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“During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open‑minded.” - Unknown

Let's try to be open-minded (in a good way), shall we? At first glance, this issue may seem rather light on the Halloween activities, but have no fear! We have an entire Halloween page of events, including parties (there's one at Czig Meister Brewing, where the skeletal witch in the photo is enjoying a brew); Trick-or-Treats and Trunk-or-Treats; and a few parades! The ever-popular Phillipsburg-Easton Halloween Parade steps off on October 25, and we're happy to report an extra reason to celebrate: the South Main Street Bridge has reopened after being closed for repairs for several months - good news for local merchants!

With a Friday the 13th coming up in November, you'll notice several events celebrating the occasion, particularly in Blairstown, where the original horror classic was filmed.

Jazz fans, you still have three chances to experience Rutherfurd Hall's Jazz Series during this autumn season featuring the Eric Comstock Trio October 25, the Tony DeSare Trio November 1 and NY/NJ All-Star 18-Piece Big Band—Plays the Music of Count Basie November 22.

Farmers' markets are still open, fall fests are happening through November, live music is rockin' at a venue near you, along with hiking and sightseeing, and while you're at it, don't miss this year's History Trail with 18 locations to learn about Warren County during our nation's 250th birthday. 

Happy Halloween and Happy Wanderings!

Happy Hauntings Through November 1

Coming Up: 

Too Fat For China: Fringe Festival at CSC

Thursday, November 5, 2026 to Sunday, November 8, 2026

Follow Phoebe Potts, comic storyteller and professional Jew, as she tries, fails and eventually succeeds to adopt a baby as a middle-class white lady adopting babies in the US and internationally.

Sunday Afternoon Herbal Tea and Tour at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Sunday, November 8, 2026 -
2:00pm to 3:00pm

Escape the cold and join Patrick McDuffee for a warm cup of herbal tea in Well-Sweep's tropical greenhouses. This monthly series will feature two delicious fresh cut tea blends and Grandma’s cookies. Sip while getting the monthly highlights and getting a crash course on being a tea wizard. Limited seating, reservations required. 

Cécilia at Roy's Hall

Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, Cécilia is Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer. They'll bring traditional Celtic and Québécois music to Roy's Hall this fall.

The Arts at St. Luke's Presents the Jan Findlay Quartet

Jan Findlay sings jazz and blues classics from the Great American Songbook that were made famous by Ella, Billie, Peggy, Sarah, Nat, Frank, and other artists. The lineup will feature Jan’s voice accompanied by Bob Himmelberger on piano, Rick Crane on standup bass, and Larry Maltz on guitar. 

Wildflower Folklore at White Lake NRA

There’s more to flowers than meets the eye! Some have incredible stories of how they arrived, adapted or even protected people. Join Park Naturalist Jen for a closer look at the flowers in our meadows at White Lake. Afterwards, participants will have an opportunity to make a laminated bookmark from pressed flowers that were found there.

Friday the 13th Scavenger Hunt

Ki ki ki… ma ma ma… it's HUNT time, a Friday the 13th location scavenger hunt that is! Take a tour around the 10 original Friday the 13th filming locations, snap a selfie at each one for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Blairstown Diner! This is a free event so what do you have to lose!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Country Gate Players

Based on the classic short story by Washington Irving and adapted by Christofer Cook. Welcome to the quiet little village of Sleepy Hollow, where old legends have a way of coming to life. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow promises mystery, suspense, humor, and just the right amount of fright—a perfect Halloween treat!

"Murder on the Ghost Train" Mystery Dinner at Four Sisters Winery

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 before time runs out! Enjoy a three-course meal, educational wine tasting, chance to win small prizes, and souvenir wine glass along the way. This event will include a prize for best costume!

Full Moon Hike at White Lake

Spots are filling up fast for full moon hike at White Lake with County Park Naturalists! Be ready for October weather and dress appropriately!

Scotty's Stretch the Mozz at Brook Hollow Winery

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. 

2026 Jazz Series Fundraiser at Rutherfurd Hall-Tony DeSare

Tony DeSare performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality. Named Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas and headlining major symphony orchestras, DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe.

Dried Flower Wreath @ Well-Sweep

Using a wide selection of dried flowers and artemisia, and a 12″ grapevine base, create a spectacular decorative piece for your home. This colorful wreath is sure to be enjoyed all year-round. Color schemed to your preference; finished wreath is approximately 16”. Reservations are required.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT 2b at Centenary Stage Company

It's the closing weekend of this fast-paced romp that re-examines the world's most famous detective story with a bold new feminist lens. In this highly theatrical escapade, oddball female roommates Sherlock Holmes & Joan Watson join forces to emerge from pandemic fog as a deeply codependent, quasi-dysfunctional Odd Couple adventure duo.

Herbal Smudge Stick Workshop at ARTstitution

ARTstitution is hosting a Herbal Smudge Stick Workshop with instructor Breawna Piper teaching about the traditional uses of aromatic herbs while making your own herbal smudge sticks to take home.

 
Entertainment: 

Brook Hollow Live Music - November 2026

Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, November 8, 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026 to Sunday, November 15, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, November 22, 2026
Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Sunday, November 29, 2026

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with Rich Ortiz 11/6; Water Street 11/7; Jake Roggenkamp 11/8; Rich Ortiz 11/13; Ally Brown 11/14; Lee Larson 11/15; John Cain 11/20; Rich Ortiz 11/21; Stan and Elise 11/22; Dana Harrison 11/28; Phil Carollo (Sage) 11/29.

Vinyl Lounge Fridays at Living Spirits Distillery

Friday, November 13, 2026 - 7:30pm
Friday, December 11, 2026 - 7:30pm

Spin the vinyl with DJ SHT who brings crates from his personal collection and mixes in records from the community, turning the evening into a true musical time machine spanning genres, decades, and moods. No playlists. No algorithms. Just live selections, spinning stories, and unexpected transitions.

Weekend Music Under the Arbor at Alba Vineyard

Jam to music at Alba Vineyard! Start time shifts to a half hour earlier in October featuring Dillon Taylor 10/23; Tony Forliano Trio & Gary Reed 10/24; Vintage Vibe Tribe Duo 10/25; Rob Lanter 10/30; Walt Bibinger Trio 10/31; Darla Rich Duo 11/1.

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, November 6, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, November 13, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, November 20, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, December 4, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, December 11, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, December 18, 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 must be purchased in advance. 

Blairstown Farmers' Market

Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, November 14, 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!

Fall Festival Weekends at Von Thun Farms

Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 10:00am
Sunday, November 8, 2026 - 10:00am

Von Thun Farms Fall Festival are happening every weekend through Nov. 8. Navigate the interactive corn maze or look for the perfect pumpkin; take a hayride, pick apples, take aim with the corn cannons or browse the farm market for fresh produce, baked goods and more. There's also an activity area with 20+ family-friendly activities!

The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park

Sunday, November 15, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, December 20, 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.

Fall Harvest Weekends at Donaldson Farms

Get ready for Donaldson Farms Harvest Weekends! Fall is the perfect time to visit and enjoy pumpkin picking and corn maze, hayrides, corn cannon, fresh-cooked food, and more.

Fall Fest Weekends at Tranquillity Farms

Get your Fall Fest fix at Tranquility with hayrides, pumpkin and apple picking, cow train, corn maze, bounce pillow, giant slide, playground area, apple cider donuts, ice cream, pumpkin launching and more! The fun continues through November 1.

Fall Fest Fridays at Tranquillity Farms

Beat the weekend crowds and partake in Fall Fest activities with weekday package pricing! Scenic hayrides, pumpkin picking, cow train, bounce pillow, giant slide, playground area, snack shack, ice cream and more!

Line Dancing at Luigi's Rancho

Another Friday night of fun with DJ Dave Rupell, Fall cocktails and drink specials, and dancing on hardwood floors all night long! And get your costume ready for a Halloween themed dance night. Festive cocktails will be served all night!

UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2026

These are free public programs at Jenny Jump State Forest, presented Saturday evenings April-October. The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the club's telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting. 

West End Farmers' Market in Hackettstown

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. 

 
Community Corner: 

"Diners of New Jersey" presented by Hackettstown Historical Society

Monday, November 2, 2026 - 7:00pm

The Hackettstown Historical Society presents "Diners of New Jersey." Presented by Michael Gabriele, journalist, freelance writer and author for more than 40 years, he explores New Jersey's iconic diners with unique architecture, classic menus and cultural roots. New Jersey is known as the Diner Capital of the World!

Abstract Exhibit presented by WC ARTS

Realism is over-rated! Abstract is where it's at!! Warren County ARTS is calling all artists to display their work in the Abstract Exhibit opening October 17 and will be open until January16, 2027.

 

Barnyard Squatch 5K at The Barnyard Sanctuary

Get ready for a ridiculously fun trail party at the Barnyard Squatch 5K and hosted by Sassquad Trail Running. Enjoy this 3.1-mile adventure with dirt paths, grassy pastures, and rolling farm hills. Everyone is welcome to this community-driven event packed with squatchy barnyard vibes where you'll get to run and hike right alongside rescued farm animals!

Fall Festival in Shappell Park

Presented by the Phillipsburg Police department comes activities like scarecrow making, mummy wrap, donut eating contest, trick or treating, free hot dogs and more!

 
Plan Ahead: 

Sneak Peek Night at Flowerland Growers

Friday, November 6, 2026 -
4:30pm to 8:00pm

Start off the Christmas season with Flowerland with a sneak peek their Christmas season before the mad rush of the holidays begins. The first 20 people in the door will be entered into a giveaway for special holiday presents and qualifying purchases will get a discount on entire order.

Leaf Peeping Hike at Oxford Mountain NRA

Saturday, November 7, 2026 -
10:00am to 12:00pm

Join Park Naturalist Liv on a hike in Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area to appreciate the start of the Autumn season and the beauty of Oxford Mountains fall leaves! Please dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Brian St. John @ Roy's Hall

Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 8:00pm

Roy's Hall is proud to present Sussex County's Brian St. John in celebration of the release of his newest recording, "The Blues Album." Citing influences from all over the music spectrum, St. John makes a sound reminiscent of his old soul.

Paint Your Pet at Brook Hollow Winery

Sunday, November 8, 2026 -
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Come out to Brook Hollow Winery for a one-of-a-kind paint night where you’ll create a custom portrait of your pet! No experience needed. Only 20 seats available, so reserve your spot early!

 

Ghost Dance: A Picture of a Madman: Fringe Festival at CSC

Thursday, November 12, 2026 to Sunday, November 15, 2026

​This remarkable solo show, created and performed by Ralph Albert Blakelock's own great-great granddaughter, explores the life, times, and madness of one of America's most celebrated and exploited painters whose brooding, hallucinogenic landscapes anticipated Abstract Expressionism by more than half a century.

Silent Auction at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, November 13, 2026 - 6:00pm

Doors open at 6pm and bidding ends at 7:15pm. Proceeds benefit scholarship, veterans, and other charitable organization. Wine tasting will be available. Seating is limited.

Block Printing with Keith Garubba presented by WC Arts

Saturday, November 14, 2026 -
9:00am to 4:00pm

Join Keith Garubba in creating holiday cards and art prints by carving a 5X7 linoleum block with an original image. All professional materials are provided and will include a light breakfast and lunch. No experience needed.

Celebrate America at 250 with Col. Morgan at Brook Hollow Winery

Saturday, November 14, 2026 -
1:00pm to 3:00pm

As our nation celebrates its historic 250th Anniversary, Brook Hollow Winery invites you to meet Col. Morgan, a remarkable bald eagle with an equally remarkable story, during this entertaining and educational program celebrating wildlife, American history, and the bird that has represented our nation for generations.

Open Mic & Community Hootenanny with Mingo Lodge

Sunday, November 15, 2026 - 1:00pm
Sunday, December 13, 2026 - 1:00pm

Hootenanny = music in its most joyful, welcoming form. Part open stage, part social celebration and full participation. Musicians take turns, audiences join in and songs take shape in the moment. No pressure. No perfection required. Hosted by Mingo Lodge, whose genre-blending spirit keeps things moving from rock and pop to funk, country, bluegrass and beyond.

Unseen: Fringe Festival at CSC

Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Sunday, November 22, 2026

Grab your "all access" pass into the mysterious world of Broadway's backstage! Follow veteran "star dresser" Pam as she works her magic through complex costume changes, confrontations, and quirky actor demands all while staying hidden. When the stress of invisibility gets heavy, supportive allies rally and equip her to stand up and be seen.

The Polar Express Train with Delaware River Railroad Excursion

Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, November 29, 2026
Friday, December 4, 2026 to Sunday, December 6, 2026
Friday, December 11, 2026 to Sunday, December 13, 2026
Friday, December 18, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026

Tickets on sale now! Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express complete with hot chocolate and cookies, reading of the Polar Express and Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell.

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.