Late July - Early August 2025

“If we are all the best we can be in the show barn, imagine how much better the experience would be for everyone.” – Angie Sandy, American designer and illustrator

Wanderers, we’re being honest here: Your friends at Explore Warren have been quite busy lately, but we’re trying our best for the old show barn! Part of our busy-ness is preparing for the Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival, which opens tomorrow! There is still time to enter shows and contests. If you go, please visit the “Warren County & You” government exhibit building to say hello and enter our contest to win prizes!

This issue is packed with plenty of other goodies, so without further ado, Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

Middle School Musical @ Country Gate Players

As Dayton Middle School prepares for its annual spring musical, everyone is flabbergasted when Lindsey, the perennial star of the school, is passed over for the “leading" role, in favor of quiet unassuming Izzy. What follows is a series of chaotic schemes and plots culminating in lots of fun

National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day @ Tranquillity Farms

What better way to celebrate than with a morning full of over-the-top breakfast sundaes and sweet creations that’ll make you feel like a kid again? Join Tranquillity Farms to celebrate the weekend with inventive ice cream combinations for breakfast!

Meet A Jeep @ Donaldson Farms

Bring the family to Donaldson's for an event benefiting Sister2Sister, an organizaion hepling those in underserved communitie battling cancer, in memory of Amanda Chernack. Local food, drink, music, hayrides, & Jeeps. It's recommend to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

87th Annual Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival

The 87th Farmers' Fair includes the 25th Hot Air Balloon Festival, a Traditional Arts Expo and marks Warren County's 200th birthday! Enjoy free musical entertainment and equestrian events throughout the week, plus an Antique Car Show on 7/28. Mass balloon launch EVERY NIGHT (weather permitting). Come visit us at the "Warren County and You" building behind the main grandstand. Daily farm events & exhibits; the Kids Corral; various Main Arena shows; and so much more. Sunday is Veterans Day (free admission with ID) and Monday is Senior Day (free admission by showing Medicare card). See you at the Fair!

Chef Dinner @ Alba Vineyard

A summer night. Estate wine. A chef-driven menu under the vines. Alba kicks off of its Chef Dinner Series; a four-course menu crafted by Chef Hunter Stagg, paired with a curated glass of Alba’s estate wine.

Summerfest 2025 @ CSC - Yacht Rock Gold Experience

Yacht Rock Gold Experience concert brings you all of your favorite hits from the late 1970s and early 1980s to new generations of music fans. Celebrating the smooth sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Boz Skaggs and so many more!

Annual Car, Truck, Bike, Tractor and Boat Show @ Mt. Lake Fire Co.

Come enjoy the day with family and friends at the Mountain Lake Fire Company Car Show! All makes and modles including Hot Rods, customs, antiques, classic, modern cars, trucks, bikes, boats and tractors before 1964. Free meal ticket with vehicle entrance and custom trophies awarded.

Phillipsburg Open Air Market @ Shappell Park - Berry Blast

Phillipsburg's Open Air Market, open every Sunday through October, showcases farms, crafters, baked goods and artisans vendors, along with live music and food. July 27 features berry-themed food and activities! Berry pie baking contest, pie eating contest, berry smoothies and more!

Murder Mystery @ Four Sisters Winery

An immersive murder mystery experience that promises an evening of excitement and entertainment. Begin with an indulgent wine tasting featuring a selection of 8 exquisite wines, followed by a Chicken Parmigiana dinner with pasta, salad, bread and dessert.

Infloressense Presents: Know Thyself

Described as a truly transformative class about getting to know yourself and others in a deeper way. You will become aware of the various ways you tend to energetically and emotionally react to the people and events around you.

SOLD OUT Touch a Truck Night @ Tranquillity Farms

Kids and adults can enjoy an evening of trucks and other machinery for a sensory experience. Tickets are $3 person for Touch a Truck experience; $6 for Touch a Truck and Cow Train ride.

Sunflower Festival @ Von Thun Farms

Celebrate August with a Sunflower Fest every weekend at VonThun Farms, featuring a different theme, such as fruit, brews, flowers and more! Bring your lawn chair and blanket and enjoy delicious food from a lineup of food trucks, live music, games and activities for all ages!

Annual Clam Bake @ Brook Hollow Winery

Argyle Restaurant is back at Brook Hollow serving up another delicious clam bake, specializing in the highest quality Scottish Fish n' Chips, along with shrimp, hot dogs, burgers, corn, salads, desserts and more!

Barefoot Grape Stomping @ Four Sisters

Indulge in a memorable day filled with wine, food, and the fun of barefoot grape stomping at Four Sisters Winery. Cost is $51.58/person + tax, which includes a formal wine tasting, a delicious dinner with dessert, and concludes with a tasting of specialty dessert wine.

Found Fest Block Party

Another FOUND Fest, usually the first Saturday of each month. Incredible food trucks, great live music, family fun, corn hole, chair massage, and its evening Farmers Market is back and growing! The FOUND family is working hard to bring the community together and invite everyone to see how Belvidere is growing.

Concert Under the Stars @ Villa Milagro: Little Red Rooster Blues Band

In 1988, two Bucks County high school grads started a blues “band” with a guitar and mouth harp.

7th Annual ARC of Warren County Food Truck and Music Fest @ Donaldson Farms

Summer will be in full swing so let's bring the trucks back to the farm! Donaldson Farms has partnered with great organizations for a great event featuring up to 11 food trucks, live music by Brian Dean Moore Band, games and activities for all ages! Czig Meister Brewing will also be on site.

Shippen Manor Museum Tours 2025

Shippen Manor's season opens with annual museum tours celebrating Warren County's Bicentennial. Docents will be available to greet visitors and share the history of the Manor, its people, and the local industrial history of Oxford. Tours are offered on the main floor of the building.

National Night Out

National Night Out is a nationwide, annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, and celebrated in a number of Warren County communities:

Tai Chi Gung @ Infloressence

Meg Lyding, trained through Circle of Chi by Master Lama Rasaji who lived and trained at the Darchen Lamasery in Tibet, shares a series of gentle, flowing, meditative movements done standing with balanced breathing. Meg who operates at a higher frequency, and is soft, focused and articulate.

Country Line Dancing @ Tranquillity Farms

Grab your boots and hit the dance floor with DJ Dave Rupell and Jess of Country Fusion Instructing! Great for all levels, ages, and families - no line dancing experience necessary! $12/person ages 10+ (children younger than 10 are free).

Day Out with Thomas @ Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Pop’ on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine! Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour complete with Celebration Station for party-themed games and activities! Spend the day creating memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas!

Cruise Night @ Zeek's Place

Come out to Zeek's Place for the 2025 season of Cruise Night with Blood Moon Performance automotive. This event is once a month and open to all types of cars, from classic to modern muscle, tuners and trucks. Lot fills up quickly.

27th Annual Warren County WIFFLE Ball Tournament

The tournament includes 24 teams on 4 fields vying for the championship including the two-time defending champion – The Rookies. The tournament is held, rain or shine, at the Franklin Township Fire Department in Asbury, NJ.

Concert Under the Stars @ Villa Milagro: The Moon Dwellers

The Moon Dwellers, a local Hunterdon County band of three talented musicians, performs New Orleans, Blues, folk-rock plus originals. Wear your dance shoes and pack a picnic. Wine by bottle. Advance tickets $15. At door $20. Tickets guarantee table/chairs.

Breaking Glass Beginner Workshop

Breaking Glass Art Studio at Infloressense. This summer, create your own beach-inspired stained glass seashell! A condensed two-day beginner workshop will introduce you to the fine art of Tiffany-style stained glass.

SOLD OUT Sunset at The Lavender Farm

Have you ever felt the need to just slow down and take a breather?

Shippen Manor Museum Tours 2025

Shippen Manor's season opens with annual museum tours celebrating Warren County's Bicentennial. Docents will be available for tours and talks about the history of the people and the local industry of Oxford.

88th Annual Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival

Shippen Manor Museum Tours 2025

Shippen Manor Museum Tours 2025

Shippen Manor Museum Tours 2025

Shippen Manor continues to celebrate Warren County's Bicentennial with Victorian Candlelight tours. Registration is now open. Please contact Gina by email or call the office 908- 453-4381 during office hours for more information.

Entertainment

Weekend Evening Music Under the Arbor @ Alba Vineyard

Live music and great wine! Admission $10/person or complimentary with a paid wine flight. Must be 21+ Friday and Saturday Evenings: 6-8:30 p.m.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Tiptons features live music most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Lineup: July 25 - Chuck Shubert & Co 8-11 July 26 - Liquid Garden Band 8-11 July 27 - Port Authority 3-6 August 1 - JerZGirls 8-11 August 2 - Doubletime Paradigm 8-11

Brook Hollow Live Music - July

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Weekend Afternoon Music Under the Arbor @ Alba Vineyard

Live music and great wine under the Arbor! Afternoons, 1-4:30pm

Music on the Deck @ Four Sisters Winery

Get ready for live music on the deck at Four Sisters! All music starts at 1pm unless otherwise noted. July 26 - Anker 12:30 July 27 - Ed Jankiewicz Aug. 2 - Jordan Allen 12:30

Little Ridge Vineyards Afternoon Live Music

No Reservations Required. Admission Fee $10/person at the gate (age 2 & under free). Live music lineup: July 26 - Peter Amadeo 2-5pm July 27 - John Cain 1-4pm August 2 - Ralph James 2-5pm August 3 - Allan Willcokson 1-4pm

Brook Hollow Live Music - August

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Little Ridge Vineyards Afternoon Live Music

No Reservations Required. Admission Fee $10/person at the gate (age 2 & under free). Live music lineup: September 7 - Dave Read September 13 - Rene' Avilia September 14 - John Cain September 21 - Jeni Hackett

Brook Hollow Live Music - August

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase. Aug 15 - Katy Gerhold Aug 16 - Scott Messina Aug 17 - Ally Brown Aug 22 - OPEN MIC NIGHT Aug 23 - Sage

Brook Hollow Live Music - September

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase. Sept. 5 - Rich Ortiz Sept. 6 - Ally Brown Katy Gerhold Sept. 7 - Scott Messina

Brook Hollow Live Music - October

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase. Oct 3 - Rich Ortiz Oct 4 - Ally Brown Oct 5 - Elizabeth Gillen Oct 10 - OPEN MIC NIGHT Oct 11 - Lee Larson

Brook Hollow Live Music - November

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase. Nov 28- OPEN MIC NIGHT Nov 29 - Katy Gerhold Nov 30 - Ashley Marquez

Brook Hollow Live Music - December

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase. Dec 5 - Water Street Dec 6 - Katy Gerhold Dec 7 - Rich Ortiz Dec 12 - OPEN MIC NIGHT Dec 13 - Scott Messina

Little Ridge Vineyards Afternoon Live Music

No Reservations Required. Admission Fee $10/person at the gate (age 2 & under free). Live music lineup: November 1 - Dan DeChellis November 8 - Jeff Bellfy November 15 - Chuck Schubert

Continuing

Friday Nights on the Farm @ Donaldson Farms

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of Donaldson's. James on Main, Czig Meister and Va Fa Napoli Pizza Truck will be on site as well.

Summer Soiree Series @ Brook Hollow

May through September, Brook Hollow is making Saturdays even better with live music (no cover!), a tasty food truck, and your favorite Brook Hollow wines. Grab a cozy seat around the fire pit (first come, first served), or reserve a spot on our covered porch for a more intimate vibe.

UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2025

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

Yoga in the Park: Summer Series

Mary Golden Wellness invites everyone to yoga for a cause while supporting your personal and community wellness. Bring a friend, family member, child or spouse. This class is partner-friendly and safe for all ages and levels.

Food Truck Thursdays (& Taco Tuesdays!) @ Tranquillity Farms

Now through September, take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy your dinner with a view or pick up something to go! Tranquillity hosts a food truck every Thursday (rotating schedule), and Taco Tuesday with A Taco Affair (select Tuesdays). Don’t forget to grab your ice cre

Summerfest 2025 @ CSC Continues

Summerfest 2025 comes to a finale worth seeing with comedian Paula Poundstone.

Barnyard Buddies @ VonThun Farms

Barnyard Buddies is a program that was designed for kids ages 2 and up who have an interest in farm life and love the outdoors.

Friday Grill Night @ Alba Vineyard

Alba's flavorful evenings under the Arbor are back as The Reverie Kitchen chefs fire up the grill for Friday Steak Nights! A three course grilled dinner is $75/person + tax. Regular menu also available. Table service – pay when you order. Wine sold separately by the bottle or glass.

Summer Soiree Series @ Brook Hollow

Friday Grill Night @ Alba Vineyard

UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2025

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings. The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Line Dancing at Inhouse

Every onther Wednesday, Line Dancing with Jen! $10 cover fee to enter; dinner service available.

Community Corner

Washington Borough Farmers Market

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 27, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave. Enjoy Washington's Summer Music Series while you're at the farmers' market!

Phillipsburg Open Air Market @ Shappell Park

Phillipsburg's Open Air Market is in its fourth year, each Sunday at Shappell Park. Enjoy vendors with farm, arts, bakery, flowers and other goodies along with live music and food.

West End Farmers' Market in Hackettstown

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market opening May 4 and runs every Sunday until Oct. 26 from 9:30am-1pm.

Camp Musky @ MWA

Camp Musky is an educational and fun day camp for kids ages 5 to 12-plus with an outdoor learning experience, and hands-on, river-based programs.

Meet a Wolf Dog @ CDH Library

Ever wanted to know the difference between a wolf and a wolf-dog? Howling Woods Farm is an educational facility located in Jackson Township, NJ providing learning experiences to the public about wolves and wolfdogs.

West End Farmers' Market in Hackettstown

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market opening May 4 and runs every Sunday until Oct. 26 from 9:30am-1pm.

Blairstown Farmers Market

The Blairstown Farmers' Market is in their 18th season with your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors!

Washington Borough Farmers Market

Reviews

“Love all the events you cover. I had no idea so much goes on in Warren County.” - Gene S., new Warren County resident

“The return of Warren County Wanderings this year was one of the best things that could happen to Northwest New Jersey! With its vast coverage of all the many wonderful events - both community and professional - which make our region such a special place to live, the Wanderings is a guidepost of discovery and a nexus of community in a culturally rich and environmentally singular area.” - Catherine Rust, General Manager, Centenary Stage Company