This is a chance for kids to get out of the house, meet new friends, and have some fun! Enjoy a bonfire, s’mores, and BBQ. This is for teens in the small surrounding towns of Belvidere, Liberty, Washington and Hope.
Starting August 31, 2022
“I learned the value of hard work by working hard.”- Margaret Mead, 20th century American cultural anthropologist, author and speaker on imprinting child behavior.
As this Labor Day weekend approaches, we can’t help but think of those who came before us to secure fair wages, time off and a three-day weekend to commemorate it all. Take a page from Villa Milagro’s distinguished tuxedo gentleman, Francisco, and do some good lounging!
Here at Explore Warren we’re kicking off the weekend a tad early Thursday evening at Garret D. Wall Park with Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, a hot jazz combo out of Philadelphia. The first of many events leading up to the county’s 2025 bicentennial, this concert is presented by the Board of County Commissioners and various county entities, including yours truly, the Explore Warren County Tourism Partnership. Meanwhile, Shippen Manor is hosting their last two concerts of the free summer series this weekend with Pine Leaf Boys on Friday and Paddy and the Pale Boys on Sunday. Fortunately for all the Wanderings music lovers, there are plenty of artists and venues hosting live music in our Continuing section.
Well-Sweep Herb Farm will be hosting their Fall Flower Festival and Craft and Farmers' Market, a two-day free event complete with lectures, tours and shopping. There's another opportunity for the Buttz In Gear Bike Rides presented by Buttzville Brewing on Sunday, and you can also get moving with the Labor Day Hike on the Paulinskill Valley Trail on Monday.
Looking ahead, Belvidere is home to the 34th Annual Heritage Day (aka Victorian Days) September 10, bringing the Victorian era of the town to life, while the first-ever Phillipsburg NJ Railroad Festival is the same day. September is shaping up to be a busy month so check our Plan Ahead section and keep your eyes peeled!
Relax and enjoy this long weekend! Happy Labor Day, Happy Back to School and Happy Wanderings!
Coming Up
Warren County will look forward to its bicentennial just a few years away with a look back to the County’s centennial era in the Roaring Twenties with a free, outdoor concert in the town square in front of the Courthouse, featuring Drew Nugent and The Midnight Society, a “hot jazz” combo based in Philadelphia, PA.
The five-piece combo, featuring Skip Rohrich on drums, Gary Cattley on tuba, Brennen Ernst on guitar, and Joe McDonough on trombone, is led by Drew Nugent on cornet, vocals, teapot and melodica. The group is no stranger to Warren County, having played several times as part of the Shippen Manor Summer Lawn Concerts series.
Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread out on the grass and enjoy the concert in the park, which was created in 1825 when Belvidere became the county seat. Historical information exhibits and kids activities will be available, and the United Presbyterian Church on the square will provide rest rooms, a rain location for the concert, and offer refreshments for sale.
In addition to Chef Anthony’s regular menu of freshly made wood-fired pizza, salad, paninis, and charcuterie there will be Lobster Specials (Lobster Pizza, Lobster Roll, or a Crab/Corn Pizza) at Alba Vineyard! Stop on by and relax with friends and family this Labor Day Weekend.
The lawn concerts are free to the public. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family and friends to Shippen and enjoy the easy going, relaxing and toe-tapping atmosphere. Louisiana's finest, world-renowned Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Louisiana music with youthful exuberance, blending the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp-Pop, Country, and Soul.
Labor Day Music
Sep 2 - TBD
Sep 3 - SAGE, Scott Messina and Ted Lyons
Sep 4 - John Cain, Joe Janci and Kyle Baker
Sep 5 - Ted Lyons, John Cain and Rich Ortiz
The Amish Outlaws return to the Boat Stage!
$15 cover charge at the door.
Come enjoy a weekend of free informative lectures and tours as you browse for fall perennials and shop in our Craft & Farmers’ Market! Event held rain or shine. Free admission and parking.
Nourish your body and soul - and treat your taste buds! $55/person includes our one-hour yoga class, a guided wine tasting of six wines, and a bottle of either Delicado or Rosita.
Shoresyde Duo is from Brick, NJ and covers a variety of music from the '50s to today including Rock, Motown, R&B, Country, Top 40 and more.
Come out and meet your first responders at Sycamore Park!!! Free food and drinks! Bounce houses, Atlantic medical helicopter landing and more!
Looking for a chance to get off the couch and do some cycling with a local group? Want to reward yourself with craft beer after your ride? Head out to Buttzville every other Sunday through October 30. Arrive by 9:30am and rides leave at 10am sharp.
Groove to this renowned Blues, Swing and Boogie band while savoring your favorite FSW wine on the outdoor deck overlooking the picturesque 250-acre farm. Vineyard View Bistro menu items available, as well as wine tasting ($5 for up to 8 wines).and/or purchase wine by the glass or bottle.
Paddy and the Pale Boys play the traditional songs and music of Ireland and Scotland, along with some good ol' boy country and rock 'n' roll. These lawn concerts are free to the public.
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) for a group hike at Footbridge Park in Blairstown, NJ. The PVTC, a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike. The length of the hike will be 4-5 miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides
Everyone is invited to a dicussion on herbs. You can bring hints, tips, reciepes and anything else that help everyone learn.
Bring a chair and refreshments are welcome.
Louisiana's finest and a world-renowned group that, along with youthful exuberance, blend the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp-Pop, Country and Soul.
Enjoy live music with multiple artists from noon through 6pm, food truck (Humpty Jr's) on site, and wine available by the glass and bottle. And back by popular demand, Red, White, and "Blue" wine slushies!
12 - 2:30pm - Lauren Christine
3 - 5:30pm - SAGE
Celebrate Labor Day weekend with our salute to a great summer!
Self-Guided Wine Flights priced at $22, $28, and $34 per person, 21+ - includes cover for music.
Come enjoy a weekend of free informative lectures, presentations, spectacular garden tours, handmade artisan market and live music by Rupert and Scheetz, with their soulful blend of bluegrass and Americanas. Browse for fall perennials and shop in Well-Sweep's Craft & Farmers’ Market!
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) for a group hike at Footbridge Park in Blairstown, NJ. The PVTC, a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike. The length of the hike will be 4-5 miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides
Continuing
Lopatcong's weekly summer music series. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation.
September 15 - VooDudes
September 21 - Mark Hanning (reschduled from prior date due to rain cancelation)
Shappell Park will be rocking with the Craig Sailer Project.
Barnyard Buddies is a program that was designed for kids ages 2-8 who have an interest in farm life and love the outdoors.
Come out to Friday Nights on the Farm with Bombed Opera! Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of your local farm! A family-friendly event, James on Main collaborates with Donaldson Farms to create delicious farm-fresh and locally sourced cuisine for their guests and are proud to host their friends from Czig Meister Brewing Company.
Market Price - Choice of: 6 oz. Filet $60, Dry Aged Pork Chop $50, Salmon Fish $45.
All served with seasonal vegetables, potato, and salad. Charcuterie A La Carte- $20.
Celebrate the changing seasons at Alba with September evening music!
Every Saturday this summer, Waterloo is open and showcasing the Canal Museum and Highlands Boat Exhibit. In addition, the Gristmill and Smith Store will be open, and village tours will be given.
Other buildings will also be open, as well as the village Visitor Center.
Pack a picnic, invite some friends and enjoy some time with great wines, music and spectacular views! $15 cover charge includes seating, music & wine tasting. Seating for 1-3 is first-come basis. Seating for 4-5 is by reservation/prepaid.
Enjoy an afternoon on a September weekend at Alba's for live music.
Enjoy music at Little Ridge with great wines.
September 3 - Jeff Bellfy
September 17 - Allan Willcockson
September 18 - Chuck Schubert
September 24 - Jeff Bellfy
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 10:30 PM, weather permitting.
This market is in full swing this September! 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.
Phillipsburg's first open air market is starting in July and runs through October. There will be vendors, baked goods, farms and artisans.
Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.
Aug. 28 - Peter Amaedo
Sept. 4 - Jack Pierone
Sept. 11 - AMC Music Day
Sept. 18 - Matt DeBlass
Sept. 25 - Peter Amaedo
Oct. 2 - Brian Molnar
Joe's Steak Shop is hosting their 18th season of Cruise night. Plan on meeting old friends, making new ones, see outstanding cars, and live music. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, cars, and delicious food and drinks.
Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.
Oct. 2 - Brian Molnar
Oct. 9 - Thomas Johnston
Oct.16 - Matt DeBlass
Oct. 23 - Bob Piccola
Oct. 30 - Carson DeAngelis
Pack a picnic, invite some friends and enjoy some time with great wines, music and spectacular views! $15 cover charge includes seating, music & wine tasting. Seating for 1-3 is first-come basis. Seating for 4-5 is by reservation/prepaid.
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 10:30 PM, weather permitting.
Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.
Nov. 6 - Joe Cassady
Nov. 13 - Nick Cerniglia
Nov. 20 - Thomas Johnston
Nov. 27 - Joe Frame
Dec. 4- Jack Pierone
Dec. 11- Caren Kennedy Duo
Dec. 18- Avoiding Foreclosure
Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.
Jan. 8 - Peter Amaedo
Jan. 15 - Brian Molnar
Jan. 22 - Matt DeBlass
Jan. 29 - Bob Piccola
Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of your local farm! James on Main collaborates with Donaldson Farms to create delicious farm-fresh and locally sourced cuisine for our guests.
Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of Donaldson's. James on Main and Czig Meister Brewing Company will be on site as well.
Dinner/food schedule - 5pm-8:30pm, Music 6pm-9pm. Admission tickets are required for guests to attend the event.
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.
Chef Jack as he fires up the grill for a special evening under the Arbor!
Menu includes an entree which comes with a twice baked potato and a summer vegetable medley