Art
Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Art of Collecting
Arts Council of Princeton | 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton | Paul Robeson Center for the Arts 
(609) 924-8777 | lpeck@artscouncilofprinceton.org | artscouncilofprinceton.org/art-of-series/
A panel of local art collectors and sellers will help to demystify art viewing and collecting. A discussion ranging from learning to trust your taste to resources for finding art you love to live with will give you valuable tools for making art collecting part of your day-to-day life. Refreshments will be served.
Exhibits
Sept. 23 – March 24, 2024
New Jersey Artists Series | “Caroline Burton: Way Finding”
The New Jersey State Museum, Riverside Gallery on the Museum’s second floor, 205 W. State St, Trenton
(609) 292-6464 | www.statemuseum.nj.gov
The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to present a new exhibition in the New Jersey Artists Series, “Caroline Burton: Way Finding.”
In her process-driven canvases, Jersey City-based artist Caroline Burton draws on architectural and agricultural forms, nature, and elements of chance for inspiration. Her often experimental painting practice includes the rejoining of torn canvas with thread, as well as the use of discarded afghan blankets and scarfs as matrices for printing directly on canvas. According to Sarah Vogelman, Assistant Curator of Fine Art at the State Museum, “The unique and enigmatic patterns left behind by these handwoven knits capture the gestural traces of the original maker, whom Burton considers a silent collaborator. Each work is a delightful and unanticipated chance encounter between canvas, paint, and textile, between Burton and an unknown artistic partner.”
“Wayfinding” is a term used for informational systems, like maps or signage, that help people navigate through the physical environment of public spaces like this museum. It has also been used to describe the ways in which humans and animals orient themselves and find their way from place to place in nature. Caroline Burton learned of this term only after completing many of the works in this exhibition, but found it useful when describing the process of both creating and reflecting upon her oeuvre. Separated into two words, way finding conveys an active approach to navigation that more accurately describes Burton’s practice.
This exhibition features some of Burton’s most recent work, from 2020 to the present, including a series based on the mid-century architecture of the State Museum building. An exhibition catalog will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop.
*Free Admission
Fairs & Festivals
Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
Hightstown Fair
Borough of Hightstown, Memorial Park, N. Main St., Hightstown
Revived in 2002, the Hightstown Fair brings residents, neighborhood organizations, and local businesses together in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community. The festival is designed to bring awareness to the community, commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide family fun.
If you would like to participate in the 2023 Hightstown Harvest Fair, please fill out the form below:
Artisans Crafters:
Food Trucks:
Fall Festivities
Oct. 11 to 15
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve 2023
Hopewell Valley Arts Center | Woolsey Park – 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is proud to announce the return of the Amazing Pumpkin Carve, back bigger and better than ever. In its ninth year, this year the Carve will be like an old-time festival with expanded activities and, of course, outrageously carved giant pumpkins. Visitors can wander through a captivating illuminated walk of creative Halloween fun.
Grinning skeletons, giant crows, and other Halloween inspired creations come to life through the skillful carving of local celebrated artists. Marvel at the intricate handiwork that transforms more than 30 massive 150+ pound pumpkins into whimsical masterpieces artistically illuminated.
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is more than a pumpkin display. The event offers an array of activities for kids of all ages. Live music performances, a hay bale playground, face painting, cornhole and games, photo-ops, and delightful surprises are around every corner.
“This year’s event is back as an all-walk-around event. Although the drive-thru was a fun solution to social distancing, these amazing works of art really shine when you can see them up close,” said Carol Lipson, HV Arts Council executive director. “Plus, you can take as much time as you’d like!”
This event is also the primary fundraiser for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ticket proceeds benefit artist-carvers’ honoraria and fund other Hopewell Valley arts-related programs.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate fall fun in Hopewell Valley while supporting the many talented artists who call this region home.
*Ticket Cost: Adults $20 / Seniors $15 / Kids 18 and Under $5 / Strollers Free.
*Hours: Wed, Oct 11 7-9 p.m. / Th, Oct 12 5-9 p.m. / Fri, Oct 13 5-9 p.m. / Sat, Oct 14 3-9 p.m. / Sun 3-7 p.m.
Oct. 14 & 15
Fall Come Out & Play Camp Out
Mercer County Park Commission | Rosedale Park, 424 Federal City Road, Pennington
register.communitypass.net/mercer | facebook.com/mercercountyparkcommission
Join us for our annual community campout! Bring your tent, family and friends for some fun under the stars. Enjoy s’mores, hot dogs, campfires, night hikes, nature crafts and a complimentary breakfast!
*Registration closes October 11. $15 person in-county; $25 person out-of-county. Space limited to 20 tent sites (approx. 80 guests).
October 20 at 8 p.m. | October 21 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. |
October 22, 3 p.m.
Halloween Playfest
Mercer County Library System, West Windsor Branch, 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 799-0462 | westprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org
This year’s Halloween Playfest at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library System will feature five new short plays written by librarian Michael Kerr: “Bookworm;” “The Cube of Infinite Transformation;” “Hauntings, Inc.;” “The Strange Misadventures of Miss Anna Logg;” and “Until the End of the World.” All the plays are performed by teens from the local area.
*Free Admission. Recommended for ages 10 and above. No registration required. Doors open 20 minutes before showtime.
October 24, 6 p.m.
Build a Bouquet Workshop with Autumn Blooms
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924-8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org
Help bring the fall season into your home with an autumn-themed flower arrangement! Inspired by Morven’s signature gardens and led by the skilled florists at Vaseful Flowers & Gifts, this evening workshop will teach you how to choose flowers and craft your own unique arrangement. Flowers, vases, and light refreshments provided.
*This workshop is limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required.
October 27, 5 p.m.
All Barracks Eve
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton
(609) 396-1776 | info@barracks.org | www.barracks.org
Join Old Barracks Museum for an evening of spooky seasonal fun at All Barracks Eve! On Friday, October 27, enjoy cider and donuts around a bonfire while listening to chilling tales told by historically outfitted storytellers. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and will include living history demonstrations and kids’ activities. Spooky stories will begin at 6 p.m.
*Admission is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available for purchase on-site the evening of the event. All proceeds from this event go to help support our mission of preservation and education.
October 28, 12 – 3 p.m.
Harvest Festival at Morven
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924.8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org
Fall back in time and celebrate the harvest with music and activities for the whole family at Morven. This free, festive program will feature ensembles and musicians performing music of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Early American eras. Experience historic music celebrating the autumn harvest with performances scheduled throughout the day.
Attendees can visit Morven’s gardens to help harvest vegetables and take part in hands-on activities including “spooky season” crafts, and an instrument “Petting Zoo” with the Guild for Early Music. Dress in your Halloween costume to enter to win special prizes!
*Free Admission
HomeFront Inc., 1880 Princeton Ave, Lawrence
In Person Races include: 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Preschooler 100 Yard Pumpkin Dash and 5K Marathon Finisher.
Virtual Race Options include: Virtual Marathon Finisher, Halloween-Themed Race Course, and a Marathon Finisher Event – Flat, Fast, USATF-Certified Course
Live Music and Costume Contest!
*Pumpkin Dash starts 9 a.m. Other races start at 10 a.m. All proceeds support HomeFront’s year-round programs for children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Historical Happenings
Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Tai Chi by the Delaware
Washington Crossing Park Association | Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville
(609) 738-0765 | wcpa-nj.com
Come to Tai Chi with our steadfast volunteers and beloved teachers Lisa and Robert, who lead classes for all levels. Wear comfy clothes, no mat required. Find us on River Drive in the lower park, in front of the main parking lot near the Nelson House. Classes are free, however your $5 donation is deeply appreciated! Note: classes will not be held in wet weather.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28
Musket Firing at Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center
Washington Crossing Park Association | Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville
(609) 738-0765 | wcpa-nj.com
Join State Park Historians for their weekly musket firings at the Visitors Center Museum! $1 per person fee. Every Saturday through October, weather and staffing permitting.
Oct. 19, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
The Happy Years: The Story Behind the Lawrenceville Stories on Film
Mercer County Library System: Lawrence Headquarters Branch | 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8292 | lawprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org
In celebration of Lawrence Township History Month, the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System will host a screening of the film “The Happy Years” (1950) on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. “The Happy Years” is a comedy based on Owen Johnson’s iconic series of Lawrenceville stories set at the end of the 19th century, and filmed on location at The Lawrenceville School campus in 1949. School Archivist Jacqi Haun will briefly introduce the film and will be available for a short Q&A session after the screening.
*Advanced registration is appreciated
Historical Tours
Oct. 8, 2 p.m.
“Walking Tour of the Delaware-Raritan Canal” North
The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society | the Benjamin Temple House, Drake Farm Park, 27 Federal City Road, Ewing NJ 08638
(609) 883-2455 | ethps.org/calendar
Guided Tour by Pamela V’Combe from Lower Ferry Road to Washington Crossing Park.
Oct. 15 & 22, 1 p.m.
Battlefield Tour
Princeton Battlefield Society | 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 232-8540 | info@pbs1777.org | Pbs1777.org
Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Princeton Battlefield State Park and learn more about the Battle of Princeton, a battle that ended the “10 crucial days” of 1776-1777. Walk in the footprints of Washington’s troops and listen to exciting narratives of soldier and civilian experiences. Your tour is led by an approved Historical Interpreter.
Following the approximate one-hour tour, visit the historic Thomas Clarke House, the home of a Quaker farming family and the only remaining structure from the January 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton.
*Registration is required
Lectures
Oct. 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Fall Lecture Series: Robert W. Sands Jr. and Patricia E. Millen “Washington Crossing”
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton
(609) 396-1776 | info@barracks.org | www.barracks.org
The Old Barracks invites you to spend an evening with highly respected local historians and authors at our Fall Lecture Series to learn about the exciting history that helped shape our state and nation. On Thursday, October 12, Robert Sands and Patricia Millen return to discuss their book which focuses on the historical site where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River with his Continental Army in 1776 to the Battle of Trenton.
*Free Admission. Lectures will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments will be available.
Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.
The Price of Silence: Screening & Discussion
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton
(609) 924.8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org
Join Morven for a screening & discussion of The Price of Silence, part one of an Emmy-nominated documentary from Truehart Productions sharing the history of New Jersey’s enslaved people. Hear from descendants and historians telling their own stories and exploring why New Jersey was the last northern state to end the institution of slavery; a past Morven and its inhabitants were inextricably tied to. The screening of the 25-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and historians featured in the film.
This event is hybrid – held both in-person at Morven’s Stockton Education Center and online.
*In-person tickets are $5 General Admission, Free for Students and Morven Members. Virtual tickets are Free for all registrants. A Zoom webinar link will be shared with virtual ticket holders upon registration, and a recording will be provided after the program.
Music Happenings
Oct. 5, 7 – 8 p.m.
“Jersey Transit” Concert
Mercer County Library System: Lawrence Headquarters Branch | 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8292 | lawprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org
Performing without instruments, acapella ensemble “Jersey Transit” will sing a repertoire of songs taken from jazz standards to reggae to R&B to today’s pop at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, on Thursday, October 5. The Jersey Transit ensemble has been around for more than 25 years, with some of the original members still in the group.
*Advanced registration is appreciated
Oct. 15, 4 p.m.
Altamura Legacy Concert: Ana “Rokafella” Garcia discusses Hip-Hop
Legacy Arts International | The Sanford Davis Room of Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Ave, Princeton
(201) 362-9814 | www.legacyartsinternational.org
Legacy Arts International presents Altamura Legacy Concerts, a new concert series developed by pianist Cristina Altamura, featuring herself and a roster of guest artists performing on a newly restored 1924 Steinway B grand at Princeton United Methodist Church home of the majestic Tiffany stained-glass window depicting St. George that graces its façade.
Concerts are on selected Sundays at 4 pm in the Sanford Davis Room of Princeton United Methodist Church (PrincetonUMC), adjacent to the church’s sanctuary. Guest artists range from some of Italy’s most illustrious piano masters, to New York’s current avant-garde, to Princeton’s own community of distinguished pianists. Altamura will be joined by her husband, Sō Percussion’s Adam Sliwinski, for an informal talk at the beginning of each program.
On Oct. 15, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, Cristina invites her childhood friend, b-girl pioneer and choreographer Ana “Rokafella” Garcia, for a discussion about her career in New York and the proliferation of breakdancing all over the world. Then, the avant-garde pianist Adam Tendler performs works from the cutting edge of the contemporary piano repertoire
*Prices range between $25 – $40 for different concerts. Additionally, partial view seating in the church’s sanctuary next to the Sanford Davis Room will be available with suggested offerings of $10 at the door.
Theater
Oct. 6 & 13, 8 p.m. | Oct. 7 & 14, 8 p.m. | Oct. 8 & 15, 2 p.m.
Roald Dahl’s MATILDA – the Musical
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township | Kelsey Theatre
(609) 570-3333 | kelsey.mccc.edu
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, The Tony Award-winning musical Matilda is a captivating story about a young girl who uses the power of her imagination, friendship, and storytelling to make a better life for both her and her fellow classmates. This inspiring story boasts a powerful message to the youth of our own community about standing up to bullies and being true to yourself.
*Ticket Cost: $26/$24
Oct. 20 & 27, 8 p.m. | Oct. 21 & 28, 8 p.m. | Oct. 22 & 29, 2 p.m.
ROEBLING – The Story of The Brooklyn Bridge
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township | Kelsey Theatre
(609) 570-3333 | kelsey.mccc.edu
Starting off Theater To Go’s New Jersey Playwright Series with a fascinating drama based on the true story. In 1869, John Roebling wins the contract to design and build the Brooklyn Bridge, the longest and tallest bridge in the world at the time. The construction spanned 14 years, involving 600 workers and at least two dozen people died in the process, including John Roebling. Roebling’s daughter-in-law, Emily, takes a stand ensuring that the Roebling name will forever be attached to this beloved historic landmark.
*Ticket Cost: $22/$20
Workshops
Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2 – 3 p.m.
NJ STEM Astronomy Workshop
Mercer County Library System: West Windsor Branch, 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 799-0462 | westprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org
Over the course of four Sunday afternoon sessions, children enrolled in this program will learn about how all aspects of STEM contribute to the field of astronomy. With each lesson children will be presented with a final project idea that they can complete, as well as guidance on the process. At the final session on October 29, students will have a chance to present their final project to their parents and their peers, and will receive a course completion certificate. This NJ STEM program is provided by four outstanding local teen volunteers with a passion for STEM. They want to give all kids the opportunity to complete STEM related projects that they would be unable to do in public schools.
*This program is for children in grades 5-8 and is free.