Entertainment and Area Guide

Laptops closed! Everyone deserves a chance to unwind. So steal a few hours — or take the whole weekend — to just have fun. Big-name acts or short-film showcases. Rugby matches or a cappella mash-ups. Morning meditations or overnight excursions. So (very, very) much to do!

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Big acts

On stage, on campus: the names you know from movies, music, comedy, and more. Rappers and writers. Actors and activists. These top-pick performers are the ones you’d choose if you could — and you can! The College Union Board (better known as CUB) brings the stars to TCNJ, and it’s 100% student run.

Fall CUB Concert: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

Adventures near and far

CUB has more in store: Grab a glowstick for Silent Disco on Green Lawn. Practice your poker face at the Texas hold ’em tournament.
How about a day of snow tubing or outlet shopping? A weekend getaway to New York or Boston? Off-campus adventure is only a bus ride away.

This Week@TCNJ

Showtime!

Take your seats! Or better yet, take the stage. Whether you prefer to entertain or be entertained, TCNJ has an outlet to match your interests: theatre, dance, music, comedy, and more. Students run the show, putting their talents and their leadership skills on display. There’s a role for everyone in our student productions.

Student Groups (Performance)
TCNJ Center for the Arts

TCNJ traditions

TCNJ traditions foster community spirit with major annual events like Spirit Week and Homecoming, a big fall celebration for students, families, and alumni. As the year winds down, students enjoy Funival, a springtime carnival, while graduating seniors mark their final days on campus with Last Night on the Lake.

Know your go-tos

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Off campus

Our location in suburban Ewing puts you close to the retail and restaurant choices you know and love — plus a few new ones. Feel adventurous? Grab your friends for a visit to downtown Princeton (just 15 minutes away) or a day trip to Philly or New York (via the Trenton Transit Center train station).

A sweet local favorite: Halo Farm, the local dairy and ice cream spot next to the Trenton Farmers Market

Your Ewing Guide

Favorites include Welcome Week, Spirit Week, Homecoming, and Funival (a spring carnival) — great chances to show Lions Pride!

TCNJ students describe campus as close-knit, welcoming, and spirited — with a strong balance of academic focus and fun.

TCNJ has a vibrant music scene featuring concerts, ensembles, and student performances. Students can join choirs, bands, jazz groups, and orchestras through the School of the Arts and Communication or attend live shows organized by the College Union Board (CUB), which showcases student bands and guest artists.

Yes! Student-run comedy groups like Mixed Signals host improv and sketch shows throughout the year. The College Union Board and Student Life also bring stand-up comedians and special comedy nights to campus, especially during Welcome Week and themed late-night events.

Absolutely. Campus groups like Late Night Take and CUB organize movie screenings in the Brower Student Center, often featuring recent releases or fan favorites. These events are free for students and include snacks, giveaways, and a fun community atmosphere.

Yes! Students can audition for performance groups; volunteer with event-planning organizations like CUB; or start their own clubs related to music, film, or comedy. It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to campus entertainment.

Check the This Week @ TCNJ calendar or follow Student Life and the College Union Board on Instagram for updates about upcoming concerts, movie nights, and comedy shows.

Hop on the free TCNJ Loop bus, grab a rideshare, or use NJ Transit from the nearby Trenton Transit Center to reach Princeton, Philadelphia, or New York City.

Ewing has restaurants, shops, and parks close by — and Princeton is just 20 minutes away. Both Philly and NYC are about an hour by train.

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