Hello, July—with all the 4th celebrations, there’s a lot to do with the fam for free the entire month. See fireworks light up the AC Boardwalk at the Atlantic City Fireworks and Tropicana’s Free Fireworks, watch a hula dancing show at the Water Carnival in Browns Mills, or check out Can Can dancers at Bastille Day in Jersey City. And if you want more gratis things to do in July, our outdoor movies in NJ guide will point you to free movies all over the state. (feature photo credit: istock/Aneese)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
2022 Randolph Freedom Festival
June 30, July 1, 2
The whole family will enjoy checking out the vendors, food trucks, and rides. On July 2, there will be a parade at 10 AM and fireworks at 9:45 PM.
County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869
Atlantic City Fireworks
July 1 at 9:30 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
Maple Shade Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
July 2 at 12 PM
Celebrate the 100th anniversary Independence Day 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
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 2
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
Cape May City Independence Day Parade 2022
July 2 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
Livingston’s 29th 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
30th Annual Oceanfest at Long Branch
July 4 at 10 AM
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
Morristown Hike to Revolutionary War Powder Hill
July 4 at 11 AM
Visit the archaeological site of the oldest remaining Revolutionary-Era powder mill site located along the Whippany River. This event will meet at Acorn Hall, and the walk will be about one-quarter of a mile to the site of the mill and return.
68 Lafayette Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960
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
Camden July 4th Freedom Festival
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
Ocean City Skate Bash
July 4 at 5:30 PM
The Ocean City Skate Park will host a free Fourth of July Skate Bash with a DJ, snacks, giveaways, and a patriotic costume contest. The skateboard park is located at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue.
Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
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
Kites in the Heights
July 5 and 26 at 4 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
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24 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
(609) 224-6066
Brick Summerfest 2022
July 7, 14, 21
Check out the bands and fireworks of this popular festival, with SuperTransAM, The Benjamins, and Jessie’s Girl. All events are free to attend and take place at Windward Beach Park.
265 Princeton Ave., Brick, NJ 08724
(732) 262-1000
New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Angelsea Blues Festival
July 8, 9, 10
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 9 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 in the specially designated Teen Center, and everyone can check out the car show. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9 PM.
Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 294-2199
Second Saturday in Collingswood
July 9, August 13, September 10
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
(856) 854-0720
Water Carnival
July 9 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. There will also be a fireworks show.
Mirror Lake Beach, 141 Clubhouse Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
(609) 893-5034
Bastille Day in Jersey City 2022
July 14 at 2 PM
It’s an afternoon filled with wine, food, and drinks. Plus, games for the kids, mimes, cancan dancers, and activities for all.
French American Academy, 209 3rd Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Butterfly Festival
July 16 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 17.
Red Bank Battlefield National Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
Harvey Cedars Arts Festival
July 17 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
(609) 361-7990
Christmas in July Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 21, 22, 23
It’s never too early to see Santa. There will also be rides, food, and live music.
4-H Fairgrounds, 335 Court House- South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Craft Beer, Music, and Crab Festival Cape May
July 23 at 10 AM
Come hungry for this Cape May Festival. Named one of the 5 Best NJ Summer Festivals by CBS NY, this event features hard shell crabs, craft beers, food trucks and vendors, crafters, family entertainment, and back-to-back music on the outdoor stage at the Emlen Physick Estate. Bring a blanket or chair to relax outdoors at this event.
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5404
Twilight Farm Festival
July 28 and August 25 at 2 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
(973) 869-4086
Gloucester County 4-H Fair
July 28-31
Visitors can see the equestrian, livestock, and other 4‑H projects exhibited in arenas, pens, and stalls and demonstrated through shows and competitions. See what 4‑H children have accomplished throughout the year, along with 4‑H projects, daily rides, games, magic shows, musical acts, tractor parades, craft exhibits, demonstrations, and sales. Food vendors will be available with a nightly barbeque with locally grown produce and locally made desserts.
4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike (route 77) Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Vintage Boat Festival
July 30 from 10 AM
See everything vintage at this fun fest, including vintage boats, food vendors, and vintage watercraft. This event is family-friendly.
Huddy Park, 39 East Water Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 349-9209
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 30-31 at 10 AM
Bring out the fam for animal shows and exhibits, magic shows, and farm tours. There will also be homemade ice cream, hay rides, 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
Ongoing Events
Family Ag Days
June 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 21, and September 11 at 9 AM
The County of Passaic and the township of Wayne present Family Ag days to connect families with agriculture through activities, music, and programs. Don’t miss the therapy bunnies and petting zoo.
Van Ripper Hopper Museum, 533 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 706-6640
Brick Summerfest 2022
June 30, July 7, 14, 21
Check out the bands and fireworks of this popular festival, with SuperTransAM, The Benjamins, and Jessie’s Girl. All events are free to attend and take place at Windward Beach Park. An adult must accompany all children 17 years old or under.
265 Princeton Ave., Brick, NJ 08724
(732) 262-1000
Jenkinson’s Movies on the Beach
Tuesdays, June 28-August 30
Grab your beach towel and chairs and get ready for free movies on the beach at Jenkinson’s. Films include Paw Patrol: The Movie, Encanto, and Cars 3.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Run
Every Saturday at 9 AM
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or cheer on participants at this fun event. This run is free, but make sure to register before attending.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
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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