The Social Local: What to Do This Week on LBI (July 3-July 10)

June 25- July 2

This isn’t your usual tourist map. It’s a living, breathing social guide from someone who’s actually out there and loves joyous summer—bicycle bestie Wawa runs, espresso martini ratings, and catching drama in real time. Think of me like your plugged-in bestie who always knows where to be Thursday night through Sunday.

The Social Soundtrack

Here’s your handpicked Local Playlist featuring artists you’ll catch on the Island this week:

🎶 On the mix:

  • Chevy Lopez
  • Skip Winters
  • Des & The Swagmatics
  • Rob Connolly
  • Zinnia Moon
    🎶 Press Play 2 Jam While You Read 🎶

SNEAK ATTACK! @ Thunder Thursday, The Sea Shell
Bartender Sam@ Joe Pops by LG

Thursday

 Thursday, July 3
That First Real Summer Rush, loaded with OPTIONS!
  • Thunder Thursday @ The Shell
    10PM–2AMSneak Attack! headlines with DJ LAX on the Beach Stage. Expect: a face painter, dollar beer & shot specials, hot dogs, and the wild post-firework crowd you were hoping for. It Will Be- CROWDED!
  • Surf City Fireworks Show
    9:15PM – Launched over the bay near 17th/18th St. Stake your spot early, expect it to be super busy if you’re driving — it’s a local favorite.
  • Rob Connolly @ Tunes by the Dunes, Holgate
    6:30PM – Original set and original songs honored with a brand new merch drop! Breezy vibes guaranteed.
  • Steal The Sky @ Joe Pop’s, Ship Bottom
    Late nightFull rock show energy + $8 Fireball & Espolon shots. Expect a packed house, this is a strong live performance.

Friday

Fireworks illuminate the sky over Fantasy Island in Beach Haven | Image by Oakleaf Media
Fireworks illuminate the sky over Fantasy Island in Beach Haven | Image by Oakleaf Media
🇺🇸 Friday, July 4🇺🇸
  • Beach Haven Fireworks Show
    9:30PM – Best viewed from Taylor Avenue Bayfront. Classic, cozy, and packed (with island pride.) Mentally prepare yourself for traffic.
  • Rob Connolly @ The Porthole, Ship Bottom
    4–7PM – Dazzling singalongs and merch for sale. Grab some Colorado Fries to munch on.
  • Goodman Fiske Band @ Joe Pop’s
    10PM – A great club night crowd live show if you’re still upright.

Saturday

Photo from https://robconnollymusic.com
Photo from https://robconnollymusic.com
 Saturday, July 5
  • Rob Connolly @ The Gateway, Ship Bottom
    7–10PM – New set, new merch, same beachy energy.
  • Shore Shandy Release @ Ship Bottom Brewery, Beach Haven
    All Day – Limited batch brew just dropped. Get a pint before it disappears.
Ty Mares @ Daymark, Barnegat Light
EveningBluesy and soulful, sad music is perfectly paired with a dinner & craft cocktail.

Sunday

Ty Mares, Photo by @jolorea
Ty Mares, Photo by @jolorea
 Sunday, July 6
It’s going to be sunny! Get your beach day in.
  • Ty Mares x2
    Afternoon @ Jersey Girl, Evening 8PM @ The Shell – If you’re not chair dancing to his blues, you’re doing Sunday wrong.
  • Karch Creations Market Pop-Up @ Birdy’s, Harvey Cedars
    9AM–2PM – hand poured candles & goods, and that dreamy HC breeze.

Monday

photo by https://www.desandtheswagmatics.com
photo by https://www.desandtheswagmatics.com
 Monday, July 7
It’s going to be hot and sunny! Get your beach day in and go for a swim.
  • Greg Music @ Bird & Betty’s Deck
    6PM – Instrumental vibes to glide into the week.
Surf Night @ Bird & Betty’s
9PM – Drink specials, every drink gets you a ticket you can trade for a chance to win some merch off the spin wheel- grand prize giveaways, and a sweaty set from Des & The Swagmatics.

Tuesday

The Talking Dreads by LG
The Talking Dreads by LG
 Tuesday, July 8
Skip Winters @ Bird & Betty’s Deck
6PM – Close out the week with a porch set- poetic lyrics meets beach folk style & charm.

Mobile Bar Magic: Meet Aubrey of Sid’s Sips

 

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a perfectly poured cocktail (or mocktail) handed to you from the window of a vintage camper — Aubrey is your girl. She’s the friendly face behind Sid’s Sips, a mobile bartending business bringing fresh ingredients, custom menus, and good vibes straight to the party.


For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us what Sid’s Sips is?

Sid’s Sips is the mobile bartending business my boyfriend Jonny and I started together. We operate out of a restored 1968 Serro Scotty camper, along with a 6-foot wooden satellite bar that we can bring to any event location. We run as a dry hire bar — meaning we bring everything but the booze — to help elevate any party, wedding, or celebration.


How did Sid’s Sips get started?

In 2024, I was asked by The Drifting Buoy to bartend an event in their mobile bar. When Andy encouraged me to do this myself — while I was post-grad and not really knowing what was next — it gave me this unexpected burst of excitement. Like, wait, I think this is something I would love to do. After that event, I went home, talked to Jonny, and we immediately started the search for a vintage camper. That was the beginning of Sid’s Sips.


What inspired the name?

Sid — short for Sidney — is our dog and the true boss of the operation. It only felt right to name it after him. 🤍


How long did it take to build The Bar?

We bought the camper in March of 2024 and worked on it almost every day until the end of June. It definitely wasn’t easy, but with a lot of help from my dad and Jonny, we turned it into something so beautiful. There’s a ton of love poured into that little camper — you can feel it when you see it.


What’s inside your mobile bar setup?

It’s a fully functioning bar tucked inside a cozy little camper. Inside, we’ve got everything from bar tools and cold storage to custom décor, coolers, signature syrups, and fresh garnishes — all set up to give your event that extra something special.


What kinds of events do you specialize in?

We love being part of weddings, private parties, showers, and corporate events — really anything worth celebrating. We work closely with every client to create a personalized drink menu and experience that matches the vibe of their event.


What are your go-to fresh ingredients or signature syrups?

We’re currently obsessed with anything juiced from our cold-pressed juicer. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, and we’re committed to keeping it that way. Some of our favorite house-made syrups include lavender, basil, and cinnamon brown sugar.


What’s something unexpected you always pack in your bar kit?

A mini Bluetooth speaker — it’s a simple touch, but sometimes music helps set the tone while we prep or serve. That, and a stash of fun cocktail garnishes like dehydrated citrus — the little things really elevate a drink.


What’s your go-to mocktail when you’re off the clock?

Anything with cold-pressed watermelon juice! It’s refreshing, hydrating, and just the right amount of sweet.


How does your background or personality influence how you run Sid’s Sips?

I’ve worked at The Arlington in Ship Bottom for 11 summers, 6 of them as a bartender. Hospitality has always been a big part of my life. When we pull up to an event, we’re just as excited as our hosts. We love connecting with guests, having fun, and being part of the celebration — I think people feel that energy when we’re there.


How can people book you or get in touch to plan an event?

You can reach out through our website sidssipsmobilebar.com and fill out our inquiry form. Or find us on Instagram @sids.sipsmobilebar, Facebook (Sid’s Sips Mobile Bar), or email us directly at sidssips@gmail.com. We love chatting through event ideas and bringing your vision to life — the sooner you reach out, the better chance of locking in your date!


There you have it —

Aubrey isn’t just bringing the bar to you — she’s bringing charm, creativity, and a whole lot of heart in a tiny vintage camper. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, a bridal shower, or just want to feel a little fancy while sipping in the sun, Sid’s Sips is the mobile bar that turns good events into unforgettable ones.

Give her a follow, send her your date, and let the party come to you. 💌🍹

No tea this week… unless you’re sitting on some sandy, salty treasure.

I’m opening up the Anonymous Tea Hotline — your chance to share a lil LBI drama completely anonymously.

Seen something wild? Got a crush story? A friend group fallout? A mysterious beach date?
Each friend in your group has a funny one-liner from Last night I’m sure.

About Me

IMG_1774

Hey, I’m LG—a year-round Ship Bottom local, motorcycle riding, dog walking, friendly neighborhood fun specialist. You’ll usually spot me cruising the island with my pup Sylvie or chatting with someone about where to catch live music, the best beach for a sunset, or which local spot has the freshest tacos this week. I have watched the LBI evolution to predict the trends like a tide.  You might even see me out there enjoying this beautiful and precious gem that is LBI.

To me, everyone who lands on LBI is just another kid at summer camp—and I’m here to be your counselor. This is The Social Local, and I’m sharing the magic one guide at a time! Peace and love, see you there!

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