Cue the fireworks and parades—it’s July 4th in New Jersey, and just because the holiday falls on a weekday doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the red, white, and blue with plenty of family-friendly activities all week. Honor Independence Day at one of the Fourth of July Parades happening throughout New Jersey, including in Moorestown, Smithville, and Washinton Township, watch performances, taste Jersey sloppy joes, and play games at Star Spangled South Orange in South Orange, 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)
New Jersey Symphony at Marine Park in Red Bank
June 29 at 8 PM
Bring the whole family out as the New Jersey Symphony returns to Marine Park in Red Bank. Experience the free concert while enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of the Navesink River.
Cost: Free
Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Star Spangled South Orange
June 29 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
Maple Shade Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
June 29 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.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Paramus Firework Show and Food Truck Festival
June 30 at 3 PM
At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show, and on July 4, they will have a parade at 9:00 AM.
Cost: Free
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
New Jersey Symphony at Liberty State Park in Jersey City
June 30 at 7:30 PM
Enjoy the sounds of the New Jersey Symphony while overlooking the Hudson River with a clear view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair/blanket. Located at Liberty State Park’s Green Ring.
Cost: Free
Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Fireworks from the Battleship
July 3 at 7 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 PM. Fireworks begin around 9:30 PM.
Cost: $10
Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton St. Camden NJ 08103
Fireworks in the Park
July 3 at 6 PM
Bring your chairs and blankets to celebrate the fourth a few days 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
Oceanfest
July 4 at 1 PM
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 $35pp.
Festival Plaza, 68 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ 07740
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
Summit’s 77th 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
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
Independence Day Weekend
July 6 – 7 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 Early American trades and crafts demonstrations. 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
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