MercerMe

Unearthing a Story: James Garfield
2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Though his presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, James A. Garfield left behind a remarkable collection of correspondence. Join us to help digitize these fascinating historical documents. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number are available on site. Unearthing a Story, One Page at a Time is a collaborative transcription series where volunteers convert historical documents into searchable digital text, supporting researchers, genealogists, and the preservation of history for future generations. Registration is requested.
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 – 11:30 am at Hopewell Branch , 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ 08534

Worlds from Thin Air: An Intro to Speculative Improv
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Sunday, April 19, 2026 @ 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Creating stories can be challenging, and it might seem even more challenging to go beyond the page when you are writing in real time on the stage. How do people do this in improvised theater?

Drawing inspiration from the ‘What If?’ nature of speculative fiction (like Ted Chiang’s Exhalation), we’ll explore how simple questions can build extraordinary worlds. Come learn how to take a single idea and, through collaboration, see where the logic of that world takes you. In this workshop, come to learn and build on basics of improv theater with a focus on the collaborative, creative experience. All are welcome!
About the Presenter: Child’s Play Improv is a troupe whose home is at Princeton University. The student-run troupe provides a place where people can learn to enjoy and improve their skills at improv, and make this craft more accessible to others. We host workshops a few times each winter and fall at many venues, and host university shows four times a year. To keep up with us and our workshops, you can find us on Instagram @childsplayimprovofficial.
This event is part of our 2026 Beyond the Page – an initiative designed to broaden our imaginations and understanding of our world, our neighbors, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The featured book Exhalation contains nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories, where author Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity’s oldest questions, along with new quandaries only he could imagine. Please visit PenningtonLibrary.org/2026BeyondThePage for a full calendar of events and more information.

Across the Year at Titusville School: Images From the Helen Case Collection, 1952-1972
2026-04-20 - 2026-05-29 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
April 20 through May 29, Hopewell Valley Historical Society will present an exhibit, “Across the Year at Titusville School: Images From the Helen Case Collection, 1952-1972,” at the Hopewell Branch of Mercer County Library. Photos are from a lost collection of color slides, largely from the 1950s, that document children’s activities at Titusville Elementary School. Visit https://www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org for more information, and mcl.org for library hours.

Arm in Arm Mobile Food Pantry
2026-04-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Are you experiencing food insecurity? Arm In Arm’s mobile food pantry will be at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Monday, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. No registration is required. Arm In Arm staff will register participants upon arrival. For more information about the food pantry, visit arminarm.org.
Arm In Arm has been active in Mercer County for four decades providing essential resources like food and financial support. Healthy food such as fresh produce, eggs and milk, frozen proteins, quality baked goods, and shelf stable canned and boxed items as well as personal care products such as shampoo, soap, and diapers are made available to families in need. Arm In Arm welcomes 4,000-5,000 families annually through 40,000+ visits to our food and mobile pantries and works with 200-400 at-risk families to prevent or end homelessness.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Arm in Arm and other committed organizations to serve those in greatest need,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “Our Libraries serve as important hubs in our communities, and by brining bringing services here we’re able to meet our residents where they are.”
In conjunction with Arm In Arm, other social service agencies will be on site. On April 6, the Mercer County Board of Social Services, SNAP Navigator, PSE&G Community Outreach and the Lawrence Township Health Department will have informational tables. On April 13, the NJ Division on Civil Rights, the New Jersey Hospital Association, the Mercer County Nutrition Program and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ will have informational tables. On April 20, the Mercer County Board of Social Services, the Presbyterian Church Voting, DHS Community Outreach Program and Mount Carmel Guild will have informational tables. On April 27, the DHS Community Outreach Program and the Mercer County Superior Court will have informational tables. All visiting services will take place at the same time and place as the mobile food pantry (2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System).
Arm In Arm relies on volunteers to get food into the hands of those who need it most. Want to get involved? Contact Shariq Marshall at 609-508-7851, shariqm@arminarm.org.
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. For more information about the library’s programs call 609-883-8292, e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org or visit www.mcl.org.

The Gambler, the Writer, and Zelda: The History Behind The Girl in the Green Dress
2026-04-20 18:30 - 19:30
Join author Mariah Fredericks on Monday, April 20, 6:30 pm as she discusses her new mystery, inspired by the unsolved 1920 murder of Joseph Elwell. Through images and historical insight, Fredericks explores how she wove together the real-life stories of Elwell, Morris Markey, and Zelda Fitzgerald in her novel The Girl in the Green Dress — praised by The New York Times as “dazzling … a lively return to Jazz Age Manhattan.” Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

TrashedArt Contest Reception
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
The Mercer County Library System is hosting the 17th Annual TrashedArt Contest Reception on Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 pm. The contest celebrates Earth Day by encouraging patrons to turn ordinary trash into extraordinary art. Entries will be judged by MCLS staff and local professional artists. Library patrons will also have a chance to vote for People’s Choice award winners prior to the reception. Grand prize winners will be awarded for first, second and third places. The reception is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Advanced registration is appreciated for all events. Please register online on LibCal at https://mcl.org/. The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. For more information about the library’s programs, call 609-883-8292, e-mail lawprogs@mcl.org or visit www.mcl.org.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. For more information about the Friends of the Lawrence Library, please stop by the Lawrence Reference Desk. The Friends of the Lawrence Library help support programs such as book sales, book clubs, contests, crafts, events (such as this one), guest speakers, parties and workshops for adults, as well as character greetings, crafts, entertainers, events, parties and more for youth at the Library. Join the Friends of the Lawrence Library today!

Pennington Borough Arbor Day Celebration
2026-04-24 09:30 - 10:30 | Toll Gate Grammar School, 275 South Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
For 38 years now, Pennington Borough in New Jersey has been recognized as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. Celebrating Arbor Day with a public tree planting and proclamation is one of the four steps needed to receive this recognition.
This year on Friday, April 24th, the first graders at Toll Gate Grammar School will gather once again with their teachers and the members of Pennington’s Shade Tree Committee to plant a tree, and to learn about the importance of tree care. The event will take place around 9:30 am, at the intersection of East Curlis Avenue and Abey Drive, just down the road from Toll Gate. Families, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.
Mayor James Davy will issue a proclamation to commemorate Arbor Day, and will encourage residents to support efforts to protect trees, woodlands and our urban forestry program.
The Pennington Shade Tree Committee consists of seven volunteers, along with members of the Public Works department and a Council liaison. The trained committee is responsible for maintaining the health and diversity of the borough’s urban forest and street trees.

Spring Rummage Sale at St. Matthew's Pennington
2026-04-24 13:00 - 2026-04-25 12:00 | St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 300 S. Main St, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Join us for a community Rummage Sale at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church featuring a wide variety of treasures! April 24 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and April 25 from 9 a.m. to Noon at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 300 S. Main St., Pennington. Clothing (women’s, men’s children’s, and baby’s), shoes, jewelry, housewares, collectibles & linens, children’s games and toys, electronics, tools, yard & sports equipment and more! There’s something for everyone. Come browse and shop for great finds and bargains! Free street parking & no entry fee. More information about the spring rummage sale, including donation guidelines and event details, is available at stmatthewspennington.org/rummage-sales.
Cash/check/credit card accepted.

James Popik and Supernova at the new Hopewell Valley Stage
2026-04-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Hopewell Valley Stage, 5 S. Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
James Popik and Supernova play classic and modern jazz with a jam vibe. Popik’s last release received Grammy® consideration, and group members tour internationally and appear on major label recordings. Supernova brings the groove and FUN. You just might wanna dance!
Run Time: 90 minutes
Doors Open: 45 minutes prior to show time

Job Fair @ Trenton Thunder
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Trenton Thunder Ballpark, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ, 08611, United States
Hiring for:
•Usher/Ticket Taker
•Bat Boy
•Concessions (Dishwasher & Kitchen help)
Join the Trenton Thunder team and become a part of the Thunder Entertainment Experience during the 2026 Thunder Season! We have exciting opportunities available in various positions throughout our entire operation.
If you’re 16 years of age or older, we want you to join our motivated, outgoing, and energetic team. Work in a family-friendly entertainment atmosphere and make a positive impact on your community. Apply now and become a valued member of the Thunder family!

NJ-D12 Congressional Forum
2026-04-25 10:00 - 23:30 | Mercer County Community College
Congressional Forum for candidates running for D-12. Election Day is June 2, 2026
Saturday, April 25th at 10:00am come hear the candidates answer questions that matter to you and your community.

How to Create a Pollinator Garden for Beginners
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join the Hopewell Valley Community Wildlife Habitat Program on Saturday, April 25, 10:30 am at Hopewell Branch for a fun and informative session on starting your own pollinator garden. Learn all about the importance of pollinators and how you can attract them to your garden. Expert speakers will guide you through the process step by step. You will learn how to start a garden of any size (even if you are new to gardening), why now is the time to start your garden and how to create a low maintenance garden that you’ll love. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while beautifying your outdoor space. Registration is requested.

Hopewell Stage presents James Popik And Supernova
2026-04-25 20:00 - 21:30
High energy classic and modern jazz. Popik’s Sourland Symphony was picked up by Wayfarer Records and was on the first ballot for Grammy consideration. Here he brings his funky jamming outfit Supernova for a night of danceable grooves and serious fun.

Community Clothing Swap
2026-04-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Wull & Oak, 10 E Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
The much-anticipated 2nd Annual Spring Community Clothing Swap is back, bringing together sustainable fashion lovers, local businesses, and neighbors for an inspiring afternoon of style, music, and community connection. This feel-good event invites attendees to refresh their wardrobes in an eco-conscious way. If you have beautiful clothing pieces tucked away that no longer fit your life, now is the perfect time to give them a second chance. Your unworn items could become someone else’s new favorite find.
The swap operates on a simple one-for-one model, with participants welcome to bring up to 10 nearly new women’s clothing items, including accessories and shoes. All items should be clean, in excellent condition, and something you’d be excited to discover yourself.
Supporting a Meaningful Cause
All proceeds from the event will benefit Seeds to Sew, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable income opportunities for women and funding education for girls in rural Kenya.
Featured Event Partners
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore and engage with a curated lineup of local partners:

Swap 4 Change – Supporting community-based swap initiatives
Cool Breeze Farm – Featuring a Spring Tulip Pop-Up & Bloom Bar from Hopewell’s organic flower farm
Hue Studio Hopewell – Offering personal color analysis services
Dress Reform – Showcasing timeless women’s fashion through vintage and one-of-a-kind reworked pieces, plus custom dye services available on-site

What Your Registration Includes

Entry to the Clothing Swap (up to 10 items)
10% off all Wull & Oak purchases on the day of the event
A complimentary piece of paper-bead jewelry from Seeds to Sew
Light refreshments and a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere

How It Works

Purchase your registration (all proceeds benefit Seeds to Sew) https://wullandoak.com/products/apr-26-community-clothing-swap-details-coming-soon
Clean out your closet and select up to 10 high-quality items
Arrive by 11:00 AM to check in and drop off items
The swap begins promptly at 11:30 AM — early arrival is encouraged for the best selection
At the end of the event, unclaimed items will be donated to the Hopewell Community Closet, or you may choose to take them home

Introduction to the Art of Arabic Calligraphy
2026-04-28 18:30 - 19:30
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month on Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pm with calligrapher Elinor A. Holland. Explore the history, meaning, and traditional practices of Arabic script calligraphy, including the Arabic alphabet, global lettering styles, and classic tools. The program concludes with a live calligraphy demonstration showcasing this ancient and beautiful art form. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Mercer County Library System for a celebration of National Poetry Month. Mercer County Library System continues this popular program on Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 pm for its fourth year, featuring local poets reading their own work or a favorite published poem. All are invited to attend an enjoyable evening of poetry! Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Bike to Happy Photo Challenge
2026-05-01 08:00 - 17:00
Celebrate National Bike Month this May by joining the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association’s “Bike to Happy Photo Challenge,” a month-long event encouraging residents to explore their communities by bike.
Participants are invited to ride to different destinations each week — including nature spots, workplaces or schools, local eateries, and historic sites — and snap a photo with their bike that captures the joy of cycling.
Each week features a new theme, and riders can submit photos for a chance to win prizes from local sponsors. Participants are also encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #BikeToHappy.
The challenge is open to all ages and takes place throughout May across Mercer County and surrounding areas. It’s designed to promote healthy, sustainable transportation while helping participants discover new places in their communities.
Registration is required to participate.
When: May (all month)Where: Locations throughout Mercer County and nearby communitiesCost: FreeRegister: gmtma.org/biking/bike-month/
Challenge page: https://gmtma.org/biking/bike-month/
Press release: https://gmtma.org/get-ready-to-ride-gmtma-launches-bike-to-happy-photo-challenge-for-national-bike-month/

Wellness Walk - Point Breeze
2026-05-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Point Breeze, 101 Park Street, Bordentown City, NJ, 08505, United States
We will explore some of the history of this fascinating estate during this walk on beautiful Point Breeze! In case of inclement weather, check the marsh website; any cancellations will be listed before 9 am on the day of the event. A light drizzle will not cancel. Program is free, but registration is required.
Please note: By participating in this event, you are giving the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands, its representatives and staff, permission to record or take photographs of you during the event. Photographs may be used for educational or marketing purposes, in print or electronically. If you register and find you cannot attend, please remember to cancel your ticket as many of our events have a waitlist.

Vineyard Pig Roast
2026-05-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes, NJ, 08551, United States
Friday, May 1st, 6:30pm
Join us for our kickoff to the warm season! Enjoy a delectable roast pig with accompaniments and sides from Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell; listen to live bluegrass by Free Soil; an open wine bar with select Unionville wines; barrel tastes of our 2025 Pinot Noirs.
$85 per person, plus tax. $75 for STAMPED and Unionville Fine Vine Social Club members – discount code to be sent via email. Event will be held rain or shine, under the tent on the patio.
Tickets cannot be refunded within two weeks out from the event. Tickets and information can be found at: https://unionvillevineyards.com/collections/event-tickets/products/2026-vineyard-pig-roast

Journeys
2026-05-01 19:00 - 20:30 | St. James Church, 115 E. Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ, United States
The Hopewell Valley Chorus’s spring concert offers a beautiful program of songs about journeys through the world and in the heart. The concert also features a performance by Hopewell Central High School senior Ivan Plazonic, a classical saxophonist, who will be awarded the chorus’s 2026 music scholarship.

30th Anniversary Latin Creations
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Mill Ballet, 46 N Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA, 18938, United States
Roxey Ballet presents Latin Creations, an extraordinary evening of dance celebrating Latino-Hispanic and Afro-Caribbean culture through the voices of BIPOC choreographers. As part of Roxey Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Season, this dynamic program features three compelling works, including the world premiere of Jibaro, choreographed by Artistic Director Mark Roxey.
The evening also includes Frida Kahlo, inspired by the life of the iconic Mexican artist, and Mary Luz, based on the writings of Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni. With choreography by Mark Roxey and Giovanni Ravelo, the performance offers a powerful blend of storytelling, culture, and movement that highlights identity, heritage, and lived experience.
Latin Creations takes place on Friday, May 1st at 7:00 PM at 46 N Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA. Tickets are $25 ($15 for children 18 and under), with an optional $5 donation in celebration of Roxey Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Season.

American Repertory Ballet presents AMERICANA
2026-05-01 19:00 - 2026-05-03 16:00 | New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
Cue the fireworks! American Repertory Ballet’s 2025/26 season finale at NBPAC will shine bright with AMERICANA — a vibrant mixed-repertoire performance that celebrates the spirit of our country in honor of its 250th anniversary. This dynamic program features two iconic works by George Balanchine – Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux and an excerpt from Stars and Stripes, with music by John Philip Sousa. Plus two World Premieres by ARB Company Dancer Michelle Quiner and ARB’s acclaimed Artist in Residence Ethan Stiefel which will have audiences jumping to their feet with patriotic pride.

Princeton University Sinfonia Spring Concert
2026-05-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
Join Dr. Ruth Ochs and the Princeton University Sinfonia on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus for their Spring concert which will feature Respighi’s Fountains of Rome and Bartok’s Hungarian Sketches.
The performance will also highlight student soloists and composers with world premieres by Romit Kundagrami ’26, dreaming on the steps of a seaside temple, and Jacob Jackson ’26, Axle Grease, with soloists Brady Katano ’29 and Ryan Zimmitti ’27, saxophones. In addition, the concert includes Louis Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto No. 3, Derek Edwards ’26, soloist, and Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet, Ethan Spain ’26, soloist. The Sinfonia Flute (Dr. Sarah Shin, director) and Clarinet Ensembles (Jo-Ann Sternberg, director) will also perform.
Tickets to the concert are $16 general admission/$6 students and are available online at tickets.princeton.edu or at the door. For more information call 609-258-4241 or visit https://music.princeton.edu/events/2026/sinfonia-concert.

Lawrence Hopewell Trail Complete the Loop 5k
2026-05-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Rosedale Park, 422 Federal City Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join the Lawrence Hopewell Trail for the first annual Complete the Loop 5k & Fun Run – a community event welcoming runners, walkers, and families while supporting the LHT’s mission to complete the 20-mile loop.

Pennington Community-Wide Yard Sale
2026-05-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Pennington Borough, Pennington, NJ, United States
Town-wide yard sale in Pennington – rain or shine on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9am to 2pm. Check out the flyer for map URL.

Spring Card Making 2026
2026-05-02 10:30 - 12:45 | Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Spring Card Making For Adults
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Session 1: 10:30-11:30 AM
Session 2: 11:45-12:45 PM
@ Pennington Public Library, 30 N Main St, Pennington, NJ
In this adult program you will transform simple cardstock into heartfelt masterpieces! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll explore the tactile world of rubber stamping and beautiful layering.
Alicia of Inked Edge Paper Art will guide you through:

Stamping Techniques: Master the art of clean, vibrant impressions.

Creative Construction: Learn layering and folding methods that add depth and wow factor to your work.

Custom Curation: Mix and match tools to design one-of-a-kind cards for birthdays, thank-yous, or “just because.”
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or have never picked up a stamp in your life, you’ll leave with beautiful, handmade cards and the skills to keep creating at home. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity!
Alicia Vincelette has been an avid cardmaker for 29 years with a passion for teaching others to create cards using a variety of mediums. In her Inked Edge Paper Art classes she has taught all levels of card making from beginner to advanced for over 25 years. Teaching the different techniques for card making has brought her great joy as she transforms paper into an art form.

Hopewell Township Cultural Festival
2026-05-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Hopewell Township and Culture Connections invites you to our Third Annual Cultural Festival! There will be food, vendors, performances, fun and more! Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
Want to get involved? https://www.hopewelltwp.org/DocumentCenter/View/17257/Ways-to-Get-Involved—Cultural-Festival?bidId=

Voices Chorale: An American Tapestry - Voices of Many
2026-05-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Trinity Church, Princeton, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, United States, 08540, United States
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our annual spring concert weaves together music from many corners of the American choral landscape. Works by iconic composers such as Randall Thompson, Aaron Copland, and Morten Lauridsen appear alongside African American spirituals, selections from the American Songbook, and music by contemporary women composers.
The featured work on the program is “The Hope of Loving” by contemporary composer Jake Runestad, a moving composition expressing compassion and the bond of our shared humanity.
Together, these pieces reflect themes of community, perseverance, faith, and hope that form the tapestry of the American experience.
At a time when dialogue about the country’s past and future continues to evolve, this program offers a moment to reflect on shared values and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
