 3 PM – 9 PM
⚽ Switzerland vs. Canada – 3 PM⚽ Scotland vs. Brazil – 6 PM
📅 June 25 | 3 PM – 9 PM
⚽ Ecuador vs. Germany – 4 PM⚽ Tunisia vs. Netherlands – 7 PM
📍 Franklin Town Common & Hayward Manor
🎟️ Get your tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metrowest-regional-fan-zone-2026-franklin-tickets-1990139700417
ℹ️ Learn more: https://franklinma.gov/1177/Franklin-Welcomes-the-World
Made possible through support from the Franklin Cultural District, Franklin Cultural Council, the Town of Franklin Recreation Department, the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, and a Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism grant in partnership with the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Franklin Library closing early June 24 & June 25
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| Franklin Library closing early June 24 & June 26 |
via the Franklin Public Library
"May I have your attention please! The Franklin Public Library will be closing early on Wednesday June 24 and Thursday June 25 at 3:00 PM.
The outside drop boxes are always open and our digital collections are available 24-7!"
Note: The Senior Center is also scheduled to close early on both Wednesday & Thursday due to the Fan Zone on the Town Common
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GeG2G54Wb/
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Game On! Franklin Fan Zone is Calling You!
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Big Games, Bigger Memories — Celebrate Safely!
Whether you're cheering at home, hosting a watch party, or heading out to watch the FIFA World Cup™️ keep safety in the game:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen if watching outdoors
- Drive sober and buckle up
- Keep food safe at gatherings
- Look out for friends and family
Enjoy the excitement, make great memories, and celebrate responsibly!
Learn more safety tips: https://www.cdc.gov/soccer/index.html
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18JfA7QV73/
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)
FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series.
The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.
Quick recap:
Cory Shea to talk about the events,
Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.
Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned
Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22
After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec
MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.
Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.
Why is there a distinction?
Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked
The meeting runs about 71 minutes.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/—-----------
The agenda here -
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343
My full set of notes taken during the meeting -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link
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Monday, June 8, 2026
Boston Globe: "Ahead of World Cup, officials announce safety plans and ask for public’s help"
"Just south of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a billboard looms over busy Route 1: “Human trafficking” it says in large bold letters over close-ups of several people’s eyes. “If you see something, say something.”
It’s a public safety awareness push ahead of the World Cup, with a specific focus: Starting when games begin next week in Foxborough, crowds will descend on the area — men looking to pay a fee for sex, and operators of an illicit industry built on exploitation who are looking to capitalize.
“Events like the World Cup can create conditions that attract human traffickers seeking to exploit vulnerable people, regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity,” FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said at a press conference last week in the State House."
Shared from - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/07/metro/human-trafficking-spotlight-world-cup/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view
Friday, June 5, 2026
MetroWest Regional Fan Zones Receive Additional $50,000 State Grant Support Ahead Of FIFA World Cup™ Events
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) has been awarded a $50,000 Round Three Sports and Entertainment Events Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support public safety expenses associated with the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones, a series of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ watch party events taking place in Marlborough (June 11-13) and Franklin (June 24-25).
The award builds upon a previous Round One Sports and Entertainment Events Grant of $120,000 received by MBVB to support planning, infrastructure, marketing, logistics, and public safety costs for the initiative.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are among only a handful of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ public viewing events in Massachusetts authorized to livestream tournament matches. The two locations are expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors during the tournament, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate the world's largest sporting event while showcasing MetroWest as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and community.
"The most meaningful legacy of the World Cup will be found in the communities that use this moment to strengthen partnerships, celebrate their unique identities, and create experiences that inspire people to return, invest, and engage for years to come,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We at MOTT are committed to helping shape that legacy by ensuring communities across the Commonwealth, like MetroWest, have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from this extraordinary global moment."
"The Commonwealth's investment through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund has been instrumental in turning an ambitious regional vision into reality," said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. "What began as a conversation about how MetroWest could participate in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has evolved into a major regional initiative that will bring residents together while also welcoming visitors from across Massachusetts, the nation, and around the world. We are excited to showcase our vibrant communities, local businesses, and cultural assets to an international audience."
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative traces its origins to April 2024, when the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau began discussions with Boston World Cup, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee for the Boston region, regarding opportunities for MetroWest communities to participate in tournament-related programming.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, conversations with municipalities across the region led to the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin emerging as host communities for the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones.
Since then, the initiative has grown into a broad regional partnership. The City of Marlborough, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Town of Franklin, and Franklin's Recreation Department have served as lead partners for planning, logistics, operations, and event support. The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) and MetroWest Chamber of Commerce joined the partnership to assist with fundraising, business engagement, vendor recruitment, and community outreach, while MBVB coordinated overall project management, marketing, sponsorship development, and vendor solicitation.
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce also played a key role in ensuring accessibility and inclusion by providing translation support for event materials.
"This initiative represents exactly the kind of regional collaboration that drives economic development," said Meredith Harris, Executive Director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation. "Not only will these events bring visitors directly into Marlborough and Franklin, but the Fan Zone Guide also encourages attendees to explore the entire MetroWest region through curated 'Stay and Play' recommendations. That means more visitors discovering our restaurants, retailers, attractions, hotels, and small businesses long after the final whistle blows."
"As a community that values both creativity and culture, Franklin is thrilled to support local artists and makers through curated arts and crafts markets at both Fan Zone locations," said Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy for the Town of Franklin. "These events provide visitors with an opportunity to take home unique, handcrafted souvenirs while supporting the talented creative entrepreneurs who help make our communities special."
"The generosity of our corporate sponsors and community partners has been essential to making these Fan Zones free and accessible for everyone," said Michelle Mercier, President and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Their support has allowed us to create an exciting, family-friendly celebration that welcomes residents and visitors alike to experience the spirit of the World Cup together. The business community has embraced this opportunity to showcase MetroWest on a global stage, and we are proud to have helped connect local companies with an event that will generate economic activity and regional visibility long after the tournament ends."
"We are delighted to have helped create multilingual Fan Zone Guides and event signage so that all of our Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking friends—whether residents or visitors—feel welcomed and included," said Reyad Shah, President and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. "The diversity of the match schedule reflects the diversity of our region, featuring not only a United States match, but also two Brazil matches, two Scotland matches, and games involving Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, Morocco, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Tunisia, and the Netherlands. We wanted fans from many of the communities that call MetroWest home to have an opportunity to celebrate together."
In addition to state funding, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are supported through a diverse coalition of sponsors, community partners, vendor participation fees, and advertising opportunities.
Major FIFA-approved sponsors include Southwick's Zoo, Dean College, Brazilian Times, and Michelob Ultra, the title sponsor of the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden at the Franklin Fan Zone.
Additional event support has been provided by a variety of community and corporate partners. Lawson's Finest Liquids is the lead partner for the Beer, Wine & Cocktails Garden at the Marlborough Fan Zone. Sartorius, Shaw's, Quest Diagnostics, Alltown Fresh, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), Franklin Youth Soccer, and Daddario Hardware have helped support the event through free hosted activities, interactive fan experiences, and other event contributions. Additional funding has been generated through vendor participation fees and advertising opportunities on the Fan Zone jumbotrons between matches, and through Local Cultural Council grants awarded by Marlborough, Franklin, Bellingham, Natick, and Wayland, to support both the Fan Zone events and the production of the official Fan Zone Guide.
Organizers also expressed gratitude to the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, whose generous support in providing use of the Hayward Manor property has made it possible to expand the Franklin Fan Zone with a dedicated beer garden and jumbotron viewing area adjacent to the Town Common.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones will feature giant-screen broadcasts of FIFA World Cup™ matches, live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts exhibitors, family activities, beer gardens, and cultural programming designed to celebrate the international spirit of the tournament.
Free tickets, additional information, and event details for both Fan Zone locations are available at www.metrowestvisitors.org/world-cup.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.
PDF version - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11YbZ2ILB7Ufc-SrMO31uxvr8w66sp0QI/view?usp=drive_link
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