Free events in Trenton, NJ

School of Rock Princeton presents a live student tribute to Green Day, free to attend and welcoming all ages. The performers are part of the School of Rock Performance Program, a hallmark curriculum joined by tens of thousands of students worldwide each year. In this program, musicians are given parts tailored to their age and experience during weekly group rehearsals, then polish those skills in private lessons with their instructors. The approach centers on learning through preparing for the stage, and each season concludes with concerts at local Mercer County venues for a live audience. This event is well suited for parents and students exploring lessons or bands, families cheering on performers, and local music fans interested in a student-led Green Day set.

Enjoy live music at a free, all-ages funk end-of-season showcase featuring student performers from School of Rock Princeton. This concert spotlights the school's Performance Program, a flagship track where musicians rehearse together each week, study parts tailored to their age and experience in private lessons, and finish the season by taking the stage before a live audience at local Mercer County music venues. It is geared toward parents and students considering lessons or bands, current families supporting the performers, and local music fans interested in a student-led funk tribute.

This live, student-led tribute to David Bowie is presented by School of Rock Princeton. It is free and open to all ages. The event is a good fit for families considering music lessons or band opportunities, current students and their supporters, and local music fans interested in an energetic salute performed by young musicians. The performance spotlights the school’s Performance Program, a signature curriculum where students rehearse together each week with song parts tailored to their age and experience, then build on those skills in private lessons. Each season concludes with students taking the stage at local Mercer County venues in front of a live audience, and this show serves as one of those capstone showcases.

Celebrate the energy of live garage rock as student musicians from School of Rock Princeton take the stage for a high octane showcase. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages. It is a great fit for parents and students exploring lessons or bands, current families supporting the performers, and local music fans looking for a student powered tribute. The show is part of the School of Rock Performance Program, where students build skills through weekly group rehearsals with tailored parts and private lessons, then bring it all together in real shows at local Mercer County venues. For more information, call 609-890-7090 or email princeton@schoolofrock.com.

Experience live music up close at a Tiny Desk Performance featuring student musicians. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. It is a great fit for parents and students exploring lessons or bands, current families supporting the performers, and local music fans interested in an energetic, student-led tribute. The School of Rock Performance Program builds skills through weekly group rehearsals and private lessons tailored to each musician’s age and experience, teaching music by preparing for real shows. Each season, performers take the stage at Mercer County venues before a live audience. For more information, call 609-890-7090 or email princeton@schoolofrock.com.

Turn up the volume for a student-led nu-metal showcase presented by School of Rock Princeton. This end-of-season concert features hard-hitting sets performed live by student musicians. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Parents and students considering lessons or band programs, current families cheering on their performers, and local music fans seeking a high-energy tribute will feel right at home. The show is the capstone of the School of Rock Performance Program, a signature curriculum in which students around the world prepare real songs during weekly group rehearsals tailored to their age and experience, then refine their parts in private lessons. The approach teaches music through preparing for the stage, culminating in live performances at local Mercer County venues.

Spend part of your summer getting creative for free at the museum. The Imagination Studio hosts drop-in craft activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout July and August, with a different project available each day.

Learn the foundations of working with crystals in a beginner friendly class at Trenton Free Public Library, taught by an instructor returning to the library. All materials are provided at no cost, including a textbook, crystals for practice, crayons, and a goodie bag. The class is free to attend. To reserve a spot, call 609.392.7188.

Presented by Jazz Bridge in partnership with Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., this free performance features V. Shayne Frederick and his band at The Fourth District Container Village. Celebrated for a soulful voice and praised by outlets such as DownBeat, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Metro Philadelphia, Frederick has appeared with TEDx and NPR and has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra. His credits include The Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, extended residencies in upscale restaurants, and club appearances at Con Alma in Pittsburgh, Minton's in Harlem, South Jazz Club, and Chris' Jazz Cafe. He tours as narrator and vocalist with Ruth Naomi Floyd’s Frederick Douglass Jazz Works, and collaborates as pianist, composer, and vocalist with poet laureate Yolanda Wisher and the Afroeaters. Beyond the stage he contributes scoring and voiceover for film and commercial projects. His album Treasures was named Track of the Week by JazzFM UK. Admission is free.

Join Literacy New Jersey’s free English as a Second Language (ESL) class at the Trenton Free Public Library. This is a small-group program for adults that focuses on practical, real-world communication, with trained volunteer tutors offering personalized support. The class is designed to help learners build English skills for everyday life and work, with an emphasis on community engagement.

Teens are invited to drop into Impact Excavation for hands-on service projects that support Trenton residents and pets. The format is flexible and come-and-go, with music and occasional snacks. Each session supports the Trenton Rescue Mission and Trenton Cat Rescue, and you’ll meet in the library’s Young Adult Lounge.