Do you even remember signing up for this? I can’t say I blame you if you don’t. This has been WEEKS in the making. Who knew launching a start-up was so complicated? Am I right?

I hoped to launch this last week, ahead of Labor Day Weekend. Fortunately, there are lots of events happening this weekend — all fun, most free.

This year’s Cherry Street Soiree en Blanc was a huge success. Organizers say at least a thousand people attended, all decked out in white. What started as a one-table event several years ago has blown up to an extravaganza with live music, lots of free food, and dozens of tables. Organizers say the tables could be reserved for $15 each and sold out in less than half an hour!

The soiree en blanc was held just a few days after the city ended the Mayor’s Summer Concert series with DJ FUNKFLEX. Fans flooded the Arts District for the free show outside UPAC. For both events, there were no reports from the police of major incidents.

Friday, Sept 5 • 6:00–9:00 PM • Division Street Pedestrian Plaza, Somerville

Downtown Somerville transforms into an open-air stage this Friday with Stone Age headlining the First Fridays concert. The pedestrian plaza fills with families, food, and music lovers, making it a can’t-miss evening for community vibes. Bring a chair, grab dinner from a local restaurant, and settle in under the string lights. 🔗 Details

Friday, Sept 5 • 7:00–10:00 PM • Rutgers, Voorhees Hall #105 & VOD

The long-running festival opens its fall season with an eclectic mix of independent films and documentaries from around the globe. 🔗 Details

Friday–Sunday, Sept 5–7 • Woodbridge Township

Athletes ages 50+ from across the state will gather in Woodbridge this weekend for the annual NJ Senior Olympics. This weekend’s events are spread across multiple Woodbridge venues, including:

Spectators are welcome at all venues. It’s a great chance to be inspired by a group of seniors who just might be more athletic than you (and probably me). 🔗 Full Event Schedule

Saturday, Sept 6 • 9:00 AM–4:00 PM • North Main Street, Cranbury

Small-town charm in full swing with live music, vendors, and family activities along historic Main Street. 🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 6 • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM • Princeton Junction Station lot

A staple for Central Jersey families with more than 50 local farms, food makers, and live music. 🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 6 • 5:30–8:30 PM • Main St & Stangl Rd, Flemington

Cap off the weekend with vintage cars and live music. This weekend’s car show features Camaros, Cevelles, Chevys, and Cadillacs. 🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 13 • 5:00–7:00 PM • Town Plaza, Metuchen

Expect body slams, suplexes, and plenty of family-friendly spectacle as WrestlePro returns to Metuchen’s Town Plaza. This outdoor show draws big crowds with high-energy wrestling and a block-party atmosphere. Bring your lawn chair and cheer from ringside — it’s one of the borough’s liveliest nights of the year. 🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 13 • Flemington • 6:30–10:00 PM (seating opens 5:00 PM)

Sunday, Sept 14 • Somerville • 1:00–6:00 PM • Courthouse Green & Division St

Two days of world-class jazz across Somerset County. Saturday night brings lawn-chair vibes and headlining sets on the steps of Flemington’s historic courthouse. On Sunday, the Courthouse Green in Somerville fills with national acts, food vendors, and bonus pop-up sets along Division Street. Free parking in municipal lots; arrive early for the best spots.

🔗 Full Schedule

Saturday, Sept 13 • 2:00–6:00 PM • Livingston Ave, outside New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

Celebrate Mexican Independence with mariachi, folklórico dance, artisan vendors, and family activities in downtown New Brunswick. 🔗 Details

Sunday, Sept 14 • 11:30 AM–4:30 PM • Downtown Highland Park

One of the region’s largest juried art shows, featuring hundreds of artists, live music, and food vendors along Raritan Avenue. 🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 27 • 1:00–9:00 PM • Amboy Avenue (Clara Barton), Edison

Eight blocks of rides, food, live music, and local vendors turn Amboy Avenue into one of the largest street festivals in the region. Entry is free, but rides and concessions are extra — bring cash for food trucks and carnival games. 🔗 Event Info

Sunday, Sept 21 • 1:00–2:30 PM • Downtown Raritan (Somerset St corridor)

A storied Central Jersey tradition honoring WWII Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. Expect packed sidewalks, marching bands, military units, classic cars, and a heartfelt ceremony at the Basilone statue. 🔗 Details

The festival continues across multiple towns, each with its own unique setting:

Four free concerts in four days bring jazz to the heart of Middlesex County. 🔗 Festival Schedule

Sunday, Sept 21 • 7:00 AM–12:00 PM • Woodbridge Community Center

Cyclists of all ages ride through the township on routes ranging from 15 to 50 miles. Family-friendly and open to casual riders as well as seasoned cyclists. 🔗 Details

As students return to classrooms across Central Jersey, they and their parents face a confusing patchwork of artificial intelligence policies. Some school districts have rushed to adopt boilerplate rules about tools like ChatGPT and image generators. Many leave key decisions unresolved, from what platforms are allowed to how AI-generated work should be cited or disciplined. As a result, students just miles apart could face vastly different expectations, with little clarity on what counts as cheating, collaboration, or innovation.

Reply to this email to let me know your thoughts on this topic.

More on this next week.

Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can contact me here.

Have a great weekend!