Entertainment

Trenton has a wide array of entertainment options, some of which are a close walk from Mill Hill.  

Sporting Events

The Sovereign Bank Arena , located just two blocks from Mill Hill, is a state-of-the-art sporting and events arena that opened in 1999.  Since opening, the Arena has hosted acts such as Cher, Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Tool, and Elton John, among many others.   The Sovereign Bank Arena is also home to the popular Trenton Titans hockey team, the 2005 Kelley Cup Champions.   The Titans are owned by the NHL's New Jersey Devils and are affiliated with the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers.  The Titans' games are fun and exciting, and are only a short walk from Mill Hill.  

Another very popular family-oriented venue, especially in the spring and summer, is Trenton's Waterfront Park , home to the Trenton Thunder baseball team, a double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.  The Thunder games are highly interactive and a lot of fun, especially for families with children.   In 2006, the Thunder became the first team in Minor League Baseball history to draw over 400,000 fans for twelve consecutive seasons at the double-A level or below. Through 13 seasons, over 5.4 million people have attended a Thunder game.

A special treat is when a Yankees star spends a week or two making "rehabilitation" starts for the Thunder. A couple of years ago, Derek Jeter rehabbed his shoulder injury to sold-out crowds at Waterfront Park. These were not your usual Trenton faithful.

Theatre

Trenton has a regionally-recognized theater scene. Its epicenter is the City's only professional theatre company: Passage Theater, which is resident at the Mill Hill Playhouse.  For more than 21 years, Passage Theater has been drawing audiences and critical acclaim for its cutting-edge productions.  

Under the direction of Producing Artistic Director June Ballinger, a Mill Hill resident, Passage stages 3 main productions a year, often world premieres. The Afghan Women, shown pictured here, premiered in 2004, written by internationally recognized playwright William Mastrosimone, a Trenton native.

In addition, for a month, usually in February, the Theatre produces its Cheat on Your TV Festival, presenting an eclectic mix of one-person theatre performances, dance, music, and spoken word.

A special treat is the many theatre programs that Passage runs for youth. Once a year there is a "community" show featuring young Trenton actors in a mixed cast with professionals (see photo). Also the "State Street Project" teaches young children to write plays, which are then performed by professional actors and directors. An amazing experience to watch, alternating funny moment with searing insights.

On top of these productions, the Theatre presents works by its "Playwright's Unit", a cooperative of emerging local writers, and many readings and workshops of plays in early development.

Music

Trenton boasts wonderful state-of-the-art facilities in the city for people who love music. The Patriots Theater at the War Memorial  is a beautifully ornate, 1800-seat capacity theater in the Italian Renaissance style that plays host for countless internationally-recognized artists and musicians.   Past visitors include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.  The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra regularly holds performances here, and major national acts pass through regularly.   The War Memorial is only a short walk from Mill Hill and is a great place to take out-of-town guests. 

The Jazz Masters Series at the Candlelight Lounge offers a much more low-key music-lover's experience.  At the Candlelight, some of the nation's best jazz musicians convene for no-cover gigs in an informal, relaxed setting.   Our friends at Hidden Trenton offer their take on the Candlelight scene here.   

Nightlife

Trenton also offers an exciting nightlife scene.  Directly across the street from the Sovereign Bank Arena is the lively music joint, the 449 Room.  The 449 Room, paired with the vegetarian restaurant Greenlight Café, hosts many independent local music acts, poetry slams, and open mic nights in a hip, lively environment.  

Katmandu is a night club/bar on Trenton 's waterfront and is very popular with the twenty-something crowd.   Katmandu hosts live bands and special events, and on Sunday mornings they have an excellent brunch.   The Mill Hill Basement is the epitome of the underground music scene in Trenton.  The Mill Hill Basement is a basement bar located below the Mill Hill Saloon offering live music, open mic night and a DJ once a week.   They boast the most diverse jukebox in the area with punk, metal, hardcore, hippie music and jazz represented.  

Parks

The city's many parks offer another great way to spend a day in the capital city.   Our favorite parks include Cadwalader Park (the only New Jersey park designed by Frederick Olmsted, the designer of New York City's Central Park) and Mill Hill Park (the site of the Second Battle of Trenton). Capital City State Park, a new urban state park, is scheduled to be built in the coming years, connecting the historic sites of Trenton with its waterways.