Fourth of July activities in Howell could have extra sparkle in 2026 as the nation marks 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, and some of the festivities begin even sooner.
Whether you want to celebrate July 4th by watching fireworks or attending patriotic concerts or you want to embrace history by listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, there are several events in and near Howell.
Patch has put together this guide to fireworks and other events celebrating the country's 250th birthday.
What: Howell Township Independence Day Celebration
When: Thursday, July 2, 5 p.m.
Where: Soldier Memorial Park, Lakewood Farmingdale Road
The celebration includes food trucks, vendors, kids' games, a DJ, live music, and beer and wine from the Howell PBA. Fireworks at dark. Free shuttles available from Howell Middle School North and Howell Middle School South.
What: Reading of the Declaration of Independence
When: Saturday, July 4, 8:45 a.m.
Where: Historic Freehold Firehouse, 49 West Main St., Freehold
The Declaration of Independence will be read publicly. Arrive by 8:30 a.m. if you would like to read.
What: Freehold Independence Celebration
When: Sunday, July 5, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Freehold Raceway, Route 9
There will be music, entertainment by Mission Dance and fireworks at dark.
What: Independence Day Fireworks at Jenkinson's
When: Sunday, July 5, about 9:30 p.m.
Where: On the beach at Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson's will cap off July 4th weekend with its fireworks display celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
What: Red, White and BlueClaws Fireworks
When: Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4
Where: Shoretown Park, Lakewood
Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks after each of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws' games on July 3 and July 4.
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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