Hello, July—we’re kicking off the summer with lots of FREE fun for the fam. Watch Fireworks on the Fourth up and down the shore, see giant kites fill the sky near the Pier at Kites in the Heights in Seaside Heights, catch a free flick at Free Kids Summer Film Series at CityPlex 12 Newark, and have a fun night with a Kids Zone, Hula Dancers and a Water Stunt Show and more at Pemberton Township Water Carnival in Browns Mill. And for more summer fun, check out our NJMOM bucket list for everything to do this season. (feature photo credit: Istock/Leembe)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 1 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.
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Maple Shade Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
July 1 at 12 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade and fireworks. The parade will start on Main Street, and fireworks will be at Maple Shade High School at dusk.
Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Cape May City Independence Day Parade 2023
July 1 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.
Beach Avenue in Cape May City, NJ 08204
Aberdeen Fireworks
July 1 at 9 PM
There will be live music and fun for the whole family in Veterans Memorial Park. Festivities begin at 5 PM.
Ocean Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735
Paramus Firework Show and Food Truck Festival
July 2 at 4:30 PM
At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show, and on July 4, they will have a parade at 9:30 AM.
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
Manasquan Fourth of July Celebration
July 2 at 7:30 PM
Come down to the shore, listen to a concert, and then enjoy the fireworks at night.
Main Beach, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Asbury Park Fireworks
July 3, 9 PM
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Asbury Park by watching fireworks from the sand. The rain date will be July 7.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
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. Fireworks will be simulcast on 95.1 WOLD. Rain date July 5.
Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park – Port Reading Ave., Sewaren, NJ 07077
Medford Fireworks
July 3 at 6 PM
It’s time for Medford’s Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display.
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Bradley Beach Fireworks
July 3 at dusk
Head to the beachfront at dusk to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks.
Beachfront, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
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.
Bucks Hill Recreation Area, Bucks Mill Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Blairstown Rotary Fireworks
July 3 at 9 PM
Head to the North Warren Regional High School to celebrate with fireworks on the athletic field.
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.
401 Knight Park House, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
Fireworks on the Beach in Avalon
July 4 at dusk
Listen to the Bay Atlantic Symphony Brass and Percussion Concert at Community Hall at 7 PM and enjoy fireworks at dusk.
Beachfront, Avalon, NJ 08202
Freedom Festival and Fireworks
July 4, the event starts at 5 PM
Celebrate the 4th at the Camden Waterfront and see 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.
Wiggins Waterfront Park & Marina, Riverside Drive, and Martin Luther King Blvd. Camden, NJ 08102
Livingston’s 30th Annual Auto Fest
July 4 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family to see muscle cars, antique cars, motorcycles, and collector cars. There will be food, fun, and a DJ too.
Livingston High School Parking Lot, 30 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039
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 watch the kite flying competition at 7 PM, followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier.
Ocean City Boardwalk, 9th Street Beach, Ocean City, NJ 08226
2023 Fourth of July Jubilee
July 4 at 12 PM
Celebrate community with Morven Museum & Garden. This event features live music with the Ragtime Relics, food from Hotpanada and Kona Ice, face painting, a scavenger hunt, open archives, garden tours, exhibitions, arts, crafts, and games for the whole family.
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ 08540
Oceanfest at Long Branch
July 4 at 1 PM
Come to NJ’s largest 4th of July celebration to see dancers, musicians, clowns, food vendors, costumed characters, and even sand sculptures. Fireworks will be at 9 PM.
228 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740
Independence Day Longstreet Farm
July 4 at 12 PM
Have an Independence Day celebration like it’s the 1890s when patriotism was celebrated with music and games. Join the staff at Longstreet Farm as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests.
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Freedom Festival Concert & Fireworks
July 4 at 5 PM
The Tri-County Symphonic Band will kick off the event with a salute to Americans and our Veterans. Followed by musical guests and fireworks on the Delaware.
2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Margate July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4 at 9 PM
Join in on this annual July 4th celebration that will take place on the beach and is sponsored by the Margate Mothers’ Association. Don’t forget your beach chairs and blankets.
101 S. Huntington Ave., Margate, NJ 08402
Stone Harbor Fireworks
July 4 at 9 PM
Watch the Independence Day fireworks from any beachfront in Stone Harbor.
Beachfront, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
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.
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.
50th Street Beach, Sea Isle City, 08243
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 at the Jersey City 4th of July. Then at night, you won’t want to miss the world-famous Grucci fireworks on the Hudson.
Montgomery Street, Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
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.
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
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.
Taylor Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series Tropicana Casino & Resort
July 4 at 10 PM
Watch the fireworks show along the beach and boardwalk in Atlantic City. In addition to the July 4th weekend boardwalk fireworks display, Tropicana Hotel & Casino lights off fireworks every Saturday in the summer.
2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401
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. Fireworks will launch on Pine Avenue and be visible from the boardwalk.
Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Kites in the Heights
July 4 at 5 PM
Come out to see giant kites fill the sky near the Pier. You can even bring your own kite to join in the flying.
Enter at the Carteret Ave. beach (north of Casino Pier), Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Atlantic City Fireworks
July 4 at 10 PM
It’s the official kick-off to summer at North Beach in Atlantic City. This event is free and open to the public. Watch the show from Hard Rock, Ocean Casino, Resorts, Showboat, Steel Pier, or Tennessee Avenue restaurants.
Various locations in Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Family Fun Show – Cowboy Kevin
July 5 at 10:30 AM
Take the kids out to watch Cowboy Kevin entertain and amaze with his lasso tricks, juggling, and cowboy magic.
Dream Park, 400 US-130, Logan Twp, NJ 08085
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse*
July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 9 AM-2 PM
Crafts and collectibles featuring vendors and crafters from the northeast will fill Cape May in July and August.
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Brick Summerfest 2023
July 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 6 PM
Check out the bands and fireworks of this popular festival, with SuperTransAM, The Amish Outlaws, Jessie’s Girl, and Garden State Radio. All events are free to attend and take place at Windward Beach Park.
Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Whale of a Day Family Street Festival
July 8 at 8:30 AM
Raffles, vendors, entertainment, crafts, and fun for the whole family.
201 Clubhouse Road, Townbank, NJ 08204
Maplewoodstock 2023
July 8 – 9
Mihali and Louis Cato will headline the Maplewoodstock Music and Arts Festival. Bring the kids to have fun in the Kid Zone with bouncy rides, face painting, arts and crafts, ice cream, and more.
Dunnell Rd & Oakview Ave Maplewood, NJ 07040
Fanwood Summer Fan Jam 2023
July 9 at 11 AM
Head out to the annual Fanwood Summer Fan Jam featuring food trucks, a classic car show, and live music.
204 La Grande Ave Fanwood, NJ 07023
New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and The Angela Blues Festival
July 14-16
There will be food vendors, crafters, unique displays, a BBQ competition, and a Blues Festival too. There is something for everyone at this summer event.
Cost: Free to enter most areas
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Freehold Township Day
July 8 from 4 PM-11 PM
Bring the family to this concert and festival in the park with merchandise and food vendors. Kids can enjoy the rides, teens can hang out in the specially designated Teen Center, and everyone can check out the car show at 3 PM.
Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Second Saturday in Collingswood
July 8 at 5 PM
Once a month, visitors can plan a night on the town to experience arts, music, shopping, and dining in Collingswood. Don’t miss the local artists and musicians on each block.
Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
Pemberton Township Water Carnival
July 8 at 5 PM
Get ready to have a fun night with vendors, a Kids Zone, Hula Dancers by Paradise Island, and a Water Stunt Show.
Mirror Lake Beach, 141 Clubhouse Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Jenkinson’s Movies on the Beach
July 11 and 18
Grab your beach towel and chairs and get ready for free movies on the beach at Jenkinson’s. Films include The Minions: The Rise of Gru and Jaws.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Free Family Magic Show
July 11 – Aug 29
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.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Butterfly Festival
July 15 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to learn all about Bees and Pollinators. Learn about the importance of both 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 16.
Red Bank Battlefield National Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
Family Fun Day
July 15 at 12 PM
Join this family fun day at Lake Musconetcong Park. There will be games, prizes, music, food, and more. The rain date is July 16.
46 Musconetcong Ave, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Harvey Cedars Arts Festival
July 16 at 10 AM
Gather your crew for the annual Harvey Cedars Arts Festival. Peruse the artists and makers displaying their works of mixed media, photography, and fine crafts.
Harvey Cedars Sunset Park, 1 West Salem Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
MarketFair Kids Club presents SUMMER STEM
July 18 at 10 AM
MarketFair presents free Summer STEM activities for children ages 6-12. On July 18, your kids will learn how advances in science and technology make their favorite special effects possible. Children will take home a Cartoon Creator they’ve made themselves.
MarketFair, 3535 U.S. 1 Princeton, NJ 08540
Free Kids Summer Film Series at CityPlex 12 Newark
July 18 at 10 AM
Enjoy free movies this summer at CityPlex 12 Newark. Featured movies include Paws of Fury, Sonic 2, Minions The Rise of Gru, and more. The movies start at 10 AM. Doors open at 9 AM. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
CityPlex 12 Newark, 360-394 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
Farm Festival
July 20 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.
171 Grove Street Clifton, NJ 07013
Safe Sitter®
July 21 at 9 AM
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The class is filled with fun games, guided discussions, and role-playing exercises. Students will learn safety, childcare, and life and business skills. Attendance is capped at 16 registrants. Lunch will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 29-30 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
Soulsational Festival
July 29 at 11 AM
Bring your friends and family to this open-air market family festival experience. This event features free yoga, demonstrations, crafts and games, treasure hunts, a paint party, and much more. Spread a picnic blanket out and stay all day.
489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721
State Theater Free Movie Series
Select weekday mornings and evenings
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. If you are bringing a group of 20+, please email education@stnj.org. All movies will include Spanish subtitles.
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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