The Art of the Crossword Puzzle

Do you love completing crossword puzzles in your spare time? Do you ever wonder how they are created with such regularity and precision by professional crossword puzzle experts?

On Sunday, January 14 at 3 p.m., the Arts Council of Princeton will be joined by crossword puzzle author and celebrity Mangesh Ghogre. Alongside bagels and coffee, Ghogre will give a refresher course on completing crossword puzzles and some handy tools for making puzzles of your own. Ghogre’s puzzles have been published in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. In an age of burgeoning artificial intelligence, Ghogre hopes to advocate for utilizing our own natural intelligence when it comes to clue making and problem solving. more

Groundhog Appreciation and Celebration at The Watershed Institute

The Watershed Institute will be celebrating Groundhog Day a little early this year to share fun facts about these unique, comedic, and sometimes misunderstood animals. On Saturday, January 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors will be led through a series of educational outdoor stations that include learning about the characteristics of a groundhog, searching for groundhog holes, meeting with naturalists for a treasure hunt/nature hike and, eventually, finding Wally the Woodchuck. Attendees will also be able to try chucking wood with a catapult or trebuchet. more

Icelandic Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson Performs at Richardson Auditorium

On Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m., Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson will perform at Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Princeton University. Ólafsson left a stunning debut impression with Princeton’s audiences when he performed during the 2022-2023 Princeton University Concert season.  more

Princeton Restaurant Week Returns March 2-8

Experience Princeton Restaurant Week this March with new menus, prix fixe, and reduced pricing options. This annual event is perfect for visitors and locals alike. It is an excellent way to experience curated meals at local eateries, as well as drink pairings, food trends, and the possibility to hear from the chef and cooking staff. more

“Experience the Battle of Princeton” on Jan. 7

On Sunday, January 7, the Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) will mark the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Princeton with its signature educational event, “Experience the Battle of Princeton.”

The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. with introductions and comments on the background of the battle. Members of the public are urged to arrive at the site by 9:15 a.m. to secure space and parking. A narrated reenactment of a portion of the Battle of Princeton will begin at 10 a.m. featuring reenactors portraying Crown and Continental forces. The reenactment will conclude by 11 a.m.  more

“CelloGayageum: Lunar New Year Celebration” at McCarter

In 2016, Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Korean gayageum player Dayoung Yoon created a musical phenomenon bridging cultural divides through the universal language of music. Their unique fusion of instruments and musical styles will be showcased live at McCarter Theatre in “CelloGayageum: Lunar New Year Celebration” on Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m. By demonstrating the beauty and richness of South Korean music to audiences around the world, they are redefining what it means to be a global musical act. more

French American School of Princeton Hosts Open House

Interested students and families are invited to join the French American School of Princeton (FASP) for their Winter Open House on Saturday, January 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. This event is designed for prospective preschool through eighth grade students. more

Kwanzaa Celebration Dinner at Grounds For Sculpture

On Thursday, December 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton will be honoring the third day of Kwanzaa. On this day, special attention will be given to Ujima, which means “collective work and responsibility.” The aim of Ujima is to build and protect community, aiding each other and solving problems while ensuring that no man or woman ever feels entirely left alone. more

Upcoming Exhibit at Brandywine Museum of Art Focuses on Influence of Kuerner Farm

Karl J. Kuerner (b. 1957), Pennsylvania Farmer, 1996.

From January 27 to May 19, 2024, the Brandywine Museum of Art will be spotlighting Andrew Wyeth’s artistic connection and inspiration that he drew from the Kuerner family and their farm. During his lifetime, Wyeth painted numerous masterful studies of the Kuerner Farm, which sat adjacent to his own property.  more

Cupid’s Chase 5K in Princeton

Attention all runners and walkers! It’s time to put on your sneakers and hit the pavement for Cupid’s Chase 5K in Princeton on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Check in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the starting gun will go off at 10 a.m. more

Princeton Palmer Square DIY Project: Illustrated Recipe Cards

On December 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Arts Council of Princeton in its cozy Palmer Square studio to learn how to hand-embellish favorite recipe notes and notecards with charming drawings and written instructions. The workshop is led by teaching artist Barbara DiLorenzo, and all materials will be provided. It is intended for adults, but children ages 12 and older are welcome with adult supervision. more

Volunteers Plant 100 Trees in Lambertville

Sixteen volunteers recently gathered to plant 100 native trees and shrubs along a new section of the Lambertville Nature Trail. The group, including Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick, planted a variety of native trees and shrubs including eastern red cedar, flowering dogwood, sweet birch, white oak, and eastern redbud. These trees and shrubs will help to reduce flash flooding from this hillside neighborhood, filter and cool air and water, and provide important wildlife habitat. more

Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours

Image Source: Palmer Square and Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours

On December 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours will take visitors past some of the town’s most significant sites. 2023 marks a complete re-design of the popular experience with an expanded route that will teach participants about the area’s prize-winning thinkers, writers, scientists, and noteworthy history. From Woodrow Wilson and Albert Einstein to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Toni Morrison, this tour is action-packed!  more

Neurodiverse Crafting Circle and Social Networking at PPL

On Thursday, December 21 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Princeton Public Library (PPL) welcomes any neurodivergent individuals who are looking to connect with Princeton community members while working on their own crafting projects (brought from home). The crafting session will be held at PPL’s STEAM Studio. The program is intended for people ages 17 and older. more

S’mores by the Sleigh at Earl’s New American in Peddler’s Village

Every day from 5 to 7 p.m. from December 18 to 22, Earl’s New American will welcome guests to a holiday celebration in the courtyard, against the backdrop of their festive Christmas sled. Guests can enjoy a bonfire, free s’mores, and a cash bar serving hot toddies, hot Washington apple cider (with vanilla vodka and apple brandy), and hot chocolate. Earl’s New American's full restaurant menu will remain open until 9 p.m. Be sure to snap an Instagram-worthy picture in front of the sleigh and other decorations! Also, take advantage of the extra holiday shopping hours, which means that stores are open until 9 p.m. more

“Where the Wild Things Are” at Princeton Garden Theatre

Princeton Garden Theatre will present a screening of Spike Jonze’s creative film, Where the Wild Things Are, based on the beloved book by Maurice Sendak. The in-person showing will take place on Sunday, January 14 at 10 a.m. The film is approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes and is suited to children and adults of all ages. more

First Washington Crossing Reenactment for 2023

The reenactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776 is one of the region’s most popular and well-attended traditions. Taking place on Sunday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the famous Crossing will also be accompanied by Colonial Era activities, learning sessions, and games. Jason Q. Bohm will narrate events in the Historic Village and children’s author Jenny Cote will be sharing two of her novels. The day promises to include fun and learning for all. more

Pet Photos with Santa at MarketFair Mall

On Sunday, November 26, December 3, and December 10 from 4 to 6 p.m., professional photographers at MarketFair Mall will create a lasting memory with your pet. All pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved. Leashes on dogs are required. While walk-ins are welcome, advance reservations are highly recommended as this event does sell out. To make reservations, visit https://www.marketfairshoppes.com/event/pet-photos-with-santa/2146500284.  more

Hanukkah Celebration with Rabbi Adler

Join the Hanukkah celebration with Rabbi Benjamin Adler at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System located at 2751 Brunswick Pike in Lawrenceville on December 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Adler has been the spiritual leader of Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville since 2014. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City, where he earned a master’s degree in Jewish philosophy. Adler also studied at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. All are welcome to this event.  more

“An Evening of Readings and Carols” at Princeton University Chapel

Westminster Choir College of Rider University’s popular holiday concert “An Evening of Readings and Carols” returns to the Princeton University Chapel on Friday, December 8 at 8 p.m. The festive event includes performances by Westminster Choir, Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Jubilee Singers, and the Concert Bell Choir. more

Owl Research Presentation at Watershed Institute

Join The Watershed Institute on Thursday, November 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a special presentation on the biology and ecology of the northern saw-whet owls. Led by local researchers at the Wild Bird Research Group, the ecologists will discuss data collected through the Owl Banding Program. Tyler Christensen, Ph.D. candidate in ecology and evolution at Rutgers, will lead the discussion. more

Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Winter Market Sale

This year’s Sauce for the Goose holiday art market is back and better than ever! On Saturday, November 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse high-quality handmade gifts from local artisans and crafters.

The one-day sale will be held next to the Arts Council of Princeton’s building at 102 Witherspoon Street. This is the 29th year for this market, which draws people from around the region in search of holiday gifts. more

New York International Children’s Film Festival Screening at Princeton Garden Theatre

Princeton Garden Theatre will showcase a compilation of eight short films from the 2023 New York International Children’s Film Festival on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12 at 11 a.m.

This year’s selection of nominees really allows the imagination to roam wild. Whether dreaming up the fantastical, like a cat the size of a house, or the practical, like exploring the wonders of space with a family member, this event is sure to surprise and delight. more

Annual Cow Parade at Cherry Grove Farm

Join Cherry Grove Farm for their annual Cow Parade on Saturday, November 4 from 1 to 6 p.m.  This autumnal afternoon features the celebrated cows, hay rides, face painting, kids’ games, food, music, beer, and local art vendors. Watch the milking of the cows from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by an exciting procession in which the cows will wear garlands, bells, and flowers as they make their way through the pasture. The day will end with a bonfire and s’mores. more

Annual Night Out With NAMI, Nov. 18

This year’s Night Out With NAMI will take place at Trenton Country Club for “A Night at the Races” on Saturday, November 18. The Kentucky Derby-themed event will feature Southern fare, mint juleps, live bluegrass music, and a silent auction.

Central to the evening’s celebration will be the recognition of mental health champions Tom Pyle and David Lee White.  more

JM Group Raises Over $20,000 to Support Community Organization

JM Group has announced that in recent months they have raised $21,385 to support local nonprofit organization Share My Meals.

This past April, JM Group restaurant Kristine’s hosted an event, “A Night in Paris,” with Share My Meals. It was a well-attended event showcasing the community’s full support of Share My Meals, which aims to fight both food insecurity and the environmental impact of food waste.  more

Apple Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm

On Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join Howell Living History Farm for a lesson on how to make fresh apple cider!

To earn a taste, all you have to do is spend a few minutes cranking the cider press. The “hopper” (as it is known) will be refilled with Mac, Cortland, and Red Delicious varieties of apples to achieve the perfect blend of apple cider flavors.  more

Arts Council of Princeton Workshop on “What Makes You Special?”

Healing art instructor and artist Jane Zamost will lead a workshop entitled “What Makes You Special?” on Thursday, November 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Arts Council of Princeton. The cost to attend is $50 per person. Attendees will be provided with a mat board to work on, glue, paint brushes, crayons, pastels, and colored pencils.  more

Halloween Extravaganza at MarketFair Mall

MarketFair Mall, in partnership with The Goddard School of Princeton, will host a magical and fun-filled Halloween event on Sunday, October 29 from 12 to 2 p.m. (check-in begins at 11 a.m.). In previous years, this event was highly attended and very popular, so it is recommended that families arrive by 11 a.m. The first 400 children in costume will receive a goodie bag filled with treats.  more

Gourgaud Gallery Presents Works of Watercolorists Unlimited

Watercolorists Unlimited will be showcasing their artwork at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury during the month of November. The exhibit, titled “Watercolor Gifts for the Holiday,” will feature paintings that make the perfect holiday gift, including wintery scenes, still lifes, and plenty of local Cranbury scenes. The work of 11 watercolor artists will be featured.  more