Good morning, Lowell.

Local business owners Donna Christopulos and Julie Grillakis are running their annual Back to School Raffle, giving away backpacks filled with school supplies + a $50 laundry gift card to help local families prepare for the school year.

The raffle runs until August 17th with the drawing scheduled at Noon at 182 Chelmsford Street in Lowell.

Nearly 100 people gathered downtown on a sweltering August day for a groundbreaking ceremony at Lowell Community Charter Public School to mark the start of its new athletic and performing arts center inside the Mill No. 5 complex donated by the Lichoulas family.

LCCPS leaders and local officials thanked supporters and said the center will open in the Fall.

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Senator Edward J.

Markey, MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt and local officials broke ground on the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project, a new bridge spanning seven sections and 84 feet in width that will ease traffic and serve over 27,000 vehicles daily. The project receives $251 million in federal funding — it will include bike lanes, sidewalks and modern intersections while keeping the current bridge open until the new one opens by the end of 2029 with final work finishing in spring 2030.

After the City Council voted on August 12, the Lowell Elections Commission released the in-person early voting schedule for the City Preliminary and Election.

Voters in Wards 3, 7 and 8 can vote at the Lowell Senior Center (276 Broadway St) from August 30 to September 5 for the Preliminary, while all voters may vote early from October 25 to October 31 with in-person voting on September 9 and November 4.

Danielle McFadden filled in for Teddy Panos and hosted the Lowell 11U Baseball team at Wellpoint Studios on August 13th — Head Coach Bill Florence and players Sean Drinkwater, Ryder Swett and Tommy Florence discussed their state titles and previewed a Cooperstown trip next summer.

The Lowell 9U baseball team capped its summer run by winning the Baystate Championship at Nutile Field in Winchester — outlasting 27 teams to finish with a 24-3 record and overcoming earlier setbacks.

Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival

8 PM – 6 PM — Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center — Free entry — Celebrate Southeast Asian culture with long boat races, live performances, and family-friendly fun along the Merrimack River.

593 FEST Featuring Tierra Canela and Juanita Burbano

9 PM — 79 Dutton St — Ticketed event — Experience live music from Tierra Canela, Juanita Burbano, and Rock Star at this vibrant festival.

Local History Meeting: Dick Howe on the Founding of Lowell

6-7:30 p.m. — Pollard Memorial Library — Free entry — Explore the remarkable transformation of Lowell from a farming community to a bustling city.

Crystal Ship - The Ultimate Doors Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Taffeta Music Hall — Ticket prices unknown — Experience the magic of The Doors' music brought to life by the ultimate tribute band.

Fort Hill Fair

11 AM – 3 PM — Rogers Fort Hill Park — Free admission — Enjoy a day filled with local crafts, raffles, food, and family-friendly activities.

One Night of Queen

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Lowell Memorial Auditorium — Tickets start at $81 — Experience a spectacular tribute to the legendary band Queen.

Lowell Irish Festival

2-8 PM — Lowell Memorial Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a day of lively Irish music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.