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
Fourth of July Celebration Boat Parade
Avalon
Watch as a series of boats sail by in patriotic fashion.
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.
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 gardens and fireworks.
Paramus 4th of July Parade
Farview Avenue, Paramus
The parade starts at the intersection of East Century Road and Farview Avenue. It proceeds northward on Farview Avenue before ending at the Grand Stand located at Memorial Elementary School.
Independence Day Parade
Alcyon Park, Pitman
Line the streets to see the floats and displays. There will be a quiet zone for kids and adults who are averse to loud noises.
Independence Day Parade 2024
Chatham
This year’s theme is “Chatham – It’s a Shore Thing!” during one of the oldest town parades in the United States.Â
Annual July 4 Celebration
Florham Park
Florham Park is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the 4th of July celebration includes a parade, family picnic, adult social garden, rides for the kids and a spectacular fireworks show.
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 Baby & Youth Parade kicks off before the main Main Civic Parade. At night, come back for music and fireworks.
4th of July Parade
Amherst Road, Audubon
On July 4, after the parade, there are family athletics activities (wheel barrow race, frog jump, balloon toss, potato sack race) and an open house by the Audubon Volunteer Fire Department.
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
According to members of the Fourth of July parade committee, this is the largest parade of its kind based on number of units – it can take 2 hours for marchers to pass any given point. Up to 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route, with many following the fire apparatus closing the parade to an Independence Day ceremony 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 magic show and fireworks.
Fourth of July Parade
Oradell
Show off your patriotism by lining the sidewalks during this July 4 parade.
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, Lebanon
In 1947, the first Lebanon Boro 4th of July Parade stepped off down Main Street. This year, in tribute to the spirit of that first parade, the 77th annual parade will have the theme “An Enduring Tradition,” honoring its standing as the longest running 4th of July parade in Hunterdon County. There is a children’s parade prior to the main parade.
Painting the Town Red, White & Blue
Milltown
All of the town favorites return: 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
There’s a whole host of activities to celebrate America’s birthday. From June 29 to July 4, take part in the house decorating contest. A cocktail party at Riverton Yacht Club is June 20. The annual free Concert in the Park featuring Craig Bickhardt and JEM and the Vibe is June 30 at Riverton Memorial Park. Kids can decorate their bikes on July 3 for the 4th of July Children’s Parde on July 4. Also on July 4 are the Bill Oliver 5K, 1 Mile Fun for Fun, park festivities, The Great Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, pet pageant, and raft race.
July 6
Florence Twp. Patriotic Celebration
Florence Twp.
This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Our Freedom.”
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.
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Read More:
4th of July Celebrations and Events in NJ
Where to See Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks in NJ
