2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Fourth of July activities in Berkeley could have extra sparkle in 2026, the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the Declaration of Independence.

The holiday falls on a Saturday in the middle of a three-day weekend, July 3-5. To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks and other celebrations in Berkeley and the surrounding areas.

July 4 Festivities

In Berkeley and throughout Ocean County, enjoy fireworks, concerts, drone shows and more.

What: Berkeley Sounds of Summer Concert Series
When: Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park, 5025 Bill Zimmerman Jr. Way, Bayville

Fireworks cap the evening after Stiletto and the Saxman at 6 p.m. and Super 70's Rock Show featuring Super Trans Am at 7:30 p.m.

What: Barnegat Celebrates America's 250th
When: Thursday, July 2, 4 p.m.
Where: Barnegat High School, 180 Bengal Blvd., Barnegat

Enjoy food trucks, inflatables and more, with fireworks at dusk.

What: Ocean County Patriotic Concert and Drone Show
When: Thursday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bayfront field, 1189 Bandon Road, Toms River

A patriotic concert followed by a drone show over Silver Bay. Park at Cattus Island Park's lot and a free shuttle will take you to the bayfront field.

What: Declaration of Independence Reading and Bell Ringing for America's 250th Birthday
When: Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m.
Where: Ocean County Courthouse lawn, Washington Street and Hooper Avenue, Toms River

The Declaration of Independence will be read publicly, followed by participation in the National Bell Festival's Ringing from Sea to Shining Sea event.

What: Toms River Municipal Band's Patriotic Concert
When: Thursday, July 2, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Ocean County Library, 30 Washington St., Toms River

A patriotic program is on tap from the Toms River Municipal Band, which has been performing for more than 60 years. The planned songs include: American Fanfare, Seize the Day, Buglers Holiday, Americans We March, The Patriot, National Emblem, With Liberty and Justice for All, American Salute, Salute to Our Armed Forces, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy talented soloists and vocalists.

What: America 250 Celebration – Flag Raising Ceremony
When: Friday, July 3, 11 a.m.
Where: Lacey Township Municipal Building, 818 Lacey Road, Forked River

This commemorative event will recognize the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and provide an opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of this historic milestone. The ceremony is expected to be brief, and all are welcome to attend.

What: Lacey Township's Independence Day Fireworks Display
When: Friday, July 3, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lacey Township High School

Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Live music by Frontiers - World's #1 Tribute to Journey.

What: Beachwood Fireworks Over The Toms River
When: Saturday, July 4, 7 p.m.
Where: Beachwood Beach, and other viewing points along the Toms River

The annual fireworks display over the Toms River is back on July 4th for 2026. Bring a blanket or beach chair and grab a seat at one of several viewing points along the river. At Beachwood Beach there will be food trucks. WOBM 92.7 FM provides a musical backdrop to the display.

What: Seaside Heights Fourth of July Fireworks
When: Saturday, July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Where: On the boardwalk, near Franklin Avenue

The annual fireworks display will have a bit of extra pizzazz to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Celebrations around the country recall not only the events leading up to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but also look forward and aim to make the 4th of July weekend a massive, multigenerational cultural moment focused on community connections and charitable giving.

America’s Block Party, an unprecedented coast-to-coast initiative, is one of the signature events of America 250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit overseeing the semiquincentennial celebration.

A Times Square Ball Drop, a rolling series of ball drops, timed to occur at midnight on July 3 in every U.S. time zone from Guam to American Samoa, is part of the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show,” creating a nearly 24-hour celebration of the 250th anniversary. It’s part of the broader “Giving 4th” initiative that aims to make and establish Independence Day the biggest annual day of giving.

A time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia to be opened in 2276 on July 4. It contains a carefully curated collection of letters and artifacts reflecting the leadership, institutions, and communities that shape the country today. It will include contributions from all three branches of the U.S. federal government and submissions from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories.

Separately, the White House’s Freedom 250’s biggest spectacles are the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, running June 25 to July 10; the July 4 Salute to America Fireworks, also on the National Mall; “Sail 4th 250,” billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world in New York Harbor; and Rushmore 250, an iconic 4th of July fireworks on July 3 alongside military concerts and live presidential reenactors.

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