A parade is a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with your family. Why not bring the kids to watch one of New Jersey’s many red-white-and-blue-themed celebrations? Have them decorate their bikes or scooters — or even have your pups join in on the fun!
*Please note that all information is subject to last-minute changes so be sure to confirm with the municipality before attending.
Allentown
Although there is no parade planned, enjoy history during the annual July 4 reading of the Declaration of Independence. The reading begins at 9 a.m.
Chatham
Chatham’s 2022 parade will follow the theme “Chatham: Salty as Ever” for one of the oldest town parades in the United States. Kickoff is 9:30 a.m.
Florham Park
This year, a full celebration returns with a parade, family picnic, social garden and fireworks in the evening over Emmett Field. A car parade will take place on July 5 with the theme “Spotlight on Florham Park: Our Resilient Community.”
Glen Rock
The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Glen Rock High School.
Haddon Township
The parade on July 4 will begin at 11:30 a.m., with registration taking place at 10:30 a.m. at the Haddon Township Municipal Building. The parade will consist of bands, floats, fire trucks and more. Top prizes will be awarded in each category. The parade will wind its way down Haddon Avenue on to Crystal Lake Avenue, ending at the Crystal Lake Pool Complex.
Hammonton
Celebrate America’s independence with a patriotic parade downtown beginning at 11 a.m. Kids can decorate their bike, scooter or wagon and enter the parade.
Historic Smithville
Historic Smithville has the largest Fourth of July parade in all of New Jersey. The parade will start at 9 a.m. with an expected 10,000 people to line the parade route.
Lebanon
The Lebanon Borough 4th of July Parade is celebrating its 65th year as the oldest parade in Hunterdon County. The children’s parade steps off at 9:30 a.m., followed by the main parade at 10 a.m.
Manasquan
Start the festivities with a bicycle decorating contest at 5:15 p.m. at the Little League field, then the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on the beachfront, led by the Manasquan Coast Guard. Stay for a concert by Billy Lawlor on the Main Beach Stage, and then fireworks at dusk.
Milltown
For Milltown’s Independence Day celebration, there will be a fishing derby, fun run/5K, duck races, a decorated house contest, a parade, a pizza eating contest, musical performances, and fireworks. The parade starts at 10 am.
North Wildwood
The parade begins at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues, joins Pooch Parade at 8th & Atlantic Avenues, and proceeds north to 1st & Surf Avenues. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, golf carts etc. in red, white and blue theme.
Ocean Grove
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents an Independence Parade throughout town beginning at 10:30 am July 2. A patriotic concert by the Ocean Grove Summer Band is planned for 7:30 pm in the Grand Auditorium.
Oradell
On Oradell’s normal parade route, you can hear the Bergen County Pieps & Drums.
Paramus
Kicking off with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony at the intersection of Century Road and Farview Avenue, the parade heads north on Farview Avenue and ends at Petruska Park. Followed by a food truck festival and fireworks show.
Princeton
Although not a parade, Morven Museum & Garden will hold a Fourth of July Jubilee featuring a Jasper Johns American Flag activity, a 1960s Princeton adventure, dancing in the gardens with the Luminarium Dance Company, live music from the Green Planet Band, and food trucks.
Ridgewood
On July 4, Ridgewood will have its 112th Fourth of July celebration including a flag raising ceremony, parade and fireworks.
Ridgefield Park
July 4 begins at 7:30 a.m. with the reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a flag raising ceremony at 7:45 a.m. At 8 a.m. the fire department and emergency units will present their personnel and equipment for review. The Baby & Youth Parade begins at 9 a.m. for village and visiting children who walk, ride in decorated carriages, elaborate floats, or personally decorated bicycles. The Main Civic Parade steps off promptly at 11:30 a.m. Grand Marshals George and Susan Fosdick will lead fraternal and village organizations, youth and sporting associations, bands and visitors. Fireworks are planned for 9:30 p.m.
Riverton
After Riverton Yacht Club puts on its 125th 4th of July Children’s Parade, join more festivities immediately after the parade, including the singing of the National Anthem, games, and festivities at Riverton Memorial Park.
Spotswood
Mayor Jackie Palmer of Spotswood and Mayor Christopher Slavicek of Helmetta will present the Mayors’ March and Spark in the Park on July 2. This Independence Day celebration will begin with a parade at 1 p.m., starting at Holy Trinity Church in Helmetta and ending at Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood. The celebration will resume at 6:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Sports Field for family fun, a beer and sangria garden, food trucks, music and fireworks.
Union Beach
The borough will host fireworks and a parade on July 3.
Want a full list of the best spots to see fireworks? Click here!
Also, if you’re traveling up north, LEGOLAND New York has a Red, White & BOOM! event planned, while the Wildwoods in South New Jersey have days of patriotic-themed events planned.
# July 4 parades in NJ # July 4 parades in N