As autumn settles over New Jersey, the state’s brewery scene is brimming with energy, flavor, and creativity. From comedy nights and karaoke sessions to community art events like the Grog & Gratitude Paint Party at Pompton Craft House, this month’s calendar of beer-centric happenings proves that local breweries have become much more than places to grab a drink—they’re vibrant cultural hubs that bring people together.
In Pompton Lakes, the team at Pompton Craft House is inviting locals to embrace the season with their Grog & Gratitude Paint Party, happening Friday, November 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can sip on craft brews while painting their own 18-inch 3D wood door hangers—an ideal touch for Thanksgiving decor. The event blends artistic expression with a relaxed social vibe, perfectly reflecting the brewery’s warm, community-driven atmosphere.
But that’s just one highlight in a week full of brewery events across the Garden State. Craft beer lovers can head to Brewery Thirty-Three for a lively evening of Drag Bingo, featuring performances by Brittany Lynn and Miss Redd, or catch the Flop Hous Comedy Show at Death of the Fox Brewing Company, where comedians Nick Hopping and Molly Brenner headline alongside a lineup of top New York performers. Trivia enthusiasts can put their pop culture knowledge to the test at Diamond Spring Brewing Co., while the Nottingham Tavern hosts the Rock On Radio Happy Hour, showcasing live music by Mark Sacco and featuring beers sponsored by Tindall Road Brewing.
Over in Montclair, Montclair Brewery keeps things fun with its Sip & Sing Karaoke Night, giving visitors a chance to belt out their favorite tunes in the brewery’s welcoming beer garden. For a more laid-back night, Untied Brewing Company offers its weekly Board Game Night, where pints and friendly competition go hand in hand.
As the weekend approaches, the beer scene gets even busier. The annual Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown in Rockaway celebrates the ultimate trio—craft beer, barbecue, and bacon—with over 30 New Jersey breweries and dozens of local restaurants competing for top honors. In Hackettstown, Czig Meister Brewing hosts Barrel Fest, offering more than 20 barrel-aged beers alongside gourmet food trucks. Denville’s Diamond Spring Brewing Company invites guests to sport their best plaid at Flannel Fest, while Spring Lake Manor becomes a hop lover’s paradise during The Jersey Shore Craft Brewery Tour, where brewers from the coast and beyond showcase their latest creations.
Live music also takes center stage this month, proving that New Jersey’s breweries double as top-tier entertainment venues. Ludlam Island Brewery welcomes The Dead Reckoning Duo for an acoustic set on November 15, while Glenbrook Brewery pairs its pours with eats from The Cousins Maine Lobster Truck on November 21. A week later, Wild Air Beerworks in Asbury Park amps up the volume with a performance from The Accelerators, adding rock ’n’ roll energy to the November lineup.
The state’s craft beer industry is also growing rapidly, with several new openings and expansions adding to the excitement. Magnify Brewing Company recently opened its new brewpub in Medford, expanding from its flagship Fairfield location. Five Dimes Brewery is preparing to launch a new location in Red Bank, with Westwood next on the list. Meanwhile, Montclair Brewery is bringing its signature community atmosphere to a second taproom in East Orange, and Coldfire Brewing Company plans to open a full-service restaurant and barrel house this fall—setting the stage for even greater distribution in 2026.
These developments underscore a bigger story: New Jersey’s craft beer scene isn’t just thriving; it’s evolving. Breweries across the state continue to blend great drinks with creativity, inclusivity, and entertainment, offering locals and visitors an experience that goes far beyond what’s on tap. Whether it’s painting a fall-themed door hanger, singing your heart out at karaoke, or sampling the state’s latest small-batch releases, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore more about New Jersey’s ever-expanding beer culture, brewery tours, and local events at Explore New Jersey Beer & Breweries. With every pint poured and every toast shared, New Jersey’s brewery scene continues to prove that good beer tastes even better when it brings people together.
