| Explore Warren

 

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." -  Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874-1936), English author and creator of the fictional priest detective Father Brown. 

Good advice, but we do hope it doesn't rain on Hackettstown BID's St. Patrick's Parade, stepping off on Sunday, March 9! Pictured from last year and scheduled for this year's parade is Morris County Police Pipes and Drums, with snowflakes flying. Those seeking to get into the 'Erin go Bragh' spirit will find plenty of opportunities for wearing of the green in this issue.

But before that, we have Fat Tuesday! Why not drop by your favorite local bakery to see if they’re frying up some fasnachts and treat yourself? (It’s a Pennsylvania Dutch thing.) We just discovered a pop-up Mardi Gras event in Phillipsburg this weekend, so let the good times roll!

In other news, The Receptionist continues its run on the Centenary Stage; Roy’s Hall is perking up with performances; there are always fun things happening at our wineries and breweries; and creative crafty workshops are happening all throughout the month.

So Happy Friday, Happy Mardi Gras, Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Happy Spring, and Happy Wanderings!
 

Marching into Spring 2025

Coming Up: 

Bakery Pop- Up Market @ Mohican Farms

Mae's Homestead Happiness will be on-site featuring varieties fresh-baked focaccia, rustic county bread, Irish soda bread & beer bread just to name a few. Other favorites include warm cinnamon & sticky buns, fresh scones, muffins and more.

Wine and Cheese Weekends @ Villa Milagro

Savor the ‘Holy Trinity’ of food with wine, cheese, and bread every weekend in March with delicious samples of international and locally-made artisan cheeses available from different countries. (You guessed it - March 15-16 will feature cheeses from Ireland!) 

Leprechaun Crawl in Hackettstown

Enjoy good times and good beer with Hackettstown for a bar and beer crawl. Advanced tickets sale are available through February 28 for $25. After February 28, tickets are $30.

The Irish Balladeer @ WC Library NE Branch

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, take a musical trip to the Emerald Isle with actor and musician, Richard Stillman (AKA the Irish Balladeer) who'll be playing the bagpipes, mandolin, banjo, bodhran, & more! Registration required.

Samedi Gras @ Buttzville Brewing Co.

Celestine's Catering Company and Buttzville Brewing Company are teaming up once again to celebrate Mardi Gras with free masks and beads. Dress to impress for the crowning of this year's new King and Queen. Tickets include live entertainment by The C3 Soul Revue, homemade, southern-style food and some of the tastiest brewed libations.

Lepre-Con @ Czig Meister Brewing Co.

Czig Meister hosts its first Lepre-Con, a chance to dress up in your best St. Paddy's Day get-up! Live music by Water Street from 6:30-9:30, and food truck from Dimas Bistro.

ArtBnB Open House with Propagate Studios

This will be a sneak peek at Propagate's ArtBnB and all the work being done. Check out the space, see the amazing work created by the fabulous team of artists, learn how to book this special space and upcoming events. Ribbon cutting will be at 12pm with the house open for tours and visits throughout the day.

 

"Getting the Most Out of Your Greens" @ WC Arts

It's not all about straight out of the tube greens but rather how an array of colors can change the look and feel of the greens we see in nature. Join painter Mike Dziomba for a demonstration touching on various techniques on creating trees, grasses and shrubs to enhance the look of your landscapes.

Wine Bootcamp @ Villa Milagro

Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 1:00pm

Most wine tasting classes tell you what you should taste, but you often don't. Villa will train your taste buds to taste! ​

Pasta Making Class @ Man Skirt

Sunday, March 30, 2025 -
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Attendees can expect to bring home two boxes of pasta, both with egg and a semolina dough, with directions on the best ways to prepare and serve to share. Everyone will also get their own gnocchi board. Class open to all ages.

Live and Unplugged - The Definitive Nirvana Tribute @ Roy's Hall

In their first set, the band rocks a tribute to the iconic MTV concerts of the 1990's, with set two coming in full electric format featuring all the incredible hits of the groundbreaking Seattle band and rounding out their tribute with hits from Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Chris Cornell, Oasis, Peal Jam and other Seattle scene bands.

 

Coffee Mugs Paint N' Sip @ Chef's Catering

Whether it's your morning coffee, an afternoon tea break or hot cocoa by the fire, let Kerri from Art•stitution guide you through the paint process. All painting supplies provided with 2 coffee mugs to paint.

St. Patrick's Parade presented by Hackettstown BID

Join one of Hackettstown's biggest events, the St. Patrick's Parade, complete with Grand Marshal Mary Litwhiler, Irish dancers, loads of businesses, area teams, music and pet costume contest! Come out for a fun day to cheer everyone on, including the Warren County Board of County Commissioners, pictured here with 2024's Grand Marshal, Darren Tynan. 

St. Patrick's Day Party @ Buttzville Brewing

Lesser Séamus will perform Celtic rock and traditional Irish tunes from 2-5pm, and bagpiper Jeanne Gingles will play before and after the band for a great afternoon of musical fun. Buttzville's regular tap list will be available in addition to two beers brewed especially for March, plus a special green twist on the usual fan favorite Norwegian Sprinter Blonde Ale - the "Irish Sprinter!"

The Bronx Horns @ CSC

The Bronx Horns have established themselves as one of the best Latin Jazz and Salsa bands on the scene today. Comprised of former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, their experience and talent is rivaled by few musicians.

Damn Tall Buildings @ Roy's Hall

Friday, March 28, 2025 - 8:00pm

A Carter Family for the Millennial generation! Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting.

Spring Artist Workshop Day @ WC Arts

Saturday, April 26, 2025 -
8:30am to 4:00pm

It's not all about straight out of the tube greens but rather how an array of colors can change the look and feel of the greens we see in nature. Join painter Mike Dziomba for a demonstration touching on various techniques on creating trees, grasses and shrubs to enhance the look of your landscapes.

 
Entertainment: 

Little Ridge Vineyards Music

Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 1:00pm

Little Ridge has live music every Friday in March featuring Dave Read 3/1; Jeni Hackett 3/8; Katy Gerhold 3/15; Peter Amadeo 3/22; Friday Night Trivia and Gara Pizza 3/28; DB Acoustics Duo 3/29.

Brook Hollow Music

Friday, March 28, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 2:00pm

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend music live with Rich Ortiz 3/1; Ashley Marquez 3/2; Katy Gerhold 3/7; Michael Long 3/8; SAGE 3/9; Scott Messina 3/14; Ally Brown 3/15; Water Street 3/16; Stan and Elise 3/21; Rich Berry 3/22; Lee Larsen 3/23; John Cain 3/28; Kate and Paul 3/29; Pete Cline 3/30.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Saturday, March 29, 2025 - 8:00pm

Tipton's has live music every weekend in March featuring Project 9 3/1; Scott Messina 3/7; Blaming Amy 3/8; D&B Acoustics 3/14; Say It Ain't So 3/15; Gruvitune 3/21; Avenue 16 3/22; Bobby Clark Band 3/29.

Brunch Music @ Asbury Coffee Mill

Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 11:00am

Enjoy Sunday live music at Asbury Coffee Mill featuring Carson DeAngelis 3/2; Gary Reed 3/9; Matt DeBlass 3/16; Bob Piccola 3/23; B.D. Lenz 3/30.

Brook Hollow Music

Friday, April 4, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, April 6, 2025 - 2:00pm
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, April 13, 2025 - 2:00pm
Friday, April 18, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 2:00pm
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, April 27, 2025 - 2:00pm

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend music live with Rich Ortiz 4/4; Stan and Elise 4/5; Ally Brown 4/6; Water Street 4/11; Kate and Paul 4/12;  Pete Cline 4/13; Scott Messina 4/14; Katy Gerhold 4/19; CLOSED FOR EASTER 4/20; Rich Berry 4/25; Water Street 4/26;
John Cain 4/27.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Friday, April 4, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 3:00pm
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 8:00pm
Friday, April 18, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 8:00pm

Tipton's has live music every weekend in April featuring Abby Rose 4/4: Jeff Bellfy & Co. 4/5; Chuck Schubert & Co. 4/11; Harmony Garage Band 4/12; Eric Lear Music 4/18; Bobby Clark (solo) 4/19; Naked Jake 4/26.

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal @ Brook Hollow Winery

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.

The Receptionist @ CSC

At the start of a typical day in the Northeast Office, Beverly deals effortlessly with ringing phones and her colleague's romantic troubles.

Trivia Night @ Buttzville Brewing Co.

Friday, April 11, 2025 - 7:00pm

Who doesn't love a good pub trivia night? Buttzville will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge. Win prizes, have fun with friends, and support local craft beer!

Wine Making Course @ Brook Hollow

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.

Friday Night Meal Deal @ Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, April 4, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, April 18, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, April 25, 2025 - 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: 

Mini Carnival hosted by Hackettstown High School Key Club

Get ready for the return of Hackettstown High School's Mini Carnival, with a legacy of more than 20 years! Hosted by the Key Club and benefiting The Arc of Warren County, this year's theme is Mardi-Gras. Designed for families with elementary school aged children (though all are welcome). Enjoy games, crafts, prizes, tasty treats, performances and so much more.

Nominations Open for the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Nominations for the Senior Hall of Fame are open now through March 21 for the Hackettstown area, and individuals 60 years old or older as of Jan. 1, 2025, are eligible to be nominated. Hosted by Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd, a FellowshipLIFE community in Hackettstown, the Senior Hall of Fame honorees will be recognized during a celebration luncheon and ceremony at David’s Country Inn on May 14 in honor of Older Americans Month. To receive a nomination form or more information about the Senior Hall of Fame event, call Susan Lanza at 908-684-5720 or email slanza@fellowshiplifeinc.org.

NJ Makers Day at Warren County Libraries

Bring the whole family for a day of fun filled S.T.E.M. making! Makers Day is a community wide NJ event encouraging hands on learning experiences based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Numerous stations will be set up throughout each of the branches with a variety of presenters/instructors for kids, teens and adults. No registration required.

 

Pesto & Spaghetti Dinner @ Belvidere UMC

With pesto sauce made from basil grown in the church's garden, Belvidere UMC invites everyone to feast. Tickets include pasta and sauce of your choice, meatball, bread, salad, dessert, ice tea or water. Suggested donation is $10 and all funds raised will go towards the church's 200th Anniversary Celebration.

 

 
Plan Ahead: 

Bicentennial Community Day

Saturday, June 28, 2025 -
12:00pm to 9:30pm

SAVE THE DATE! Join in celebrating Warren County's bicentennial held on the grounds of Warren County Community College, with live music (two stages), food trucks, craft vendors, amusements and activities for kids, and FIREWORKS after dark! Fun for the whole family.