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“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” - Anamika Mishra, author and holistic life coach

No winter blues here! Worthy of celebration is White Lake in Hardwick Township, depicted in our cover photo, taken on New Year’s Day 2026 by Warren County Park Naturalist Jennifer Correa-Kruegel. She snapped this prior to leading a group hike, which she conducts regularly, both here and on other county properties. We see the Washington Borough Green Team is leading group hikes, too! Nature, fresh air and a bit of exercise is a great way to celebrate winter!

If you prefer to stay indoors, there is plenty on tap to keep you entertained! Centenary Stage Company’s Winter THAW series kicks off tomorrow; Steve Forbert (a "True American Treasure") performs at Roy’s Hall; the Bolshoi Cabaret presents “Wintry Magic” at Rutherfurd Hall. That’s just this weekend!

Read on for additional activities! Comedy, instructional classes and crafts, and live music, to name a few.

Happy New Year and Happy Wanderings!

No Winter Blues! January 2026

Coming Up: 

Winter THAW Music Festival featuring Chris Funk

Centenary opens its Winter THAW with Chris Funk and Redefining Wonder, an engaging and visceral multimedia experience that has audiences talking and scratching their heads. This magic show features live music with a violin concerto and a guitar loop recorded live on stage, putting this show into a league of its own.

"Fun Friday" in the Village of Hope

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, and socializing! The Community Center will have "good luck" soup, hot chocolate and tea. January features the Warren County Pollinator Protectors hosts a free workshop on starting your own winter seed sowing project.

Next Stop Comedy at Invertase Brewing

Friday, February 13, 2026 - 8:00pm
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 8:00pm

Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians, with new lineups every time, straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter! These shows feature top-tier talent from across the country, delivering high-energy performances in intimate, local venues.

Steve Forbert, "A True American Treasure" at Roy's Hall

A true American treasure, Steve Forbert is back at Roy's Hall following his 21st album, Daylight Savings Time. His gift for finding the deeper meaning and magic within the spectrum of everyday moments, accompanies his abundant melodic and poetic enchantment.

Phillipsburg Indoor Winter Market

Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 10:00am
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 10:00am

The Phillipsburg Farmers Market has moved indoors for the winter, open the 2nd and 4th Saturday from January through April, each with a theme. Customers can continue to buy their favorite fresh and local foods while supporting community vendors.

Fly Tying Classes at Lost Goods and Gear

Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 3:30pm

These classes are for suitable for beginner and seasoned tying pros and emphasize the Elk/Deer Hair Caddis. The first session January 10 is free and a reservation is needed by phone or talk to John in person. Space is limited.

The Lounge at Czig Meister Brewing

Listen up, pals. The Lounge at Czig Meister is throwing a big shindig to mark the day they outlawed the giggle water. Only 110 tickets are up for grabs so get your today!

Winter THAW Music Festival featuring Six One Five Collective

The second installment of CSC's Winter THAW is the Six One Five Collective, in the spirit of the Highwaymen and Little Big Town, a Grammy-nominated, award-winning group of artists that has blossomed into one of Music City's best. This is collaborative effort and steeped in the musical mix of Country, Americana, and Pop. Their sound is an undeniable wall of distinctive harmonies and voices.

Winter Yoga at Rutherfurd Hall

Led by Amanda from The Petite Yogi, recharge with a mid-winter energizing yoga flow in the Chapel at Rutherfurd Hall. This session is designed to spark new habits, focus, and vitality.

Wine Making Series at Brook Hollow Winery

Sunday, February 15, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, February 22, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 1:00pm

Have you have ever wanted to try your hand at making wine but were too intimidated by the entire process? Now is the time to throw all those fears right out of the window and sign up for our Wine Making Course, taught by Paul Ritter, owner/vintner of Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility with four in-house classes. Program includes four classes starting Sept. 21 (Brook Hollow said, "Don’t worry—if you miss one, we’ve got you covered!")

CANCELED: Winter Hiking Essentials and Hike at Pequest Trout Hatchery

Thursday, January 29, 2026 -
12:00pm to 3:00pm

Join the team at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center for a fun, hands-on class all about hiking safely and comfortably in winter conditions. The program includes both classroom instruction and time out on the trails, so be sure to dress for the weather and come ready to explore.

Grey Man Group at Invertase Brewing Co.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 4:00pm

You're invited to Invertase for a free performance by Grey Man Group, featuring musical legends Jimmy Leahey, Scott Ward, Don Plowman and Eric Troyer!

 
Entertainment: 

Brook Hollow Live Music - January 2026

Friday, January 30, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with Rich Ortiz 1/2; John Cain 1/3; Rich Ortiz 1/4; OPEN MIC NIGHT 1/9; Water Street 1/10; Stan and Elise 1/11; Katy Gerhold 1/16; Ally Brown 1/17; John Cain 1/18; OPEN MIC NIGHT 1/23; Water Street 1/24;
2 Way Street 1/25; Jake Roggenkamp 1/30; Phil Carollo (Sage) 1/31.

Live Music 2026 at Panther Pub

Friday, January 30, 2026 - 8:00pm

Panther Pub features live music every weekend featuring Cardon Raquet 1/2; Zach & Cat 1/9; Shakey Solo 1/16; Maribyrd Duo 1/23; John Cain 1/30.

Brass Rail Music Line Up 2026

Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 8:30pm

February brings great tunes to Brass Rail with Harmony Garage Band 1/10; Jer z Girls 1/17; Liquid Garden 1/24; Better Off Now 1/31.

Brook Hollow Live Music - February 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Saturday, February 28, 2026

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with Water Street 2/1; Rich Ortiz 2/6; Stan and Elise 2/7; Katy Gerhold 2/8; OPEN MIC NIGHT 2/13; Scott Messina 2/14; John Cain 2/15; Devin Canfield 2/20; Lee Larson 2/21; Ally Brown 2/22; OPEN MIC NIGHT; 2/27; Michael Long 2/28.

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, January 30, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 6, 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. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Walk the Halls Museum Tour at Rutherfurd Hall

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - 11:00am
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 11:00am

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve your spot by emailing jsalvas@aes.k12.nj.us

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, February 6, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 27, 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. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

 
Community Corner: 

Heartsaver CPR training at Rutherfurd Hall

Heartsaver CPR provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and first aid training. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park

The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park is now open. 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.

Heartsaver CPR training at Rutherfurd Hall

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 -
6:00pm to 9:00pm

Heartsaver CPR provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and first aid training. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

 
Plan Ahead: 

Aloha in the Snow at Brook Hollow Winery

Saturday, February 7, 2026 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm

Shake off the winter chill and step into paradise at Brook Hollow Winery & Event Facility’s Winter Luau! Trade snow boots for grass skirts and warm up with a night full of tropical fun—limbo contests, hula hoops, coconut games, island vibes, and nonstop entertainment! This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets.