Listings are subject to change. Readers should confirm dates, times, locations, registration requirements and availability with the sponsoring organization before making plans.
Business & Career
SCORE Offers Small Business Essentials. SCORE New Jersey is offering a July series of online small business programs for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and business owners looking to sharpen practical skills.
Upcoming webinars include “Recruitment and Training of Board Members for Nonprofits” on Wednesday, July 8; “Creating a Quick Business Plan” on Thursday, July 9; “Setting Up a New Business Entity” on Monday, July 13; “Marketing Part 1: Developing Your Marketing Plan” on Wednesday, July 15; and “Marketing Part 2: Promoting Your Business” on Thursday, July 16.
Later July programs include sessions on search-engine visibility, digital marketing in an artificial intelligence world and financial projections for new businesses. The programs are geared toward people starting a business, strengthening a small operation or trying to make better decisions about planning, marketing, finance and governance. For more information go to score.org.
SBDC Workshops Cover Finance, AI And Contracting. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center continues offering July workshops for startups, entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.
Upcoming programs include “Finding Your Financial Equilibrium: Balance Business and Personal Finances” on Wednesday, July 8; “Navigating Your Cash Flow: Business Finance & Banking” and “Q&A with the IRS” on Thursday, July 9; “AI Masterclass Part 3: Digital Marketing & Social Media with AI” on Friday, July 10; “Business Start-Up” on Saturday, July 11; and “Winning Public Federal Contracts, Certification & Set-Asides Workshop” on Monday, July 13.
Additional July programs cover employee development, doing business with New Jersey state government, bookkeeping, lending readiness, business planning, government contracting and artificial intelligence. Programs are offered online and in person, depending on the session. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
Chamber Orientation Offers Member Guidance. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its July Membership Orientation on Tuesday, July 7, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The orientation also functions as a business-development opportunity, giving attendees a chance to meet chamber staff, learn how to connect with other members and better understand how the chamber’s programs can support visibility, referrals and professional relationships. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.
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The Chamber of Commerce has several July programs for members and guests looking to make business connections.
The Women in Business Alliance Summer Sip, Stroll and Shop is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Princeton Lavender Farm. Real Estate in the Region: Evening Networking is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the offices of Hill Wallack, LLP. July Business After Business is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The chamber will also hold July Business Before Business Virtual Speed Networking on Tuesday, July 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
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The Chamber of Commerce will continue its Trenton Economic Development Series with “Game Changers: Sports & Entertainment Driving Economic Development in Trenton” on Thursday, July 30, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Executive Park, Route 29, Trenton.
The program will focus on how sports and entertainment are contributing to economic activity, community engagement and renewed momentum in the capital city. Topics include investment in venues, franchises, programming, placemaking, tourism, quality of life and economic growth.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora will give opening remarks. Panelists include Jeff Hurley of the Trenton Thunder, Bob Ohrablo, owner of the Trenton Ironhawks, and Fran Rodowicz of CURE Insurance Arena.
For more information on chamber events, go to princetonmercerchamber.org.
Arts & Creativity
Creative Writing Workshop Invites Flash Fiction. West Windsor Arts will offer “FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! — A Creative Writing Workshop” on Thursday, July 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The adult workshop is designed as a fast-paced, low-pressure session for writers who want to get ideas flowing and words on the page. Participants will begin by reading three short flash fiction pieces of fewer than 1,000 words and discussing what makes them work.
The group will then write from three guided prompts, giving participants a chance to draft three original flash pieces during the session. Sharing is encouraged but optional, and the workshop is designed for writers at different levels. Participants should bring a notebook and pen or a laptop. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.
Plein Air Oil Painting Begins At Mercer Lake. West Windsor Arts will offer “Thursdays: Plein Air Oil Painting” from July 16 through Aug. 6 at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park.
The adult class meets Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and is taught by Lori Langsner. Students will work outdoors and learn to capture local color, light and shadow using spontaneous painting techniques. The class also covers how to choose subject matter and compose a landscape.
The four-session class is intended for adults interested in painting outdoors and learning from the changing light and atmosphere of the landscape. Rain dates are Aug. 13 and 20. The fee is $148 for members and $164 for nonmembers. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.
Artworks Seeks Climate Resiliency Proposals. Artworks Trenton is accepting artist proposals for the 2026 New Jersey Climate Resiliency Community-Based Arts Projects.
The call is for artists interested in submitting proposals connected to climate resiliency and community-based art. The opportunity fits artists, collectives and community arts organizers looking to use creative work to address environmental issues, local resilience and public engagement.
The application deadline is July 30. The call appears on Artworks’ open calls page, which also includes other artist opportunities, curatorial submissions and ways for artists to connect with the Trenton nonprofit arts center. For more information go to artworkstrenton.org.
Kelsey Theatre Seeks Ushers. Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College is seeking volunteer ushers for upcoming summer productions.
Volunteer opportunities are listed for “The Little Mermaid,” presented by The Yardley Players, with performances scheduled July 10 through 19, and for Stephen Sondheim’s “Company,” presented by Off-Centre Stages, with performances scheduled July 31 through Aug. 9.
Ushers help support productions while getting a behind-the-scenes look at community theater. The opportunity may appeal to people who enjoy live theater, want to volunteer in the arts or are interested in supporting local performing arts organizations without stepping on stage themselves. For more information go to kelsey.mccc.edu.
Youth & Family
Teen Conservatory Begins At Bucks County Playhouse. Bucks County Playhouse is accepting registration for the Playhouse Institute Summer Conservatory, a five-week performance program for ages 13 to 18.
The program, “No Map Home,” runs July 6 through Aug. 7, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The summer conservatory is inspired by themes from Homer’s “The Odyssey” and reimagined through a contemporary lens. Students will explore performance, movement, music and theatrical storytelling while creating original work.
The program is designed for young artists interested in performance training, collaboration and creative development. The playhouse asks interested families to contact its education department to set up an audition. For more information go to bcptheater.org.
West Windsor Arts Plans Theater Camp. West Windsor Arts will offer a two-week theater camp for children ages 6 to 9 from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 31.
The full-day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with drop-off from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and pickup from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. The program gives young students a chance to explore theater, creativity and performance in a structured camp setting.
The camp is part of West Windsor Arts’ summer programming for children and teens. Two-week camp fees are $1,266 for members and $1,392 for nonmembers. Household or supporter membership is required for the member price. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.
Library Programs Invite Kids To Act, Make And Explore. The Mercer County Library System has several July programs that give children a chance to participate in hands-on activities, performances and creative learning.
“What the Vikings Left Behind,” for ages 6 to 12, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hightstown Memorial Branch. Children will explore the age of the Vikings, try archaeological tools and make their own runestones. The program is presented by the American Swedish Historical Museum, and registration is required.
“Reader’s Theater: Dinosaur Pirates!” is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Children will listen to a read-aloud of Penny Dale’s picture book “Dinosaur Pirates,” decorate masks and props, and then act out the story. An author visit with Timothy Young is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m. at the Robbinsville Branch, where children ages 5 and older can hear Young read his books and take part in an interactive drawing lesson. For more information go to mcl.org.
Community Connections
CASA Seeks Volunteer Advocates. CASA of South-Central New Jersey is holding volunteer information sessions for people interested in advocating for children in the foster care system.
An information session for Mercer County is scheduled for Monday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ewing Public Library. A Burlington County volunteer information session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
CASA volunteers are assigned by a Family Court judge to advocate for children and help make sure they receive needed services. Volunteers work with caregivers, schools, case workers and others connected to a child’s life. The sessions explain the volunteer role and the steps needed to begin training. For more information go to casamercer.org.
HomeFront Back-To-School Drive Begins. HomeFront is seeking community support for its annual Back-to-School Drive, which runs during July and August.
The drive helps children impacted by poverty begin school with backpacks, age-appropriate supplies, clothing and gift cards. Community members can sponsor a child or children using information provided by HomeFront, collect general school supplies according to a list, or donate gift cards so families, especially teens, can shop for items that fit their needs.
HomeFront also welcomes groups, neighborhoods, congregations, schools and workplaces that want to organize collection drives. The campaign is designed to help children start the school year feeling prepared while easing the financial pressure on families already facing housing instability and other challenges. For more information go to homefrontnj.org.
Arm In Arm Needs Pantry Volunteers. Arm In Arm is seeking volunteers to support food distribution and hunger-prevention work throughout Mercer County.
Volunteers can help at the organization’s Hudson Street pantry in Trenton, its Princeton pantry and several mobile pantry locations, including the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. Other pantry and mobile pantry shifts are available in Trenton, Hamilton and Ewing.
The organization asks volunteers to sign up through its GivePulse platform, where they can join the Arm In Arm page, choose shifts, track volunteer hours and receive updates. Group volunteer inquiries are also accepted. For more information go to arminarm.org.
Learning & Lifestyle
Library Offers Digital Health And AI Program. The Mercer County Library System will offer “Digital Health in the Age of AI” on Wednesday, July 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Windsor Branch.
The program looks at how people interact with computers in a healthy way during an era of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The presentation will be led by Digital Health Consultants Blue Scholars.
The program may appeal to adults interested in technology, screen habits, artificial intelligence, online work and the ways digital tools affect daily life. Registration is required. For more information go to mcl.org.
Library Technology Sessions Build Digital Skills. The Mercer County Library System will offer several in-person technology programs in July at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch.
Open Lab/Northstar sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, July 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Participants can use the computer classroom to work on projects, practice skills through the Northstar Digital Literacy platform or sit for an assessment to earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate.
Other July technology programs include “Intro to Canva” on Saturday, July 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; “Google Docs: Resumes” on Saturday, July 25, from 3 to 4 p.m.; and “Career Prep & Job Seeking Skills” on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required for the technology programs. For more information go to mcl.org.
Genealogy Workshops Explore Local And Revolutionary Records. The Mercer County Library System will offer July programs for adults interested in genealogy, local history and Revolutionary War research.
“Historic Local Resources” is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch in East Windsor. Participants will learn how to use free library resources and their library cards to explore genealogy tools and local newspaper archives dating back to 1846. Resources include Ancestry, Fold3, Heritage Quest, Heritage Hub, the Hightstown Digital Newspaper Archive, Trenton Times Archives and Trentonian Archives.
“Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Revolutionary War Pension Files” is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Branch. Participants will learn about Revolutionary War pension files that may include family records, military information, letters, diaries and family trees. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number will be available on site. For more information go to mcl.org.
English Learners Can Practice Conversation. The Mercer County Library System will offer an ELL Conversation Group on Mondays, July 6 and 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Windsor Branch.
The informal program gives English Language Learners a chance to practice speaking and understanding English in a friendly group setting. Participants will discuss current topics, learn vocabulary and build confidence through conversation.
The program is open to adults and may be useful for people who want more practice speaking English outside of a classroom setting. For more information go to mcl.org.
Library Wellness Programs Cover Nutrition And Caregiving. The Mercer County Library System will offer several July programs focused on wellness, caregiving and stress management.
“Serving Up Good Nutrition” is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ewing Branch. Participants will learn to read food labels, choose healthy options and make healthier meals to support healthy living and aging. The program is presented by the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program, and registration is required.
A bilingual caregiver support group is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hickory Corner Branch in East Windsor. The session offers a space for caregivers to share experiences and learn strategies for managing stress. “Relaxation and Mindfulness” is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 2 p.m. at the Twin Rivers Branch in East Windsor and will introduce techniques for meditation, relaxation and managing stress. For more information go to mcl.org.
Ongoing Access
Small Business Mentoring. SCORE Central Jersey offers free mentoring for entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners seeking guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, operations and growth.
Mentoring is available year-round through volunteer business professionals who provide one-on-one guidance and practical advice. SCORE also offers workshops, templates and business education resources for people starting, growing or strengthening a business. For more information go to score.org.
Business Consulting For Entrepreneurs. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center offers no-cost consulting, training and business resources for startups and established companies.
Advisors can help with business plans, financing, marketing, government contracting, operations and growth strategies. The organization also posts workshops and training programs throughout the year, giving small business owners a way to find both one-on-one assistance and topic-specific education. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
State Business Assistance Programs. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers financing programs, tax credits, technical assistance and other resources for businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs throughout the state.
Programs open and close throughout the year as funding becomes available. Businesses can monitor NJEDA programs for financing, innovation, clean energy, real estate, small business support and other assistance. For more information go to njeda.gov.
Kelsey Theatre Auditions. Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College posts audition notices throughout the year for musicals, plays and productions by resident and partner theater companies.
Performers can check the theater’s audition page for casting notices, callbacks, rehearsal schedules and preparation requirements. The theater also posts volunteer information for people interested in supporting productions as ushers or behind the scenes. For more information go to kelsey.mccc.edu.
Community Theater Roles. Villagers Theatre in Somerset posts audition notices, volunteer roles and backstage opportunities for adult and youth productions throughout the year.
The volunteer-run theater seeks people interested in performing, production work, backstage roles, front-of-house support and other theater jobs. The theater also operates KidsVill and TeensVill programs for younger performers interested in stage experience and training. For more information go to villagerstheatre.org.
ActorsNET Participation Opportunities. ActorsNET of Bucks County posts auditions, youth programs and theater participation opportunities throughout its season.
Opportunities may include acting roles, theater camps, workshops, backstage work and volunteer needs. Volunteers can help with acting, set building, lights, stage management, props, costumes, concessions and ushering. For more information go to actorsnetbucks.org.
Artist Calls And Public Art. Artworks Trenton posts calls for artists, public art projects, exhibitions, curatorial proposals, studio opportunities and creative community initiatives throughout the year.
The organization regularly offers opportunities for artists at various career stages and for residents interested in creative education, community arts and public programming. Artworks also recruits volunteers for exhibitions, events and other projects supporting Trenton’s arts scene. For more information go to artworkstrenton.org.
Artist And Vendor Calls. The Arts Council of Princeton posts calls for artists, vendor applications, public art projects, workshops and community arts programs throughout the year.
Programs range from exhibitions and festivals to public art, teaching opportunities, classes and special events. Artists and organizations may also submit calls for art to be listed through the Arts Council’s artist opportunities page. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Gallery Submissions. The South Brunswick Arts Commission regularly posts calls for artists connected to exhibitions at The Gallery in the South Brunswick Municipal Building.
Calls typically include themed exhibits open to artists working in painting, photography, mixed media, fine crafts and other static visual media. Artists should check the current call carefully for theme, deadline, delivery instructions and eligibility before submitting. For more information go to sbarts.org.
Library Programs Continue Year-Round. Princeton Public Library offers author talks, workshops, technology help, film programs, civic discussions, children’s programs, teen activities and adult-learning programs throughout the year.
Programs cover educational, cultural, professional and community topics, and many are free to attend. The library also posts registration-required programs for job seekers, writers, families, teens and adult learners. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
Adult Learning Available In Princeton. Princeton Adult School offers classes and workshops in technology, business, languages, cooking, wellness, writing, music, art and personal enrichment.
Classes are offered online and in person, with registration generally open until courses begin or fill. The school also accepts course proposals from potential instructors interested in teaching future classes. For more information go to princetonadultschool.org.
Italian Language Classes. Dorothea’s House in Princeton offers Italian language classes and cultural programs for adults.
Classes are offered seasonally and may include in-person and remote options. The organization also presents programs connected to Italian and Italian American culture, with class registration opening ahead of each term. For more information go to dorotheashouse.org.
Volunteer Tour Guides. The New Jersey State House Tour Office recruits volunteer guides to lead tours and civic education programs about state government, history, art and architecture.
Volunteers receive training and help visitors understand New Jersey’s legislative process and State House history. The role may appeal to people interested in history, civics, education, public speaking and public service. For more information go to njstatehousetours.org.
Museum Volunteers. Princeton University Art Museum recruits volunteers and docents for public tours, education programs and visitor engagement.
Docents conduct tours for children and adults, attend continuing-education meetings and help with family, school and adult programs. Volunteer opportunities connect residents with the museum’s collections, exhibitions and public education work. For more information go to artmuseum.princeton.edu.
Arm In Arm Volunteers. Arm In Arm recruits volunteers to support food, housing and employment-readiness programs for Mercer County residents.
Volunteer opportunities may include helping at food pantries, supporting mobile pantry distributions, assisting clients, organizing donations and taking part in group service projects. Volunteers can sign up for shifts and track hours through the organization’s volunteer platform. For more information go to arminarm.org.
HomeFront Volunteers. HomeFront offers volunteer opportunities for people who want to support families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Central New Jersey.
Volunteers may help with programs connected to food, housing, children’s services, donation drives, tutoring, mentoring, special events and other efforts across the organization. Individual volunteers generally begin by completing an application. For more information go to homefrontnj.org.
Film Festival Submissions. FilmFreeway lists submissions for film festivals, including regional festivals seeking short films, documentaries, student films, animation, web series and genre films.
Filmmakers can use the platform to identify deadlines, categories, fees and submission requirements throughout the year. The site can be useful for filmmakers looking for festivals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and beyond. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.
