On Ramp is a guide to opportunities readers can act on now, from workshops, auditions and artist calls to volunteer roles, business programs and community resources. Listings are subject to change, so readers should confirm details with the sponsoring organization before making plans.
Business & Career
August Business Before Business. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold August Business Before Business on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 8 to 10 a.m. at The Nassau Club, 6 Mercer St. in Princeton.
The in-person networking event gives businesspeople a chance to meet other professionals over coffee and breakfast before the workday begins. Suggested for chamber members and guests who want a structured way to introduce their work, build contacts and stay visible in the regional business community.
Suggested for business owners, nonprofit leaders, sales professionals and people who prefer morning networking to after-hours events. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.
Marketing Plan Webinar. SCORE will offer “Marketing Part 1: Developing Your Marketing Plan” online Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The webinar is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series and is designed to help business owners think through the structure of a marketing plan. Topics are expected to include identifying customers, setting marketing goals and choosing the right channels for reaching an audience.
Suggested for startups, independent consultants, small retailers, service businesses and nonprofit leaders who need to move beyond occasional promotion and create a more deliberate marketing approach. For more information go to score.org.
August Business After Business. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold August Business After Business on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Haldeman Lexus of Princeton.
The evening networking event gives chamber members and guests a chance to meet other professionals in a relaxed setting. Business After Business programs are designed to help participants exchange introductions, strengthen existing relationships and make new regional contacts.
Suggested for business owners, nonprofit representatives, sales professionals, entrepreneurs and people looking to expand their professional network in the Princeton Mercer region. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.
Business Credit and Financing. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center network lists August online workshops for business owners, including sessions on intellectual property, record-keeping, social media and financing.
The workshops are designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen the back-office and planning pieces of a small business. Topics vary by regional center, and many programs are offered online, making them accessible to business owners outside the host county.
Suggested for startups, home-based businesses, contractors, retailers, artists and service businesses looking for practical guidance before seeking loans, contracts or new customers. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
Arts & Creativity
Arts Council Market Deadlines. The Arts Council of Princeton is accepting applications during August for several fall and holiday markets in downtown Princeton.
Artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, drawing, painting, apparel and home decor can apply for the Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market by Thursday, Aug. 13. Food and beverage businesses also can apply by Aug. 13 for the new Harvest Fare section of the market.
Vintage dealers selling clothing, jewelry, furniture, homeware and accessories can apply by Thursday, Aug. 20, for a Pop-up Vintage Market scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3. Artists interested in operating a chalet or weekend booth at Princeton’s Winter Village must apply by Thursday, Aug. 27. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Jersey Art Meetup. The Arts Council of Princeton hosts Jersey Art Meetup on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.
The weekly social event connects creatives in Central Jersey who are interested in sequential art, illustration, comics, writing and new media. Participants can use the open workshop space to draw, write, develop ideas and receive feedback from other artists.
The next meetings after the Aug. 12 issue fall on Wednesdays, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19. The meetup is suggested for artists looking for a low-pressure way to keep working, meet other creatives and get peer response outside a formal class. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Pop-Up Choir Princeton. The Arts Council of Princeton will host Pop-Up Choir Princeton on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.
The one-night singing event gives participants a chance to learn and perform a song in a casual group setting. It is designed for people who like to sing but may not have time to commit to a traditional choir.
Suggested for singers, music lovers, former choir members and residents looking for a short, social arts activity. Participants should confirm registration details and whether advance sign-up is required. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Artist-to-Artist Meetup. West Windsor Arts will hold an Artist-to-Artist Meetup on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction.
The meetup is a collaboration with the Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission and gives artists a chance to share work, ideas and feedback in a judgment-free setting. The program is intended to build relationships among artists and create a supportive environment for creative exchange.
Suggested for visual artists, writers, makers and other creatives looking for peer connection outside a formal class or critique group. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.
Art All Day Registration. Artworks Trenton is accepting artist and site registrations for Art All Day, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. in Trenton.
The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 28. Art All Day is Trenton’s citywide creative showcase, giving artists, studios, galleries, creative businesses and community partners a way to take part in a public arts event.
Participating artists can display and sell work, meet collectors and connect with audiences throughout the city. For more information go to artworkstrenton.org.
Mercer County Photography. Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie is seeking entries for Mercer County Photography 2026, a biennial juried exhibition presented in partnership with the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
Photographers who live, work or study in Mercer County may enter up to two photographs for consideration. Intake will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the museum in Cadwalader Park, with same-day jurying and notifications.
The exhibition will be on view from Sept. 11 through Oct. 11. Suggested for amateur and professional photographers looking for a juried local exhibition. For more information go to ellarslie.org.
Roxey Ballet Auditions. Roxey Ballet will hold auditions for its 2026 production of “The American Holiday Classic Nutcracker” on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The company is seeking dancers, actors and community performers for its 31st season production, which returns to The College of New Jersey’s Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater this holiday season. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 4, 5 and 6.
Suggested for young dancers, adult performers and families looking for a holiday performance experience with a professional ballet company. Pre-registration is required. For more information go to roxeyballet.org.
Film & Media
New Hope Film Submissions. Filmmakers can submit work for consideration for the 2027 New Hope Film Festival, with a regular deadline of Friday, Aug. 28.
The festival accepts submissions in multiple categories, including narrative features, documentary features, narrative shorts, documentary shorts, student films, music videos and webisodes. Submitted films are considered for the 2027 festival, scheduled for April 16 through 25.
Suggested for regional filmmakers, student filmmakers and independent producers looking for a nearby festival with a long-running presence in Bucks County. Submission fees vary by category and deadline. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.
Mercer Book Festival Authors. The Mercer County Library invites local authors to participate in its second annual Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library.
The opportunity is intended for writers who want to meet readers, display books and take part in a local literary event. Authors should review the library’s application information, eligibility rules and participation details before applying.
Suggested for self-published authors, small-press authors and writers with recent books who want to reach Mercer County readers. For more information go to mcl.org.
Princeton Concerts Community Events. Princeton University Concerts has opened ticketing and registration for a season of community programs tied to its 2026-27 concerts.
The offerings include book discussions at Princeton Public Library, documentary screenings at the Princeton Garden Theatre, live music meditation programs and Do-Re-Meet social events that pair pre-concert gatherings with performances. Some events are free, while others require tickets.
The season also includes a free Community Piano Jam on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium for pianists of all levels and ages who want to perform or listen. For more information go to puc.princeton.edu.
Youth & Family
Teen Advisory Board. The Mercer County Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet Friday, Aug. 14, at 3:30 p.m.
The group is designed for students in grades 9 through 12 who live or go to school in Mercer County and want to help the library and community. Teen advisory boards generally give students a way to suggest programs, support library projects and earn service experience.
Suggested for high school students looking for a structured volunteer or leadership role during the school year. Teens should confirm the meeting location, registration requirements and service-credit rules through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.
College Application Roadmap. The Mercer County Library plans to offer the virtual program “The Junior and Senior Year Roadmap: A Timeline for Stress-Free College Applications” online Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.
The session is designed for high school juniors, seniors and their families. Topics are expected to include course planning, standardized testing, college lists, application essays, financial aid, deadlines and comparing admissions offers.
The program will be held online rather than at a library branch. Advance registration is required to receive the access link and any program materials. For more information go to mcl.org.
Fall Theatre Classes. Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan is accepting registration for its Fall 2026 Performing Arts Academy.
The 10-week session begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, with additional classes starting the week of Sept. 14. Classes are available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and include musical theater, acting, improvisation, choreography, singing, stage combat, puppetry and theatrical storytelling.
Suggested for students interested in performing arts training and families planning fall activities. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information go to algonquinarts.org.
Youth Dance Registration. Mill Ballet School in New Hope is accepting registration for its 2026-27 academic-year dance classes, which begin Monday, Sept. 14.
The school offers classes for children, teens and adults, with placement and evaluation information available for students who need guidance on the appropriate level. The New Hope location places the program within reach of Lambertville, Hopewell, Princeton and other Mercer-area families.
Suggested for families planning fall arts activities, students interested in ballet or dance training and adults looking for structured classes. For more information go to millballetschool.com.
Community Connections
Mental Health Education. NAMI New Jersey, in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is offering a free community mental health education initiative on Mondays through Aug. 31.
The virtual sessions run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and are connected to NAMI’s effort to expand youth-focused mental health programming in rural New Jersey. The next session after the Aug. 12 issue is Monday, Aug. 17.
Suggested for parents, educators, caregivers, youth workers and residents looking for mental health education and community resources. Registration is required. For more information go to naminj.org.
Latino Family Mental Health. NAMI New Jersey will present the webinar “Resilience and Mental Health: What Every Latino Family Should Know” on Friday, Sept. 25, from noon to 1 p.m.
The webinar will be presented in Spanish as part of NAMI New Jersey’s Multicultural Conversations Series. The program will address resilience, mental health, migration stress, financial pressure, cultural barriers, stigma, family communication and signs related to emotional wellness.
Suggested for Latino families, community workers, educators and organizations looking for culturally responsive mental health resources. Registration is required. For more information go to naminj.org.
Food Pantry and Volunteers. Arm In Arm’s mobile food pantry distributes groceries and personal-care products Mondays in August at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township.
No advance registration is required. Arm In Arm staff register participants when they arrive. Available items may include fresh produce, eggs, milk, frozen proteins, baked goods, canned and boxed food, shampoo, soap and diapers.
The next Monday distribution after the Aug. 12 issue is Aug. 17. Arm In Arm also needs volunteers to stock and distribute food, make deliveries, help with administrative work and assist with seasonal projects. For more information go to arminarm.org.
Bluebird Volunteer Monitors. D&R Greenway Land Trust is inviting residents interested in bird conservation to learn about bluebird nest boxes and volunteer monitoring at Point Breeze in Bordentown.
The organization recently installed bluebird nest boxes at the Discovery Center at Point Breeze, 101 E. Park St. A summer fellow created a program for people interested in supporting bird conservation at home or by monitoring bird boxes on D&R Greenway preserves.
Suggested for birders, families, gardeners, outdoor volunteers and residents interested in habitat work. For more information go to drgreenway.org.
Learning & Lifestyle
Cursive Writing Workshops. The Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library plans to offer Learning Cursive workshops Wednesdays, Aug. 12, 19 and 26, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road in East Windsor.
Participants will use worksheets to practice cursive handwriting. The program comes as New Jersey prepares to require cursive instruction for students in third through fifth grades beginning in September.
Suggested for children, parents, grandparents and adults who want to brush up on handwriting skills. Participants should confirm the dates and register through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.
Apple Device Help. Members of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group plan to offer drop-in assistance Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.
Participants can seek help resolving questions involving Apple computers, phones, tablets and related software. The drop-in format is suggested for people with specific device problems or questions that do not require a formal class.
Visitors should confirm the program and meeting room through the library calendar before attending. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
ESL Conversation Practice. The Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library plans to offer ESL Conversation sessions Mondays, Aug. 17, 24 and 31, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road in East Windsor.
The informal sessions are intended for intermediate-level English speakers who are comfortable speaking in most situations but want additional practice and confidence. Librarian Mary Astarita is scheduled to lead the conversations.
Participants should confirm the dates and register through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.
Cable Alternatives Class. Princeton Public Library plans to offer “Beyond Cable” Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. in the Technology Center at the Sands Library Building, 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.
The class is intended for residents interested in streaming services and alternatives to traditional cable television. It may help participants compare options, think about costs and understand what equipment or subscriptions may be required.
Participants should confirm the class and check the program listing for registration, equipment requirements and details about the services that will be discussed. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
Evergreen Forum Registration. The Center for Modern Aging Princeton will open registration for its fall 2026 Evergreen Forum courses Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9:30 a.m.
The fall semester includes in-person, virtual and hybrid courses for older adults, with offerings in literature, history, science, art, technology, religion and personal well-being. Featured courses include “Afterwards, Afterwords,” “Past and Present Supreme Courts” and “Fake Science.”
Registration is first come, first served. Telephone and mail applications will not be accepted. Course fees are $95 for three- to four-week courses and $125 for five- to eight-week courses, with scholarships available for those for whom the fee is a hardship. For more information go to cmapprinceton.org.
Ongoing Access
Small Business Mentoring. SCORE offers free mentoring, workshops and business resources for entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners.
The organization connects business owners with volunteer mentors who can offer guidance on planning, financing, marketing, operations and growth. SCORE also offers online workshops and templates for people starting or strengthening a business.
Suggested for entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, retailers, nonprofits and owners who need advice but are not ready to hire a consultant. For more information go to score.org.
Small Business Consulting. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center offers no-cost, one-on-one consulting and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
NJSBDC advisers can help with business plans, financing, marketing, operations, government contracting and growth strategies. The organization also posts workshops and certificate programs throughout the year.
Suggested for startups, established businesses, contractors, home-based businesses, solo entrepreneurs and companies trying to expand or stabilize operations. For more information go to njsbdc.com.
State Business Assistance. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers financing, tax credit, real estate, clean energy, innovation and small business programs.
Programs open and close throughout the year, and eligibility varies by industry, location, company size and funding source. Businesses can use the NJEDA site to monitor available programs and application requirements.
Suggested for business owners, developers, manufacturers, nonprofits, technology companies and entrepreneurs looking for state-backed financing or support. For more information go to njeda.gov.
County Library Cards. Residents of East Windsor, Ewing, Hightstown, Hopewell Township, Lawrence, Robbinsville and West Windsor are eligible for free Mercer County Library cards with identification and proof of residency.
Cards provide access to books, e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, research databases, technology resources and programs at branches throughout the county. The cards also can be useful for job seekers, students, families, seniors and residents looking for free educational and cultural resources.
Applications can be completed through participating branches, including the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Ewing Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Hightstown Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Robbinsville Branch of the Mercer County Library, the Twin Rivers Branch of the Mercer County Library and the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library. For more information go to mcl.org.
Municipal Volunteer Boards. Municipalities throughout the region periodically seek residents to serve on planning, recreation, environmental, historic, library, senior and other advisory boards.
The opportunities vary by town, but they give residents a way to take part in local government, follow community decisions and contribute professional or personal experience to public work. Some boards require specific expertise, while others are open to residents who want to get involved.
Meetings generally are held at the municipality’s town hall, municipal building or another public facility, although some boards may meet virtually or in hybrid format. Interested residents can review meeting schedules, attend public sessions and submit volunteer applications before a vacancy is announced. For more information go to the municipality’s official website.
Submit an On Ramp Item. Libraries, schools, nonprofit organizations, senior groups, arts organizations and civic associations in the greater Mercer County region can submit actionable programs for consideration in future On Ramp sections.
Useful submissions include registration deadlines, volunteer needs, donation drives, auditions, applications, workshops, classes and participatory programs. Each submission should identify who is sponsoring the program, what readers can do, when it will occur and where it will be held.
Submissions also should include eligibility information, registration instructions, a contact person and a base website address.
