That sizzle in the sky is a must for any 4th of July celebration, and with so many fireworks shows to choose from around New Jersey, we know you want the lowdown on the best of the best. There’s nothing like that awe in the eyes of your kiddos as they watch the sky light up! Whether you’re looking to sit back and relax in your beach chairs in Wildwood, Atlantic City, Asbury Park, or Ocean City; get your fill of the rides and fair food before watching the fireworks at the Meadowlands; or watch colors explode over the New York City skyline along the Hudson River in Jersey City, we’ve rounded up the must-see fireworks shows to catch with your fam this 4th of July!
Here are 10+ must-know 4th of July fireworks & festivals around New Jersey:
Atlantic City 4th of July Fireworks Shows
July 4
As a city known for its grandeur and over-the-top displays, Atlantic City’s fireworks shows are not to be missed. These two free shows are viewable from countless places along the beach and throughout the casino district, with one going off along the boardwalk and the other in the marina area. In the marina district, catch Borgata’s show at 9PM. You can snag a spot early though, the public viewing area opens at 6 PM. And in addition to their weekly Saturday night fireworks displays, Tropicana will offer a fireworks spectacular on July 4th too. That show starts at 10PM right along the boardwalk.
1 Borgata Way, Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Asbury Park Fireworks on the Beach
July 4, 9PM
Visit the City by the Sea this Independence Day for oceanside fireworks for the whole family. Watch from the boardwalk or one of the popular oceanfront restaurants, or just plop a beach chair in the sand to enjoy the relaxing surf at your side as this annual fireworks celebration marks the 4th.
Asbury Park Beachfront, 2nd and 4th Ave Beaches, Asbury Park, NJ
Wildwood Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
July 4, 10PM
Fireworks are set off on the Pine Avenue beach in Wildwood, but are visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. Since this is one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular and largest boardwalks, you can start the night with some rides, games and favorite boardwalk eats, then end the night with the spectacular show of colors and lights.
Wildwood Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Jersey City’s 50 Star Fire Show
July 4, 12PM-10PM
Celebrate our nation’s liberty with gorgeous a fireworks display on Jersey City’s waterfront that rounds out a huge free family event drawing some big-time names in music. This year’s headliners were just announced: Pitbull and Akon! This all-day festival has become super popular and features a fun-filled carnival, ‘food truck alley,’ the live concerts, and one of the state’s largest fireworks shows to top it all off. JC does the 4th up right and this year’s festival promises to be a good one!
Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ
State Fair Meadowlands
July 3, 6PM-1AM, July 4, 2PM-1AM
State Fair Meadowlands is underway, and the 4th falls right in the middle of the fair fun. This year, there’s a two-night Fireworks Spectacular for families to enjoy. On July 3rd and July 4th, you and the fam will have front row seats to fireworks that promise to ‘wow.’ Enjoy the rides, live animals, music, pig races and many more attractions and activities until 1AM. Fireworks are set to launch both nights at 11PM.
Stadium Road, East Rutherford, NJ
Ocean City Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 7PM-9PM
Relax on the beach, enjoy the rides at Wonderland Pier or Castaway Cove, have some delicious funnel cake and cap the night off with the fireworks show. After a fun day on the beach, families look forward to lining up on the boardwalk for this family-friendly fireworks show. Our #NJMOM advice: get there early, the kids will love seeing the annual kite competition at 7PM.
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ
Long Branch 29th Annual Oceanfest
July 4, 10AM-10PM, Fireworks at 9PM
Each year since 1990, hundreds of thousands have flocked to Long Branch’s oceanfront promenade for Oceanfest — an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Think music and food fest combined with craft sale and street fair – Oceanfest combines tons of summer favorites — and caps it all off with an amazing fireworks display lighting things up right over the beach.
1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ
July 4th Celebration at Tuckerton Seaport
July 4, 10AM-8:30PM
Treat yourself to some fantastic food trucks, sample some brews, and enjoy a day of family fun before taking in the fireworks show at the Tuckerton Seaport. The day begins with a parade down Main Street at 10AM, then the family fun continues from 4:30 to 8:30 for the festival, where you can explore 40 acres of family fun, featuring maritime activities, historic and recreated buildings, live animals, a boardwalk, miniature golf course, and exhibits. Finish off the night with the fireworks show at dusk.
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum; 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ
Bridgewater Independence Day Family Festival
July 4, 6PM-11PM, Fireworks at 9:30PM
Food, music, fun and fireworks will take center stage at Bridgewater’s Independence Day festival. Catch a Revolutionary War encampment re-creating life during the 1770’s, and jam to some motown with the live music lineup. Don’t forget lawn chairs or blankets so you can hang in the park and enjoy before the big show begins in the sky.
North Branch Park, Bridgewater, NJ
July 4th Celebrations
July 4
Montclair is celebrating the 4th with a parade, picnic, and live entertainment all before a fireworks display that will delight the whole fam. This is the 68th year for this event, which is a favorite in the area. The parade steps off at 11AM, followed by a fun family picnic in Edgemont Park from 1PM-3PM. In the evening, head to Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair State University to ooh and ahh as the fireworks pop above.
Downtown Montclair, NJ
Other celebrations around New Jersey:
Be sure to check these links for updated 2019 dates and times.
Community Celebration & Fireworks in Allendale
Fireworks on the Beach in Avalon
Picnic & Fireworks Display in Clifton
4th of July Bike Parade & Fireworks in Collingswood
July 4th Fireworks in Millville
Freedom Festival in Camden
4th of July in Maplewood
Independence Day Concert & Fireworks in Sea Isle City
Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza in Seaside Heights
72nd Annual Fourth of July Celebration in Summit
4th of July Celebration in Cranford
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
