Here are some events to celebrate the first weekend of summer 2018

School is winding down and the summer event season is heating up. We’ve got several options for you to consider this weekend, include a select for from the Shore towns for those looking for day-trip ideas. Have a happy and safe summer. And remember, if you have or know of an event happening in the area, email us at staff@monroenow.com. 

Tour the Lincoln Highway

ISELIN – The Lincoln Highway Association of New Jersey is holding a Lincoln Highway Conference and Tour on June 22, June 23 and June 24 to give people the chance to experience the history of the road system. The Lincoln Highway is America’s first coast to coast improved highway designed for automobiles. In 1913, when Carl Fisher envisioned this engineering marvel, there were few roads that the horseless carriage could navigate. Urban centers on the east and west coast were meccas for this strange contraption, but as one moved away from cities, in many places, roads just did not exist. In New Jersey, wisely, The Lincoln Highway used existing roads. Today there is Pershing Road in Weehawken, JFK Blvd in Hudson County, NJ Route 27 in Essex, Union, Middlesex and Somerset. In Princeton NJ, Route 27 ends and US 206 brings the traveler to Pennsylvania. 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Marriott Renaissance, Route 1, Iselin. MORE INFORMATION 

Medicare Workshop

MONROE – Learn the five biggest mistakes made by Medicare beneficiaries, what has changed in 2018, original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage plans, how Medicare supplement policies work, how Medicare prescription plans (Part D) work, proposed future Medicare changes. Presented by Michael Salum of Senior Advisors at the Monroe library on June 22 at 11 a.m. Register at the Welcome Desk. 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

Hero

OLD BRIDGE – The library will show the film “Hero” on June 22 at 1:30 p. An over-the-hill movie star (Sam Elliott) deals with a cancer diagnosis and a lifetime of regrets while trying to mend fences with his ex-wife and daughter. At the same time, he pursues a new romantic interest. (R, 1 hour 36 minutes). 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

MONROE – The Monroe library will show “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on Friday, June 22 at 2 p.m. Action/Adventure/Fantasy Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. PG-13. 2h, 32m. Movies are free. Registration is not required. 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe.

Terry Fator

NEW BRUNSWICK – State Theatre New Jersey presents singer-comedian-celebrity impressionist Terry Fator on Friday, June 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$89. Best known for his victory on America’s Got Talent in 2007, Terry Fator captured the hearts and tickled the funny bones of America with his unique combination of celebrity impressions and his unparalleled voice. Fator returns to the State Theatre with his all-star team of anything but-ordinary puppets including Winston, the Impersonating Turtle; Emma Taylor, the little girl with the big voice; Maynard Thompkins, the Elvis Impersonator; and Duggie Scott Walker, the annoying neighbor. 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. TICKETS 

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

EDISON – Middlesex County’s Plays in The Parks presents “Fiddler on the Roof,” on June 22, 23, and 24 at 8 p.m. at the Roosevelt Park in Edison. The Broadway play stars local actor and director Paul Whelihan as Tevye, a poor milkman with five daughters, who is a support of the traditions of his faith but he finds many of his convictions tested by his three oldest daughters’ actions. For more information, visit the Plays-in-the-Park website.

Sisters in Crime with Author K.J. Howe

JAMESBURG — Author K.J. Howe will discuss the dark world of kidnap and ransom during the June 23 meeting of Sisters in Crime Central Jersey, at the Jamesburg Senior Center, 139 Stevens Ave., Jamesburg. Her presentation will take place via Skype, starting at 11 a.m., and all are welcome. Howe researched this subject for her best-selling series about elite kidnap negotiator Thea Paris, which includes the novels “The Freedom Broker” and “Skyjack.” She interviewed former hostages, negotiators, hostage reintegration experts, special forces operatives, and kidnap-and-ransom insurance executives. Howe has won three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. Also a member of the International Thriller Writers, she serves as the executive director of ThrillerFest, the organization’s annual conference, held in New York City. Starting time for her Skype program is approximate following the group’s 10:30 a.m. business meeting. 139 Stevens Ave., Jamesburg.

Libraries Rock series

OLD BRIDGE – With a theme of “Libraries Rock,” the Old Bridge Public Library will kick off its annual summer reading program on Saturday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a host of activities for the entire family. The library will welcome Mr. Jon at 11 a.m., a creative musical entertainer who will have children and their families singing and playing along with his guitar, puppets, games and magic bubbles. In addition, Friendly’s of Old Bridge will be on hand to offer free ice cream scoops starting at noon. There will be various crafts, games and activities for all ages throughout the day. 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge.

Summer Kick-off with Princeton School of Rock

PLAINSBORO – The live band from Princeton School of Rock will help kick-off Plainsboro library’s “Libraries Rock!” summer reading program on June 23 at 1 p.m. Kids and teens from the school will perform your favorite rock songs old and new. Space limited – please be on time as the library will have to close the doors if the room reaches capacity. 9 Van Doren St., Plainsboro.

Teen Summer Kickoff Party

MONMOUTH JUNCTION – The South Brunswick library will celebrate the beginning of summer with a Summer Kick-off Party for children in Grades 7-12 on June 23 from 4-7 p.m. Students in the Grade 6 teen summer reading program can attend. This event will have video games, board games and random fun for all. No registration is required by space is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction.

Summer Family Festival

EDISON – Onejari Arts Craft and Music presents the Summer Family Festival on Sunday, June 24 from noon to 7 p.m. at Lake Papaianni Park. The festival highlights the culture and values of the American Indian community and local population. There will include music, Gidda performance, shopping bazar, food, Bollywood dance and attractions for children. Cost is $5 to enter. 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison.

The Lizard Guys

OLD BRIDGE – Join The Lizard Guys for an entertaining live animal presentation featuring lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and bugs at the Old Bridge library on June 24 at 2:30 p.m. Learn about the habitats, diets, and adaptations that enable these animals to thrive in their environments, while getting the chance to spend some time with each animal featured in the talk! Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult. 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge.

Jazz, Pop and Rock: the New Jersey Connection

MONMOUTH JUNCTION – Come to the South Brunswick library on June 24 at 2 p.m. to hear Walter Choroszewski’s entertaining program on Jazz, Pop and Rock: The New Jersey Connection. As part of the Summer Reading theme of music – Libraries Rock – and in celebration of the library’s 50th Anniversary, it is presenting this live presentation about music and musicians who have roots in New Jersey – from Sinatra, to Springstein, to Bon Jovi and many others. This free presentation is for the whole family. Light refreshments will be served.

Summer fun at the Shore

Barnegat Kids Crab and Fishing Contest

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Township presents the Kids Crab and Fishing Contest on June 22 at the public dock. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Event is for children ages 4 to 12 years old. Participants must bring their own bait and tackle. Prizes will be awarded. All participants will receive a t-shirt and a snack. 427 East Bay Ave., Barnegat

Kick Off to Summer Food Truck Festival

LAVALLETTE – Come out with the family to kick off the summer at the Summer Food Truck Festival on June 23 from 3-9 p.m. Festival features food trucks, live music, and activities for kids. $5 admission for adults, free admission for children. Lavallette Bayfront & Philadelphia Ave., Lavallette.

Taste of Highlands

HIGHLANDS – Head to the 7th Annual Taste of Highlands, and sample scrumptious food and cocktails from 21 Highlands establishments on June 23. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online and at participating establishments or the day of the event at Huddy Park and Veterans Park until 2 pm. Price of admission will include a map, keepsake tote bag and transportation. For more information call 732-291-4713 or visit the website. 

Outside Middlesex County

State Fair Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD – The New Jersey State Fair Meadowlands opens June 22 and continues until July 7. State Fair Meadowlands is held annually at Meadowlands Fairgrounds, next to the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The fair, which features the largest Kiddieland in New Jersey as well as thrilling white-knuckle rides for older children and adults, will offer delicious new foods, live animal shows, daring acrobats, games, shopping and more. State Fair Meadowlands Fairgrounds, 1 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. DETAILS 

FBAC Jazz & Blues

FREEHOLD – The Freehold Borough Arts Council Summer Series presents Eryn and Guest on June 24 from 7-9 p.m. as part of its summer series at the DowntownFreehold.com Gazebo. 10 East Main St., Freehold.

Ongoing

Butterfly House

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The Butterfly House inside the EARTH Center at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick is open Saturdays and Sundays in in June, July and August from 10 a.m. to noon. The enclosed conditions allow visitors to take a closer look at these beautiful insects and be immersed in their surroundings. You can learn about butterfly host plants and how to attract butterflies to your own yard or garden. Interested children are welcome to grab a net and join the chase for butterflies to place into the house. 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick.

Animals – Wilde and Winsome

METUCHEN — “Animals – Wild and Winsome” is an exhibit of children’s art from St. Lukes, the Metuchen area and children from its sister parish in Buen Pastor in Quito, Ecuador hosted at Nails in the Wall, A MINISTRY OF St. Lukes. This year, we have invited children ages 6 – 16 to share an image of an animal or animals special to them. They may have used whatever media they wish, from photography to painting, drawing, etc. The exhibit runs from June 1 to June 30. Nails in the Wall is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, from 4-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 17 Oak Ave., Metuchen.

It’s Just a Job

NEW BRUNSWICK — The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University presents the “It’s Just a Job: Bill Owens and Studs Terkel on Working in 1970s America” Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. until July 29. During the 1970s, the nature of work and people’s relationships with their jobs changed dramatically in the United States. Manufacturing, a mainstay of the American economy and national labor identity, began to falter under the weight of global shifts, giving way to an economy increasingly organized around service and white-collar work. These changes, coupled with rising unemployment, the struggles of women and people of color for equality in the workplace and beyond, and occupational disenchantment, caused the topic of “meaningful employment” to become a national preoccupation. Drawn to the topic of employment because of its primary importance to the lives of ordinary people, California-based photographer Bill Owens and pioneering oral historian Studs Terkel began book projects in the 1970s focused on working life in the United States. The Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick.

Prints of Mexico

NEW BRUNSWICK — The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University presents the “Prints of Mexico” on Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. until July 29. Following the Mexican Revolution (1910-20), Mexico became a cultural destination for travelers from around the world. Numerous artists visited the country, home to an internationally renowned mural movement and a flourishing printmaking community, to witness the art being produced there and were inspired to capture their own impressions of the country. This exhibition examines prints from the 1930s and 1940s by Mexican and foreign artists that pictured the people, traditions, and history of Mexico for primarily American audiences. It features Mexican People, a portfolio depicting regional trades produced by the influential Mexico City printmaking collective Taller de Gráfica Popular, alongside prints by Jean Charlot, the French artist and historian of Mexican art, and the North American artists Howard Norton Cook, Olin Dows, Henrietta Shore, and Richard Day, most of which will be on view at the museum for the first time. The Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick.

Nineteenth-Century Landscape Lithographs

NEW BRUNSWICK — The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University presents the “Nineteenth-Century Landscape Lithographs” Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. until Sept. 23.The invention and rapid growth of the printmaking medium of lithography over the course of the nineteenth century coincided with a similar expansion and development of landscape as an independent artistic subject. This exhibition of British and French landscape prints features examples by early lithographic masters, including Richard Cooper and Antoine Mongin, as well as dazzling color landscapes from the 1890s by Henri Rivière and Edouard Vuillard. Selected from the Zimmerli’s collection of nineteenth-century graphic arts, the exhibition demonstrates the remarkable technical and aesthetic approaches to portraying the landscape that characterize the innovative art of the 1800s. The Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick.