Cue the fireworks and parades—Fourth of July in New Jersey is coming up fast. Even though the holiday falls on a Friday this year (hello, three-day weekend!), we’re celebrating the red, white, and blue with a variety of family-friendly activities the week leading up to it and days after. Honor Independence Day at one of the Fourth of July Parades happening throughout New Jersey, including in Moorestown and Smithville, watch performances at Patriotic Favorites With The New Jersey Symphony in Jersey City, or watch the sky light up during Fireworks on Battleship New Jersey in Camden. And for all the pop, flash, and boom on July 4th, check out our guide to all the fireworks lighting up the sky. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/GarysFRP)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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 Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
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
Fireworks in the Park
July 3 at 6 PM
Bring your chairs and blankets to celebrate the Fourth of July a few days early. The festival begins at 6 PM, and fireworks start at 9:15 PM. The rain date is July 6.
Cost: Free
Donaldson Park, 526 S 2nd Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
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
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 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
Fireworks from the Battleship
July 4 at 7:30 PM
Take in the fantastic view of the fireworks over the Delaware River. Enjoy live music, face painting for kids, food concessions, bar service, and more. The Battleship’s decks will open at 7:30 PM. Fireworks begin around 9:30 PM.
Cost: $10
Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ 08103
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 Ave., Summit, NJ 07901
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 5 at 10:30 AM
The parade is on rain or shine at 10:30 AM, and at 7:30 PM, there will be a Patriotic Concert 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 6 PM
Spend the day enjoying delicious food and live music before cuddling up to watch the spectacular fireworks show. Don’t miss the annual softball game on July 3 or the parade on July 4.
Cost: Free
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
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