Beer lovers and history buffs alike will have something to celebrate this fall as the first annual Van Riper House Beer Festival arrives in Nutley, New Jersey. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the historic grounds of the Van Riper House will transform into a lively celebration of craft beer, food, music, and community spirit. Even better, every pour will go toward preserving one of North Jersey’s most important historic landmarks.
📍 Location: Van Riper House, 491 River Road, Nutley, NJ
📅 Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
🎟 Tickets: Admission includes unlimited beer tasting and a keepsake cup. Designated driver tickets will also be available.
A Festival with a Purpose
Unlike your average beer festival, this event carries a mission: to support the restoration and preservation of the Van Riper House, a colonial-era stone home built in 1708. The Van Riper House is the last remaining colonial manor along the Passaic River in Nutley, making it an irreplaceable piece of New Jersey’s history.
Since the Township of Nutley acquired the property in 2001, restoration efforts have been led by Van Riper House, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the home back to its former glory. Proceeds from the festival will go directly toward these preservation efforts, ensuring future generations can connect with this remarkable historic site.
What to Expect at the Festival
The Van Riper House Beer Festival is designed as a full-day experience with something for everyone:
- Unlimited Craft Beer Tastings 🍺
Guests will enjoy a wide selection of regional craft brews, with admission including unlimited samples and a commemorative tasting cup. It’s a perfect chance to explore new flavors and meet some of the best brewers in the region. - Live Music All Afternoon 🎶
Entertainment will set the tone for the day with performances by Mother Hubbard and The Sticky Wickets, bringing a mix of high-energy tunes and crowd favorites to keep the festival atmosphere vibrant. - Food Trucks & Local Eats 🌮
A lineup of local food trucks will be on-site, serving up everything from festival classics to inventive pairings that go hand in hand with craft beer. - Community Gathering 🤝
Beyond the drinks and music, this event will bring together locals, visitors, and supporters of history, creating a true sense of community around both culture and preservation.
Why the Van Riper House Matters
Built in 1708, the Van Riper House has stood for more than three centuries as a witness to the region’s growth and transformation. Its stone walls and colonial design are a reminder of early settlement along the Passaic River, and today, it remains one of the most historically significant structures in Essex County.
By attending the festival, guests won’t just be enjoying a day of beer and music—they’ll be investing in history. Every ticket sold contributes to the continued restoration of the house, helping to safeguard this rare colonial manor for future generations to appreciate.
Beer Culture Thrives in New Jersey
The Van Riper House Beer Festival is part of a larger story: the ongoing rise of New Jersey’s craft beer scene. From small-batch breweries tucked into suburban towns to larger operations making waves on the national stage, the Garden State has become a destination for beer enthusiasts. Events like this bring together the best of both worlds—great beer and local heritage.
If you’re looking to explore more breweries, taprooms, and beer festivals across the state, don’t miss our complete guide to New Jersey Beer & Breweries.
Event Recap
- What: First Annual Van Riper House Beer Festival
- When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Van Riper House, 491 River Road, Nutley, NJ
- Tickets: Unlimited tastings + keepsake cup; designated driver tickets available
- Highlights: Craft beer tastings, live music from Mother Hubbard and The Sticky Wickets, food trucks, historic preservation fundraiser
Final Pour
The Van Riper House Beer Festival isn’t just another craft beer event—it’s a chance to drink, dine, and dance while making a real difference for one of New Jersey’s most treasured historic homes. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a lover of live music, or simply someone who values local history, this festival is the perfect way to spend a September afternoon in Nutley.
Raise your glass, support preservation, and be part of the first chapter of what promises to become a new North Jersey tradition.
👉 For more beer events, festivals, and brewery tours across the Garden State, check out Explore New Jersey Beer & Breweries.
