Autumn has its charms, and Princeton is both fun and beautiful during this time of year. September marks the return of the cultural arts season, and there will always be events and activities for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Activities and meals revolve around seasonal fruits and vegetables (think apples, pumpkin, gourds), and just about everybody enjoys the yellow, orange, and red leaves on and off trees. The latter can be raked into a pile for kids to jump into. Below are select happenings for all age ranges, at various price points listed by date.
- McCarter Theatre Center – The 2015-2016 season kicks off with Baby Doll on September 11 starring Dylan McDermott.
- Princeton University Art Museum – The three new exhibitions are Cézanne and the Modern: Masterpieces of European Art from the Pearlman Collection – September 19, 2015 – January 3, 2016, Princeton’s Great Persian Book of Kings – October 3, 2015 – January 24, 2016, and Sacred Caves of the Silk Road: Ways of Knowing and Re-Creating Dunhuang – October 3, 2015 – January 10, 2016
- Bollywood Nights – This Arts Council of Princeton and Princeton Shopping Center collaboration produces an evening of free Indian cultural immersion on Saturday, September 19 , 6:30 PM – 10 PM. Bollywood dancing, music, and a fashion show will entertain all. Food from Cross Culture and drinks from Clocktower Cabana will be available for purchase, and there will be complimentary beverages from Arlee’s.
- Palmer Square JazzFeast – The one-day open air festival takes place on Sunday, September 20, noon to 6 PM featuring free jazz performances, and food for sale from many of the area’s restaurants.
- American Repertory Ballet – The season opens at Rider University on September 26 with Season Premier celebrating Douglas Martin’s fifth anniversary as ARB’s Artistic Director. The performance highlights Martin’s first two years of leadership.
- Princeton University Community and Staff Day – On Saturday, September 26 at 5 PM you can watch the Princeton vs. Lehigh football game and admission is free. Reserve game tickets in advance online. Bring kids as early as 3:30 PM for the Youth Sports Clinic and the Family Fun-Fest. As a bonus, there will be postgame fireworks! Parking is $10, which is eligible for non-reserved tailgating in one parking space. Reserved tailgating spots costs $300. Read more for tailgating details.
- Princeton Symphony Orchestra – The season premieres on September 27 kicking off with Graceful Pairings from their Classical Series featuring Jennifer Koh on violin and Rossen Milanov conducting.
- Princeton University Campus – This iconic campus is beautiful in fall. Stroll through the campus on your own or sign up for a tour. Alternatively, you can ride a free shuttle bus or you bicycle through campus. Any way you go through, admire the gothic buildings accentuated by the stunning foliage. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular scenery.
- Princeton Scenic Drives – Take in the seasonal beauty in and around Princeton.
- Ghost Tour and Cemetery Visit – Only Princeton Tour Company offers this spookalicious tour lead by trained ghost hunters! They use EMF Meters, therma-meters, dowsing rods, and night vision flashlights. Perfect around Halloween. The first tour begins on October 17, 6 PM. Check schedule for more dates and details.
- Annual Princeton Hometown Halloween Parade – The Arts Council of Princeton organizes this parade starting at 5:30PM on Thursday, October 30 starting at Hinds plaza (next to the Princeton Public Library). The Princeton University Marching Band and a giant puppet parade will lead the procession to the Palmer Square Green for a spooky performance at 6 PM.
- Day of the Dead – Arts Council of Princeton and Princeton Shopping Center collaborate again for this Mexican holiday celebrated at the shopping center on November 1 from 3 PM – 5 PM. Enjoy strolling Mariachis, traditional Mexican folk art, sugar skull decorating, and face paining. Food will be offered by The Taco Truck.
- The Princeton Garden Theater – Family matinees return in November. The schedule will be posted soon.
- Dining by Design – The Arts Council of Princeton’s famous fall fundraiser on November 14, 2015.
AROUND TOWN
- Terhune Orchards – Apple Day Festival September 12-13, Family Fun Weekends September 18 – November 1, Fall Harvest Weekend October 31 – November 1, Holiday Wine Trail Weekend November 27-29, general apple and pumpkin picking
- Cranbury Day – Annual street fair on Main Street with food, shopping, music and other entertainment. Dancers of the ARB Workshop and ARBW Juniors perform at their Cranbury studio on September 12 at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Free admission.
- Sur la Table – The Quaker Bridge Mall location offers autumn cooking classes, including fall soups and dinners, Halloween treats and Thanksgiving dinner starting September 12.
- Montgomery FunFest – Montgomery celebrates its first annual event on September 13 from noon – 5 PM at Princeton Airport. There will be live music and demonstrations, and many local restaurants and businesses represented. Parking is $5 at the airport and free across the road at the Wall Street office park.
- Princeton Show Jumping – Hunter Farms North in Skillman 246 Burnt Hill Road hosts this event on September 16 -20, September 23-27, and September 30 – October 4. Each Sunday is “Family Day” with free pony rides and face painting. Covered bleacher seating is available, since shows are held rain or shine. You can also bring your own chairs or a blanket to set up on the grass hill next to the ring. Food and drinks can be purchased at the show or you can bring your own. Free admission on Saturdays and Sundays. Free parking on Saturdays.
- Hopewell Harvest Fair – September 26 you will find a day of entertainment under a big tent. Family activities including hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, children’s games, face-painting, a straw maze, and local food vendors will be on hand. Plus, there will be a bake-off, homegrown vegetable contest, kids’ art and photography contests, and even a doggie dress-up contest.
- Princeton Airport – They used to offer scenic flights over the region to view fall foliage. Unfortunately, they no longer offer this. A workaround would be to sign up for a flight lesson ($199) and bring one guest to join you for an additional $50. Not only do you get a flight lesson including taking control of the plane in flight, but both of you would be in the air for approximately 40 to 45 minutes with aerial views of the fall foliage.
- The aMAZing Pumpkin Carve – October 8 – 11, 2015. There will be an amazing display of 50 giant pumpkins, carved by juried artists at Howell Living History Farm. Walk through the longest running corn maze in New Jersey, covering four acres with two miles of paths. The Don’t Be Chicken maze will challenge visitors to answer trivia questions and find puzzle pieces to map their way out.