Planet Princeton Memorial Day Weekend Picks, May 26-29

The annual Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Nassau Street Saturday. The parade is one of several area events this weekend that will honor those who died serving the country while in the military.

Friday, May 26

Fourth Friday Open Mic Night at the 1867 Sanctuary – The sanctuary has a piano. Use their sound system or bring your own. 101 Scotch Road, Ewing. Free parking across the street. Begins at 7 p.m.

Dancing Under the Stars – Join the Central Jersey Dance Society at Hinds Plaza in Princeton for some low-key dancing. No partner needed. In case of rain, the dance moves inside Princeton Public Library. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

E.J. Strickland – One of the most recorded drummers to date, the electrifying drummer and composer E.J. Strickland and his all-star ensemble “Transient Beings” visits Tavern on the Lake. The ensemble: songstress Sarah Elizabeth Charles, the dynamic duo guitar skills of Tom Guarna and Nir Felder, and one of the most in-demand bassists in jazz, Ben Williams. 7:30 p.m., 101 North Main Street, Hightstown, $25.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid – The Kelsey Theater presents the Disney classic that is loved by children and children at heart alike.  8 p.m., Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, $20.

Intimate Apparel, McCarter Theatre – In 1905, a young African-American seamstress supports herself by creating exquisite lingerie for wealthy Manhattan clients. When a letter arrives from a stranger, it awakens a desire within her that leads to the love she yearned for, but is nothing like she expected. Directed by Jade King Carrol. The cast includes Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Esther), Jessica Frances Dukes (Mayme), Tasso Feldman (Mr. Marks), Galen Kane (George), Kate MacCluggage (Mrs. Van Buren), and Brenda Pressley (Mrs. Dickson). The all-female design team includes scenic designer and Princeton native Alexis Distler, costume designer Dede M. Ayite, lighting designer Nicole Pearce, and sound designer Karin Graybash. Berlind Theater at McCarter, 91 University Place, Princeton. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 27

Free Guided Birding Trip at the Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve – Join Washington Crossing Audubon Society at 8 a.m. for a free guided birding trip led by Sharyn Magee and Brad Merritt at the Negri-Nepote Grassland Preserve in Franklin Township. 269 Skillmans Lane, Somerset. Free More information

West Windsor Community Farmers Market – Sixteen regional farms, twelve artisan food and natural product vendors, weekly community groups, live music, special events and cooking demonstrations are all part of the West Windsor Community Farmers Market. The market runs weekly, rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Find seasonal, locally grown fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, pastured meats and poultry, cheese, and more. 2 Vaughn Drive, West Windsor. More information

Pennington Farmers Market Opening Day –  Healthy edibles, from organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables to grass-fed beef, plus flowers, wine, baked goods, bread, eggs, olives and pickles, hand-made soaps, alpaca-hair blankets, children’s hats and shawls, and more. Local bands are a highlight for shoppers. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 101 Route 31, Pennington.

 

Family Fishing at Washington Crossing Historic Park – Family Fishing Programs are designed for families who are new to fishing. Join an instructor on Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon for this unique program sponsored by the state’s Fish and Boat Commission. This Family Fishing Program will begin with hands-on instruction. After, you and your family can spend time fishing. More information

 

Trenton Pork Roll Festival 2017 – Celebrate New Jersey’s iconic meat delicacy at the Trenton Pork Roll Festival on Saturday, May 27th at Trenton Social. Where better to honor New Jersey’s famous tubular meat than in the city where it was created? Enjoy unique, specially created pork roll dishes from a great selection of food trucks and guest chefs. Hear live bands. Festival starts at 10 a.m. and runs all day, Trenton Social, 449 S Broad St, Trenton. $5 More information

Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day Parade – The Spirit of Princeton invites the community to the annual Memorial Day Parade and Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, May 27. At 10 a.m. the parade will kick off on Nassau Street. An 11 a.m. dedication ceremony at Princeton Monument Hall will follow. The parade features veteran groups, marching bands, civic and youth groups, and more. Free More information

8th Annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire – Head to Bordentown for the New Jersey Renaissance Faire at Liberty Lake Day Camp. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Seven stages of entertainment featuring sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, fire breathers, and more. Food available for purchase at the event. Tickets can be purchased online at www.njrenfaire.com, or at the event. Liberty Lake Day Camp, 1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown. More information

Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade – The Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m.  The parade begins at Lawrence High School parking lot, continues down Princeton Pike North to Darrah Lane, and ends in Lawrence Veterans Park. Memorial services will be conducted in the park. More information

Walking Tour of Princeton Memorials – From the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Princeton honors those who served their country. This one-hour tour will visit local tributes to war veterans and famous Princetonians. Starts at Princeton Battle Monument.. 12:00 p.m. $5 More information

Sunday, May 28

Mercer County Memorial Day Ceremony – Area veterans will gather in the veterans’ section of the Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton for the annual Mercer County Memorial Day observance. Chief Master Sgt. Janeen Fillari, New Jersey Air National Guard, will deliver the keynote address at the event that is organized by Mercer County Veteran Services. 11 a.m., Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton. More information

Carillon Concert – All are welcome to these performances which are held rain or shine in the Princeton University Graduate School, 88 College Road West, Princeton. Admission is free. The carillon is a program of Chapel Music made possible through an endowment established by the Class of 1892. 1 p.m.

Princeton Pong Open House – Free open play, coaching, coffee, snacks, raffles, and more at the Princeton Pong ping pong center on Alexander Road. For more information about the center, visit www.princetonpong.com. Noon to 3 p.m., Princeton Pong, 745 Alexander Road, West Windsor. More information

Hopewell Borough Memorial Day Parade – Annual parade with bands, fire trucks, veterans and more. Event kicks off at 1 p.m. and moves east on Broad Street. Sponsored by the Hopewell Borough Fire Department. Free More information

Monday, May 29

Montgomery Memorial Day Ceremony – A brief ceremony will be held at the Montgomery Veterans Memorial located next to the Upper Parking Lot of Montgomery Veterans Park on Harlingen Road in Belle Mead. The 9-11 Memorial, a very short paved path away, has been refurbished this spring and will be rededicated as part of the ceremony. 10 a.m., Montgomery Veterans Park, Harlingen Road, Belle Mead. Free More information

 

Annual Tour of Somerville Bike Race – The annual 50-mile bicycle race and one-mile block party includes a children’s play area, live music, food vendors, and more. The Kugler-Anderson Memorial Tour of Somerville is known as the “Kentucky Derby of Cycling.” The Tour is the oldest major bicycle race in the United States and a legend in the lore of bicycle racing. 11:30 a.m, downtown Somerville. More information