It’s finally here. We get to enjoy warm weather and everything that comes with it, from blooming flowers and the buzz of nature, to outdoor adventures and exploration, to summer festivals and fireworks.

The beauty of living and working in the Princeton-Mercer area is that you don’t have to travel to enjoy summer with your family. Here is a small sampling of family events and activities that await you this summer!

Mercer County Cultural Festival

The Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage, County Executive Dan Benson, and the Board of County Commissioners present the 12th Annual Cultural Festival and Food Truck Rally, a free event at Mercer County Park in West Windsor on Saturday, June 8 from 11 am to 7 pm. Enjoy live music and dance performances, art demonstrations, and an incredible selection of cuisine from different cultures!

L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair

Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D) presents the L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair at Mercer County Park in West Windsor from Friday, June 28 through Sunday, July 7, 2024. Bring the family for food, rides, games, and more while supporting the L.E.A.D. mission to create safer, healthier communities free of drugs, bullying, and violence.

Bayonets and Baguettes

Take the Bayonets and Baguettes Self-Guided Tour and make 18 stops through history. Lead friends and family to Aaron Burr, Jr.’s childhood home, where Alexander Hamilton shot that famous cannonball, and check out the site of Princeton’s Tea Party, the monument of a feisty relative of Reese Witherspoon, the nation’s first Capitol, and more. You’ll also enjoy a gourmet-themed picnic midway through the tour in downtown Princeton.

Bronco Live

See legendary Mexican music group Bronco at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton on August 17. With their famous cowboy jumpsuits, hats, and boots, Bronco mixes traditional norteño sounds with elements of pop and modern instruments to create their signature sound and energize fans around the world.

Fireworks!

As of this writing, the following fireworks displays in the Princeton-Mercer area have been announced:

  • June 28 at Rider University in Lawrence Township
  • July 1 at Veteran’s Park in Hamilton Township
  • July 3 at Joseph Lawrence Park in Bordentown

More Family Fun!

Want to Save on Family Entertainment This Summer?

Spending quality time with family and trying new experiences doesn’t have to be expensive. Fortunately, many of the activities listed here are inexpensive or free. To save money this summer, look for coupons and special offers, follow local business pages on social media, sign up for email lists, and pick up entertainment books with discounts from local businesses. And don’t forget to visit our public libraries, which are frequently overlooked sources of wonderful activities and new experiences!

You can also create your own activities, whether you go for a walk in the park, start a garden, or plan a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood. Consider getting a group together to volunteer for a local nonprofit organization with a mission that aligns with your values and passions!

Go to the Visit Princeton-Mercer Convention and Visitors Bureau website for more ideas for family fun this summer!