Arts Council of Princeton

Jersey Art Meetup (JAM)
2026-07-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) and 13 more dates | Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
Princeton Comic Makers presents: JERSEY ART MEETUPS (JAM), a weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media. Attendees may use this open workshop space to draw, write, and develop their own artwork, with an opportunity to receive peer review and feedback from other members if desired. Illustrators, animators, writers, and generalists are all welcome to join and discuss their art and career goals, share learning resources, promote current projects, or find friends and collaborators. Together, we aspire to cultivate a local community that keeps artists motivated towards achieving their dreams!

Open to ages 16+ of any skill level interested in any form of narrative art and design (i.e. Animation, Concept Art, Comics, Game Design, Picture Books, etc.)
Group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm. Casual attendance is accepted!
Bringing own materials is highly encouraged. Some basic materials are provided – paper, pencils, etc. – but please bring any tools necessary to help you create (i.e. drawing tablets, sketchbooks, etc.)

Who we are: Sponsored by artist and educator Ronah Harris, Princeton Comic Makers is an artist collective founded in 2023 by local illustrators Christina Castro, Suyang Gong, and Masha Zhdanova after noticing a lack of in-person community spaces for NJ-based artists specializing in narrative arts and communications design. Although we create independently, we often exhibit together at events such as MoCCA Fest, Anime NYC, and Camden Comic Con. Our weekly study group motivated us to strive towards completing projects and working towards professional goals, so we hope more people can benefit from this club!
Christina Castro is a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist who graduated from Pratt Institute (2018) with a BFA in Digital Arts (2D Animation) and a minor in Creative Writing. Past clients include Smashbits Animation, gal-dem zine, and Bad Robot. Christina also currently organizes and leads the production management of several indie charity zines, collaborating with writers, illustrators, and musicians all around the world. Suyang Gong is a fine artist and illustrator who graduated from Rutgers (2021) with a BFA in Fine Arts. She has formerly worked as a teaching assistant at the Sharron Art Center for 3 years, tutoring students in refining technical drawing skills. Suyang also specializes in traditional media, often using materials like graphite, ink, and oil paint to create dynamic works. Masha Zhdanova is a freelance writer, editor, and illustrator who graduated from SCAD (2019) with a BFA in Sequential Art and recently completed her MFA in Cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies (2022). She was a teaching assistant for two Winter workshops at CCS and has taught comics classes for kids at the Princeton Public Library. Masha’s clients include Publisher’s Weekly, Women Write About Comics, and Polygon, and she also currently edits content for The Anime Herald.

yART Sale
2026-08-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Arts Council Parking Lot, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, 08542, United States
Shop our yART sale for creative bargains and unique finds, all handcrafted by local artisans.
This flea-market style event will be held outdoors in the ACP parking lot and around our Paul Robeson Center for the Arts in Downtown Princeton, NJ. Working in ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, painting, and more, 30+ vendors will sell seconds, misprints, discontinued designs, and one-of-a-kind items at studio clean-out prices! Vendors, the yART application launches July 2026. Join our mailing list to ensure the application lands right in your inbox.

Joint Effort Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets
2026-08-05 | Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
SAVE THE DATE

Join us in partnership with the Witherspoon-Jackson Community Princeton Safe Streets for a special evening of recognition, remembrance, and celebration.
Details to be announced.

Café Improv
2026-08-22 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-26 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-24 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-11-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Solley Theater – Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
For the past 30 years, Café Improv has connected beginning and professional performers in the Arts Council of Princeton’s Solley Theater.
Serving as a vibrant musical oasis for the Princeton community, Café Improv is a gathering place to share artistic ideas and provide inspiration to others. Attendees can expect an evening of exciting local music, poetry, comedy, and more! Café Improv is easily accessible to the public through affordable admission rates of $1 for ACP Members and $2 General Admission.
Click here to learn more and/or register to play!

Annual Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden 2026
2026-09-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
SAVE THE DATE:
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Annual Pop-Up Beer + Wine Garden returns on September 19 from 2-5pm.

We provide the local brews, refreshing vino, live music, grill, and games – all you have to do is show up and have fun! There’s never been an easier – or more fun – way to support your local arts council.
Tickets go on sale this summer.

Princeton Community Chili Cook-Off 2026
2026-10-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
SAVE THE DATE: Princeton Community Chili Cook-Off Returns!
Princeton is the proud home of talented home cooks and professional chefs. In this collaborative event, held by the Arts Council of Princeton and Historical Society of Princeton, we’re putting their skills to the test. Who will be named Princeton Chili Champion?!
Join us at HSP’s Updike Farmstead for a good old-fashioned Chili Cook-Off where you will enjoy samples from professional and amateur chefs before casting your vote. Make a day of it and pack a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and a favorite game. Beer and lemonade will be available for sale, but feel free to round out your lunch with any additional snacks. (No alcohol, please.) Live music and family-friendly activities and games will complete this festive fall day on the farm! Consider carpooling or taking advantage of bike paths!Funds raised will support ACP and HSP community programs.
Tickets to be announced. Stay tuned since they sell out FAST!
Questions? Please email Melissa at mkuscin@artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Four on the Floor 2026: Princeton AltRock Fest
2026-10-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
Save the date for Four on the Floor – Princeton’s first and only alternative-rock music festival.
Four on the Floor Fest began in 2023, created by Princeton locals Jedd Lopez and Zoe Ferguson. This alt-rock music festival is completely musician-run and highlights fresh, emerging talent with over three hours of live music celebrating our vibrant music scene.​
Four on the Floor Fest partners with the Arts Council of Princeton. All proceeds support ACP’s programs, events, and public art. We believe art should be for everyone—and your support makes that possible. Since the festival’s inception, Four on the Floor Fest has raised over $2,000 towards funding arts programs, exhibitions, art supplies, and events.
2026 lineup and tickets to be announced. Stay tuned!
