New Jersey’s towns will hold a series of parades to celebrate Independence Day, either by foot, by bike or by boat (and even with your pup!). Here’s where to wave your flags and salute our nation. Check dates, times, locations and weather before heading out.
July 3
July 4th Celebration
Manasquan
A parade, beach concert and fireworks make up the day’s activities.
July 4
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.
Patriotic Pooch Parade
North Wildwood
Make your bike, stroller and scooter look snazzy, as well as your dog. Prizes will be handed out after the parade.
Fourth of July Celebration Boat Parade
Avalon
Watch as a series of boats sail by in patriotic fashion.
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The morning will start with a flag raising and parade. At night, come back for music, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks.
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.
July 4 Bike Parades
Longport Bridge Parking Lot, 40th and Asbury Avenue, Rosemar Lane Park – Ocean City
Three separate bike parades will have kids showing off their patriotic rides.
Independence Day Parade
Alcyon Park, Pitman
Line the streets to see the floats and displays. “A Year of Celebrations” celebrates the 100th Graduating Class of Pitman High School and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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 2025 theme for the parade, family picnic, adult social garden, rides for the kids and a spectacular fireworks show is Winter Wonderland.
Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
Ridgefield Park
The parade, founded in 1894, is one of the oldest in the U.S., and the oldest in New Jersey. The Program Cover Art Contest for school-aged kids and Home and Business Decorating Contest take place before the parade. Then, on the day of, the Declaration of Independence will be read at the Memorial Plaza, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony by the Boy and Girl Scouts. The Fire Department and Emergency Units will present their personnel and equipment for review before the Baby & Youth Parade kicks off prior to the Main Civic Parade. At night, come back for music and fireworks.
4th of July Parade
Amherst Road and Paris Avenue, Audubon
This year’s theme is Hearts in Action: Serving Together, Growing Stronger, to celebrate community service and volunteerism.
July 4th Parade
Glen Rock High School, Glen Rock
The parade was started in 1938 by a group of Glen Rock residents who were concerned about injuries caused by fireworks and highway injuries due to holiday travel, fatigue, and possible drinking., So the Glen Rock IDA was incorporated on May 2, 1939, and has held a town-wide parade for the 84 years since.
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.
A couple of veterans decided in 1998 that the town needed a parade to inspire younger generations to learn more about the sacrifices of the military. The first parade was held in 1999 and has since honored our troops, vets and first responders.
Summit’s 4th of July Celebration
Soldiers Memorial Field, Summit
The festival includes amusement rides, a food truck festival, flag raising ceremony, a Children’s Decorated Bicycle Parade, rock concerts, children’s music, a dance party, a juggler, sand art, glow-in-the-dark merch, and fireworks.
Fourth of July Parade
Third Street and Oradell Avenue to Memorial Field, Oradell
July 3 is the pre-party, with food trucks and fireworks. Show off your patriotism by lining the sidewalks on July 4 for the parade, which will be followed by a DJ, games, a wet down and a beer garden.
Independence Day Parade
Haddon Twp.
Enter your bike, trike, wagon or float into the best decorated contest. After the parade, everyone gets free admission to the Crystal Lake Pool.
Lebanon Boro 4th of July Parade
Sutton Place to Holjes-Shepard Memorial Park, Lebanon
In tribute to the patriots who helped found our country and those who have helped protect our freedom since then, the 78th annual parade will step off with the theme “Honoring Our Patriots.” Expect an afternoon of civic pride, patriotic displays, music, family-friendly games, and free food and drinks.
Milltown: Remembering the Past, Igniting the Future
Milltown
All of the town favorites return for the 100th anniversary celebration: a fishing derby, 5K race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, and music of all kinds.
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 28. The annual free Concert in the Park on June 29 features Max & the Magics, and JEM & The Vibe. The house decorating contest wraps up on July 2. A bike decorating workshop will be held on July 3. July 4 includes: the Bill Oliver 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run, Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade, park festivities, pet pageant, The Great Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, and raft race.
Independence Day Parade
Haddon Avenue, Westmont
Marchers include bands, floats, fire trucks, pets and patriotic bikes. The parade makes its way down Haddon Avenue, ending at the Crystal Lake Pool Complex. Free hot dogs will be given out to the first 300 people. Then, pool access is free for all Haddon Twp. residents and their extended families and guests.
July 5
Independence Weekend
Ocean Grove
The parade takes place in the morning, rain or shine, followed with a patriotic concert at night at the Great Auditorium.
July 12
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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