If you can’t make it to the Butterfly Festival at The Watershed Institute on August 5, fret not! Visitors can participate in a unique guided tour of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House to view and learn about local butterfly species every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., all summer long. If time and weather allow, staff will also lead attendees in catching and observing wild butterflies in the fields. Cameras are welcome. more
Blue Curtain, a Princeton summer tradition, returns to Pettoranello Gardens Amphitheater, located at Route 206 and Mountain Avenue, with three family-friendly, free outdoor concerts in July. All concerts begin at 8 p.m.
The series opens with Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters on July 8. This concert is part of the Jimmy Bosch Tribute World Tour, celebrating 50 years in salsa and Latin jazz. Also known as “El Trombon Criollo,” Bosch is a jazz and salsa trombonist, composer, and bandleader of Puerto Rican descent. Born and raised in New Jersey, Bosch performs all over the state with the goal of making his audiences get up and dance. more
Step back in time to July 4, 1776 on this Tuesday, July 4, 2023. A special living history event awaits at Washington Crossing Historic Park, where visitors can explore a military encampment and watch colonial townspeople demonstrate and sell their crafts from 12 to 4 p.m. A highlight of the day will be readings of the Declaration of Independence at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. more
Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township will be hosting the 104th Annual Mercer County 4-H Fair on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of a canned good in support of Rutgers Against Hunger (rah.rutgers.edu). Free parking is also available. more
The Princeton Senior Resource Center will be offering an informative day trip to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia on Thursday, August 10 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art collector Albert C. Barnes (1872-1951) chartered the Barnes in 1922 to teach people from all walks of life how to look at and view art. Over three decades, he collected some of the world’s most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. more
On Saturday, July 15 from 1 to 5 p.m., join Newtown Brewing Co. for a delightful and impactful fundraiser for Easel Animal Rescue League. There will be paws, pints, and prizes! The trivia fundraiser will enable attendees to test their knowledge while raising money for Easel’s animal rescue efforts. An array of dogs and cats will also be on-site looking for their new home. more
Andy Mientus (Spring Awakening), Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls), and Noah J. Ricketts (Disney’s Frozen) are the stars of the upcoming Bucks County Playhouse production of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick…Boom!, which will run in New Hope, Pa., June 23 through July 15. The production is directed by Eric Rosen alongside Executive Producer Robyn Goodman and Producing Director Alexander Fraser. more
Summer is in full swing and that means that outdoor movie screenings have returned to Palmer Square Green. These free admission events are perfect for the entire family. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Movies will begin at 8:15 p.m., but feel free to arrive early for dinner and shopping in downtown Princeton. Parking is conveniently located at the Hulfish and Chambers Street garages. The fee is $5 after 4 p.m. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks to the outdoor event. more
Twenty Sailors, assigned to Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), visited their ship’s namesake city June 6-8 to engage with the community, share the Navy’s story, and learn more about the historical connection to their vessel’s namesake.
During the visit, the crew met with the mayor, city officials, and public figures, toured the campus of Princeton University with NROTC representatives, visited important landmarks, and gave presentations at the local schools. more
Following Baby Storytime on Thursday, June 29, early childhood experts Krista Gervon and Jillian Best Adler will lead an informal discussion and support group for parents of infants and toddlers. This parent-led event, held at the Princeton Public Library’s Story Room, will begin at 12 p.m. and end at 1 p.m. Advance registration is not required, and additional summer dates will be posted. more
Join Penn Medicine Princeton Health for a special event with cancer survivor and TV host Al Roker on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village.
During this moderated conversation, NBC TODAY’s weatherman and co-anchor Roker will describe his own experience with cancer. Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2020. He shared the news on-air with the TODAY audience and helped to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. more
North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur experience is back — bigger and better than ever! New Jersey families can walk among the nation’s largest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest migrates to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison July 21-23 and the Atlantic City Convention Center July 28-30.
Walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that once ruled the earth. In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include some of the largest ridable dinosaurs in North America; live dinosaur shows; interactive science and art activities, including a fossil dig and fossil-like items to play with; bounce houses; inflatable attractions; and photo opportunities. more
On Saturday, July 22, Longwood Gardens will offer a unique introductory class on The Art of Kusamono. Attendees can choose from either a 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. class time.
Often paired with bonsai, kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season, place, or natural habitat. The class will be led by U.S. kusamono artist Young Choe, who teaches the art of kusamono worldwide and has exhibited her work at the U.S. National Arboretum and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, among others. The class will include a lecture, demonstration, methods for creation, guided teaching of kusamono styles, display techniques, and care. Lastly, those in attendance will create their own kusamono to take home and enjoy. more
State Fair Meadowlands has announced a new Summer Concert Series featuring Latin, rock, pop, and R&B bands. The daily concerts round out the fair’s already robust free entertainment, which includes high wire shows, cycle stunts, magicians, and more.
State Fair Meadowlands, which runs June 22-July 9, is the largest long-lasting New Jersey event of the summer. Fairgoers will have their pick of everything from Latin rock favorites to funky dance tunes, soulful ballads, and popular rock covers. The concerts will take place at 7 and 9 p.m. each day. more
The Trenton Literacy Movement will honor Juneteenth a few days early on Thursday, June 15 at 5 p.m. with a special event at the MCLS Lawrence Headquarters Branch. The Trenton Literacy Movement’s mission is “to enable students in Trenton public elementary schools to read at grade level by grade 3.” As such, Edward Bullock will present on the importance of literacy for young Trenton students, the movement’s evolution, long-term goals, and progress since its founding. Bullock is president of the Trenton Literacy Movement and a published author. more
Firefly Summer Camp, located at the Hopewell Tennis and Swim Center at 11 Titus Mill Road #4306 in Pennington, is perfect for the sports-loving child or teen in your family. With facilities that include six indoor tennis courts, six outdoor tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, multiple outdoor sports fields, and two indoor gyms, Firefly offers a balance of sports instruction and sheer summer fun. more
The weekly Princeton Farmers Market returned to its previous location at Hinds Plaza on June 1, and will occur every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 16. The GPS location is 55 Witherspoon Street in Princeton and parking is free for one hour in the Spring Street Garage next door to the Market. more
Get ready for an exciting tribute to the great Aretha Franklin on Saturday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at the Performance Pavilion at Morven Museum and Garden. Starring Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, this high-energy homage to the Queen of Soul will include all the singer’s greatest hits. From “Chain of Fools” to “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Amazing Grace,” and more, this concert is suited to music lovers of all ages. more
Learn fly-fishing basics with Orvis’ free Fly-Fishing Class 101 on Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Based on 50 years of running fly-fishing schools and educational programs, the class will provide learners with the basics on fly casting, rigging, fly selection, and more. Perfect for newcomers of all ages, this class will get anyone started with the right fly-fishing tools and knowledge. All equipment will be provided. The class is best suited for ages 16 and older (anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult). The event will be held at the Orvis retail location at Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street. more
Mark your calendars for a great day of golf on Tuesday, June 6. The 27th Annual Penn Medicine Princeton Health Golf Outing will be held at Metedeconk National Golf Club located in Jackson. Proceeds will benefit services at Princeton Health. The event offers participation at a range of levels. Most of the golfers return year after year for a chance to get outside, play a great game of golf, and to contribute to the Princeton Health community. more
Join Princeton Public Library on Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a special Book Brunch Event with author Cassandra Jackson. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. and coffee and pastries will be served.
Jackson’s recently released memoir The Wreck: A Daughter’s Memoir of Becoming a Mother is an introspective look at the tendency for history to repeat itself and the challenge of turning inherited grief into a fresh start. Jackson also reveals the chilling parallels between the harrowing inhumanity of Jim Crow medical care and the underlying discrimination that still colors American health care today. During the course of retracing her family history, Jackson is left with a powerful sense of love and optimism that hope can transcend family trauma and be washed away for future generations. more
There is plenty of music, improvisational hilarity, and romance filling the first-round of weeknight performances at this year’s 2023 Princeton Festival, June 9 through 25. Two concerts, one featuring The Claremont Trio, the other, the guitar and cello duo Boyd Meets Girl, bookend Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!, a musical comedy improv show. more
Chef Daniel Brunina (left) and general manager Jes Taylor. / Photos courtesy of the Sergeantsville Inn
Originally named for the Sergeant family, the Sergeantsville Inn has seen numerous renovations, businesses, and owners, but its resilience and charm have never wavered. The historic site has served as everything from a private residence to a grain and feed store and, most recently, a restaurant.
Daniel Brunina and Jes Taylor crossed paths while working at Roots Steakhouse within Harvest Restaurant Group in Morristown, and immediately struck up a partnership. The Sergeantsville community was quick to welcome the new owners and executive chef. more
Drone View of Franklin Parker Preserve. (Photo by Richard Lewis)
Samuel W. Lambert III of Princeton will be honored for his land preservation efforts in the Pine Barrens on Thursday, June 1, at New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s 2023 Gala in Peapack-Gladstone.
The event to be held at the Mansion of Natirar will celebrate land preservation throughout New Jersey — most notably the 20th anniversary of the Franklin Parker Preserve in the heart of the Pine Barrens. more
Princeton Montessori middle school students learn about macro invertebrates and stream health with Sourland Conservancy staff. (Photo by Laurie Cleveland)
Princeton Montessori middle school students took a field trip to the Sourland Mountains recently where they were guided by the Sourland Conservancy staff. The morning began with a trip to the Foraging Forest in Hopewell Borough Park where students learned about climate change, edible plants, invasive species and more. Afterwards, they got their hands dirty by planting native trees and shrubs to provide critical habitat for birds, pollinators, and other native species. more
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), Central New Jersey’s only African American history museum sharing the story of Black Americans since the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, will hold its second annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. (rain or shine). more
Join The Watershed Institute for their 9th annual Solstice Trail Run on Wednesday, June 21. Run or walk the 5K, 10K, or 15K trail options. As it is an outdoor run over uneven terrain, expect to traverse exposed rocks, roots, and possible mud. This evening event has a 6 p.m. start time in honor of summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Runners will receive an event T-shirt if they register by June 1. Women have the option of a tank top. Complimentary s’mores around the fire pit await the event finishers. The post-race beer sponsor is Old Hights Brewing Company in Hightstown. more
As Richardson Auditorium will be closed for repairs for most of the summer 2023 concert season (it will be the site for one concert), Nassau Presbyterian Church at 61 Nassau Street will host the Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts season instead. As usual, these world-class concerts are free to attend. more
On Sunday, May 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day observance near the gravesite of Continental soldiers. The gravesite is located near the Thompson-Neely House, about 2 miles south of New Hope, Pa., at the intersection of Route 32 and Aquetong Road (1638 River Road in New Hope).
The observation will include a colonial color guard, a fife and drum corps, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans, and other honored guests. During the ceremony, American flags will be placed on all graves. more
The nonprofit organization Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (FFAM) has announced two concurrent events to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day.
Saturday, June 3 is the Bordentown Bluffs Ramble from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a fairly easy 2-mile hike that will head to the bluff above Crosswicks Creek. There will be several expansive views of the Abbott Marshlands. Many native plant and tree species will be seen along the route, along with lichen, mosses, and the possibility of hawk or eagle sighting. This hike is for adults or families with supervised children. RSVP is required by emailing marshtrails@abbottmarshlands.org. Attendees should park and meet at Stanton Avenue (off Route 206 South) trail head. Water bottle, camera, binoculars, and sturdy shoes are recommended. more
