NJ July 4 Guide 2023: Parades, Fireworks, Festivals Around The State

NEW JERSEY — Fireworks, parades, and historical re-enactments will take place across New Jersey this upcoming weekend in celebration of July 4, and America declaring itself an independent nation almost 250 years ago.

Independence Day is Tuesday, July 4. Communities up and down the state are preparing to celebrate the nation’s independence in a state that hosted many great minds of the American Revolution during the war, and while the upstart United States built its foundations.

Our staff found where Patch communities around New Jersey are holding parades, fireworks, and commemorations of Independence Day.

Related links

• July 4 History: The Declaration of Independence Comes To New Jersey
• Experience NJ’s History At These July 4 Events

Take a look at the list by county below, and click on the links provided to see other nearby July 4 activities. Towns may adjust or cancel events at the last minute, so double-check with organizers.

Atlantic Co.

Galloway - Smithville Fourth of July Parade

• When: July 4, 9 a.m
• Where: Parade will go east from the Smithville Square on Smithville Boulevard to Moss Mill Road and then west on Moss Mill to Historic Smithville, where it ends at the Village Green.

Bergen Co.

Allendale Fireworks

• When: July 4. Kids' activities start at 7 a.m., day concludes with evening fireworks.
• Where: Crestwood Lake, West Crescent Avenue, Allendale

Meadowlands Fair, East Rutherford

• When: Fireworks on two nights, July 3 and 4.
• Where: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ

Fair Lawn Fireworks

• Where: Memorial Park, 1st St. & Lambert Road Fair Lawn, NJ
• When: Thursday, June 27, gates open at 6:45 p.m., "Asbury Fever" concert 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

Hackensack Fourth of July

• When: July 4, food trucks, family fun, beer garden, music, 4-8 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Where: Foschini Park, 278 River St, Hackensack, NJ

Paramus 4th of July

• When: July 2, events 12-9 p.m., with food trucks, fireworks, and entertainment.
• Where: Cliff Gennarelli Sports Plex, Garden State Plaza Parkway

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration

• When: Gates open at 6 p.m. on July 4. There will be food trucks, musical entertainment, and fireworks. Tickets are required.
• Where: Veterans Field, N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ

Burlington Co.

Evesham Township 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

• When: July 4, 6-10 p.m.
• Where: Savich Tract Fields, 525 E Main St., Evesham NJ

Moorestown July 4 parade

• When: Tuesday, July 4 2023 at 10 a.m.
• Where: The Parade stages on Chester Avenue at the E. Central Avenue intersection. The Parade will process up Chester Avenue, turn right onto Main Street, and continue along to Church Street.

126th Riverton 4th of July Children's Parade and Festivities

• When: July 4, parade from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and festival from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Where: Parade begins at Riverton Yacht Club and ends at Riverton Memorial Park, where there will be food, a petting zoo, live music, games and a moon bounce, pony rides, face painting, and more fun.

Camden Co.

Haddonfield Independence Day celebrations: Yankee Doodle Do and Parade

• When: July 3 from 5 p.m. to dusk; Parade is July 4 at 10 a.m. on Kings Highway beginning at Chestnut Street.
• Where: Kings Highway, from Grove to the high school. Fireworks at dusk with viewing along Kings Hwy. “Bring blankets and chairs!”

Freedom Festival Concert & Fireworks

• When: July 4 — 5 p.m. kickoff, fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Camden Waterfront

Happy Birthday America Celebration

• Where: Haddon Twp. High School Football Stadium (406 Memorial Ave., Haddon Twp.)
• When: July 3, 7-10 p.m. (rain date July 5)

Collingswood Fireworks

• When: July 4 — gates open at the high school field at 6:30 p.m., performance by TO THE MAX at 7:45 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
• Where: viewings from Collingswood High School field and Knight Park (there is no parking at the park on July 4)

Cape May Co.

Ocean City 4th of July Celebrations

• When and where:
  • Concert July 3 at 7:30 p.m. The Ocean City Pops will perform at Carey Stadium, performing patriotic classics and audience favorites. Seating will be available in the bleachers, or bring a beach chair or blanket to sit in the field.
  • On July 4, a bike parade begins at 10 a.m. from Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. Registration 9 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot. A kite flying competition is set for 7 p.m. followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier. Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the boardwalk. Beach curfew will be extended to 10 p.m. for July 4 only so families can enjoy the festivities.

Essex Co.

Belleville fireworks celebration

• When: Monday, July 3 at 6 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dusk. Activities include face painting, rides, food trucks, clowns, and a DJ
• Where: Belleville Municipal Stadium

Fairfield’s Independence Day celebration

• When and where: Thursday, June 29 at the Fairfield Recreation Complex.
  • Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include a DJ starting around 7:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase. Fireworks will follow at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.) A rain date is set for June 30.

Cedar Grove fireworks display

• When: Friday, June 30. Gates open at 7 p.m.
• Where: Panther Park Field, 118 West Bradford Ave.

No food or camping chairs are permitted on the turf. A rain date is set for July 1.

Independence Day In Millburn/Short Hills

• When: Morning activities start at 9 a.m. Doors open for fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Millburn High School

Livingston 4th Of July Celebration And Annual Auto Fair

• When: Activities starting at 9 a.m. on July 4, 2023. Fireworks begin at 9:15
• Where: Near Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive.

Maplewood And South Orange Independence Day Celebrations

• When: Fireworks July 2 at 6 p.m.; 5K run, bike parade, and kids' activities the morning of July 4
• Where: Memorial Park

Montclair parade and community picnic

• When: Tuesday, July 4. Parade begins 11 a.m. on a six-mile route traveling west on Bloomfield Ave. north on Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park, the site of the town picnic. Picnic is 1 a.m.
• Where: Montclair; Edgemont Park

Food trucks, music, games and activities will be on hand at the end of the parade route in Edgemont Park.

Newark

Essex County- New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks (part of the summer concert series)

• When: June 30 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Branch Brook Park, Newark.

Caldwells/West Essex Fireworks

• When: The annual West Essex 4th of July fireworks celebration will be held on July 4.
• Where: James Caldwell High School Baseball Field, Westville Avenue in West Caldwell.

West Orange 4th of July celebration and fireworks

• When: July 4, from 1-9 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.
• Where: West Orange High School.

The event will include food trucks from 1 to 9 p.m., a kids zone from 2 to 6 p.m. ($5 wristbands), and a DJ/other activities from 2 to 9 p.m.

Gloucester Co.

Washington Township's 4th of July Fireworks

• When: July 4, fireworks at 9 p.m. (rain date July 5).
• Where: Fireworks from the Washington Township High School Complex grass field along Ganttown Road. (Parade canceled)

Woodbury Annual Fireworks Celebration

• When: July 1, 5-10 p.m. (severe-weather rain date July 8)
• Where: Woodbury Junior/Senior High School (25 N Broad St., Woodbury)

Hudson Co.

Jersey City Fourth of July Street Fair

• When: Vendors open from 12-9 p.m. Grucci fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m. on July 4, 2023, on the waterfront.
• Where: Montgomery Street, Jersey City NJ

Mercer Co.

East Windsor Independence Day Celebration

• When: July 1, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 3)
• Where: Etra Lake Park, 9 Disbrow Hill Rd, East Windsor, NJ

Celebrate Independence Day with lots of entertainment. The fireworks display will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Ewing Township Independence Day Celebration

• When: June 30, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 2)
• Where: TCNJ Campus, Green lane fields

Celebrate Independence Day with lots of entertainment. Fireworks display begins around 9 p.m.

Hamilton Township Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

• When: June 30, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 1)
• Where: Veterans Park South (Kuser Road Entrance)

Celebrate Independence Day with music and food. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Lawrence Township July 4 Celebrations

• When: June 30, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 1)
• Where: Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ

Lawrence Township will celebrate July 4 with fireworks at Rider University on Friday, June 30. There will be a food truck feast, foot-tapping live music and a show from the Bubble Guy.

4th Of July Jubilee at Morven

• When: July 4 from 12-3 p.m.
• Where: Morven Garden & Museum, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ

Join Morven and the community on Tuesday, July 4, for a free family event. Activities include live music, food, face painting, a scavenger hunt, open archives, garden tours, exhibitions, and arts, crafts, games and more. For more details click here.

L.E.A.D Fest State Fair

• When: July 4, 3 p.m. onwards
• Where: Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, West Windsor. The Park has two entrances; one is off Old Trenton Road and one is off Hughes Drive.

Middlesex Co.

East Brunswick Fireworks Spectacular

• When: July 4, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 5)
• Where: East Brunswick Community Arts Center

Enjoy an evening full of summer fun and celebrate Independence Day. There will be live performances, food trucks and games.

Edison's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

• When: July 4, 4 p.m. onwards
• Where: Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd.

Celebrate Independence Day with music, food, a beer and wine garden, kiddie zone and more. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Milltown July 4 Celebration

• When: July 4, 6 a.m. onwards
• Where: Sadowski Parkway

Milltown's July 4 celebrations are quite famous in the state. This year, the borough will once again be home to the fishing derby, 5k race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, music and more. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

North Brunswick Youth Sports festival

• When: July 1 and 4
• Where: 630 US-1, North Brunswick Township

The 26th Annual North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival is a community and county-wide, family-friendly event supporting North Brunswick Youth Sports. As part of the festival, there will be fireworks on July 4. For more information, click here.

Perth Amboy Independence Day Celebration

• When: July 3, 9:20 p.m. onwards

Perth Amboy's Independence Day celebrations will last for three days. Fireworks have been scheduled for July 3, 9:20 p.m. Click here for more details.

South Brunswick Independence Day 2023 Celebration

• When: July 3, 6 p.m. onwards (rain date July 7)
• Where: Crossroads South Middle School

Celebrate Independence Day in South Brunswick with music, food and fun. Fireworks start around 8:45 p.m. Click here for details.

Monmouth Co.

Aberdeen Township 2023 fireworks

• When: July 1, 2023. Celebration from 5-9 with fireworks at dark.
• Where: Veterans Memorial Park on the Raritan Bay.

Live music will be provided by local band Str8 UP from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Veterans Park spray park will be open until 8 p.m. Other activities include bounce houses, Marvel superheroes, a DJ before and after the live band and three face painters.

Asbury Park Independence Day fireworks

• When: Monday, July 3 at 9 p.m. (Beach will be cleared by 6 p.m. to prepare)
• Where: 2nd and 4th Avenue beaches

Fourth of July Fireworks at Bucks Mill Park

• When: Monday, July 3, 2023 from 6-10 p.m.
• Where: Bucks Mill Recreation Area, 137 Bucks Mill Road, Colts Neck NJ

Performances by the Colts Neck Community Band, Earle Color Guard and various activities.This a free event and open to the public. Food, snacks and drinks will be available.

Long Branch Oceanfest

• When: Tuesday, July 1 from 1-10 p.m.
• Where: Ocean Place Conference Center in Long Branch

The festival features live music, entertainment and shows, food, craft and retail vendors, and a fireworks show over the ocean at 9 p.m.

Wall Fair and fireworks

• When: Fair is June 29-July 2. Fireworks are July 2 at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Wall Community Park at the Municipal Complex, 2700 Allaire Road.

There will be food, rides, games and live music. The fair opens every night at 5 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. June 29 and July 2 and at 11 p.m. on June 30 and July 1.

Morris Co.

Chatham Borough Fireworks and parade

• When: July 4. Parade begins at 10:30 a.m., with fireworks later at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: The parade starts at the intersection of Hillside and Main, and ends at Chatham Middle School. Gates open for fireworks at the middle school at 7 p.m.

Town of Dover Fireworks

• When: Monday, July 3, gates open at 6 p.m.
• Where: Hamilton Field, 302 E McFarlan St.

Food will be available for purchase, and seating will be limited to the bleachers or track.

East Hanover Fireworks

• When: July 4, DJ begins at 7 p.m.
• Where: Lurker Park, 631 Ridgedale Ave

Food trucks will be available starting at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at dusk.

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

• When: June 30 at dusk
• Where: Launched From Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, 75 North Bertrand Road, Mt. Arlington

The fireworks in Lake Hopatcong are being launched from the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, with the club having hosted its yearly display since the 1950s. Residents around, and visitors to, the state's largest lake like to drop their anchors for a view within the yacht club, or at restaurants on the water.

Mendham Township Fireworks

• When: Friday, June 30 beginning at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15
• Where: Mosle Field, Mosle Preserve Rd, Mendham Township, NJ

Washington’s Headquarters, Morristown National Historical Park

• When: Various events from July 4-9, with an Independence Day celebration on July 4 with a “Warm-Up for the Declaration” at noon for younger audiences, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. The Ford Mansion will be open for self-guided tours afterwards.
• Where: 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ

Parsippany-Troy Hills concert and fireworks display

• When: July 4, concert at 7 p.m.
• Where: Parsippany Hills High School, 309 Baldwin Rd, Parsippany, NJ

Randolph fireworks display and celebration

• When: July 8 from 6-11 p.m. (fireworks at 9:45)
• Where: County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph

Ocean Co.

Barnegat concert and fireworks display

• When: July 1 at dusk
• Where: Barnegat High School, 180 Bengal Blvd, Barnegat Township, NJ

Bay Head July 4 Bicycle Parade

• When: 10:30 a.m. July 4
• Where: Sacred Heart Church parking lot, 751 Main St., Bay Head NJ

Beachwood Fireworks On The Toms River

• When: July 4, dusk
• Where: Beachwood, NJ (Various viewing sites)

The largest fireworks display in Ocean County has been held annually since the 1930s. Area traffic can be terrible as thousands attend, but it is worth the long time you'll spend on Route 9 afterwards.

Brick summer concert series and fireworks

• When: Thursday, July 6 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Ave., Brick Township NJ

The township's popular summer concert series returns and extends the Fourth of July celebration with fireworks at the end of the concert by Super TransAm.

Lacey Independence Day Fireworks

• When: July 3, festivities start at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15
• Where: Lacey Twp. High School, 73 Haines St, Lanoka Harbor, NJ

July 4 Fireworks over Lake Horicon

• When: Monday, July 3 at 9 p.m. (fireworks begin at dusk)
• Where: Lake Horicon Park, 319 Church Street, Lakehurst NJ

Red, White and BLUEClaws - postgame fireworks

• When: Tuesday, July 4 after the BlueClaws game against the Hudson Valley Renegades
• Where: ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood NJ

Lavallette Patriotic Bicycle Parade

• When: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. July 2
• Where: President Avenue at the Boardwalk, Lavallette

Dress up your bike, scooter or wagon for the Independence Day Patriotic Bike Parade, from President Avenue to New York Avenue. There will be patriotic face painting and tattoos for the kids.

Lavallette Patriotic Concert and Fireworks

• When: 8 p.m. July 2
• Where: Lavallette Gazebo, Bay Boulevard

The borough's patriotic concert and fireworks will fill the air with music and light.

Mantoloking Yacht Club Fourth of July Festivities

• When: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Mantoloking Yacht Club, 1228 Bay Ave.

The yacht club is hosting a Fourth of July celebration that is open to the public.

Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza

• When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Boardwalk, Seaside Heights NJ

Fireworks return to Seaside Heights this summer every Wednesday, but there's a display scheduled for the Fourth of July.

Jenkinson's Annual Fourth Of July Fireworks Special

• When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
• Where: Jenkinson's Bordwalk, 300 Ocean Ave. North, Point Pleasant Beach NJ

Fourth of July fireworks go off at dusk and can be seen anywhere along Jenkinson's Boardwalk.

Passaic Co.

Clifton Picnic and Fireworks

• When: Both events are July 2. Picnic is 12-6 p.m. and fireworks are at dusk.
• Where: Picnic is at Main Memorial Park. Fireworks are at Clifton Stadium; tickets are $3 per person. Clifton Community Band will be entertaining.

4th of July Street Fair in Little Falls

• When: July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Main Street and Stevens Avenue in Little Falls.

Food trucks, vendors, and kids' area.

Wayne PAL Fireworks

• When: July 5 beginning at 6 p.m.
• Where: Wayne Hills High School, 272 Berdan Ave, Wayne, NJ

Inflatable rides, and food provided by Johnny Zeppoli. Fireworks at dusk.

City of Passaic Family Festival and Fireworks

• Fireworks are at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Pulaski Park (100 Fourth Street, Passaic).
  • The annual Family Festival with food, fun, games, and rides runs Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4.

Somerset Co.

Somerset County’s Annual July 4 Fireworks Display

• When: Tuesday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater

Admission is free to July 4th celebration. North Branch Park gates will open at 6 p.m. to allow vehicles to enter the park and families to picnic on park grounds. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

The New York Bee Gees will perform the classic 70’s Bee Gees favorites along with other disco classics from that era. The NJ 3rd Regiment Revolutionary War encampment will be onsite.

Franklin Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks

• When: Monday, July 3 at 6 p.m.
• Where: Franklin Township Municipal Complex at 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset

This free event is open to the general public and will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. General event parking is available in the lawn area by the gazebo on DeMott Lane and Sampson G. Smith School. ADA Parking is available near the gazebo lawn area and the lot behind the animal shelter.

Montgomery Fireworks

• When: Thursday, June 29, 6 to 9:45 p.m.
• Where: Montgomery High School, Front Lawn, 1016 Rt. 601, Skillman

The town-wide community gathering celebrating our nation's independence will begin at 6 p.m. with games and vendor tables. Picnic blankets are encouraged. Music to follow and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. For more information visit montgomerynj.gov.

North Plainfield Fireworks

• When: Saturday, July 1 at 5 p.m. (Rain date Sunday, July 2)
• Where: West End Elementary School grounds, 447 Greenbrook Rd, North Plainfield

The event will include a DJ and music by CC Coletti, food, rides, face painters, and a blow-up obstacle course. For more information call 908-756-0247 or email rec@northplainfield.gov.

Union Co.

Plainfield 4th of July Celebration

• When: Tuesday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m.
• Where: Cedar Brook Park, Park Dr, Plainfield

Rahway Annual Independence Day Celebration

• When: Monday, July 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Where: Rahway River Park, St Georges Ave, Rahway

The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. with fun and excitement for all ages.

Scotch Plains Independence Day Fireworks

• When: Saturday, July 1 at 7 p.m. (Rain date Sunday, July 2)
• Where: Shady Rest County Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains

Come watch the Independence Day Fireworks on Saturday, July 1 at dusk. Kids' activities and entertainment start at 7 p.m. For more information visit scotchplainsnj.gov.

Springfield July 4th Celebration

• When: Tuesday, July 4 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Meisel Avenue Park, 278 Meisel Ave, Springfield

The free event will include food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train, DJ and live entertainment from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and a concert from 8 to 9 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk.

City of Summit’s 76th annual Fourth of July celebration

• When: Tuesday, July 4
• Where: Soldiers Memorial Field, at 5 Myrtle Ave., Summit

The community celebration will include entertainment, rides and amusements, and a food court.
The event will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at noon, followed by a decorated bicycle parade for children at 12:15 p.m. Entertainment will include concerts beginning at 1 p.m. The event will conclude with a fireworks display beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar in your town.