new england's live music guide
WORCESTER
THE PALLADIUM
ABOUT
The Palladium is a ~2,160-capacity concert hall at 261 Main Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, with an additional 500-capacity upstairs room. The venue features Art Deco architectural elements, a general admission standing-room floor, and a balcony. It operates as an all-ages concert hall and is one of the largest dedicated rock and metal venues in New England.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Palladium is a primary hub for rock, metal, punk, hardcore, and alternative touring acts in the Northeast. The main room hosts national headliners while the upstairs room books developing and regional acts. A 2017 restoration preserved the Art Deco interior while adding modern lighting, sound systems, HVAC, and accessibility improvements. The venue also hosts occasional EDM and hip-hop events.
HISTORY
The building was designed by architect Arlan W. Johnson and opened in 1928 as the Plymouth Theatre. It was renamed the E.M. Loew's Center for the Performing Arts on April 14, 1980, and became The Palladium in 1990 when local promoters John C. Fisher and John L. Sousa purchased it, initially operating it as a nightclub and concert space. Since 2013, the Palladium has been owned and operated by John Peters of MassConcerts, with Worcester Railers owner Cliff Rucker acquiring partial ownership in 2017.