[This part of a series of guest posts contributed by the Tricentennial Committee to get the community excited about, and keep them informed of, the preparations for celebrating the Town’s big anniversary.]
Three centuries in the making, and the celebration of a lifetime is finally taking shape! 2027 is Southborough’s Tricentennial year—a spectacular, year-long tribute to the history, the people, and the community that make our town so incredible. From historic deep-dives and lively family festivals to unforgettable community gatherings, we have packed 2027 with events for everyone. This isn’t just a look back at our roots; it’s a chance to make history together. Check out the official schedule below, mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate Southborough all year long!
(All events subject to change)
SOUTHBOROUGH TRICENTENNIAL FIRST DAY
Friday, January 1, 2027
Kick off our milestone year on Day One! Join your neighbors for a full day of community spirit, featuring free yoga at the Senior Center, indoor and outdoor family fun at Woodward School, and a fascinating look into Southborough’s history. The excitement culminates at nightfall with a spectacular, jaw-dropping Drone Show painting the sky. Don’t miss the historic launch of our 300th year!
HISTORY TOURS OF ST. MARK’S
Sunday, February 7, 2027
Step inside one of Southborough’s most iconic landmarks! Explore the historic St. Mark’s School campus, founded in 1865, through exclusive student-guided tours. From the grand Dining Hall to the historic Parkman Room, student storytellers will bring the past alive at every single stop. Don’t miss this rare, inside look at our town’s storied educational heritage!
FAMILY DAY AT FAY
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Bring your little history buffs (ages 5–8) to The Fay School for a morning packed with imagination and creativity! This special family day features an interactive story hour, hands-on colonial crafts and games, and a custom coloring book of Southborough’s history. It’s the perfect way to connect our youngest residents to Southborough’s big milestone!
HISTORY IN BLOOM
April 15–17, 2027 (Opening Gala Reception: April 15)
Spring will officially arrive with a historic twist! Celebrate Southborough’s tricentennial through a spectacular fusion of art, history, and horticulture. Inspired by the beloved Southborough Gardener’s Art in Bloom tradition. History in Bloom pairs the creativity of local students with the artistry of the Southborough Gardeners. Students in grades 4–8 will create original works reflecting Southborough’s rich history, and local Gardeners will transform those pieces into stunning floral interpretations.
Drop by the Southborough Library to explore the vibrant displays, and don’t miss the opening Gala Reception on April 15 to celebrate our community’s creativity in full bloom!
LEGACY TREE PLANTING
Proposed Date: May TBD
Root our history for generations to come! In honor of our 300th year, we are planting a heritage tree in a prime location within each of Southborough’s historic villages. These Tricentennial trees will stand as living monuments to our milestone celebration—growing stronger with each passing year and serving as a beautiful, lasting legacy of our community’s deep roots and bright future.
INCORPORATION DAY CEREMONY
Tuesday, July 6, 2027
This day celebrates the anniversary of our town’s birth! Gather at Heritage Park for a historic ceremony honoring Southborough’s official incorporation in 1727. Featuring local dignitaries, guest speakers, and special presentations, this landmark event will bring our community together to honor our tricentennial theme: Celebrating our past, present, and future.
A MESSAGE TO THE FUTURE: SOUTHBOROUGH’S TIME CAPSULE
Tuesday, July 6, 2027
We’ll share a glimpse of life in Southborough today with people 50 years in the future! In our time capsule we’ll share documents, photos, and artifacts that describe life in Southborough and inspire a future vision of Southborough for generations to come. The time capsule will be opened in 2077 and will offer a perspective on ‘life in Southborough in 2027’ from various participants, and a glimpse into the vision of the future articulated by Southborough residents 50 years prior.
ANTIQUE FIREMAN’S MUSTER
Saturday, July 17, 2027
Get ready for a high-energy blast from the past! Bring the whole family to watch historic hand-tub engines battle it out in traditional pumping competitions, testing their distance and accuracy. The highlight of the day? A special demonstration pumping of Southborough’s very own historic “Union #1” hand tub. Rounding out the festivities will be food trucks and a Makers Market with a variety of vendors and local crafts. It will be an action-packed, family-friendly afternoon of fun for all ages!
SOUTHBOROUGH TRICENTENNIAL MUSIC SPECTACULAR
Saturday, August 21, 2027
Get ready for a super-sized edition of Southborough Summer Nights! We are cranking up the volume for our 300th year with an extended, multi-generational music festival. Featuring a massive main stage, a fantastic lineup of live musical acts, and incredible performing artists from Southborough and beyond. This beloved town tradition is going to be bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever before. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and the whole family!
TRICENTENNIAL HOUSE TOUR
Saturday, September 18, 2027
Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at some of the stunning architecture and hidden gems of our community! This highly anticipated tour features an incredible lineup of approximately 12 local residences, showcasing the true variety of Southborough living—from beautifully preserved historic landmarks to spectacular modern builds, grand estates, and charming hidden gems. Plus, expect a few unforgettable surprises along the way, including an exclusive tour of a local florist’s private cutting garden. Come see the very best of what Southborough has to offer!
GRAND PARADE
Sunday, October 10, 2027
The march of the century is coming to Main Street! Gather along the 1.5-mile route from Newton Street to Parkerville Road to witness Southborough’s spectacular Grand Parade. Marvel at the magnificent floats, wave to local marching bands, and cheer on community groups as the procession makes its historic way down to the Neary School. This is a milestone town-wide celebration you’ll be talking about for years to come—find your spot on the curb early! (Note: Heritage Day is moved to Sunday for 2027)
VOICES FROM THE GRAVE
Saturday, November 6, 2027
History comes alive under the autumn leaves! Join a docent-led evening tour through the Old Burial Ground and the private cemetery at Burnett Park. Local volunteers will portray fascinating historical figures from different eras, sharing respectful, authentic stories of the lives and legacies that shaped our town.
Want to be part of the magic? The committee is actively looking for narrators, tour guides, and ensemble actors to bring these historic scenes to life. If you want to step into character for the Tricentennial, reach out and join the cast!
GLOW SOBO CELEBRATION OF LIGHT
Friday, December 3, 2027
Let’s close out our historic 300th year by making Southborough shine brighter than ever! We are kicking off December by lighting up Downtown Southborough. Bring the family to enjoy the brilliant holiday displays, and join your neighbors for a Tricentennial finale celebration at the Community House. Come help us wrap up our Tricentennial year in a glow of community spirit and beautiful lights!
ONGOING EVENTS:
TRICENTENNIAL HISTORY TALK SERIES
Ongoing Throughout 2027 (Schedule to be announced)
Explore the rich tapestry of Southborough’s past through the voices of many! This ongoing speaker series will bring our town’s 300-year journey to life from a diverse array of perspectives. Hosted once or twice a month at the library (and potentially other venues), each talk will shine a unique spotlight on different historic eras, hidden community stories, and the cultural milestones that shaped our villages. Stay tuned for the official schedule—you won’t want to miss these fascinating deep dives into the soul of Southborough!
TRICENTENNIAL ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Where to Watch: Videos will be posted on Southborough Access Media (SAM) YouTube Channel & Upcoming Launch Event!
Every community is built on the stories of its people, and now you can experience Southborough’s history through the voices of the neighbors who lived it! The Tricentennial Committee, the Historical Commission, and Southborough Access Media (SAM) have teamed up to capture a powerful series of citizen oral histories. Dive into personal memories, unique perspectives, and firsthand accounts of growing up in our historic town. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming live launch event, and get ready to binge the entire collection on YouTube. Don’t just read our history—come watch it bring the past to life!
SOUTHBOROUGH TIME CAPSULE – PRESERVING OUR PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE
How will future generations remember us? In honor of our 300th anniversary, we are launching a collective gift to the residents of 2077—a secure time capsule that captures an authentic snapshot of life in Southborough today. When opened in 50 years, it will offer our successors a rare glimpse into our daily lives, our cherished milestones, and our dreams for the future.
We plan to fill the capsule with a detailed record of 2026/2027 alongside artifacts from the very heart and soul of our town. This is our collective story, and we want everyone involved. Let’s work together to bridge the generations and show the future the true spirit of Southborough!
PEOPLE OF SOUTHBOROUGH MAKING HISTORY TODAY
As we celebrate Southborough’s 300th anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on the people, businesses, organizations, and community groups that are shaping our town’s future. Through the Southborough History Makers initiative, we’ll recognize current and past residents of the Southborough community who are achieving excellence, making a difference, and leaving a lasting impact.
From student athletes reaching new heights, to musicians, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs, volunteers, educators, and community leaders, we invite you to help us honor those who are making history in their own unique way.
Nomination details and timelines will be announced this fall. Join us in celebrating the people who embody the spirit, talent, and dedication that continue to make Southborough a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive.
Because history isn’t only about the past—it’s being made here every day.
If you would like to be involved with planning any of these events, we would love to have you! Please speak to any committee member, send an email to Southborough300@southboroughma.gov or stop by the Town Administrator’s office.
Southborough’s Tricentennial Committee
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