The Big E Is Back, Janelle Monae, Ray LaMontagne: MA Weekend Events

MASSACHUSETTS — It isn't so much a question of what there is to do in the Boston area and beyond, but rather, what should locals do?

Welcome to Patch's latest weekly roundup of highlight-worthy events across the city and surrounding areas. We've compiled them into one, easy-to-follow list, for your weekend planning.

Attention all emo, hardcore and metal fans of Massachusetts: Turn your attention to Worcester this weekend.

The weekend starts on Friday with Parkway Drive, then transitions into the second day of the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest featuring Lamb of God and Hatebreed, followed by Hawthorne Heights presenting Massachusetts is for Lovers with Silverstein, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and more.

That's the weekend of shows in Worcester, but it's also a huge day for many across Massachusetts, as The Big E returns to Springfield on Friday, which will bring a ton of people out through Oct. 1.

And that's just a taste of the weekend ahead. Here are the events to know:

If you would like to submit an event for consideration, email montana.samuels@patch.com.

Friday

• Parkway Drive at The Palladium Outdoors — Worcester
• The Big E Opening Day — Springfield
• Tash Sultana at Roadrunner — Boston
• Ray LaMontagne at Boch Center — Boston

Saturday

• Braintree Craft and Vendor Market — Braintree
• New England Metal and Hardcore Fest at The Palladium — Worcester
• BoyWithUke at Royale — Boston

Sunday

• Hawthorne Heights Massachusetts is for Lovers at The Palladium — Worcester
• Patrick Droney at Royale — Boston
• Jeffrey Foucault at ONCE — Somerville
• Janelle Monae at MGM Music Hall — Boston
• Claud at Brighton Music Hall — Boston
• Black Country, New Road at The Sinclair — Cambridge