The temperature is dropping, but we’re heating up. With salsa dancing in New Brunswick and cool jazz across Central Jersey, this week’s briefing is all about getting the most out of the summer before it’s over. I’ve got you covered with festivals, concerts, and more. Scroll down for the highlights — most of them free, all of them worth your time.

Teams from across Central Jersey gathered at Madison Park for the city’s first-ever Mayor’s Cup 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Mayor Raymond Giacobbe cut the ribbon before 12 squads hit the blacktop in a day full of fast-paced games. Players battled not just for bragging rights but for a cash prize that kept the competition fierce until the final buzzer.

Saturday, Sept 13 • 12:00–6:00 PM • NBPAC Plaza
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with traditional music, dancing, and food vendors in downtown New Brunswick. Free admission, with plenty of family activities and artisan crafts.
🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 13 • 5:00–7:00 PM • Downtown Metuchen
Professional wrestling takes over the streets with an outdoor ring and live entertainment. Free to attend, with food and drinks available.
🔗 Details

Saturday–Sunday, Sept 13–14 • Flemington & Somerville
This multi-town festival brings world-class jazz musicians to outdoor stages across Central Jersey. Free to attend — bring a chair, enjoy the food vendors, and soak in two days of live music.
🔗 Festival schedule

Sunday, Sept 14 • 11:30 AM–4:30 PM • Raritan Avenue
Dozens of artists showcase their work in this juried art show and street fair. Admission is free, with live performances and food vendors all afternoon.
🔗 Event page

Sunday, Sept 14 • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM • East Jersey Old Town Village
Step back in time with a Gatsby-inspired afternoon of jazz, swing, and dancing. Free to attend; costumes encouraged.
🔗 Details

Sunday, Sept 14 • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM • Municipal Complex
Kids can climb aboard fire trucks, police cars, and more. Free entry, with food, music, and giveaways for families.
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Sunday, Sept 14 • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM • Downtown Fanwood
A lively street fair with craft vendors, food stalls, live music, and family contests. Free entry, with a dedicated kids’ zone offering games and rides.
🔗 Details

Thursday, Sept 18 • 5:30–7:30 PM • Arts District Park
Rahway honors Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dance, and community performances. Free admission, family-friendly.
🔗 Event info

Saturday, Sept 20 • 10:00 AM–2:30 PM • Warinanco Sports Center
Free health services, including vaccines and dental cleanings, plus resource tables for families heading into the school year.
🔗 More info

Saturday, Sept 20 • 5:30–8:30 PM • Main Street & Stangl Road
Classic cars line Main Street with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun. Free to attend — a great evening out for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This week’s car show features GTOs, Firebirds, and Pontiacs.
🔗 Visit Event Site

Sunday, Sept 21 • 7:30 AM start • Woodbridge Community Center
Cyclists of all levels can register for this annual ride through Woodbridge. Routes vary in length; helmets are required. Registration is ticketed and still open.
🔗 Register

Sunday, Sept 21 • 1:00–2:30 PM • Somerset Street 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

Wed–Sun, Sept 24–28
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 info 

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

Saturday, Sept 27 • 12:00–6:00 PM • Mercer County Park
Sampling festival of brews, wine & seltzers. Ticketed tasting event; great for adults looking for an afternoon out.
🔗 Details

Saturday, Sept 27 • 2:00 PM • Union County Performing Arts Center
This special screening of Encanto is designed for children and families with sensory sensitivities. Lights are kept up, sound is lowered, and moving around is welcome. Tickets are just $5.
🔗 Details

Friday–Sunday, Oct 4–6 • Mercer County Park
Enjoy three days of Italian culture with authentic food, wine, rides, live entertainment, and artisan vendors. A family-friendly tradition that’s been drawing crowds for over two decades.
🔗 Festival details

This weekend, The Central Jerseyan will publish a major story on how local districts are grappling with artificial intelligence. Some towns — like Princeton and Shrewsbury — have detailed policies and teacher training in place. Others, including Hamilton, Woodbridge, and Trenton, have no formal rules at all. Meanwhile, teens are already turning to AI chatbots for advice, companionship, and even mental health support — raising urgent questions for parents and educators. Watch for the full report on Sunday.

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

Have a great weekend!