The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on July 25 at Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. The event will include music, food, drinks, and dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey. Hours are 3-8 p.m.
Opening the festival will be a blessing by members of the Lenape Nation, who will provide an acknowledgement and give thanks to the Original People of the Sourland Region. This year’s musical lineup includes Princeton area natives Gravity Hill, whose sound is a blend of folk rock, punk, and alternative; The Swiss Guard, who make loud music for quiet people and vice versa; Hickory, who blend timeless rock with modern folk elements for a distinctive Americana sound; and the multifaceted Harrisons and Company. American Idol alumnus Jake Thistle will also join the lineup.
New to the VIP experience this year is Emily’s Cafe and Catering of Pennington. Since 2004, James Matticoli, a Culinary Institute of America graduate; and Emily Matticoli, a fourth generation restaurateur, have created innovative, organic menus featuring locally grown products.
In addition to live music all day, the festival will have brews from Hillsborough’s Flounders Brewing, food and non-alcoholic refreshments from Cas Pierogi, Cassidy’s Kitchen and the Crafty Caffe, a passport activity for kids, environmental exhibitors, and native plants for sale from My Backyard at Nectars.
“The Sourland Mountain Fest is the result of the hard work and dedication of volunteers who share a mutual love of the Sourlands,” said co-chair Ali Kavchok. “To see the culmination of our work is amazing. The exhibitors, food vendors, and especially our bands represent the best of Jersey, and over the years, faces and names become familiar as we’re all working toward our goal of supporting the work of the Sourland Conservancy.
Unionville Vineyards is located at 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. Proceeds of the festival support the Sourland Conservancy’s mission of protecting and preserving the Sourland region. Early bird tickets are on sale now and are limited. Visit sourlandmountainfest.com/tickets.