Ring in America’s 250th birthday at one of these 4th of July events in New Jersey. Beyond the fireworks and parades, there’s so much more to do during our 250th Independence Day weekend, like 5Ks, reenactments and concert series. Check dates, times, locations and weather before heading out.
June 27 – July 4
Riverton 4th of July
Multiple locations, Riverton
There’s a whole host of activities to celebrate America’s birthday. Bring your dancing shoes to the Cocktail Party at Riverton Yacht Club on June 27. The annual free Concert in the Park on June 28 features The Broken Hearts, a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band. The house decorating contest wraps up on June 28. A bike decorating workshop will be held on July 3. July 4 includes: the Bill Oliver 5K, 1-Mile Run for Fun, Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade, park festivities, a pet pageant, The Great Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, and a raft race.
June 28 – July 5
Wildwood 4th of July Week Events
The Wildwoods
Events for America’s 250th birthday include the reenactment of Turtle Gut Inlet, a patriotic done show, a baby and a pooch parade, a 5K beach run, Friday night fireworks, a sports card show, the farmers market and boardwalk craft show, a 78th Army Band concert, and a huge 4th of July celebration.
July 1
U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a night of patriotic music by The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus and The American Bombshells.
Independence Day Fireworks & Food Truck Festival
Lewis F. Cole Middle School, Fort Lee
Bring a blanket or low beach chair for the festival, which includes music, food, giveaways and fireworks.
Middle Twp. America 250 Celebration
Middle Twp.
During the Hometown Heroes Ceremony, the Middle Township Navy ROTC Color Guard will present the colors, Mia Rodriguez will perform the National Anthem, and Mayor
Leusner will present certificates to sponsors. Then, there will be live music by Animal House Band, family entertainment, food vendors, and The Big Spectacular: Fireworks & Drone Show.
Celebrate Independence!
Riley Park, Bradley Beach
There will be horse-and-carriage rides, a barbershop quartet, jugglers, stilt walkers, hot dogs and cotton candy, arts & crafts, touch-a0truck, and a community kite fly at night.
July 1-5
Declaration Days
Museum of American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
The highlight of the museum’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will include in-gallery talks, historical interpretation, and hands-on demos.
July 2
Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
A special Independence Day celebration concert will feature appearances and presentations by “George Washington” and members of the Westfields Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution in period dress. Also featured will be special vocal performances by Mr. Kerry Stubbs, accompanied by the band.
Rev, White & Blue
SHI Stadium, Piscataway
Revolution NJ will host a concert celebration with Nick Jonas, and Vin Rock and Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature, Ali Stroker and more ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration. There will be family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a post-show fireworks display.
Stars, Stripes & Anglesea Nights
Anglesea Entertainment District, North Wildwood
The patriotic street fair will be a festive red, white and blue celebration featuring a dozen food trucks, market shopping, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and patriotic performers. There will be stilt walkers and street performers, a special appearance by the renowned Philly Fife & Drum Corps with Revolutionary-era music, and patriotic pageantry.
Ewing’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza
Green Lane Fields, Ewing
Before the fireworks light up the sky, a Heritage Showcase includes live music, reenactors, storytelling tents, and youth activities centered on the crossing of the Delaware and its significance to Ewing’s geography and Revolutionary heritage.
Independence Day Fireworks & World Cup Events
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
New Brunswick kicks off its 4th of July festivities early with a free community celebration. This year’s festival doubles as a World Cup hub, with two 20-foot LED screens broadcasting soccer matches live. There will be live music from R&B and soul band Valarie & the Dimensions alongside a live DJ. The park will feature local food trucks, a family fun zone with inflatables, and a shopping village. The celebration wraps up at sundown with a fireworks spectacular over the Raritan River.
Red Bank Presents America 250 Celebration
West Front Street and Broad Street, Red Bank
Prior to 4th of July, celebrate Independence with the Kids’ Takeover (a balloon artist, stilt walker, activities, face painting and games), a DJ and dancing, 250 trivia, giveaways, photo ops, a pie-eating contest, a concert by John Luckenbill’s Pops Band, and Red Bank’s 250th Laser Show.
Fourth of July Celebration
Philadelphia
Philly will celebrate early on Thursday, July 2, the date John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail that the nation’s independence was going to be celebrated with fireworks, a parade and pomp and circumstance. There will be a flag raising at the Betsy Ross House, the Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, a parade with Radio Flyer wagons turned into floats rolling along Independence Mall, and a block party at City Tavern. More free activities include live music throughout the city, picnics and a drone show. Museums, historic sites and local businesses will come together in one square mile with festooned décor, concerts, games, extended hours at historical sites, restaurant specials, and more.
July 2 and 4
Ocean City Pops Orchestra Concerts
Carey Stadium, Ocean City
There will be patriotic performances on both nights, including a drone show on July 2.
July 2-4
Fourth of July Weekend Events
Avalon
Thursday kicks off the 4th of July celebration with a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a concert by American Soul. On Friday, the golf cart parade has a USA theme, while Saturday’s boat parade takes on a patriotic them. Stick around on Saturday for fireworks at night.
July 3
July 4th Celebration
Manasquan
Celebrate July 4th and America’s 250th with a parade of bikes and golf carts, followed by live music by Wave Length, and topped up with a fireworks display.
Paramus 4th of July Parade
Farview Avenue, Paramus
The parade will kick off at the intersection of Farview Avenue and E. Century Road, moving north on Farview Avenue. It will end at the Grandstand, located at Memorial Elementary School on Midland Avenue. The day before, the annual 4th of July PD vs. FD softball game is held at the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex.
Remember George Washington’s March to Trenton
Brimingham Park, Ewing
The West Trenton Garden Club maintains Birmingham Park, the corner where George Washington’s troops split on their march towards Trenton and attacked the German Hessians from two directions on a snowy night in December 1776. During this event, a costumed reenactor will tell the story of Washington’s victory march. You’ll get to place a flag on the perimeter of the garden.
Star-Spangled Space Party
Space Play Academy, Hillsborough
This red-white-and-blue bash is made just for little ones. Stitch is stopping by, Mr. Pati the balloon artist will be twisting away, and every kids gets to make their own custom pinwheel.
Anchored By America’s Best Idea: Celebrating America’s 250th with the Tall Ships at Sandy Hook
Seastreak, Middletown Twp.
Board a Seastreak charter from Highlands to Sandy Hook to get an up-close view of the tall ships. Once at the Sandy Hook dock, you’ll see views of Sandy Hook Bay from under a sailcloth tent near the historic Post Chapel in Fort Hancock, just a short walk from the dock. There will be a cocktail reception while New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players perform patriotic songs as a brass quintet. On the way back, you’ll again see the largest international peacetime gathering of tall ships in a generation.
July 3-4
Happy Birthday America Celebration
Haddon Twp.
On Friday, a fireworks display lights up the sky above the Haddon Twp. High School football stadium. Love Alive will perform before the fireworks go off at dusk. On Saturday, the annual parade (with decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and floats) starts at the municipal building and goes down to Crystal Lake Pool, where residents get free entry for the day.
July 3-5
New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
The river towns will mark America’s birthday in the very place where George Washington traveled during the Revolutionary War – and still has an open bar tab! On Friday, join a discussion with children’s book author Abigale Readlinger; look for costumed re-enactors dressed as the Washingtons, Ben Franklin and General Henry Knox; attend shows by Music Mountain Theatre and Roxey Ballet; and grab a seat for New Hope’s largest fireworks display in history. On Saturday, there is a pub crawl for adults led by George Washington and Sam Adams; and a giant outdoor concert. Sunday includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a freedom parade, dragon boat races, and the synchronized singing of “God Bless America” from both river banks.
July 3-6
Independence Day Weekend 2026
Cape May City
The Independence Day Parade kicks off along Beach Avenue on July 4. The fireworks extravaganza is later that night at Congress Hall Beach. Come for the free concerts in Rotary Park on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.
July 3-8
Heritage Week
Trenton
New Jersey’s capital city marks America’s birthday with the reopening of the Old Barracks Museum, a multi-cultural parade, a wreath-laying ceremony, a multi-cultural festival, a patriotic Trenton Thunder ball game, special exhibits at the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey State Library, an ecumenical service at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church where wounded Hessian soldiers were brought during the Battle of Trenton in 1776, walking tours, a potluck supper, readings of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” and the Declaration of Independence, free tours of the New Jersey State House, a concert by the 55 musicians of the Blawenburg Band, and HistoryFest.
Circle Line Cruises America 250 Experiences
Pier 81, New York City
For America’s big birthday, 37 tall ships from more than 20 countries will be sailing into New York Harbor on the Fourth of July, accompanied by a 120-aircraft aerial salute from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. To view on land, Circle Line will hold a Tall Ships Watch Party on July 4. To get a front-row view of the Parade of Sail along the water, opt for various sailing cruises all weekend, plus the signature fireworks cruise on July 4th.
July 4
Fourth of July 2026
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
This free festival will have music, speakers, artmaking, community partners and food on the grounds of the historic house and museum.
Sail 4th 250
Port of New York and New Jersey
There will be a massive flotilla of tall ships open for public tours throughout the week. Expect family-friendly festivals, cultural performances, and a fireworks display.
July 4th at Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing State Park, Pennington
It the site where Washington’s troops crossed over the Delaware, the celebration will include a hike, parade, museum tours, readings of the Declaration of Independence, a concert by the Blawenburg Band, and views of Pennsylvania’s fireworks show.
Sailboat Watch Party
RoofTop at Exchange Place, Jersey City
You’ll have fantastic views of the Tall Ships that are sailing in for America’s 250th anniversary. You can add on a Continental breakfast or cash bar if you’re staying for awhile.
Long Branch Fireworks Viewing Party
High Crest at Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
While waiting for the fireworks to set off over Pier Village, adults get a free Fourth of July cocktail, and kids get a free Rocket Pop Lemonade mocktail. You can get a day pass to the pool, too.
Hammonton Independence Day Parade & Festival
Hammonton
Activities begin in the morning at Veterans Park, where live music, food stands, historical exhibits and a patriotic ceremony will take place. At 4 pm, break for the parade down Bellevue Avenue; bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers will be judged for the contest. Come back to Hammonton High School at night for live entertainment, more food and activities, and a fireworks display.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Gazebo on Lake Drive, Robbinsville
Everyone can take turns reading sections of the document aloud to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.
Family Parade
North Wildwood
Prizes will be awarded for the best bikes, wagons, strollers, scooters and low-speed vehicles in decorated in a red, white and blue theme.
Florham Park 4th of July Parade & Celebration
Florham Park
New Jersey’s longest-running Independence Day parade is followed by a social garden, food and drinks, cake to celebrate the nation’s birthday, rides, games and activities for the whole family.
Jersey City Fireworks & Tall Ships
Jersey City
From the waterfront, you’ll be able to see 60 tall ships and 40 naval vessels sailing by, followed by a large-scale fireworks display over the Hudson River.
USA 250 – America’s Birthday Bash
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The 116th annual birthday party for America starts with a flag raising and a parade in the morning. At night, there will be live music, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks.
Revolutionary Celebration: Independence Day on the Raritan
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
On July 4, 1778, General George Washington ordered the Continental Army to perform a fue de joie (fire of joy) on the banks of the Raritan River. This day begins with A Revolutionary Celebration Run 5K, and continues with a patriotic-themed concert on the front lawn. At the Indian Queen Tavern, listen to 18th-century music and hear stories from General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben.
Stars & Stripes Low-Sensory Movie Night
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
The 4th of July can be stressful for people and animals, so Cedar Run will steer away from fireworks and instead show the movie “Brother Bear” during a low-sensory night with s’mores, desserts and popcorn.
4th of July Walking Tour
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
The July 4th “Meet Me in the Meadow” Walking Tour lets you explore where the American Revolution unfolded. Historic New Bridge Landing was a battleground, encampment ground, military headquarters, and intelligence-gathering post. At the end of the tour stop into the 1752 Steuben House, where you’ll ger free lemonade, iced tea and cookies.
Summit’s 4th of July Celebration
Soldiers Memorial Field, Summit
The 79th annual Fourth of July Celebration features a flag raising ceremony, children’s decorated bike parade, food truck festival, concerts, and a grand fireworks display.
Fourth of July Parade
Third Street and Oradell Avenue to Memorial Field, Oradell
The parade honors freedom, local heroes, and 250 years of American pride.
Lebanon Boro 4th of July Parade
Sutton Place to Holjes-Shepard Memorial Park, Lebanon
This year’s parade marks not only 250 years of America, but 100 years of Lebanon! The borough holds a children’s parade before the main parade.
America 250 – Milltown Parade
Milltown
All of the town favorites return for the country’s 250th anniversary celebration: a fishing derby, 5K race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, and music of all kinds.
Oceanfest
Long Branch
At one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey, you and your crew can watch dance performances, listen to musicians and see clowns. Stroll the boards, shop local businesses and grab a bite at nearby restaurants; then stay for the fireworks display to cap off the night.
July 4th Parade
Glen Rock High School, Glen Rock
Kids are invited to dress in colonial costumes and walk in the parade to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
4th of July Parade
Historic Smithville
More than 170 units will march in one of the largest 4th of July parades around. The route goes east on Smithville Boulevard to Moss Mill Road and then west on Moss Mill to Historic Smithville. Up to 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route, and may wait up to 2 hours to see the fire apparatus close out the parade. An Independence Day ceremony follows in Smithville’s Village Greene.
Galloway Township’s 4th of July Parade
Galloway Twp.
The parade has honored our troops, vets and first responders every year since 1999. This year’s parade puts an extra special focus on freedom and independence.
Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
The afternoon of July 4 will feature over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions and fireworks. Major acts set to hit the stage include legendary hip-hop group and Bergen County natives the Sugarhill Gang, the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band and Tempo Alegre.
Declaration of Independence Reading
Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown
A public reading of our nation’s foundation document will coincide with a musket salute and self-guided tours of the Ford Mansion.
Fue de Joie
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
On July 4, 1778, Washington ordered the Continental Army to perform a fue de joie (fire of joy) on the banks of the Raritan River. To mark the occasion, East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway will be open on July 4, offering A Revolutionary Celebration Run 5K and a patriotic-themed concert on the front lawn. Listen to 18th-century music and hear stories from Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben inside the Indian Queen Tavern.
4th of July in Evesham
Evesham
Activities include the 4th of July 5K Run & Walk, a Kid’s Bike and then a regular parade along Main Street, and fireworks later at Savich Field.
Fourth of July Celebration
Ridgefield Park
Start the day with a reading of the Declaration of Independence before a cannon salute and flag raising. After the Baby and Youth Parade, the Civic Parade steps off. At night, come to Veterans Park for a performance by the Rutherford Community Band and a fireworks display.
Ocean City South End Parade
South End, Ocean City
RevolutionNJ puts on a traditional morning bike and neighborhood parade in celebration of America’s 250th birthday through the South End neighborhood of Ocean City.
Fourth of July Celebration
Congress Hall, Cape May
For more than 200 summers, Congress Hall has celebrated the Fourth of July on its front lawn. Come for the All-American Cookout in the afternoon, and then fireworks at dusk.
Independence Day Parade
Pitman
Line the streets to see the floats and displays that are dedicated to the theme “America 250 – What Does Freedom Mean to You?”
Independence Day Parade
Chatham
One of the oldest town parades in the United States will be followed by a nighttime fireworks display.
July 4th Celebration
Florham Park
The event schedule includes a flag raising, parade, family picnic, social garden with music by What’s What Band, a pre-fireworks show with DJ Jak, and then the actual fireworks.
Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The 4th of July party includes live entertainment, family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, and blueberry-themed BBQ faves.
July 4-5
Independence Weekend
Ocean Grove
The parade takes place in the morning of July 4th, rain or shine; followed by a patriotic concert on July 5th by the Ocean Grove Summer Band.
Celebrate America Food Trucks & Fun
Laurita Winery & Marketplace, New Egypt (Plumsted)
Spend Independence Weekend at the winery, where activities include food trucks, live music, lots of wine, time with the kids in the vineyard, and fireworks on Saturday night.
July 4 and 6
4th of July Parade
Amherst Road and Paris Avenue, Audubon
The usual traditions on July 4 include the parade, the family athletics fun day at the high school, and the Audubon Volunteer Fire Department’s open house party. Come back July 6 for the live band, food trucks, presentation of parade awards and fireworks.
July 4-7
Parade of Sail Cruise and Tall Ships Guided Tours
NY Waterway, Weehawken
There are two different cruises that will get you close to the tall ships and military ships coming into NY for Sail4th 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.
July 5
Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest
Jersey Freeze, Freehold
The third annual hot dog eating contest is held on the same night as fireworks at the racetrack. While enjoying some ice cream, bring the kids for a DJ, face painting and balloon artist. The East Freehold Fire Department bringing out the fire truck for the kids.
July 11
Uncle Sam Patriotic Parade
Spring Lake
Celebrate America’s 250th on the water. Paddleboarders should bring their own paddleboards and show up dressed in their best red, white, and blue attire – like Uncle Sam hats, flag-themed outfits, and patriotic flair.
Florence Twp. Patriotic Celebration Day
Florence Twp.
This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Our Freedom.”
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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