Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/18/2026

(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
Get ready to PIG OUT on some of the area's best BBQ this side of the Mississippi. Breathe in that slow-smoked aroma, grab a glass of your favorite New Jersey wine, and settle in for a weekend filled with flavor, fun, and feel-good summer vibes. If smoky meats, bold wines, and sunshine-filled afternoons sound like your kind of weekend—this one's calling your name.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Come hungry—seriously hungry—and get your hands messy with BBQ done right. We're talking fall-off-the-bone ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and pulled pork piled high. BBQ heavy hitters like Big Swerve and Slab house are bringing the heat all weekend long, joined by Rhythm & Ribz (Saturday) and Big Papa Jais (Sunday)—each serving up their own signature spin on smoky perfection.
This is BBQ royalty, plain and simple. Balance out all that savory goodness with something sweet from Dan's Waffles, or grab a bold, flavor-packed bite from Empanada Beast.
LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG: Great BBQ, great wine, and great music—it's the ultimate summer trio. Saturday: Right Turn at 40 delivers high-energy favorites that keep the good times rolling. Sunday: The Core Band brings a powerful mix of rock and feel-good hits to close out the weekend. Bring a lawn chair, kick back, and let the music set the tone while you sip and savor your way through the day.
SHOP, SIP & STROLL: Between bites and sips, take a stroll through our artisan marketplace packed with unique finds and local flavor. Browse handcrafted goods, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind items from vendors like: Carolyn Smith Creations, MJ Woodworking, Gracie Moo Candles, Amber Glow Bees, Art of Olive Oil, Scented Whites, B Baths, Mimi's by the Sea Gourmet Mixes, Cynful Bliss, The Hangover Pretzel Company, Jerky James, Tapestry Gal, and more. Joining on Sunday, be sure to check out Enchanted Crusts.
From crisp whites to bold reds and refreshing rosés, you'll find the perfect pour to match every bite of BBQ.
NEW JERSEY WINES AT THEIR BEST: What pairs best with BBQ? A perfect glass of Jersey wine. Sip, swirl, and discover standout selections from some of New Jersey's finest wineries:
Wagonhouse Winery – Bold, approachable wines perfect for a summer afternoon.
The Vintner's Wife – Small-batch, thoughtfully crafted wines with character.
Terra Nonno Winery – Old-world style wines with a modern Jersey twist.
Chestnut Run Farm – Rustic, farm-grown wines with authentic charm.
Villari Vineyards – Smooth, fruit-forward favorites for easy sipping.
Valenzano Winery – A New Jersey staple known for crowd-pleasing classics.
Plagido's Winery – Italian-inspired wines rich in tradition.
DiMatteo Vineyards – Award-winning selections with bold personality.
Angelico Winery – Elegant pours with a refined finish.
Kennedy Cellars – Small-batch wines with a creative edge.
Saddlehill Winery – Modern vineyard vibes with locally crafted flavor.
Salem Oak Vineyards – Family-owned New Jersey winery producing handcrafted wines inspired by tradition and region.
TICKETS: $25 Advance Ticket; $30 Day of Event (at the gate). Tickets are available for purchase online. IMPORTANT: Food is NOT included in the ticket price. Come ready to eat—BBQ and food purchases are made directly from vendors. Washington Lake Park is located at 626 Hurffville Crosskeys Road in Sewell, New Jersey.
New Jersey Wine and Beer Events is a collection of festivals and events produced by GPS, Inc. With over 23 years of experience producing large-scale festivals, concerts, and community celebrations, GPS, Inc. has become a leader in live event production throughout the region. From wine festivals and BBQ events to large-scale outdoor productions, GPS has produced more than 250 wine-related events over the past two decades—delivering unmatched expertise in event design, planning, and execution.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.

Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.

Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular Schedule and Parking Logistics
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative have released parking, transportation, and event information for Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular, taking place Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park.
Variety Pack Volume 3: The Weirdest, Wildest, Most Unclassifiable Comedy Yet
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- As Philadelphia enters peak summer swamp season, Variety Pack once again offers audiences a cool, chaotic refuge from the heat with five days of genre-breaking live comedy, free popcorn, and yes, free air conditioning.
SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network’s most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour will visit Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
