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"Where liberty dwells, there is my country." - Benjamin Franklin

We're high stepping into July like this chicken wearing a tutu! Our patriotic feathered friend looks like she's getting a jump on celebrating Independence Day, perhaps strutting to North Warren on July 3 for its annual fireworks display, followed by a gathering the next day at Blairstown Fourth at Footbridge Park for an old-fashioned July 4th celebration! Or maybe she'll be marching in the Washington Celebrates America 250th parade, the keystone of Washington Borough's daylong Independence Day festivities that include an orange crate derby, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk.

There's also a July 4 fishing tournament at Merrill Creek, a boat parade on Mountain Lake, and the holiday weekend provides a great excuse to visit stops along the Warren County Grains & Grapes Trail, where you are bound to experience something new!

History enthusiasts may want to visit Shippen Manor - they have a special presentation scheduled on “Sanitation & the Continental Army” - and/or The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park on July 5.

Next week kicks off performances of The Wedding Singer at Centenary Stage Company, and you can enter to win a pair of tickets to this (or another Summerfest) show! Interested? Email Tourism@co.warren.nj.us with "Showtime" in the subject line and include your name and phone number. Good luck!

Veterans Recognition Ceremony will be held at the War Memorial in Belvidere on July 11, and there will also be "A Grateful Summer" Music and Arts Festival at Czig Meister Brewing Co. that day.

Free summer concert series continue throughout the county (scroll down to "Entertainment" for details), and there are some major happenings on the horizon in the second half of July, so keep reading and mark your calendars!

Happy Independence Day, Happy 250th Birthday to America, and Happy Wanderings!

Happy 250th, America!

Coming Up: 

Barnyard Buddies at VonThun Farms in Washington

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 10:00am
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 10:00am

VonThun's Barnyard Buddies are designed for kids ages 2 and up who have an interest in farm life and love the outdoors. Purchase tickets, $12, in the farm market when you arrive. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen & hat.

Cruise Night at Zeek's Place

Bring your ride to Cruise Night at Zeek's Place. Open to all years, makes and models, from classic to modern muscle, tuners, trucks, foreign and domestic. Great food and cool rides!

July 4th Weekend at Alba Vineyard

Raise a glass to 250 years of American spirit! Start your visit with a self-guided tasting, a la carte menu and enjoy live music and great views!

250th Anniversary Washington Celebrates America!

Celebrate the nation's independence in Washington Borough! The day kicks off with its traditional Orange Crate Derby, followed by live music and food trucks in the Pocket Park, a good old-fashioned parade through town stepping off at 3pm, and culminates with firworks at dusk!

4th of July Boat Parade on Mountain Lake

All boats of any type are welcome; those adorned with red white and blue get extra credit. Convening at 9:45 a.m. on the west side near the boat launch, line up behind the lead boat playing patriotic music supplied by DJ Lunden Fog, and at 10am, boats will make their way slowly around the lake.

Blairstown Fourth 2026 at Footbridge Park

Celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day and America's 250 with Blairstown. Family activities include shopping, games, food, live music, contests and more! Duck Race at 3:30pm. 

Shippen Manor Museum Tours and REV250 Guest Speakers

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 1:00pm

Shippen Manor will be open for museum tours, with docents sharing history of the people and the local industry of Oxford, as well as “Sanitation & the Continental Army” 7/5 and Bernadette Rogoff, Curator and Historian “Children of the Revolution” 7/12. 

Writing Workshop at the Community Center @ Belvidere

The Community Center is beginning a new workshop for those who need motivation and inspiration with their writing. Boost creative and narrative skills. This class is open for all ages. Bring your paper, pen, and/ or laptop. Snacks will be provided.

Little Learning Farmers at Donaldson Farms

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 9:30am
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 9:30am
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 9:30am

Little Learning Farmers is a child-and-adult activity session. It's perfect for parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and their Little Farmer(s) to enjoy a fun and educational morning on the farm. 

Dino Puppets! with Professor Al O'Saurus at Southwest Library

Professor Al O'Saurus has dug up a few friends, including a velociraptor, a protoceratops and a plesiosaurus as a way to celebrate the birthplace of modern paleontology. He's even bringing a large egg and needs your help to discover who's inside! Space is limited. Please register all who will be attending. 

Summerfest 2026 at CSC - The Wedding Singer

FINAL WEEKEND! Four more opportunites to see this musical comedy! It's 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull of the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

ELVIStory: The Spirit of '76

Take a nostalgic journey back to a defining year in American pop culture-when the nation celebrated its Bicentennial with fireworks, parades, and a wave of red, white, and blue pride. This special musical history lesson captures the patriotic energy of 1976 alongside Elvis’ enduring charisma and resilience during his final touring years — a heartfelt salute to the spirit, sound, and soul of a nation and its most iconic entertainer. Please register everyone in your group attending.

Flower Arrangement Workshop at VonThun Farms in Washington

Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 10:00am
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, August 14, 2026 - 6:00pm

Cindy and Kristie Von Thun will be your instructors going over the basics of flower arranging which will include cutting your own summer flowers and sunflowers for your own arrangement, and get to work on creating a one-of-a-kind bouquet to take home and admire all week long!

Overcoming Plant Blindness with Warren County Parks

Park Naturalists will be leading a slow and steady walk around the meadows of Bread Lock Park, introducing participants to the plants that live there, with a focus on plant blindness, a term used when people lose connection with the plants growing around them, followed by a Mugwort workshop.

Fan Film Fridays at Blairstown Diner

Whether you're a diehard horror fanatic, a Friday the 13th superman, or just looking for a killer night out, the Blairstown Diner is hosting two movie nights this summer! Come celebrate indie horror with a night of fan-made terror, cult vibes, and slashers on the big screen.

A Grateful Summer- Music and Arts Festival at Czig Meister Brewing Co.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 -
12:00pm to 11:00pm

Come out to Czig Meister's for live music, local art, and good vibes and celebrate summer with fellow music and art enthusiasts. Each ticket gets you all day access to the brewery for an all day event, and each ticket comes with a commemorative bracelet for the event.

Christmas in July at Brook Hollow Winery

Saturday, July 11, 2026 -
12:00pm to 4:00pm

Get your holiday shopping done with over 10 vendors, participate in fun and games, and grab some food from a variety of food trucks to enjoy with your favorite Brook Hollow Wine! Live music provided by Captains of Leisure!

Christmas in July Second Saturdays in Hackettstown

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 12:00pm

We're half way to Christmas and Hackettstown is bringing festive activities, themed sales, and holiday-inspired food and beverages. Activities include a Santa Crawl, selfies and many business deals and participation around Hackettstown!

Poetry & Art Collaboration Exhibit presented by WC ARTS

Saturday, July 25, 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026 to Monday, August 31, 2026

Calling all artists to WC Arts latest exhibit opening August 1. The exhibit will be open for public viewing through October 17 at the Oxford Municipal building. Entry deadline is July 25 and reception will be August 23. Find out more about this collaboration event at WCArts.org. 

Community Drum Circle at Southwest Library

Thursday, July 30, 2026 -
6:00pm to 7:00pm

Feel the rhythm and connect with your community at our community drum circle! No prior experience is needed. Space is limited. Please register everyone participating. This program is open to adults, teens, and anyone age 6 and up.

 

 
Entertainment: 

Lopatcong Music in the Park

Lopat's weekly concerts continue each Wednesday evening through Sept. 2. July's lineup includes Galena Brass 7/1; Father & Son 7/8; John DeRosa Band July 15; H1mkaju11k 7/22; Garabo Brothers 7/29.

Summer Concerts in Shappell Park

Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 6:00pm
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 6:00pm

Summer Concerts in Shappell Park continues every Thursday with Little Red Rooster Band 7/2; Joyous 7/9; The Castaway Band 7/16; James Supra Band 7/23.

Brook Hollow Live Music - July 2026

Friday, July 17, 2026 to Sunday, July 19, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 to Sunday, July 26, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with John Cain 7/3; Scott Messina/ Rene Avila 7/4; Scott Messina 7/5; Rich Ortiz 7/10; Michael Long 7/12; Lee Larson 7/17.

Weekend Music Under the Arbor at Alba Vineyard

Friday, July 17, 2026 to Sunday, July 19, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 to Sunday, July 26, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026

Jam to music at Alba Vineyard with Tony Forliano 7/3; Jeff Bellfy & Gary Reed 7/4; Walt Bibinger Trio 7/5; Dillon Taylor 7/10; Lorenzo Branca Trio & Paul Kopcienski 7/11; Joe Wagner Jazz Trio 7/12.

Live Music at Invertase Brewing Company

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 4:00pm
Friday, July 17, 2026 - 6:00pm
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 4:00pm
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 6:00pm
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 4:00pm
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 6:00pm

Invertase is jammin' Fridays and Saturdays with live music in July featuring Greg McLoughlin 7/3; Thomas Johnston 7/10; The Just Imagines 7/11; 2D Band 7/17; Adam Reiss 7/18; Jeff Penque 7/24; The Pearlite Boys 7/25; Ellen Ruck 7/31.

Music Under the Pergola at Villa Milagro Vineyards

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 1:30pm
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 1:00pm

Check out the July music scene at Villa Milagro featuring Bill Ihling 7/4; Sonia Weimann 7/11; Joe Izen 7/18; Ed Wall 7/25.

Little Ridge Vineyards Live Music in July

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 2:00pm

Little Ridge hosts its summer concert series with 7/4; Jeff Bellfy; "2 Way Street" Duo 7/11; John Cain 7/18; Peter Amadeo 7/25.

 
Continuing: 

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

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 4:00pm

Enjoy dinner with a view! A rotating schedule of food trucks on the farm will be featured each Thursday through September, and Taco Tuesday with A Taco Affair will be on site on select Tuesdays. Don't forget to order some ice cream for dessert!

Line Dancing at Luigi's Rancho

Friday, July 17, 2026 -
8:00pm to 11:00pm

Kick off your 4th of July weekend at the Rancho with DJ Dave Rupell! Surprise gift for the first 50 people at the door! Late night menu and drink specials. $10 cover, ages 21+

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, August 14, 2026 - 6:00pm

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. 

Little Washington Farmer's Market

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 9:30am

Come out to Washington's market for fresh-picked produce, farm-fresh eggs, fresh-cut flowers, local honey, handmade soaps, jewelry, and crafts. Live music continues every Saturday!

Blairstown Farmers' Market

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 9:30am

This year marks the 19th annual Blairstown Farmers' Market. An official marker of summer and fresh produce, you'll find local farmers, foods, vendors and music. You're bound to find great things to partake in and take home!

West End Farmers' Market in Hackettstown

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 9:30am
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 9:30am
Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 9:30am
Sunday, August 2, 2026 - 9:30am

Hackettstown's own West End Farmers' Market is open each Sunday from 9:30am-1pm with local farmers, artisans, bread makers, bakers, artisans and more! Behind Dollar General in Czig Meister's parking lot. 

Harmony Farmers and Makers Market

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 10:00am
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 10:00am
Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 10:00am
Sunday, August 2, 2026 - 10:00am

Every Sunday in the Tiptons Tavern parking lot from 10am-2pm. Vendors wanted.

The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park

Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 1:00pm

The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park is open the first and third Sundays of each month. Learn about Warren County's fascinating history, from its transportation history, including the Morris Canal, to the Oxford Furnace, the Edison Factory, and the piano and organ industry that was prevalent in Washington Borough.

Laughter Yoga @ Perfect Christmas Tree Farm

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 6:00pm

Cynthia Curtis invites you to join YOUR LAUGH CLUB every Sunday at 6 p.m. Meet in the dining room of an authentic 1780 farmhouse at Perfect Christmas Tree Farm. Reserve your space!

Free Kayak Rentals at White Lake

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 4:00pm

FREE open kayaking at White Lake every Tuesday, starting May 5 from 4-7pm through September. A limited number of kayaks are available. Reservations are required.

21st Season of Tuesday Cruise Night at Joe's Steak Shop

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 4:00pm

Joe's Steak Shop is celebrating its 21st season of Cruise Night. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, classic cars, and delicious food and drinks.

Country Line Dancing @ Tranquillity Farms

Grab your boots and hit the dance floor with Rustic Rhythm DJ and Jess of Country Fusion Instructing! Great for all levels, ages, and families. $12/person (children age 10 and younger are free). LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE to ensure dancing space in the pavilion! Tickets available online or at the door (if not sold out prior).

Friday Nights on the Farm at Donaldson Farms

Friday, July 17, 2026 - 5:00pm
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 5:00pm

Donaldson's popular Friday Nights on the Farm outdoor dining and music events continue this season with fun for the whole family! Admission tickets are required for guests to attend the event. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, friends, and family to celebrate sweet summertime on the farm!
 

Barefoot Grape Stomping at Four Sisters Winery

Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 4:00pm
Sunday, August 16, 2026 - 4:00pm
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 4:00pm

Indulge in a memorable afternoon filled with wine, food, and the fun of barefoot grape stomping at Four Sisters Winery! Tickets are required, and include a formal wine tasting, dinner with dessert, and souvenir wine glass. 

 
More Things to Do: 
 
Plan Ahead: 

Mocktail Mixology Workshop at Southwest Library

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 -
5:30pm to 7:00pm

Get ready for a fun and flavorful Mocktail Mixology class, learning how to shake, stir, and sip your way through three refreshing recipes! In between mixing, enjoy interactive games and trivia. This class is for adults only. 

Belvidere Celebrates America and Street Festival presented by the WCC of the GLVC

Saturday, July 18, 2026 -
11:00am to 4:00pm

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with Belvidere's Street Festival packed with fun, food, music, and community spirit! The festivities kick off right after the Belvidere Food Pantry Race for Hunger 5K and feature delicious food trucks, live music, unique craft vendors, and activities for all ages.

Hackettstown Street Fair and World Soccer Final Celebration

Sunday, July 19, 2026 -
11:00am to 6:00pm

THISI IS A BIG DEAL! Celebrate the 20th annual Hackettstown Street Fair on Main Street with over 175 vendors, including artisans, crafters, live entertainment, food, and THREE watch party areas with huge TV screens for the FIFA World Cup FINAL match! Admission is free!

The Addams Family, Youth Musical at Country Gate Players

Friday, July 24, 2026 to Sunday, July 26, 2026

 Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family, inviting his parents to dinner, leaving Wednesday's family facing the one horrible thing they’ve avoided for generations: change.

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

Saturday, July 25, 2026 to Saturday, August 1, 2026

The 88th Farmers' Fair includes the 25th Hot Air Balloon Festival, a Traditional Arts Expo and marks America's 250 birthday! Enjoy free musical entertainment and equestrian events throughout the week, plus an Antique Car Show on 7/27. 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!

Four Sticks - The Music of Led Zeppelin at CSC

Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 8:00pm

The most accurate tribute to the iconic Led Zeppelin, bringing the energy and spirit of Led Zeppelin in their prime. FOUR STICKS plays through all the hits that a casual fan would want to hear, as well as delivering some of the best gems for the enthusiast.

Scotty's Stretch the Mozz at Brook Hollow Winery

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 3:00pm

Brook Hollow invites you to a hands-on, delicious experience as Scotty teaches the art of fresh mozzarella making—from curd to stretch, perfect for food lovers looking to learn, taste, and take something amazing home. Space is limited. 

Murder Mystery Dinner @ Four Sisters Winery: "A Bad Vintage"

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 4:00pm

Fun and suspense are guaranteed for anyone who loves a good puzzle and some dramatic twists. Bring your detective skills and team up to crack the case ("A Bad Vintage") before time runs out! Enjoy a three-course meal, educational wine tasting, chance to win small prizes, and souvenir wine glass along the way! 

Please be advised that we do our best to make sure the information in this message is accurate at the time it is sent. But things happen, plans change, weather can be fickle... you get the idea. Please click on the links provided to other websites to obtain further details and updates.