Starting August 19, 2020

"We should all have personal hot air balloons and drift serenely through the clouds." - Rhys Bowen, pen name of Janet Quin-Harkin, British author known for mystery novels. Butterfly photo courtesy of Charlie Fineran.

Up, up and away! Today the new incarnation of the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival lifts off! Thanks to all who entered to win tickets last week, and congratulations to our winners: grand prize winner Laura G. of Alpha, and runners-up, Kimberly M. of Harmony and Carol C. of Lopatcong! Have a great time with our compliments! Besides balloons and drones, read on for other things to do in the coming week, and don't run out of steam before getting down to the "Plan Ahead" section, as you might want to snag some advance tickets before they sell out. Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival

Here it is! The hot air balloon festival that happens each summer is moving to a new location for 2020 for a five-day event with morning and evening balloon launches, drone demonstrations and more. Limited tickets are available due to social distancing requirements so get your tickets today! Now in its 20th year, this year's location is Warren County Community College, a long-time sponsor, at the college's Drone Port at its campus along Route 57 in Washington Township. Learn more here or go right to their ticketing website to buy tickets.

Lopatcong Music in the Park: Jesse Rivera

A Latin music artist who plays contemporary hits as well, Jesse likes to engage his audience by handing out percussion instruments and encouraging them to dance. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation.

Late Night Thursdays in Hackettstown

 Among the many promotions and specials this week, there will be live music from Jukebox Trio. Keep an eye on Hackettstown BID's website and social media for the latest updates.

Front Porch Cabaret Concert

This FREE outdoor event is a celebration of Centenary Stage Company and NEXTstage Repertory past and future musical productions! Includes hit songs from Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Avenue Q, Rent, Nunsense, Beauty and the Beast, Lucky Stiff, Into the Woods, Young Frankenstein, and many more!  The Cabaret will feature some of CSC's and Centenary University's favorite singers.

Live Music Thursdays at Czig Meister: Culver Gap

Music from 7-10pm, over starts at 6pm ($10 cover includes a ticket for beer). $5 DD ticket available We've got a full tap list of beers ready to go! We've also got Hard CZeltzers which are Gluten Free & only 5% for an easy drinking non-beer option.

Friday in the Arbor at Alba Vineyard: Blues times 2

Relax under the Arbor every Friday, 12-9pm through September 25, weather permitting. No one under 21 will be admitted Customers must wear masks inside the building Seating for 2-4 people on a first come, first serve basis Groups of 5-7 MUST make a prior reservation

Live Music at Brook Hollow Winery: Scott Messina

Acoustic guitarist/vocalist Scott Messina performs classic rock hits spanning six decades. Bring a meal from a local purveyor (food will not be provided by the winery), relax and enjoy the evening along with your favorite Brook Hollow wine.

Friday Nights on the Farm w/ James Off Main & Jeff Bellfy Band

Relax and enjoy delicious food and live music outdoors while surrounded by the stunning views of abundant crop fields and mountain vistas. Details and tickets. All food is sold separately and is not included in your admission ticket. Bringing your own adult beverages is permitted.

Live Music at Panther Pub

Live music, weather permitting, Friday and Sunday evenings. August schedule posted on Facebook.

T.G.I. Flynn's: The Dr. Dick Show

Reservations are required (and face masks when traveling to and getting up from your table). Upcoming schedule: 8/28: Truth and Soul

Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Take a beautiful, narrated, 1.5 hour scenic trip along the Delaware river to Riegelsville and return. Opportinunties to enjoy activities along the line; the Corn Maze is now open.

The Winery Train

Enjoy an afternoon trip on a train to Villa Milagro for a beautiful journey along the scenic Delaware River behind New Jersey's only operating steam locomotive. Visit to one of New Jersey's most beautiful Wineries.

Weekend Live Music at Four Sisters Winery

Come and enjoy the casual but lively atmosphere, award-winning wines, and beautiful vineyard views.

Music Under the Arbor at Alba Vineyard

Relax under the Arbor (weather permitting) with Joe Wagner Jazz Trio on Saturday and Kathy Phillips Trio on Sunday. Wine Flights priced at $20-$32 per person (21 and older) and includes cover for music. ($10 cover for music otherwise). Freshly made food available for purchase. Photo courtesy of Nicole Ertle.

Afternoon Live Music at Brook Hollow Winery

Visit Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility for live music each weekend day: Michael Long on Saturday and Janci & Berry on Sunday.

Music Under the Pergola: Lou Pompilio

This incredibly talented multilingual singer and guitarist performs romantic songs in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English (bring your sweetheart for this one)! And pack a picnic to enjoy with the music under the pergola. $15.

Barefoot Grape Stomping at Four Sisters Winery

Are you ready for a smashing good time? Formal wine tasting followed by a chicken parmesan dinner served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, tossed salad and bread. Dessert is introduced and paired with two dessert wines.

Pentley Holmes & Band at Invertase Brewing Company

New Jersey native, Pentley Holmes is truly that rare artist whose work achieves both technical and emotional brilliance.

Live at Rock Creek Tavern: Flirtin With the Mob

Flirtin With the Mob is a 10-member dance band, playing great dance music from the '70s to present.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey Presents: The Northern Lights

A free astronomy talk followed by night sky viewing, weather permitting. Reservations are required! Bring your interest and an open mind to be amazed at the sights in our night sky! This week, learn about "The Northern Lights" presented by Gregg Waldron, NWJAA.

The Bottle Caps at Draught House

Live music at the Boat Bar!

Tuscan Sun Italian to Benefit Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary

Fresh air! Free wine tasting! Italian food and live acoustic music by Bill Ruddy! During COVID-19 our wildlife patients need your help more than ever. Please consider attending this outdoor family-style Italian dinner to benefit Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Winery Train

The Winery Train

The Winery Train

The Winery Train

The Big Fuss at Invertase Brewing Company

Hard rock cover band, The Big Fuss, will grace Invertase Brewing Company once again Saturday, May 1 from 4pm- 8pm. Pair the experience with great beer and great friends.

Ralph Pagano Duo at Invertase Brewing Company

Based out of the Lehigh Valley, PA. Folk/Rock/Americana. Pair the experience with great beer and great friends.

Continuing

Blairstown Farmers Market

Come see your favorite local farmers and food producers at the Blairstown Farmers Market! Open every Saturday from 9:30am-1pm, June through October. Local vegetables, herbs, fruit, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, honey, and prepared meals from 25 miles of Blairstown.

Warren County Farmers Market

A venue where local farmers, producers, and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products directly to the consumer, located in the parking lot of White Township School (corner of Rts. 46 and 519), Belvidere. Open every Sunday, June-September.

The Farmers Market at Rutherfurd Hall

This new Farm Market will run every 2nd & 4th Sunday to October 25, on the beautiful grounds of Rutherfurd Hall.

Story Time In the Pocket Park

All ages welcome! Stories geared towards pre-school age kids, through August 26. Story Time and music will be lead by Diana Dove of Dove Environmental Education Kid’s lunch specials offered for purchase afterward at:

Community Corner

Lord's Auction

Annual Lords Auction for Belvidere United Presbyterian Church to be held at Garret D. Wall Park. All items hand made or home grown. Browsing begins at 9:30am; Auction starts at 10:30am. Bring your own chair and wear a mask.

Beef Stir Fry

Offered by United Presbyterian Church. Take Out ONLY $10. Pick up 4:30 - 6:30. Reserve yours 908-475-2771 (church) or 908-619-1351 (Ann).

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