A new month, and new things to do with the family – and did we mention, it’s all free? Enjoy one of the patriotic celebrations for the 4th of July happening around the state, listen to live music, and hop on free kiddie rides at the Freehold Township Day in Freehold, or watch Paddington Bear go on an adventure at Free Movie Tuesdays: Paddington in Peru in Morristown. And for more family fun, there are plenty of festivals this month to fill every weekend. (featured photo credit: iStock/alacatr)
Aberdeen Fireworks
July 1 at 9:15 PM
Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities in Veterans Memorial Park. Festivities begin at 5 PM.
Cost: Free
Ocean Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Independence Day Concert and Fireworks in Hamilton Township
July 1 at 9:30 PM
Gather in Veterans Park at 6 PM for a giant fireworks display. Before the show, enjoy live music. The rain date is July 2.
Cost: Free
Veteran’s Park – 2206 Kuser Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
Star Spangled South Orange
July 1 at 6 PM
Join in on a new tradition to celebrate the birth of our nation. This event will feature a Sloppy Joe eating contest, a South Orange Symphony performance, food trucks, YMCA Y Zone kids’ games, art projects, and a viewing of the classic film “1776.”
Cost: Free
Meadowland Park, 5 Mead St, South Orange, NJ 07079
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
Wednesdays, July 2-August 27
Head to Cape May for a crafts and collectibles show featuring vendors and crafters from the northeast in July and August.
Cost: Free
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Cranford’s Fourth of July Celebration
July 2 at dusk
Start the evening with rides and games at the park before settling in with the family to enjoy a gorgeous fireworks display. The rain date is July 6.
Cost: Free
Nomahegan Park, 995 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Medford Fireworks
July 2 at 6 PM
It’s time for Medford’s Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display. The rain date is July 3.
Cost: Free
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Patriotic Favorites With The New Jersey Symphony
July 2 at 6 PM
Bring the whole family out as the New Jersey Symphony plays some of the best patriotic music that gets us ready for Independence Day.
Cost: Free
143 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Cherry Hill Independence Day Celebration
July 3, gates open at 7 PM
Enjoy a fun-filled evening to celebrate the 4th at this celebration that includes a live band performance at 8 PM, followed by fireworks at 9 PM. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Cherry Hill West High School, 2101 Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002
Asbury Park Fireworks
July 3
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Asbury Park the day before the 4th.
Cost: Free
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Blairstown Rotary Fireworks
July 3 at 9:30 PM
Head to the North Warren Regional High School to celebrate with fireworks on the athletic field.
Cost: Free
North Warren Regional High School, 10 Noe Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Woodbridge Township Annual Independence Day Fireworks
July 3, gates open at 4 PM
Watch these fireworks in NJ under the stars, and be ready to dance to live music from AM Gold. The fireworks will be simulcast on 95.1 WOLD. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park – Port Reading Avenue, Sewaren, NJ 07077
Manasquan Fourth of July Celebration
July 3 at 5:15 PM
Come down to the shore, see a fun parade, listen to a concert on the beach, and then enjoy the fireworks at night.
Cost: Free
Main Beach, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Hazlet Independence Day Fireworks
July 3 at dusk
Round up the family and head to this annual event, featuring live music, food trucks, and fireworks to cap off the night. The rain date is July 6.
Cost: Free
Veterans Park, 1776 Union Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730
Colts Neck Fireworks at Bucks Mill Park
July 3 at 8 PM
Bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and come early to enjoy the festivities at this family event. Sing along to American favorites and patriotic melodies, beginning at dusk before the fireworks.
Cost: Free
Bucks Hill Recreation Area, Bucks Mill Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
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
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
City of Jersey City 4th of July
July 4 at 9:30 PM
A street festival, curated vendors from Jersey City Night Market, live concerts, and a free bike check with Bike JC will all take place in Jersey City on the 4th of July. 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
Long Branch Oceanfest
July 4 at 9 PM
Since 1990, hundreds of thousands have flocked to Long Branch’s oceanfront promenade for Oceanfest. This all-day, family-friendly festival brings together the most memorable sights, sounds, and sensations of the summer. The fireworks display at dusk caps off the day.
Cost: Free
1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch, NJ 07740
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
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
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
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
Whale of a Day Family Street Festival
July 5 at 8:30 AM
Bring your crew to this whale of a good time, featuring raffles, vendors, entertainment, crafts, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
201 Clubhouse Road, Townbank, NJ 08204
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
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
Paramus Firework Show and Food Truck Festival
July 6
At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show, and on July 4, stake your spot to watch the parade, beginning at 9:00 AM.
Cost: Free
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
Freehold Township Day
July 12 at 4 PM
Bring the whole fam to this concert and festival in the park with merchandise and food vendors. Kids can enjoy the rides, teens can hang out and dance to a DJ at the Teen Center, and the whole family can check out the car show.
Cost: Free
Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Harvey Cedars Arts Festival
July 20 at 11 AM
It’s the annual Harvey Cedars Arts Festival. Peruse the artists and makers displaying their works, which include mixed media, photography, and fine crafts.
Cost: Free
Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, 1 West Salem Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 26-27 at 10 AM
Bring out the fam for animal shows and exhibits, magic shows, and farm tours. There will also be homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music, and displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association, and many more.
Cost: Free admission and parking are available for all; please bring a non-perishable food donation to support Rutgers Against Hunger.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
Free Movie Tuesdays: Paddington in Peru
July 29 at 10:30 AM
Sit back and watch as Paddington and the Brown family visit Peru and embark on a thrilling adventure to solve a mystery together, navigating the Amazon rainforest and the mountain peaks of Peru.
Cost: Free
Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Free Movie Tuesdays: The Goonies (40th Anniversary)
July 29 at 7 PM
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this beloved movie, where a group of teenagers find a map that leads to a hidden treasure. This movie will delight family members of all ages and is a great way to spend the evening.
Cost: Free
Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
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