Celebrate the nation’s milestone surrounded by Princeton’s timeless charm! Discover a full calendar of events that include history tours, arts and culture, live performances, and activities for every age. While you’re here, enjoy the ease of our walkable areas and the many inviting spots nearby to relax, explore, or stay a little longer.
Countdown to the Fourth of July!
250th Events in Princeton!
250th Exhibition Premiere & Founding Feast
Saturday, May 2, 2026
6:00pm-9:00pm
Morven Museum & Garden
In honor of America’s Semiquincentennial, this event at Morven Museum will mark the opening of a landmark exhibition exploring New Jersey’s vital role in our nation’s founding.
Lewis B. Cuyler Lecture: Revolutionary Princeton
Monday, May 4, 2026
7:00pm-8:30pm
Updike Farmstead
Historian and author Larry Kidder chronicles the experiences and contributions of Princeton residents during the Revolution.
Building Princeton: America250 Edition
Saturday, May 9, 2026
3:00pm-5:00pm
Updike Farmstead
Visualize the town and campus as you’ve never seen them before! Working from photographs, teams recreate iconic Princeton structures out of LEGO building blocks.
Freedom Rewind: A Rockin’ Tribute
Sunday, June 14, 2026
2:00pm-3:30pm
Hosted by Princeton Public Library
On the Green at Palmer Square
Celebrate America’s birthday and Flag Day by cranking up the volume and kicking it back 50 years to 1976, the year of the Bicentennial and some of the greatest rock and pop anthems ever made.
2026 Fourth of July Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2026
12:00pm-3:00pm
Morven Museum & Garden
Morven’s annual Fourth of July Festival is free and open to the public, featuring activities and artmaking with community partners; garden tours; music; food; a chance to sign the Declaration of Independence; and more.
Princeton 1776 Fest
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12:00pm-3:00pm
Morven Museum & Garden
A community celebration 250 years in the making, Princeton 1776 Fest will invite you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the history and culture of colonial Princeton with activities for families and people of all ages.
Explore The Center of Everything
Experience the best of Princeton at Palmer Square, where boutique shopping, diverse dining, and luxury accommodations come together in one charming location. Make it a complete getaway with a stay at the historic Nassau Inn, right in the heart of all the action.
1756
“The original Nassau Tavern at 52 Nassau Street was built in 1756 by Judge Thomas Leonard, who spent the last years of his life in view of the college he had helped to bring to Princeton.” (Source: Nassau Inn)
1776
“The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it.” (Source: National Archives)
1777
“The Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, was a decisive victory for General George Washington and the Continental Army, marking a turning point in the American Revolution.” (Source: Princeton Battlefield Society)
1783
“By 1783, Nassau Hall was ready to serve as the national capital. For four months that year, July through October, the Continental Congress met in the library on the second floor, using the prayer hall for state occasions.” (Source: Princetoniana Museum)
Self-Guided Tours Available!
Walk in history’s footsteps while learning fascinating stories about our town. Complete your walk with a delightful picnic! The Princeton Tour Company also offers guided public & private tours, pub crawls, and team building experiences year-round.
Directions to Palmer Square
GPS Address: One Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542
Directions
GPS Address:
One Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ 08542
From New York
New Jersey Turnpike South to exit 9; follow signs for Route 1 South/Princeton; continue to Washington Road) see sign for Princeton Business District); take Washington Road to Nassau Street traffic light (Route 27); turn left onto Nassau Street; continue three blocks; turn right into Palmer Square.
From Philadelphia
I-95 North (turns into 295 in NJ) to exit 69/206 North; follow approximately 5 miles to fork in the road (at traffic light) and bear right onto Nassau Street; continue three blocks; turn left into Palmer Square.
From North Jersey
Route 206 South to Princeton; Nassau Street traffic light make left; continue three blocks; turn left into Palmer Square.
From South Jersey
New Jersey Turnpike North to exit 8; turn right onto Route 33 East; Make first U-Turn across Route 33 onto Route 133 West; Follow to the end and bear right following signs for Princeton; continue on 571 to Route 1 traffic light; go through traffic light to Washington Road; take Washington Road to Nassau Street traffic light (Route 27); turn left onto Nassau Street; continue three blocks; turn right into Palmer Square.
Hours
2026
Standard Hours (starting January 2, 2026)
Monday – Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: Noon-5pm
2026 Observed Holidays
Easter Sunday, Closed
Memorial Day, Noon-5pm
Fourth of July, Closed
Labor Day, Noon-5pm
Thanksgiving, Closed
Christmas Eve, 10am – 4pm
Christmas Day, Closed
New Year’s Eve, 10am – 4pm
New Year’s Day, Closed
*Please be sure to visit individual store pages for hours that may differ*
Parking Garage Info
Location:
Garages are located at Chambers Street and Hulfish Street. For GPS, use 25 Chambers Street and 11 Hulfish Street
Garage Clearance Information:
Chambers Street Garage is 6’6”
Hulfish Street Garage is 6’5”
Car Charging Station
Open to the Public:
$2.00 per hour, plus standard parking fees. Must use Charge Point Card at station.
Sunday
Enter the Hulfish or Chambers Street Garage AFTER 11am and EXIT BY 7pm – $6.00 max payment