Unicorns, Weird Al, Powwow: What's Going In MA This Summer After July 4

WORCESTER, MA — "Dog days of summer" isn't just an expression, it's an actual part of the summer — the hot, humid days between July 3 and Aug. 11, according to the Farmer's Almanac.

It also happens to be a period when there are no holidays to break up the sultry weather. But that doesn't mean there isn't anything going on.

Check out these 12 events coming up during the dog days in central Massachusetts, MetroWest and beyond.

Wynton Marsalis

The renowned jazz trumpeter will bring his septet to Worcester's Hanover Theatre on July 8. Find tickets and details here.

Brimfield Flea Market

The world's largest flea market will only be held on three occasions in 2022. The mid-summer market runs July 12 to 15.

Rotary Club of Framingham's Summer Carnival

The five-day event will bring all the traditional carnival attractions to a parking lot at Framingham State University, including fried dough, games and rides. Find details here.

Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra: "Salute To Disney"

The orchestra will play selections from Disney movies like "Frozen," "The Lion King," Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" — all for free at Worcester's Institute Park on July 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Unicorn Festival

The Farm at SummitWynds in Holden will host this event, where you can get a glimpse of the mystical creatures. The adults-only portion happens July 29 with family-friendly days on July 30 and 31. Find tickets and details here.

Nipmuc Nation Powwow 2022

The Grafton-based tribe will host a free gathering on July 31 featuring members of local indigenous groups performing cultural ceremonies. Find details on the Nipmuc Nation website.

Free National Park Day

National Parks across the U.S. will be free to enter on Aug. 4 to observe the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. Local parks that with no entry fee include Cape Cod National Seashore, Adams National Historical Park, Acadia National Park in Maine and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in New Hampshire.

Weird Al Yankovic

He's no Wynton, but Weird Al is a heck of a good time. He'll play Indian Ranch in Webster on Aug. 5.

Shawna Jean Larassa Memorial Ride

This massive motorcycle ride based in Marlborough funds an annual scholarships named for Shawna Jean Larassa, who died in 2009 after a car crash in Dudley.

Tank Demonstrations

The American Heritage Museum in Hudson will hold a two-day event starting Aug. 13 where you can watch real World War II-era tanks perform maneuvers. Find details here.

Mt. Wachusett Food Truck Festival

There's plenty going on at Mt. Wachusett when there's no snow around. This Aug. 13 food truck festival is an annual event at the mountain.

Worcester Wine Festival

One of the state's largest wine tasting festivals returns on Aug. 27 at Polar Park. Over 600 wines will be available to try, plus food and entertainment. Find tickets and details here.