MercerMe

Free-a-Tree Follow-Up
2026-06-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Spring Lake @ Roebling Park, Spring Lake , Hamilton, NJ, 08610, United States
This Earth Day, volunteers worked to remove invasive plants from native trees in Roebling Park. Join us for a follow-up visit to check on the trees freed and help with any additional clearing.
If you did not attend the first event, you are still welcome to sign up!
This is a Mercer County Park Commission Program. Register using the link on the event site.

4th of July Carshow, Community Concert, and Fireworks
2026-06-27 17:30 - 23:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association will host An Evening Under the Stars on Saturday, June 27, at Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Hopewell Township.
The free community event will feature a classic and custom car exhibit beginning at 4 p.m., live music by Castle Lane at 6 p.m., and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment. Car exhibitors must arrive by 3 p.m. for setup. Commercial vehicles are not permitted in the exhibit.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, June 28.
Admission is free. Donations are welcomed and help fund the fireworks display. No tax dollars are used to support the event.
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Hidden History of the Revolution
2026-06-28 14:00 - 2026-06-29 16:00 | NJ
Did you know the Revolutionary War’s most vital secrets were unfolding right in your own backyard?
🔍✨After a wildly successful opening night, the East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery invites you to step back in time this weekend for our gripping new exhibit: “Hidden History of the Revolution”.
General George Washington and his network of daring spies traversed the very roads we drive today. From secret espionage codes to the women who helped win the war, our local region—including Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, and Sussex Counties—was at the very heart of the fight for independence.🇺🇸
What You’ll Discover:
⚔️ Revolutionary-era weaponry and artifacts
🤫 Washington’s covert spy networks and secret codes
🗺️ Safe passageways and sheltered travel locations throughout Amwell (1776)
📜 The women of the Revolution and the signers of the Declaration
🕰️ When: This Weekend, June 28th & 29th | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Where: East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery, 1053 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ (At the entrance to Marion F. Clawson Memorial Park)
🎟️ Admission: Free! (Donations always appreciated)
Bring your friends, bring your family, and uncover the local legends that shaped a nation. It’s the perfect, bite-sized weekend excursion—drop in for an hour of awe and local pride!
As always, enjoy an assortment of chocolates and bubbly during your visit.

Middle School Drop-in Sports
2026-07-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Hopewell Elementary School, 35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, 08525
For students going into 5th grade through rising 8th graders. Meets at Hopewell Elementary School Basketball Court.
Join our high school staff members for an hour and a half of endless fun. With our wide variety of equipment, we can play whatever you want. Come with friends and be ready to make new ones.
Bring water. Snacks served. Registration required.
A permission slip will be sent upon registration.

Titusville 4th of July Parade
2026-07-04 12:00 - 14:00 | Titusville, Titusville, NJ, United States
The Titusville 4th of July Committee will once again host the annual 4th of July Parade. You can find updates here: https://www.ttv4th.org/

Morven Museum & Garden's Annual Free Fourth of July Festival
2026-07-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
It’s the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July! Come celebrate community and reflect on America’s past at Morven Museum & Garden (home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence), and the Princeton Battlefield State Park (site of a pivotal victory in the Revolutionary War).
Activities at both sites are free and open to the public, and the museum at Morven will be open free of charge. Highlights at Morven include: a dramatic reading of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” with award-winning poet David Mills; contemporary music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe and period music with John Burkhalter of the Practitioners of Musick; tours of Morven’s historic gardens; Civic Education Station artmaking and crafts; activities with community partners: Princeton Public Library, Princeton YWCA, Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, Not In Our Town Princeton, and People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos; Open archives with the Historical Society of Princeton; facepainting with Maya B. The Facepaint Fairy; a chance to sign the Declaration of Independence; food trucks, lawn games, and door prizes!
The 2026 Fourth of July Festival is made possible through the generous support of our Lead Sponsor Fulton Bank.

Kids Paint Like the Masters
2026-07-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Do you love art? Each week, we will learn about a different master artist and then create a project inspired by their work. For children ages 5 and up. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required.
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2:00 pm

Arm In Arm Mobile Food Pantry
2026-07-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-20 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, July 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.
“Collaborations with organizations like Arm in Arm allow us to provide essential assistance to residents who need it most,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “Our Libraries allow us to meet Mercer County residents where they are and provide them with the services necessary to thrive in our communities”
In conjunction with Arm In Arm, other social service agencies will be on site. On July 6, the Mercer County Board of Social Services will have an informational table. On July 13, the New Jersey Hospital Association, SNAP Navigator, Presbyterian Church Voting and the Lawrence Township Health Department will have informational tables. On July 20, the Mercer County Board of Social Services will have an informational table. On July 27, the Lawrence Township Health Department will have an informational table. 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.

Unearth your Creativity with Art Sparks
2026-07-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Art Sparks, 33 Railroad Place, Hopewell, 08525, United States
Unearth your creativity! Art Sparks is back with a fun project to celebrate our “Unearth a Story” summer reading theme.
Registration required as space is limited.

Lee’s Circus Extravaganza
2026-07-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Enjoy a fun interactive Juggling Extravaganza performed by Lee. He will juggle balls, pins, spin plates, and even jump rope on a unicycle! For children ages 11 and under, with their caregiver or family. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required.

SUMMER READING SOIRÉE: A FOUNDING MOTHER
2026-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. The New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie will discuss and sign copies of A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams.
A popular library tradition since 2016, the annual Summer Reading Soirée features sparkling beverages, sorbet, sweet treats, as well as door prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the opportunity to mingle with library staff and fellow book lovers, share favorite recent reads and discover new titles to add to their summer reading lists. The soirée also offers a chance to stroll through the beautiful grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. Seating is limited; register early.
Previous books co-written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie include bestselling novels America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.

Movie in the Park: An American Tail
2026-07-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
This 1986 movie follows the journey of Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse who becomes separated from his family while immigrating to America in search of freedom and opportunity. Set in late-1800s New York, this heartwarming animated film celebrates hope, perseverance, and the belief that dreams are possible in a new land.

Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road
2026-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | NJ
Explore the history of Route 66 and the experiences of everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along the Mother Road during its heyday. It is informed by a collection of 100 oral histories recently compiled by the Illinois State Museum. Presented by Erika Holst, Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
Thursday, July 9, 6:00 pm

Poetry Circle: America 250 Poetry Reading and Discussion
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join us for a special Poetry Reading and discussion on Thursday, July 9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm as we explore the many voices that shape our nation. We’ll share poems such as Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing,” Langston Hughes’s “I, Too,” Maya Angelou’s “America,” Philip Freneau’s “The American Soldier,” Stephen Dunn’s “The Sacred,” and Gregory Djanikian’s “Immigrant Picnic.” We will also honor our Poetry Circle presenters, who have led discussions for over a decade, at this special occasion. Librarian Sharon will lead this session. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration is requested.

Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Revolutionary War Pension Files
2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Through a collaboration between the National Archives and the National Park Service, this archive contains valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their families. On Saturday, July 11, 10:00 – 11:30 am, you may find copies of marriage or other family records, information pertaining to military activities or details about soldiers’ lives, along with letters, diaries, or family trees. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number are available on site. Registration is requested.

Unearthing America’s Past 250th with a Colonial Craft
2026-07-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Hopewell Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Step back in time in this hands-on workshop. Participants will design and create their own lavender sachets. Perfect to tuck in drawers or give as a gift. Registration Required.

Clay & Culture: A Journey through Asian Ceramics
2026-07-15 18:30 - 19:30 | NJ
This insightful tour of the Asian Art Museum’s collection traces the development of ceramic art from its ancient origins, revealing the wide-ranging influence of Chinese ceramics on ceramic traditions across Asia and worldwide. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.
Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 pm

Speaker series: African Americans During the Revolutionary Era
2026-07-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
This lecture explores the participation of people of African descent in the Revolutionary movement and considers the sometimes-overlooked issues of how the American Revolution affected them. Individual contributions will also be examined with special attention to African Americans in New Jersey.
Lindsey R. Swindall holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies and has published three books and numerous articles in that field. Two of her books, Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art and The Politics of Paul Robeson’s Othello, focus on New Jersey artist and activist Paul Robeson. She is a Teaching Associate Professor of Writing and Humanities in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. From 2017-2019, she was a fellow with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ public scholar program, where she facilitated programs on race and U.S. history at venues across New Jersey with actor Grant Cooper.
Co-sponsored by the Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, and the Hopewell Public Library.
Registration required.

Cooks & Books: Tea Rex!
2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ, United States
Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 2 PM
Location: Pennington United Methodist Church 60 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ
Spark the imagination of your favorite young chef in this hands-on literary and culinary experience!
First, we will read Tea Rex by Molly Idle. Then we’ll cook up a recipe inspired by the book- orange cardamom cupcakes and orange chai cream soda!
Recommended for ages 5-10.
Registration required.
About our Presenters: Sticky Fingers Cooking has been guiding young chefs since 2011. They offer cooking classes and camps both in-person and online. Visit StickyFingersCooking.com to learn more!

Summer Jazz Concert Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary
2026-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Mercer County Library – Lawrence Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
On Thursday, July 16, from 7 to 8 p.m, Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic evening of jazz at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System.
Enjoy the warm, swinging sound of Ambiance Duo, featuring Bob Smith on clarinet and Debbie Smith on bass, joined by trumpeter Dennis Ionata. Performing together for more than 45 years, the musicians will present beloved American classics including “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” along with jazz favorites such as “When You’re Smiling,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies.”
The Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System is located at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Advanced registration is appreciated for all events. Please register online on LibCal at mcl.org.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.

Frozen Party with an Olaf Meet and Greet
2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Join us for some frozen fun at the library! Meet and greet Olaf! Enjoy Frozen themed crafts and activities. Feel free to dress up in your favorite costume. For children ages 11 and under with their caregivers. Adult supervision is required. Registration is required. Friday, July 17, 10:30 am

Thursday Adventures at the Hopewell Public Library
2026-07-17 13:30 - 16:00 | Hopewell Public Library, 13 E Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Join us in the Hopewell Public Library’s Children’s Room on Thursdays for an activity led by our Teen Assistants. School-age children can enjoy a new adventure each week through hands-on activities inspired by our summer theme.

Pennington Farmers Market
2026-07-18 09:00 - 13:00 | NJ
Pennington Farmers Market features organic produce, prepared foods, flowers, bread & baked goods, granola, honey, mushrooms, wine, and hand-made items. Enjoy music from Three to Get Ready——a roots music trio, playing a lively mix of Western Swing, Blues, Country and Bluegrass folk music. We’re on rain or shine!

Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience
2026-07-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619, United States
Grounds For Sculpture partners with Third Way Cultural Alliance to present Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, and Jamaaladeen Tacuma.
The evening will feature new music from the legendary Marshall Allen from Sun Ra Arkestra and avant-garde bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Allen and Tacuma will debut new music from Allen’s unreleased album 101: An Audio Odyssey, within Salvador Jiménez-Flores’s exhibition Raíces & Resistencias. The evening will ebb and flow between live performances and intimate conversation with the musicians and artist, Salvador Jiménez-Flores, discussing the importance of creative freedom, moderated by Nicole Sweeney of WRTI radio. Cash bar with light bites available at the Van Gogh Cafe. Cafe closes at 9:30PM.
Exclusive first copies of 101: An Audio Odyssey are available for purchase with your ticket and will be on sale at the event. Please note, copies of the album are limited, pre-orders are encouraged. No cameras or recordings are allowed. Guests are welcome to explore the gardens before the program.

Mingle in the Marsh: Mocktails
2026-07-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton, NJ
Looking for ways to get creative and socialize? Join this Friends program and enjoy a fun workshop on learning how to make mocktails made from herbs that grow locally.
No registration required.

Dig In! Mocktails & Munchies: Classic Paloma & Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
2026-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Mercer County Library – Hopewell Branch, 245 Pennington Titusville Road, Pennington, NJ, United States
Dig into refreshing sips and tasty bites! Each month, we’ll pair a mocktail with an accompanying snack. This month’s delectable pairing: Classic Paloma & Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad). Join us to unearth your new favorite mocktail pairing! All attendees will have the chance to sample our pairing and leave with copies of the recipes. Registration is required; space is limited.
Monday, July 20, 2:00 pm
Hopewell Branch
245 Pennington-Titusville Road
Pennington, NJ 08534
