Fourth of July activities in Edison, Metuchen 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 Edison, Metuchen and the surrounding areas.
July 4 Festivities
What: Edison 4th of July celebration
When: Saturday, July 4, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd.
Edison Township will mark the nation's 250th birthday with a Fourth of July celebration which will feature live music, food trucks, a kids zone and a fireworks display.
What: Metuchen’s America 250 Celebration
When: June 28, 5 p.m. onwards
Where: Procession begins at Forum theatre and ends at Town Plaza
This special event, featuring a Clydesdale procession, family activities, music, games, and more, is a chance for all to come together to celebrate and reflect on the idea behind Metuchen Is America. There will be horses, street brass band, country music and more.
What: South Brunswick Independence Day Celebration
When: Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m. onwards
Where: Crossroads South Middle School
Celebrate Independence Day with South Brunswick Parks & Recreation on July 1 at 6 p.m. at Crossroads South Middle School with food vendors, live music by Elegant Music Group, and fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m. Rain date is July 2.
What: East Brunswick's Annual 4th of July Celebration
When: Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m. onwards
Where: Community Arts Center
East Brunswick will host its Fourth of July celebration July 4 at the Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening features live music from Epic Soul, more than 20 food trucks, family entertainment and giveaways, and an "America 250 Tribute March" honoring local veterans, scouts, emergency services and community organizations. The East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra will accompany what organizers are billing as the township's biggest fireworks show yet. The rain date is July 5.
What: Fireworks in the Park
When: Thursday, July 2nd, 6 p.m. onwards
Where: Donaldson Park, Highland Park
Fireworks in the Park will be held on Thursday, July 2nd at Donaldson Park. Festival begins at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
What: Stars & Stripes Festival, Fireworks and Drone Show
When: Thursday, July 2, 6 p.m. onwards
Where: Sadowski Parkway, Perth Amboy
The City of Perth Amboy invites residents and visitors to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an evening of entertainment, food, music, and one of the region's most exciting waterfront celebrations. The Celebrate Stars & Stripes: Drone & Fireworks Show + Festival will feature a spectacular 250-drone aerial show, a fireworks display over the Arthur Kill, live entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities along the Perth Amboy waterfront.
What: 4th of July Fireworks Show
When: Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m. onwards
Where: Kenny Armwood Stadium, Piscataway High School
Celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, DJ, activities and fireworks. Rain date is July 5.
What: Sayreville's America 250 Celebration
When: June 27, 4 p.m. onwards
Where: Kennedy park, Sayreville
Celebrate our nation's independence with an evening packed full of family fun, music, and community spirit! Join us for a lively night featuring interactive games, great tunes, and activities the whole family will love.
What: Milltown 4th of July
When: July 4, 6 a.m. onwards
Where: Milltown, NJ
On July 4th, 2026, Milltown will once again be home to the fishing derby, 5k race, awesome parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, & music of all kinds! All this and more to celebrate 250 years
of American Independence.
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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