NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Rutgers football is back. And that means the university and the Hub City will be crawling with Scarlet Knights. Here's how you can enjoy yourself—before, during and after the game.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Loosen up with some wine and paint. Above Art Studios hosts a paint-and-sip event at 8 p.m. at 55B Morris St. Tickets cost $25 and include the canvas, paint, brushes and wine and champagne.

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It's Jazz Night in New Brunswick. The Freddie Hendrix Quartet jams at the Hyatt Regency, 2 Albany St., at 8 p.m., in an evening of fun organized by The New Brunswick Jazz Project.

Friday, Sept. 1

Enjoy the season’s bounty. Rutgers Gardens Farmers Market is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rutgers Gardens, 112 Ryders Ln. More than 20 vendors will be on hand.

Welcome back, Rutgers students. The school throws an off-campus cookout party at 5 p.m. at 39 Union St. Enjoy free food, refreshments and fun before the game.

Catch some good music from the band Good Noise This energetic group plays current hits and old-school classics. They plan to rock 126 College Avenue at 7 p.m.





It's that time again, Scarlet Knights. Rutgers' football team takes on the Washington Huskies at 8 p.m. at High Point Solutions Stadium. Don't miss the first game of the year.

Saturday, Sept. 2

Does your kid still need a backpack? New Brunswick residents can pick one up for free at noon at the HUB Teen Center. This is first-come, first-served.

School is in full swing. Rutgers puts on its convocation at 4 p.m. at the Rutgers Athletics Center on the Livingston Campus. Expect speeches and performances. Then, students return to their campus for a carnival featuring prizes, boardwalk games, activities, snacks and more.

Rock a bit harder than usual. Moreso holds its CD release show at 8 p.m. at the Court Tavern. Other bands include Category Mistakes, Eels of Love, Death By Fiction and Comb The Desert. You must be 21 or older to get in, entry costs $10 and shots run $1 with the purchase of a beer.

Sunday, Sept. 3

Tear up the court. Hub City Open Run is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Feaster Park, 199 Commercial Ave. Teams of five can play basketball, hear music and contribute to their community. Spectators welcome, too.

Kosher barbecue? Sounds good. Rutgers Hillel hosts a welcome soiree and Jewish activities fair from 5 to 8 p.m. at 70 College Ave. Free burgers, dogs, veggie burgers and more. Plus, the first 500 attendees get a free T-shirt.