It’s July, and we’re here for all the beach days, 4th of July events, and FREE family-friendly things to do this month. Start with a bang at one of the fireworks and July 4th events throughout the state, enjoy live music, lawn games, and free kids’ activities at the Farm Festival in Clifton, and see animals and taste delicious foods at the Mercer County 4-H Fair in Hopewell Township. And for more seasonal things to do, check out everything summer on our bucket list. (Featured Photo Credit: istock/MaggieMarvin)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Cedar Grove Annual Fireworks Display
July 1 at 7 PM
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show in Cedar Grove. Be sure to get there early to get a good parking spot, and don’t miss a live DJ, food, and other refreshments. The rain date is July 2.
Cost: Free
Panther Park – 118 W. Bradford Ave., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Independence Day Concert and Fireworks in Hamilton Township
July 1 at 9:30 PM
Gather in Veteran’s 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
Aberdeen Fireworks
July 2 at 9 PM
There will be live music and fun for the whole family in Veterans Memorial Park. Festivities begin at 5 PM.
Cost: Free
Ocean Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Free Family Magic Show
July 2 – Aug 27
Enjoy a free magic show with Rich Lessig every Tuesday night during July and August. Lessig has returned to town to show you his best magic tricks.
Cost: Free
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Asbury Park Fireworks
July 3
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Asbury Park the day before the 4th. The rain date will be July 5.
Cost: Free
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 9 AM-2 PM
Spending time in Cape May? Stop by the lighthouse for a crafts and collectibles show featuring vendors and crafters from the Northeast.
Cost: Free
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Fireworks in the Park
July 3 at 6 PM
Bring your chairs and blankets to celebrate the fourth a day early. The festival begins at 6 PM, and fireworks start at 9:15 PM. The rain date is July 7.
Cost: Free
Donaldson Park, 526 S 2nd Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Medford Fireworks
July 3 at 6 PM
It’s time for Medford’s Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Freedom Festival and Fireworks
July 3, the event starts at 5 PM
Celebrate the 4th at the Camden Waterfront with a star-studded festival featuring UB40, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, Tara Hendricks, 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 Blvd. Camden, NJ 08102
Colts Neck Fireworks at Bucks Mill Park
July 3 at 6 PM
Food, snacks, and fun activities will be available to the public. This event is presented by the Colts Neck Business Association.
Cost: Free
Bucks Hill Recreation Area, Bucks Mill Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
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 and Blame It On Richie. The fireworks will be simulcast on 95.1 WOLD. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park – Port Reading Ave., Sewaren, NJ 07077
Manasquan Fourth of July Celebration
July 3 at 7:30 PM
Come down to the shore, listen to a concert, and then enjoy the fireworks at night.
Cost: Free
Main Beach, Manasquan, NJ 08736
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
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 there is a live music performance at 7:45 PM. And FYI—Knight Park will have no parking on the 4th.
Cost: Free
401 Knight Park House, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
Smithville Fourth of July Parade
July 4 at 9 AM
This parade kicks off at the Smithville Town Center. 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
2024 Moorestown 4th of July Parade: National Parks of America
July 4 at 12 PM
This year’s parade theme is National Parks of America. 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
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.
Cost: Free
Washington Township High School – 529 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road #2831, Sewell, NJ 08080
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
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 Concert & Fireworks
July 4 at 7:30-9:30 PM
Enjoy live music and food trucks before watching the Independence Day fireworks from any Stone Harbor beachfront.
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
Bay Village July 4th Fireworks
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Come to Taylor Avenue to see fireworks light up the sky on Long Beach Island. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Taylor Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Jenkinson’s Independence Day Fireworks
July 4 at 9 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 can be seen anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
City of Jersey City 4th of July
July 4 at 9:30 PM
A street festival, vendors curated by Jersey City Night Market, and a free bike check with Bike JC will all be in Jersey City on the 4th of July. There will even be a free concert by Wyclef Jean, Fat Joe, and Funx Flex. 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
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 Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Bradley Beach Fireworks
July 5 at dusk
Head to the beachfront at dusk to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks.
Cost: Free
Beachfront, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Free Music in the Park: Independence Day Band
July 5-7 at 7 PM
Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy an evening of music performed by a wide array of musical talent. Concerts begin at 7 PM.
Cost: Free
400 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 6 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
Cape May City Independence Day Parade 2024
July 6 at 1 PM
Watch the parade down Beach Avenue with string bands and other performing groups. You can also join in with decorated golf carts, bicycles, and baby carriages. The rain date is July 7.
Cost: Free
Beach Avenue in Cape May City, NJ 08204
Whale of a Day Family Street Festival
July 6 at 8:30 AM
Bring the whole family for a ton of fun featuring raffles, vendors, entertainment, crafts, and fun for all ages.
Cost: Free
201 Clubhouse Road, Townbank, NJ 08204
State Theater Free Movie Series
Select weekday mornings and evenings starting July 9
Experience your favorite films on a 46′ screen, with a state-of-the-art sound system and newly renovated theater. Groups and camps are welcome, too. All movies will include Spanish subtitles.
Cost: Free
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Farm Festival
July 11 at 5:30 PM
The City Green Farm Eco-Center in Clifton will be having a free, fun evening for families. There will be live music, lawn games, and free kids’ activities. Make sure you see the learning garden and visit the animals.
Cost: Free
171 Grove Street, Clifton, NJ 07013
Freehold Township Day
July 13 from 4 PM-11 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
Family Fun Day
July 13 at 12 PM
Join this family-friendly event at Lake Musconetcong Park. There will be games, prizes, music, food, and more. The rain date is July 14.
Cost: Free
46 Musconetcong Ave, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Butterfly Festival
July 13 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to learn all about Bees and Pollinators. Learn about their importance and how you can attract them to your yards. Enjoy tours of the Butterfly House, free classes, and a bug parade. The rain date is July 14.
Cost: Free
Red Bank Battlefield National Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
Water Carnival
July 13 at 5 PM
Get ready for a fun night with vendors, a Kids’ Zone, Hula Dancers by Paradise Island, a Water Stunt Show, and fireworks. The rain date is July 14.
Cost: Free
Mirror Lake Beach, 141 Clubhouse Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 19-20
This year’s theme will be “Oh The Places You’ll Go With 4H”. Bring the whole family for rides, food, and live music.
Cost: Free
4-H Fairgrounds, 335 Court House- South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Harvey Cedars Arts Festival
July 21 at 11 AM
It’s the annual Harvey Cedars Arts Festival. Peruse the artists and makers displaying their works of 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 27-28 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 for all; please bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
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