Happy birthday, America! Celebrate Independence Day at a fireworks display, poignant ceremony or parade. Other fun on tap this weekend includes summer concerts, county fairs and food festivals. Here’s your holiday weekend lineup:
WEEKEND
Hot Dog Eating Contest & Fireworks Party
Jersey Freeze, Freehold
Thursday
Before the fireworks light up the sky over Freehold Raceway, come to Jersey Freeze for a cup or cone, and watch as pro eaters down as many hot dogs as they can.
Ocean City Sand Sculpting Contest
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Thursday
Kids, teens, adults and families can build their own sand sculptures, and then have them judged for prizes.
Fourth of July Parade
Memorial Field, Oradell
Thursday – Friday
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.
Paramus 4th of July
Paramus
Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Firefighters and police officers battle it out on the softball field on July 3. The parade kicks off at 9 am on July 4. The food truck festival and fireworks show take place on July 6, hosted by the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department.
Bucks Fever Art & Sculpture Exhibition
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Thursday – Sunday
Check out an extensive showcase of fine art and sculptures created by regional artists.
Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
The expo will feature more than 200 tables of sports cards, non-sports cards, toys, comic books, Pokémon, Funko Pops, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, jerseys, books, posters, coins, T-shirts, LEGOs, antiques, and more.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Rain or shine, “the boards” of the boardwalk will be lined with tents and booths of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique artwork and other beach-themed treasures.
July 4th Fest
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Friday – Sunday
To celebrate America’s birthday, Elmo will be dressed in his patriotic best. Friday night is the special “C is for Celebrate” fireworks show.
Heritage Weekend: History Was Made Here
Trenton
Friday – Tuesday
Highlights of the weekend include a Democracy Day picnic, walking tours, museum tours, history chats, and the 249th annual proclamation of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 at 12 pm on Warren Street – which is at the same location and time as the first reading of the Declaration in Trenton in 1776.
Giant-Size Amazing Archie Event
Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, Red Bank
Saturday – Sunday
One of our favorite NJ celebs, Kevin Smith, is celebrating his work on Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 and the crossover comic Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob with a photo op and signed copies of the books.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple Locations
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
FRIDAY
Firecracker 4-Miler and Fun Run
Nomahegan Park, Cranford
Open to professional runners as well as families, you can spend the morning of July 4th on a fast, flat course through the tree-lined streets and biking trails of town on a 4-mile route or a 1-mile family fun run. After the race, stay for music, popcorn, ice pops, other snacks and face painting while listening to a DJ and watching the prize ceremony.
Riverton 4th of July
Multiple locations
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.
July 4th Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Morristown National Historical Park, Washington’s Headquarters, Morristown
The “Warm-Up for the Declaration” is led by a Park Ranger dressed in period clothing, entertaining the crowd, and is followed by the reading of the Declaration. Eighteenth-century stories, joke,s and riddles are part of the fun. When the reading is done, you are welcome to participate in a mock salute called a feu de joie (musket salute). After, the Ford Mansion will be open for self-guided tours, and Jockey Hollow’s grounds and trails will be open.
OceanFest
Long Branch
One of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in NJ takes place along the beach, complete with music, activities, food trucks, live bands, and fireworks at dusk.
Long Branch Poetry Festival
Pier Village, Boardwalk Gazebo, Long Branch
Monmouth County’s Poet Laureate, Emanuel di Pasquale, will be joined by other poets for a massive poetry reading.
Freedom Festival
Wiggins Park, Camden
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees The Spinners will perform their hit songs, along with Matt Cappy & Friends. The night closes with a fireworks spectacular.
Fourth of July Festival
Morven Museum & Garden and Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton
Stop by Morven for artmaking, garden tours, face painting, music from the Vintage Vibe Tribe, food trucks, and a chance to sign the Declaration of Independence. At Princeton Battlefield State Park, visit the historic Clarke House and hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Stars N’ Stripes Concert
Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville
This patriotic tribute to America’s greatest classic composers comes from Rodgers and Hammerstein, George Gershwin, and more.
July 4th at Monmouth Park: Honoring First Responders
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
The racetrack is open to the public for family activities and live horse racing, but vets will be treated extra special with free admission.
Fourth of July Celebration & Parade
The Village of Ridgefield Park
The Ridgefield Park July 4th parade was founded in 1894, and is the longest consecutive running 4th of July parade in New Jersey, and one of the oldest parades in the United States. The day begins with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the Baby & Youth Parade and the Main Civic Parade, and then a nighttime concert and fireworks display with the Rutherford Community Band.
Open Studio Jewelry Making
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
As part of the Free First Friday series, this month’s activity will provide jewelry-making tools, a bead board, beads, thread and needles so you can finish the project you’re currently working on.
Jersey City Night Market: July 4 Fireworks & Food Festival
City Hall – Ancillary Lot, Jersey City
There will be more than 80 food vendors, creators and makers, plus family-friendly activities. A DJ will be stationed on every block. Bar areas will be set up, too. Watch the fireworks show over the Hudson River.
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.
The Great American Vineyard Cookout
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Families are invited to spend July 4 listening to live patriotic music, savoring gourmet burgers and dogs by Ottoburger, listening to a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, and handling sparklers for the kids.
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.
Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
The second annual patriotic afternoon has children’s activities, two dozen food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and fireworks over Overpeck Creek – plus the return of the New Jersey Wind Symphony with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live artillery from Howitzer cannons.
Reading of The Declaration of Independence & Independence Day Parade
Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield
A public reading of the infamous document will take place on the steps of the museum. After, find a spot on the streets for the community parade, and meet the re-enactors of the militia. The museum will be open after the parade.
Independence Day Parade
Haddon Twp.
Watch as bands, floats, fire trucks, pets and bikes travel along Haddon Avenue to Crystal Lake Avenue in their patriotic best, ending at the Crystal Lake Pool Complex where the first 300 attendees get free hot dogs. You can swim in the pool, too.
Mountain Creek Resort’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Ride the Sky Ride or Alpine Mountain Coaster, relax on the Great Lawn, order from the Biergarten, listen to The Spins perform, head to the petting zoo, or bring kids to the bounce house or cornhole. Fireworks go off after sunset.
New York 4th of July Signature Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Pier 15, New York, NY
Sail around Manhattan as you wait for the massive fireworks display over NYC. There will be a buffet dinner, DJ music and dancing for the whole family. City Cruises will also offer a separate sail aboard a European Bateaux.
July 4th Sha-BBQ
Temple Sholom, Scotch Plains
All are welcome to this community barbecue, which will be followed by an outdoor Shabbat Service.
Independence Day Picnic
Dey Mansion – Washington’s Headquarters, Wayne
The afternoon of patriotic festivities includes lawn games, live music, food and all-American fun.
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.
Hoboken July 4th
Pier A Park, Hoboken
There will be live bands, DJs, a beer garden and food trucks. You’ll have riverfront views of both the Macy’s and Jersey City fireworks.
Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
While you celebrate Independence Day, you can also show your love for New Jersey’s state fruit (National Blueberry Month is July). The festival will include all-American grilled favorites, a petting zoo, a balloon toss, three-legged races, a watermelon-eating contest, the Stars & Stripes Strut, and musical performers. Throughout July, Peddler’s Village restaurants, eateries, and tasting rooms will feature blueberry-themed food and drink specials.
A Revolutionary Celebration: Independence Day on the Raritan
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Step back in time and celebrate Independence Day on the banks of the Raritan River. The day will kick off with the inaugural Revolutionary Celebration Run 5K race, followed by historical stories presented by reenactors, patriotic-themed music, a fife and drum performance, and food. You’ll also have access to the nearby Cornelius Low House Museum.
SATURDAY
Evening Blacksmithing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn about the finer points of shaping metal when blacksmith Daniel Lapidow fires up the forge and heats wrought iron for bending, hammering and sharpening.
Independence Day Celebration
Clifton Stadium, Clifton
For the first time in more than 50 years, the 2025 Independence Day Celebration will include a carnival featuring live entertainment, food trucks, a bounce house, carnival rides and games, costumed characters, a two-hour concert by the Clifton Community Band alongside, and a major fireworks show.
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.
Countdown to 250
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
This Independence Day celebration – featuring crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, guided tours, fireworks and snowcones – is the kickoff to a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
SUNDAY
1st Sunday Walk
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will lead a free guided afternoon walk across the battlefield, which is apropos on 4th of July weekend.
ONGOING
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, July 2 to August 27, Thompson Park, Jamesburg/Monroe Twp.
Sundays, July 6 to August 24, Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield
July 24 at Spring Lake Park and August 21 at Johnson Park – Children’s Summer Series
Thursdays, August 7 and 14, Joseph Medwick Park, Carteret
Wednesdays, through September 10, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy
Bring a lawn chair and snacks and listen to live music played at these free family outdoor summer concerts.
Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest
Whitesbog Historic Farm & Village, Browns Mills
July 5, 11, 18 and 25
Take a trip to the Pine Barrens to pick a pint of blueberries, listen to live music, buy a blueberry pie, and learn about the beloved state fruit in its birthplace. The themes are: Red, White & BLUEberries on July 5, Dog Days of Summer on July 11, BLUEgrass & BLUEberries on July 18, and The Jersey Devil on July 25.
Cumberland County Fair
July 8-12
Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3001 Carmel Rd., Millville
Activities include dog shows, horse shows, rabbit shows, poultry shows, goat shows and lots of rides. There will be exhibits, livestock, chicken BBQ and other food.
Free Weekly Summer Programs
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Tuesdays to Saturdays, July 8 to August 29
Each day has a different themed program. Tuesday and Wednesday are storytime with crafts, Wednesdays and Fridays are drop-in activities at the Imagination Studio, and Thursdays are crafts from the activity cart.
Ocean County Fair
July 9-13
Robert J. Miller Air Park, Pinewald-Keswick Rd./Rte. 530 and Mule Road, Bayville
Experience a variety of musical acts and animal events. Meet animals raised by local youth, learn new things in the 4-H general tent and participate in fun games and activities. There will be rides, food and vendors.
Summer STEAM Programs
Newark Public Library, Newark
Saturdays, through July 26
Dress your kids ages 5 to 10 in something that can get messy, because this program lets kids dive into hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects each week. Parents must attend, too.
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 10
As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, take the kids to see a collection of 16 flags that flew during the Revolutionary War.
Picnic in the Park
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through the summer season
You can order a curated picnic lunch that you can eat with the family in the Acer Courtyard (where the peacocks hang out) or anywhere within the 42-acre sculpture garden.
Safari in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
There will be a spectacular display of safari-themed sand sculptures, both large and small.
Butterfly House
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
Saturdays – Sundays, through August 31
See hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they fly around the exhibit.
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 1
This real-life interpretation of the book Grossology teaches kids all about farting, burping, sneezing and other bodily functions in a fun, educational – and awesomely gross way. Kids can climb a wall of skin that uses pimples and warts as footholds, dodge a snot ball, compete in an arcade game about urine, and play a game of Operation.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 1
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. It’s coming from the UK to New Jersey for a few months.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Tipsy Tiki Bar Pop-Up
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 2
There’s a new menu of 10 tropical drinks (including mocktails) you can sip on while catching all the summer vibes. Book a resy for a table with the family, or make it a Girls Night Out and hang at the bar.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 5
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and will change artists each week.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through September 7
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm. Note: Admission is free except on select festival weekends.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents. From July 25 to August 2, a slate of birthday celebrations will be announced. July 30 is the “C…is For Celebrate!” fireworks show.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the newly reopened Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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