MercerMe

Middle School Drop-in Sports
2026-08-05 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-08-12 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-08-19 16:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Hornets, Wasps and Bees, Oh My!
2026-08-05 19:00 - 20:00
People are beginning to appreciate bees (or at least fear them a little less) but the same can’t always be said for their much-maligned cousins, the hornets and wasps. Yet these insects play vital roles in our ecosystem and are important allies in our gardens. Join Sabrina Tirpak, Laboratory Researcher at the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, for an informative look at the biology of bees, hornets, and wasps. Learn how to identify and distinguish some of the species commonly found in our yards, discover the valuable work they do, and separate facts from fiction as common myths about these often-misunderstood insects are dispelled. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Speakers Series: Pooh’s Backstory – Presented by Ian Burrow
2026-08-05 19:00 - 20:15 | Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of the first of the two Winnie the Pooh story collections (The House at Pooh Corner followed in 1928). Written by successful English author and playwright Alan Alexander Milne, these stories (and the two volumes of poetry that went with them) have delighted and enchanted four generations all over the world.
These wildly successful, humorous and gently instructive tales, however, ended up harming both the author and his son Christopher Robin. A.A. Milne bitterly felt (correctly) that his more important work was always overshadowed by these children’s stories. Christopher Robin came to believe that A.A. Milne “had filched from me my good name and had left me with nothing but the empty fame of being his son.”
But behind this sadness there is a silver lining of happiness and enchantment. Starting with the adoption of a black bear named Winnie by a World War I Canadian soldier, the story moves to the gift of a stuffed teddy bear to an 18-month-old Christopher Robin. This Winnie was soon joined by Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga and Baby Roo, and Tigger.
In 1925 the Milnes purchased Cotchford Farm in Ashdown Forest in Sussex, south of London. It was in this unique landscape, so lovingly and accurately portrayed by talented cartoonist Ernest Shepard, that the stories are firmly and indelibly set, and where Christopher Robin spent many happy times. Pompous Owl and bossy Rabbit joined the other animals there.
This presentation will explore these and other themes in the saga of Pooh, and will take us to the Six Pine Trees, the Sandy Pit Where Roo Plays, the Poohsticks Bridge, and the New York Public Library. Please bring your own Pooh toys and remembrances. Just don’t blame Eeyore if it rains.
About the Speaker:
Archaeologist and historian Ian Burrow is a long-time Hopewell resident and lifelong fan of Pooh. Previous presentations in this series have included British Attitudes to the American Revolution and Foursquare Houses in Hopewell.
Registration is required for this event.

Thursday Drop-In Adventures at Hopewell Public Library
2026-08-06 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 Thursday 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.

Unearthing the Story of Lenape Arrowheads
2026-08-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Hopewell Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Become an archaeologist for the day! Dive into a hands-on adventure as you examine a treasure trove of 100 actual Lenape arrowheads and spear points on their way to the Hopewell Museum. You’ll hunt for clues to unlock their secret names, ages, and stone types, unearthing the fascinating story of Lenape culture through these ancient artifacts!

Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Hopewell Branch Library – MCL, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, 08534, United States
Join us to transcribe case files on sightings of unidentified flying objects of Project Blue Book, the U.S. Air Force investigation into UFOs that were sighted between June 1947 and December 1969. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number will be available. Please register at events.mcl.org. Registration is requested.

Pizza Making Event
2026-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Fairgrown Farm, 260 Wargo Rd, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Pick fresh ingredients from Fairgrown Farms fields and make your own pizza with Nomad Pizza truck in this hands-on workshop.

Pick-Your-Own Pizza Making
2026-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Fairgrown Farm, 260 Wargo Rd, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Pick fresh ingredients from Fairgrown Farm’s fields, then make your own pizza with Nomad Pizza’s truck in this hands-on workshop.

Cicada Mania
2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton, NJ
The insect world is all around us. Cicadas can be seen and heard all throughout the marsh!
Let’s search for cicada exoskeletons while learning about the life cycle of these ‘invaders from underground’ which are quite harmless.
This is a Mercer County Park Commission Program. Registration required using the link on the event site.

Ooika- Matcha Cafe Grand Reopening event on August 9, Lawrenceville
2026-08-09 13:00 - 16:00 | OOIKA LAWRENCEVILLE, 2661 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
Matcha. Music. Calligraphy. Community.
Ooika’s Lawrenceville cafe is officially back.
Come celebrate with DJ It’s Just Ahmad on the porch, Japanese calligraphy, Justin Bakes, handmade soaps, and a ribbon-cutting with Mayor Christopher Bobbitt at 1:30 PM.

This Weekend: Cool Off Exploring the Revolution
2026-08-09 14:00 - 16:00 | east Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery, 1053 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ, 08551
Come by, cool off, and experience the Revolutionary War where it actually happened — on the very roads and landscapes that still carry the echoes of the Revolution.
WHEN: This Saturday & Sunday, Aug 8th and 9th 🕑TIME: 2 PM – 4 PM 📍 WHERE: East Amwell Historical Society Museum & Gallery at the historic Clawson House, 1053 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 💫 Featuring: Hidden History of the Revolution — our acclaimed exhibit revealing the stories you were never taught.
Take a cool break from the 90‑degree weekend and step inside the cool comfort of our gallery. During your visit, indulge and enjoy chocolates & bubbly, wander through the rooms, and discover the Revolutionary War as it unfolded right here, across the New Jersey roads you’re traveling this weekend.
After your tour, slip into the parlor room for a 16‑minute film tracing Washington’s footsteps — from crossing the Delaware to winning the Revolution — while enjoying fresh popcorn from our antique popcorn popper. A perfect little movie moment with the full experience, right inside the museum.
🗝️ Highlights you’ll see: • The women and free Black Men of the New Jersey colony who voted long before the other 12 colonies could • Our five New Jersey signers and their complicated legacy • The roads Washington traveled through Old Amwell and New Jersey and Bucks County Pa • The places Washington rested, fed his horses, and wrote his letters • Spies and espionage operating in our neighborhoods • The couriers who rode 60 miles a day carrying coded messages • The local taverns where rebellion was planned • The artifacts that survived the war right here in Old Amwell and throughout the surrounding NJ Counties and Bucks county, Pa.
🎟️ Admission: Free — donations appreciated 💛 This exhibit leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. It’s powerful and unforgettable.
Hope to see you this weekend!
The East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery

Movie in the Park: National Treasure
2026-08-12 08:00 - 23:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
Grab your blanket, chairs, and popcorm. Come out and enjoy movies with friends and neighbors for a free viewing of National Treasure (PG) at Woolsey Park on Wednesday, August 12. Parking opens at 8pm and show begins at 8:30pm. National Treasure follows historian Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) on an exciting hunt for a legendary treasure hidden by America’s Founding Fathers. Packed with history, puzzles, and adventure, it’s a fun, family-friendly journey through iconic American landmarks.

Preserving the Untold History of Chinese Grocers in the Delta: A Documentary Screening and Discussion
2026-08-12 19:00 - 20:00
During the Jim Crow era in the American South, an untold narrative unfolded that defied the traditional Black-White binary of Southern history: the history of Chinese grocers in the Mississippi Delta. Emerging filmmaker and Hopewell resident Bryan Zhao examines this rich, forgotten legacy in Eighty Years at Young’s. Centered on an 80-year-old grocery store in Earle, Arkansas, the film weaves together past and present via oral histories, community interviews, and archival photographs to detail the impact of the region’s few remaining Chinese-owned grocery stores. Join us for a virtual screening of the film followed by an engaging discussion with Zhao about his documentary research process, the legacy of Delta grocers, and his work in AAPI advocacy and community solidarity. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

River Dance Film Festival
2026-08-14 19:00 - 2026-08-16 14:00 | Mill Ballet, 46 N Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA, 18938, United States
The River Dance Film Festival, presented as part of Roxey Ballet’s River Dance Festival 2026, takes place August 14–16, 2026 and celebrates the exciting fusion of dance and film. Featuring creative works from emerging and professional filmmakers and dancers from around the world, the festival showcases inspiring short dance films that blend movement, storytelling, music, and cinematic artistry. Audiences will experience a dynamic collection of innovative performances brought to life on screen throughout this vibrant weekend celebrating creativity, culture, and the power of dance.

Tomato and Corn Day at the Pennington Farmers Market
2026-08-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Rosedale Town & Country, 101 Rt 31 N, Pennington, NJ, 08534, United States
Celebrate sun-ripened tomatoes and sweet summer corn! Visitors can sample seasonal dishes, meet local growers, and celebrate the peak of harvest with food, music, and community. Music by Henry Hopf.

Teen DIY Dog Toy Service Project with Nico, a HVRSD School-Based Therapy Dog
2026-08-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Hopewell Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Teens, come meet Nico, a HVRSD School-Based Therapy Dog and his Human Partner Liz Machado. We will learn about the life and training of a Therapy Dog.
We will also be making DIY dog toys that will be passed along to a dog rescue. Any donations of old t-shirts, tennis balls, or empty water bottles that we can transform into dog toys are appreciated. We will also have supplies available for you to use.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. RSVP today!

2:D Needle Felting 101 - Dino Themed
2026-08-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopewell Public Library, 13 E Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, United States
For Adults
Have you ever wanted to pick up a felting needle but didn’t know where to start? This hour-and-a-half needle felting class will give beginners the basic knowledge of technique and provide the materials needed to make a felted sampler. We will have dino-themed cookie cutters available to use as stencils for a collage and a variety of colored wool to choose from. If you have favorite open-outline cookie cutters, feel free to bring them to add unique shapes to your sampler. This workshop will be led by Barbara MacGuigan, a local hobby artisan experienced in making 2-D needle-felted collage. Join us and start stabbing!
Space is limited. Registration is required.

The Junior & Senior Year Roadmap: A Timeline for Stress-Free College Applications
2026-08-17 19:00 - 20:00
Feeling overwhelmed by the college process? You’re not alone. Join independent educational consultant Gabrielle Cayton from Ready to Launch, Educational Consulting for a practical, jargon-free session that maps out exactly what to do – and when – from junior fall through senior spring. We’ll cover course planning, testing decisions, building a balanced college list, essays, financial aid, and comparing offers – plus how parents can support their teen without taking over. Already a senior? You’ll get focused guidance on application deadlines, supplements, the FAFSA, and weighing your offers — it’s not too late to finish strong. You’ll leave with a clear month-by-month plan. Perfect for students and parents at every stage. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

Voices Chorale Summer Sing and Auditions
2026-08-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Music Together Worldwide, 225 Pennington-Hopewell Rd, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Calling all singers! Voices Chorale NJ invites you to a joyful evening of music-making at our Annual Summer Sing. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or simply love to sing, come experience the fun and harmony of group singing—no strings attached!
We will sing through selections from Mozart’s​ ‘Coronation’ Mass in C Major, K. 317. Scores will be provided, and we’ll sweeten the evening with light refreshments and ice cream!
Meet our Artistic Director, Dr. David A. McConnell, sing alongside current members, and discover if Voices Chorale NJ is the right musical home for you.
Auditions will be held the same evening for those who would like to join—just contact us to schedule. All voice parts welcome!
Learn more at www.voiceschoralenj.org

Raphael: Artist and Visionary
2026-08-18 07:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Online
Raphael: Artist and Visionary
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 7 PM via Zoom
Registration required.
The Italian painter and architect Raphael became one of the defining figures of the High Renaissance — revered for his grace, harmony, and masterful balance of beauty and structure. His lyrical use of form, color, and composition not only defined an era but continues to shape our understanding of artistic perfection. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently exhibited more than 200 of his drawings, paintings, tapestries, and decorative works in a blockbuster retrospective exhibition.
If you could not get to the Met or you would like to know more, this presentation will provide a unique window into Raphael’s creative process and the depth of his artistic thinking.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Pennington Public Library and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council
About our Presenter: Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and World Languages and Cultures. Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.

Curator Corner: Congress Voting Independence
2026-08-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
During your lunch break, go behind-the-scenes of the museum with this free virtual talk by Morven Museum & Garden’s Curator & Registrar Jesse Gordon Simons, discussing the painting Congress Voting Independence.
Currently on display in Morven’s exhibition Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, this painting by Robert Edge Pine is the first known American depiction of the vote for Independence, predating the more famous version by John Trumbull on display in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda by more than thirty years. Congress Voting Independence is considered the most accurate known portrayal of the Assembly Room of Independence Hall, where the vote for independence was taken and where the Declaration was signed. Gordon Simons will discuss the painting’s history, competing narratives, and stories it represents.
Free! Link provided with registration.
Congress Voting Independence, 1796–1817. Probably Edward Savage (1761–1817) after Robert Edge Pine (1730–1788). Oil on canvas. Purchase, Historical Society of Pennsylvania / Atwater Kent Collection, Drexel University.

Concerts in the Park at Woolsey Park
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing- Pennington Road, Hopewell, NJ, United States
The Hopewell Township Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Concerts in the Park series this summer at Woolsey Park. These free outdoor concerts invite residents to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music with family and friends.
Parking opens at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
2026 concert dates:

Wednesday, July 22 – The Full Grown Men (classic rock and British Invasion favorites)

Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Pennington Station Band (acoustic rock and harmony-driven classics)

Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Princeton School of Rock House Band (student musicians from the Princeton School of Rock)

The concerts are free and open to the public.

Gene Kelly—Singing and Dancing in the Rain
2026-08-24 19:00 - 20:00
Gene Kelly is one of the most engaging and influential dancers in motion picture history. At a time when movie dance largely showcased elegant partners in motion, Kelly transformed both the nature of male dancing and the essential role of the camera in bringing dance to life on the big screen. Beginning in the 1940s, he created dozens of iconic numbers that helped define the American movie musical and continue to delight audiences of all ages. This presentation surveys Kelly’s remarkable achievements and explores his enduring impact on Hollywood dance. Presented by Brian Rose, Professor Emeritus at Fordham University. Please visit events.mcl.org to register to receive the link to the program.

International Overdose Awareness Day
2026-08-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Veterans Park, Hamilton, NJ, Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ, 08690, United States
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held annually in August that seeks to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of addiction and drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends when someone they love is fighting a battle with substance misuse.
At our International Overdose Awareness Day event, guests can expect a community gathering that features a formal program with local leaders, family members and folks in recovery sharing their experiences with changing the narrative of addiction. A memorial table will be present, where loved ones may bring photos or mementos to remember loved ones who have passed away. The evening ends with a Candlelight Vigil, offering a time for remembrance as event leaders share brief stories of hope in the midst of loss.

Los Tigres Del Norte
2026-08-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Cure Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ, United States
With more than five decades of an extraordinary career, multiple international awards, and a legacy that has shaped generations, Los Tigres del Norte return with a tour that celebrates their global impact and deep connection with audiences both inside and outside the United States.

Invasive Species Walk and Talk
2026-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton, NJ
Have you ever wondered about which plants and animals “don’t belong” in the Abbott Marshlands? Join us on a walk to point out those that have come and invaded the land.
We’ll discuss the New Jersey Invasive Species Management Act, learn what we can do to help document the spread of these plants, then practice in Roebling Park using iNaturalist.
This is a Mercer County Park Commission Program. Registration required us8ing the link in the event site.

Anirudh XV Tour: Live in New Jersey
2026-08-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Cure Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ, United States
After a SOLD-OUT HUKUM tour in North America in 2024, Anirudh is back!
Celebrating 15 years of music, the XV Tour arrives with bigger production, a brand-new setlist, and the unmatched energy fans know and love.
From timeless anthems to the latest chart-smashing hits, this is every era of Anirudh in one unforgettable night.
