Best Things to Do in Princeton – Events & Attractions

The campus of Princeton University in Princeton, NJ
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Discover the best things to do in Princeton, NJ!

From the gorgeous architecture of Princeton University to shopping along Nassau Street to relaxing in the green of Palmer Square and other top-rated family-friendly attractions, this list covers Princeton’s best events, festivals, restaurants, and outdoor activities, including sporting events at Princeton University, tours at Morven Museum & Garden, and shopping at MarketFair.

? Top AttractionsPrinceton University, Morven Museum & Garden, Nassau Street, Institute for Advanced Study (where Albert Einstein worked), Palmer Square, the Paul Robeson House of Princeton, MarketFair Shoppes, the Farminary
? Outdoor Adventures – Kayaking along the D&R Canal, walking around Princeton University, Terhune Orchards & Winery
? Upcoming Events – Seasonal festivals, Pi Day (3.14) in honor of Albert Einstein, concerts on The Green, family-friendly activities
? RestaurantsYankee Doodle Tap Room at The Nassau Inn, Agricola Eatery, Witherspoon Grill, Elements, the Bent Spoon, Halo Pub, Peacock Inn (for high tea)

Whether you’re searching for “things to do in Princeton this weekend,” kid-friendly activities or seasonal events, we’ve got you covered. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings and plan your perfect Princeton adventure!

Best Things to Do in Princeton

Three New Jersey Colleges Rank as The World’s Top Universities (2026), According to TIME Magazine

Can admission to top universities be both merit-based and economically inclusive? TIME magazine took on that question in developing a new ranking of the world's...

Inside the Newly Reopened Princeton University Art Museum-Plus a Stop at Mosaic

After years of anticipation, the Princeton University Art Museum has reopened—and stepping inside feels like discovering an entirely new space. I visited with my...

These Are the Highest-Rated Free Attractions in New Jersey, According to New Survey

A new analysis of TripAdvisor reviews highlights the most-loved free attractions in every state, and New Jersey’s top pick is one of our favorite...

10 Reasons Why Princeton is Pure Holiday Magic

For a holiday destination brimming with seasonal spirit, don your festive apparel and head to Princeton. This charming Ivy League destination offers plenty of...

11 Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Awards From New Jersey Department of Education (2025)

The final Blue Ribbon School awards were handed out by the New Jersey Department of Education, naming 11 top schools across the state to...

New Jersey’s 10 Best Colleges and Universities for 2026, According to WalletHub

WalletHub’s new 2026 Best College & University Rankings are out and Princeton University is at the top of the national list once again. The...

These Are New Jersey’s Best Colleges For 2026, According to US News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report’s eagerly awaited 2026 rankings of the country's best universities is out and once again, New Jersey's Ivy League school...

The Ultimate Guide to College Football in New Jersey

From the excitement of a Big Ten crowd at Rutgers University to the storied Ivy League game day traditions at Princeton to New Jersey’s...

3 New Jersey Towns Named Among the Country’s Best for Outdoor Dining in 2025

Late summer and the start of fall are the best times for outdoor dining and a new list ranks 3 New Jersey towns as...

14 Free New Jersey Adventures Your Kids Will Never Forget

People love to say that having kids is priceless—but entertaining them certainly isn’t. Thankfully, New Jersey has plenty of cost-free ways to captivate kids...

Princeton Staycation: Plan an Overnight at the Graduate Hotel

Planning a couple’s getaway is not always easy – figuring out childcare, booking flights and researching a destination for restaurants and activities can all...

Walk in the Footsteps of New Jersey Celebrities and Legends at These Iconic Spots

New Jersey has a history of producing greatness—from Fort Lee, the birthplace of the American motion picture industry, to Cape May, the nation’s first...

This NJ University Ranks Among the World’s Best, Says U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report released its top universities around the world for 2025-2026, and 7 New Jersey higher institutions made the full list,...

This Princeton Father’s Film About Autism is a Must-See

Princeton father and filmmaker James Christy Jr. has made a movie about what it's really like to raise a child with autism, and it...

These Are the Best Middle Schools in New Jersey, According to U.S. News & World Report

  We put a lot of emphasis on high school education, but the middle school years are just as formative. U.S. News & World Report...

This Beautiful NJ College Campus Just Made Travel + Leisure’s Top 30 List

A college campus is more than just a place to go to class or grab a bite in the dining hall—it’s where students live...

Princeton Calendar of Events

NJ Events Calendar

  • Photos with Santa at Marketfair

    Photos with Santa at Marketfair

    MarketFair 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ, United States

    Santa will be available for photos in the Center Court (by Anthropologie) daily from November 22 to December 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Special Santa Events: Santa & Friends Arrival Celebration: […]

  • Circus Quixote

    McCarter Theatre Center 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, United States

    McCarter Theatre Center presents Circus Quixote from Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company and The Actors Gymnasium. Circus Quixote offers a visual interpretation of Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de […]

  • Cirque De Paris at MarketFair

    Cirque De Paris at MarketFair

    MarketFair 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ, United States

    Presented by Anouchka Bouglione, Cirque De Paris is returning to MarketFair August 21-August 31 for an enchanting 90-minute show where starting times vary. Including an international all-star cast of artists, […]

  • cOsmO

    cOsmO

    McCarter Theatre Center 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, United States

      Step into the magical universe of cOsmO, where two cosmic clowns create worlds out of yarn, light, music, and imagination in this wordless show for ages 3–7. Part circus, […]

    $29 – $39
  • August Sangria Weekends

    August Sangria Weekends

    Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ, United States

    Cool off with a glass of Terhune's own sangria paired with Terhune's own fresh fruits. There will be live music every Friday from 5-8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from […]

    Free
  • Winery Weekend Music Series

    Winery Weekend Music Series

    Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ, United States

    Listen to live music (Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm), either at indoor seating in the wine barn among the wine tanks or outdoors by the fire pits. […]

  • Latest article