Crack, pop, and boom! Fourth of July weekend is here, and with it, we’ve got tons of sparkling fun for the whole family. Head to one of the many 4th of July parades or fireworks up and down the state, climb a rockwall, jump on inflatables and play games at OceanFest in Long Branch, or have fun with live music, line dancing, photo ops, and farm-fresh blueberries at the Blue & BBQ Festival in Forked River. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: istock/Willowpix)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
FEATURED
Dino Don Returns To Field Station Dinosaurs
July 12
Dino Don Lessem, as seen on Shark Tank, Advisor to Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park, returns for a fun-filled day at Field Station Dinosaurs. Discover how dinosaurs are portrayed in movies and explore fossils and movie props. Don’t miss Dino Don’s presentations that are filled with audience participation and plenty of entertaining science. Fun for all ages.
Cost: Free with Day Pass admission
Field Station Dinosaurs, 3 Overpeck Pk Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605
Blue & BBQ Festival at Argos Farm
July 4-6
It’s the annual Argos Farm Blue & BBQ Festival, featuring live music, line dancing, photo ops, and, of course, hand-picked farm-fresh blueberries. The kids will love sliding down the double hay slide.
Cost: Prices vary
1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Smithville Fourth of July Parade
July 4 at 9 AM
This parade kicks off at the Smithville Town Center with patriotic costumes, fire trucks, antique cars, and more. The parade will follow its usual route, 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, ending with an Independence Day ceremony in Smithville’s Village Greene.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ 08205
2025 Moorestown 4th of July Parade: Let Freedom Ring
July 4 at 12 PM
This year’s parade theme is Let Freedom Ring. Watch floats, marchers, and bands along the parade route, which starts on Chester Avenue at the E. Central Avenue intersection. The route continues up Chester Avenue, turns right onto Main Street, and continues to Church Street.
Cost: Free
Corner of Chester and E. Central Avenue
Oceanfest
July 4 at 1 PM
It’s the biggest Fourth of July event in the Garden State. Come to Festival Plaza from 1 PM to 10 PM for rock wall climbing, inflatables, trampoline bungee jumping, rides, and games, followed by fireworks at 9 PM.
Cost: $4 per ticket, sheets of 7 tickets for $25, wristbands for $ 35 per person.
Festival Plaza, 68 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Atlantic City 4th of July Fireworks in New Jersey Shows
July 4 at various locations
As a city known for its grandeur and over-the-top displays, these fireworks in NJ are not to be missed. The two free shows are viewable from places along the beach and the casino district. Catch the North Beach on June 28 at 9:30 PM. Tropicana will offer a fireworks spectacular at 10 PM on July 4.
Cost: Parking costs
North Beach, North Beach Boardwalk area, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Tropicana – 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Summit’s 78th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 at 9:15 PM
Celebrate an annual celebration with a children’s decorated bike parade and fireworks display. Food trucks, live music, and carnival rides will also be available.
Cost: The fireworks show is free; other activities may have a fee
Soldier’s Memorial Field – 5 Myrtle Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Sussex County Miners Post Game Fireworks
July 4, after the game
You’ll be striking out if you take the family to a Miners game and miss the fireworks. This fireworks show is the biggest of the season—the 4th of July show is also Hometown Heroes night.
Cost: Fireworks show included in-game admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
City of Jersey City 4th of July
July 4 at 9:30 PM
A street festival, featuring curated vendors from the Jersey City Night Market, live concerts, and a complimentary bike check with Bike JC, will take place in Jersey City on July 4th. Then, at night, you won’t want to miss the world-famous Grucci fireworks on the Hudson.
Cost: Free
Montgomery Street, Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Bay Village July 4th Fireworks
July 4
Come to Taylor Avenue to see fireworks light up the sky on Long Beach Island. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Jenkinson’s Independence Day Fireworks
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Weather and wind permitting, fireworks will burst into the air at the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Don’t miss the amusement park, games, and food on the boardwalk while you are there.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Seaside Heights Fireworks
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Spend the day on the boardwalk and the night at the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular. The show is visible from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Freedom Festival and Fireworks
July 4, the event starts at 6 PM
Celebrate the 4th at the Camden Waterfront with a star-studded festival featuring Matt Cappy & Friends, The Spinners, and a salute to America and our veterans. Then, top it all off with a fireworks show over the Delaware.
Cost: Free
Wiggins Waterfront Park & Marina, Riverside Drive, and Martin Luther King Boulevard, Camden, NJ 08102
Fun on the Fourth in Collingswood
July 4 at dusk
Water games, raft races, and more during the day, and watch the sky light up with fireworks at night. Gates open at 6:30 PM for the fireworks, and a live music performance begins at 7:45 PM. And FYI—Knight Park will have no parking on the 4th.
Cost: Free
401 Knight Park House, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
Margate July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4 at 9 PM
Join in on this annual July 4th celebration on the beach, sponsored by the Margate Mothers’ Association. Don’t forget your beach chairs and blankets.
Cost: Free
101 S. Huntington Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
Fireworks on the Beach in Avalon
July 4 at 9 PM
Enjoy a day on the beach, followed by fireworks lighting up the night to end the evening.
Cost: Free
Beachfront, Avalon, NJ 08202
Ocean City Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 at 9 PM
After a fun day on the beach, families look forward to lining up on the boardwalk for this annual event. Before settling in to watch the fireworks show, you can enjoy the rides or watch the kite flying competition at 7 PM, followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Boardwalk, 9th Street Beach, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Washington Township Fireworks
July 4 at 9 PM
Visitors can see the parade at 6:30 PM at Washington Township High School, and fireworks begin at 9 PM. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Washington Township High School – 529 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road #2831, Sewell, NJ 08080
Sea Isle City Fireworks
July 4 at 9:15 PM
Launching from an ocean barge near 50th Street Beach, the Sea Isle Independence Day Fireworks Show will not disappoint–catch the show while making yourself comfy with chairs and blankets on the beach.
Cost: Free
50th Street Beach, Sea Isle City, 08243
Stone Harbor Fireworks
July 4 at 9:15 PM
Bring the whole family to the Recreation Fields or the beach and enjoy the Independence Day fireworks show that will light up the night.
Cost: Free
Recreation Fields, 81st Street and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Wildwoods Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
July 4 at 10 PM
Set up your blankets and chairs on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue or anywhere along the Wildwoods Boardwalk and enjoy this special holiday fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks will launch on Pine Avenue and be visible from the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Star-Spangled Nights at Great Adventure
July 4-5
It’s a two-day party with rides, music, fireworks, and discounted tickets at Great Adventure.
Cost: Price of admission ticket
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
Belmar 4th of July Fireworks & Light Show
July 5 at 8 PM
Head down the shore to Belmar for a free concert, a computerized light show, and fireworks to finish off the night. The best viewing position is on the grass in front of Taylor Pavilion at Silver Lake Park.
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Silver Lake Park, 410 7th Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719
Bradley Beach Fireworks
July 5 at 8 PM
Hit up the beachfront at dusk to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks.
Cost: Free
Beachfront, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Whale of a Day Family Street Festival
July 5 at 8:30 AM
Bring your whole crew to this giant celebration, featuring raffles, vendors, entertainment, crafts, and fun for the entire family.
Cost: Free
201 Clubhouse Road, Townbank, NJ 08204
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 5 at 10:30 AM
The parade will take place rain or shine at 10:30 AM, and a Patriotic Concert will follow at 7:30 PM in the Great Auditorium.
Cost: Free
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Independence Day Weekend
July 5-6 at 11 AM
Make this Independence Day weekend a family event at Cold Spring Village’s annual Independence Day Celebration. This event features a variety of family activities, programs, and music. The Village’s restored historic buildings will feature demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts. There will be a Militia Muster for children ages 5 to 12, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence and much more.
Cost: Starting at $12
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Paramus Firework Show and Food Truck Festival
July 6
At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show, and on July 4, a parade will take place at 9:00 AM.
Cost: Free
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
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