Mercer County Cultural Festival
Mercer County’s annual Cultural Festival at Mercer County Park, West Windsor, features live performances of music and dance, as well as traditional art demonstrations showcasing the various cultures represented in the region. Admission is free. Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More details at www.mercercounty.org/departments/culture-and-heritage/cultural-festival.
Art All Night
The major capital city arts festival coordinated by Artworks Trenton is set for the War Memorial Building in Trenton. In-person programming will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 3 p.m. to midnight, and begins again on Sunday, June 29, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Virtual programming fills the gap during the overnight hours. Admission is free.
This year’s theme is “Trennaissance” — a tribute to Trenton’s creative roots and a call to action for its future. Trennaissance blends “Trenton” and “Renaissance” to celebrate a cultural revival grounded in community, expression, and the enduring power of art to bring people together.
“Trennaissance is more than a theme — it’s history in the making,” says Kenny Bullock, creative director of Art All Night. “We’re honoring the artists and cultural workers who built this space, and making room for the next generation of creators to rise. This isn’t just about art — it’s about community, legacy, and what we can build together when everyone is invited to the table.”
The Trenton War Memorial is located at 1 Memorial Drive in Trenton. To learn more, visit artallnighttrenton.org.
Jersey Fresh Jam
New Jersey’s premiere Hip Hop festival, developed in a partnership with Trenton street artist Leon Rainbow and graffiti-loving Trenton company TerraCycle founder Tom Szaky, celebrates “20 years of freshness” in 2025. The free event attracts numerous regional, East Coast, and even national and international graffiti artists and musicians to come together for a free summer afternoon of aerosol and hip hop. Saturday, August 16, noon to 7 p.m.
TerraCycle Complex, 121 New York Avenue, Trenton. Free. www.jerseyfreshjam.com.
Dance, Princeton, Dance
“Pride on the Plaza,” a community disco dance party featuring live music, takes place Friday, June 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Hinds Plaza to kick off Pride Month in Princeton.
The event is the fifth annual celebration of LGBTQ Pride by the library and its community partners and the first to be presented in this format. “The Pride Picnic exceeded our expectations right from the beginning,” said adult program manager Janie Hermann, who has coordinated the event each year. “We know the dance party will also be a wonderful success and are looking forward to another year of celebrating Pride with our community.”
“Pride on the Plaza,” an all-ages event, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the disco era and features music by the EAMC Disco Funk Machine. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothing inspired by the era. The event will also feature an appearance by drag artist Divinity Banks, who will host a contest for best outfit in three categories: pride, disco era and disco/pride mashup.
“Pride on the Plaza” is co-presented by the library, the Municipality of Princeton, the Arts Council of Princeton, McCarter Theatre Center, HiTops and Princeton University’s Gender + Sexuality Resource Center.
In the event of rain, “Pride on the Plaza” will be moved to the Community Room.
Hinds Plaza, Witherspoon Street, Princeton. www.princetonlibrary.org or 609-924-8777.
West Windsor Arts Council’s Arts ArtWalk
The popular annual family event and fundraiser features a new early evening start time, a festive carnival atmosphere, and wellness-focused and hands-on activities.
“ArtWalk 2025 is all about celebrating community, creativity and wellness — in a way that’s accessible and fun for everyone,” notes Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “We’re keeping all the favorite traditions from past ArtWalks, but adding a fresh twist to welcome summer with new activities,” she notes.
Participants pick up a map and a goodie bag and then set off on a one-mile Family Fun Walk featuring a scavenger hunt. Along the way, they can collect tokens, which can later be redeemed for art projects, games, face painting and prizes back at the arts center.
The festive summer vibe continues with live music curated by Vasanti Anand, a popcorn machine, fitness challenges, meditation, massage therapy, and henna designs.
“ArtWalk is a day for your mind, body and community spirit,” adds Green. “We want families to make the day their own — try something new, express themselves creatively, or just enjoy time together.”
Activity stations include painting Kindness Rocks, decorating sneaker keychains, and contributing to a collaborative graffiti mural with artist Mikel Cirkus. Medical students from Robert Wood Johnson offer free blood pressure screenings and education.
The Silent Auction — featuring offerings from local restaurants, shops, and service providers — is a chance to score great finds while supporting a worthy cause. Individual tickets are $10; a family pass is $25. Saturday, May 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, www.westwindsorarts.org.
Stories of Freedom
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the African American experience, hosts its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration, Stories of Freedom, on Saturday June 21, from noon to 4 p.m. — rain or shine — at the historic Mt. Zion AME Church and Reasoner/True House in Skillman.
The day of cultural exploration, joyful gathering, and deep reflection features live performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities for all ages.
SSAAM Heritage Singers and Band: Lifting spirits through songs rooted in African American musical traditions.
Keith Spencer: Celebrated baritone and storyteller, bringing freedom narratives to life through music and spoken word.
Luna Stage: The Ground On Which We Stand: A compelling theatrical journey exploring themes of identity, resistance, and remembrance.
Mr. Boom Boom’s Drum Circle: A high-energy, all-ages drum experience uniting rhythm and community.
“The Head That Wears the Crown”: SSAAM’s acclaimed special exhibition exploring the cultural and spiritual legacy of African American women’s headwear across generations.
Guided Tours: Explore the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church, SSAAM’s Heritage Garden, and the museum grounds.
Story Booth – Record personal reflections on freedom and history.
Spoken Word & Read-Alouds – Hear stories of struggle, joy, and liberation from voices of all ages
Museum Scavenger Hunts: Win prizes with this fun and educational family activity.
Little Free Library of Banned Books: Discover new titles and join the conversation.
Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. ssaamuseum.org/juneteenth-2025.
Sourland Mountain Fest
The stage is set for the 20th annual Sourland Mountain Festival on Saturday, August 16, at Unionville Vineyards. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of Central Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region. The event features family-friendly activities, food from area vendors, and a live music lineup to be announced. Saturday, August 16, 3 to 8:30 p.m.
$35 until July 15; $45 until August 15; $50 at the door. Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. sourlandmountainfest.com.
LEAD Fest State Fair
The state agricultural festival returns to Mercer County Park in West Windsor from June 27 through July 6. The event featur live nightly musical entertainment a carnival midway, petting farm, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, cow town, and dock dogs. Fireworks displays are held Friday, June 27; Monday, June 30; and Friday, July 4. Friday, June 27, through Sunday, July 6. Monday through Friday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 3 to 11 p.m.
More info and ticket sales at theleadfest.com.
