Summer 2021 is here and with it is the return of many of our favorite outdoor events, including a few new ones! We're excited to welcome you all back to Mercer County. Here are all the great outdoor happenings around the towns.

Princeton Summer Outdoor Concert Series

Thomas Sweet, 183 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ

https://m.facebook.com/DragonflyBandNJ?v=events&event_action_context=%7B%7D

Bring a lawn chair or stretch out on the green next to Thomas Sweet. While you’re at it, you might as well grab some ice cream and enjoy a free evening of live music playing all your favorites. Check the link above for dates, times and details on the band!

Chocolate, Vanilla on a waffle cone

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/hungryhannah23/

McCarter Concerts in the Square

40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ

https://www.mccarter.org/tickets-events/palmer-square/

When: Sundays, 4pm - 6pm until June 20th; June 27th from 1pm - 5:30pm

Celebrate the return of free outdoor performances in the heart of Princeton! Enjoy live R&B, rock, pop, jazz, swing, country and more from locally based musicians making their McCarter debuts.

Shopping in the square

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/palmersquare/

Movies Nights on the Green

40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ

https://www.palmersquare.com/events/

Speaking of Palmer Square, be sure to mark your calendars for their outdoor movies. The first one is the movie SING on July 9th! Movies begin at dusk, and don't forget your blanket and/or lawn chair to socially distance your group on the green.

Movie night in a park with lawn chairs

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/palmersquare/

Trenton Thunder

1 Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ 08611

www.trentonthunder.com

Trenton Thunder is back at 100% capacity and is now home to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons! A perfect summer outing for all the fun foods (hotdogs, nachos, peanuts, cracker jackets…), cheers, laughs and family bonding.

Baseball game with social distance protocols

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/trentonthunder/

Music in the Park in Lawrenceville

Weeden Park, 2611 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ

When: Every Thursday at 6pm

Local music AND local food from chefs right in town. There's also drawings, community and of course some games and free fun for the kids.

A mental sculpture bird watching

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/_waxingmoon/

Winery Weekend Music Series

Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

https://www.terhuneorchards.com/events/

Weekends in June from 12pm - 5pm

Grab a glass of Terhune’s award-winning wine and enjoy relaxing music from local artists and light fare, including cheese platters and chips with homemade salsa to complete your weekend. During weekends in August, you can also enjoy a glass of their newly-bottles Sangria paired with fresh fruits. No admission fees and families are welcome. In July, be sure to check out their Sunset Sips & Sounds event every Friday evening! 

A smiling couple enjoying the Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune orchards in Princeton, NJ.

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/terhuneorchards/

 

Summertime on the Square

Palmer Square, 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542

Saturdays July - August, 12pm - 2pm

Every weekend while you're shopping or dining on the square, stop to enjoy live music from local artists. Music is a great uplifting tool and is well appreciated during this time. Get ready for music from acoustic strolling tunes to house bands!

An aerial view of palmer square for Summertime on the Square in Princeton, NJ.

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/palmersquare/

 

Grounds for Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

https://www.groundsforsculpture.org

Sunday - Saturday 10am - 6pm​

We were very excited to see GFS reopen this past summer so we’re planning on making the most of it this season. If you don’t know, this is a place where art comes to life. Walk along gazing at over 200 sculptures among a beautifully landscaped park with exotic trees and flowers. It’s a painting that has come to life and an experience that is needed right now. Tickets are required before arriving. You can purchase timed tickets online through their website. 

A family enjoying grounds for sculpture near Princeton, NJ.

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/groundsforsculpture/

 

Morven Museum & Garden

55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

https://www.morven.org

Morven has opened up their gallery and outdoor gardens for visitors looking to enjoy its history. There are several gardens to be entranced by that represent its historical past. Step inside to see their gallery that opens up a window into America’s past. As home to one of the signers of Declaration of Independence and five New Jersey governors, there’s a story to be told and it’s done in the most elegant way.

Also, please note that their Twilight Plein Air Painting is back on Wednesdays. Don't forget to sign up and reserve a spot.

Morven Museum & Garden front entrance in Princeton, NJ.

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/morvenmuseum/

 

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As always, tag us on social media in your adventures and let us know how you do social distancing Mercer style! Looking for more things to do with your kids? Check out our guide to keep them having a fulfilling summer!