Despite changes due to COVID-19, fall is still one of the best seasons to enjoy Hunterdon County. Bookmark this guide for ways to celebrate the harvest this year!
Read on for:
Festivals, Events & More
Flemington Opa! Festival
When: Friday, September 11th, 4 p.m.-6p.m.; Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 from 2 p.m. -6 p.m.
Where: St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington
This multiple Hunterdon Happening Best Foodie Event winner is changing things up a bit to deal with COVID-19. Instead of a three-day outdoor festival, organizers are taking orders via the WEBSITE. Food can be picked up at the dates and time above.
New Jersey Sheep & Fiber (Virtual) Festival
When: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, September 13, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: www.facebook.com/groups/600560843941701/
Hosted by Garden State Sheep Breeders, a fun, non-profit, educational organization promoting sheep and wool products throughout New Jersey, this year’s festival will be held virtually via the group’s Facebook page. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and highlight all things sheep and fiber during the traditional festival dates. It will also include a shopping directory of vendors and fiber farmers where purchases can be made online.
Lambertville (Virtual) Walking Tour
When: Sunday, September 13, 2 p.m.
Where: facebook.com/events/2430618013898101
This year’s tour will be held virtually via Zoom.
High Bridge Community Day
When: Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m
Where: Union Forge Park, Washington Ave., High Bridge
A fun day filled with free snacks, face painting, live music and lots of community vendors.The event will be held rain or shine. Masks are required.
Rock & Blues Festival for Veterans
When: Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1051 Route 523, Flemington
Enjoy a day of music with food and drink with bands such as Incinerator, Phillips Head Band and the Steven Johnson Band. Food trucks will be on premise. Proceeds benefit local veterans. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com. Masks and social distancing are required.
The Central Jersey (Virtual) Jazz Fest
When: Sunday, September 13, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: centraljerseyjazzfestival.com or on YouTube
This year’s event will be held virtually, featuring performances by Alexis Morrast, Matthew Whitaker and Mark Gross.
Califon Car Show
When: Saturday, September 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Califon Island Park, 107 Bank Street, Califon
This yearly event will include music by DJ DUG, food trucks, and free T-shirts for the first 50 pre-registrations at californcarshow.org. Masks and social distancing required. Extra face masks and hand sanitizer will be available. Proceeds benefit U.S. military veterans and Friends of Califon Island Park.
Rummage Sale at the Mill
When: Saturday, September 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: Prallsville Mill, 33 Risler Street, Stockton
Donations will be collected September 14-18 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the mill.
Concerts in the Quarry Festival
When: Saturday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Red Mill,56 Main Street, Clinton
Enjoy the sounds of local artists while on the beautiful grounds of the historic mill.Beverages provided by Ironbound Hard Cider and High Rail Brewing Company.Admission is a voluntary donation.
Flemington Flea Market and Town Wide Yard Sale
When: Saturday, September 19 and October 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Main and Mine streets, Flemington
Antiques, collectibles, and fun finds will be available for sale at the Flemington Filling Station, Camp Flemington Antiques, Ye Old Antique and Curiosity Shop, and the newly opened MINE on Mine Street. Sidewalk sales will be held throughout town with some businesses staying open until 6 p.m.
Fall (Virtual) Nature Club for Kids
When: Tuesdays, September 22 to October 10, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/distancelearning.htm#virtual
This year’s club, hosted by the Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Department, will be held virtually at no cost. Join in the fun and discover what can be found find in your own backyard or local park. Each class focuses on a topic in nature. Students are then encouraged to go out and explore their surroundings with what they’ve learned in this is an interactive online program with follow up activities. Geared to ages 4 to 3rd grade.
New Jersey Storytelling Festival
When: Saturday, September 26, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
Storytellers from throughout the tri-state area will convene at Howell Living History Farm to spin some yarns. The event is free, registration required. For more information, visit THE WEBSITE.
The Art of the River Towns
When: Thursday, October 1st, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. reception
Friday, October 2nd, noon- 7 p.m.
Saturday October 3th, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday October 4th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Prallsville Mill, 33 Risler Street, Stockton
This four-day juried show features hundreds of collectible works by river town artists.
Hobart 2020 Art in the Native Landscape
When: Saturday and Sunday, October17-18 and 24-25, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Steinbeiser’s Farm, 718 Route 519, Frenchtown
Artists from Hunterdon and Bucks County will display their work in a country setting. Artists include: Derek Bernstein, Oki Fukunaga, Don and Martha Gonzalez, Harry and Wendy Gordon, Aylin Green, Glenn Harren, Bruce Lindsay, Lauren Johnson, Haley Manchon, Mike Pantuso, Debbie Reichard, Val Sivilli, Cody Shale Snyder, Steven Snyder, Dana Stewart and Mayfield Williams. Masks are required and safety protocols will be followed.
Hunterdon Art Museum Fall Exhibition – From the Ground Up: Peters Valley School of Craft
When: Sunday, October 4, 2020- Jan. 10, 2021
Where: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street ,Clinton
From the Ground Up examines Peters Valley‘s 50-year history and key moments that have defined the institution – from its earliest formation as an experimental craft colony, to the building of its renowned Japanese wood-fired Anagama kiln in 1980, to the prominence of women blacksmiths at Peters Valley in the early 2000s. Curated by Elizabeth Essner, the exhibit includes fiber, jewelry, ceramics, wood, photography, and metal artwork.A virtual opening reception will be held Saturday, October 3 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.For more information, go to hunterdonartmuseum.org.
Oktoberfest in Flemington
When: Saturday, October 10, noon – 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Flemington and Stangl Factory area, Flemington
Hosted by Lone Eagle Brewing, the event will feature traditional oompah bands, seasonal craft beers, giant pretzels and other Oktoberfest food favorites. Tickets available at eventbrite.com
Drive-In/Outdoor Theater Events
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
When: Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Music Mountain Theater, 1483 Route 179, Lambertville
Hosted in the theater’s parking lot at a cost of $25 per car, the sound will be played through your car radio. Concessions will be available before the movie. Restrooms will be available. To follow recommendations of health experts and government officials, movie-goers will be asked to remain in their cars during the event. Anyone needing to leave their vehicles for any reason will need to wear a mask. Patrons are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes with them, however we will have stations in the restrooms. Click HERE for more information. Get tickets HERE.
Carpool Comedy Fundraiser
When: Saturday, September 12, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: ACME screening room, 204 N Union St., Lambertville
An outdoor sunset picnic and comedy to raise funds for the ACME Screening Room hosted by Joey Novick and Comedy Works Entertainment with comedy provided by Ryan Joseph, Tom Mongelli, Franco Danger and Angela Sharp. Live music by Essie Riddle and a silent auction. Tickets $30 per person. Bring your own food and chairs. Click HERE for more info and to purchase tickets.
Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation Drive-In Movie Nights
When:Saturday, September 26 and October 10, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: South County Park Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville
Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the movies Playing with Fire on September 26 and Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang on October 10. Shows are free, parking is limited, participants will enter on a first come, first served basis. No food venders will attend this event.
Family Movie Night
When: Saturday, September 26 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Round Valley YMCA, 1410 Route 22, Annandale
Enjoy a family movie outdoors on the big screen again. Registration includes space for up to 5 family members, safely distanced from all other participants. A picnic blanket is recommended.
Halloween Fun
NOTE: View the COMPLETE 2020 Halloween Guide HERE!
Farm of Horrors
When: Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1041 Route 523, Flemington
Special haunted hayride that includes trail of terror and graveyard, haunted cornfield maze, and haunted house hosted by Heyer Quality Care. Tickets are $35 and need to be bought in advance, no refunds. RSVP by September 23rd, call or text 732-673-6375.
Haunted Hayrides
When: Weekends, October 3 –October 31
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1041 Route 523, Flemington
Newly redesigned and exciting with lots of outdoor space for social distancing to keep customers and staff safe from COVID for the 2020 haunt season. To further safety measures,timed ticketing for limited seating on hayride wagons will be available. For more information go to www.schaeferfarms.com.
Shoppes at Flemington Halloween Spooktacular
When: Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m.
Where: Shoppes at Flemington, 100 Reaville Ave., Flemington
Trick or treat store-to-store with stores offering sidewalk sales and family deals at restaurants. Climb aboard a fire truck, check out a police car, meet and greet local police, rescue, and fire fighters. Great fun for kids and adults. Giveaways, raffles, and more. Costumes encouraged. Tickets available at eventbrite.com
Frenchtown Zombie Crawl and Scavenger Hunt
When: Saturday, October 24, noon – 4 p.m.
Where: Sunbeam Park, Bridge Street, Frenchtown
Frenchtown Zombie makeup team transforms the living into the Living Dead right before your very eyes. Dress your deadly best to participate in the zombie costume contest or partake in the scavenger hunt through town. Prizes, pictures and petrification in the park. Makeup services ranging from $5 to $15. Zombie contest is $5 per person or $10 per family/team.
Flemington Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 31, 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Flemington
This year’s annual Halloween parade, costume contest and Trick or Treating will be held rain or shine.
Food & Drink
Basil Bandwagon
Clinton- 38 Old Hwy 22 | 908-735-3822
Flemington- 276 US Hwy 202/31 | 908-788-5737
Lambertville- 239 N. Union St | 609-460-4500 NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 Days a Week
www.basilbandwagon.com
Basil Bandwagon Natural Market has everything you need for a happy and healthy start to the school year! That’s why they were voted Best Grocery Store in the 2020 Hunterdon Happening List! They’ve thought of everything you could need for your kids’ lunches, after-school snacks, and even supplements to help them all year round. Head to their website for handy back-to-school checklists. Plus, be on the lookout for seasonal favorites!
Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn
11 Bridge Street, Lambertville
(609) 397-8300
www.lambertvillestation.com
The Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn is a repeat Hunterdon Happening Winner and Finalist. Before the temperatures drop, enjoy lunch by the canal. And in the cooler months, experience the wine cellar with more than 50 boutique wines and fireside seating. The fall menu is sure to have plenty of mouthwatering seasonal flavors like these pumpkin pie bites!
Go fall in! We have Caramel Pumpkin Pie Bites a la mode on the menu, and they’re to die for! These bites are perfect for…
Posted by Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn on Wednesday, September 9, 2020
A Taste of Ireland 5-course Whiskey Pairing
When: Thursday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Ship Inn Restaurant and Brewery, 61 Bridge Street, Milford
Seating to this event, which will be held in the Honeysuckle Biergarden, is limited and must be reserved in advance to assure social distance rules will be met. Cost is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included)
Special guests Sande and Nick Neske of Cruise Planners Out and About Luxury Travel will talk about Irish Whiskey Touring and sponsor the bonus dessert: Iced Irish Coffee. For more information, call 908-995-0188.
Stangl Farmer’s Market
Where: Mine Street and Stangl Road, Flemington
When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Stangl Factory hosts an indoor, year-round farmers’ market featuring more than 30 artisanal vendors, including locally-grown vegetables, grass-fed meats, artisan breads and cheeses, pastured eggs, specialty prepared foods and desserts. There’s also a selection of crafts, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products and handspun yarn.
For more on the area’s best Farmers Markets, read our 2020 Guide HERE.
Saucetoberfest
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1051 County Rd 523, Flemington
When: Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday September 27th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vic Della Pello and The Mama’s Stew Band will perform at this year’s event which includes a Hot Wing Eating Challenge, sponsored by The Rail at Readington and Defcon Sauces. Other festivities include pumpkin patch hayrides, salsa making contest, hot pop lick-a-thon, corn and hay mazes, hot spiked sweet corn eating contest, daisy belle bounce house, laser tag shooting gallery, corn cannons and more. $10 per carload. For more information, visit saucetoberfest.com.
Health & Beauty
Bike or Hike
When the temperatures just start to drop, it’s the perfect weather to go for a bike or hike through Hunterdon County. Read THIS article about trails you can explore and Hunterdon Happening List spots to check out along the way.
Zanya Salon Spa
287 S Main St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-773-0770
zanyaspasalon.com
Kick off the school year by pampering yourself with a signature treatment from Zanya. Or, update your look for the new season. The Zanya Spa Salon Team is skilled in the latest techniques to give you whatever you’re craving this fall. And if the stress of back-to-school is getting to you, schedule yourself a spa treatment to relax and unwind!
If you’re interested in reading more about how Zanya (and other local businesses) has adapted to COVID-19 with new regulations and safety procedures, click HERE.
2020 Main Street Half Marathon of Hunterdon
Where: Main Street Clinton to Main Street Flemington
When: Sunday, October 11 at 7:30 a.m.
This fourth annual event links two favorite Hunterdon County main streets, starting in Clinton and ending in Flemington. For more information, visit www.mainstreetmarathon.com, where training programs and challenges can be found.
Annual CEA Annual (Virtual) Turkey Trot
When: Beginning Monday, October 12
Where: cea-nj.org/events/turkey-
Continue a holiday tradition by taking place in this virtual run offering two tracks. One starts October 1, giving participants 45 days to complete distances associated with the country’s Revolutionary and Colonial past (such as running the distance between Plymouth, Mass. and Williamsburg, Va.). The other flight starts on November 1, offering the same distances in a shorter time frame. Proceeds benefit CEA in Flemington.
We Are Supported By:
