Fireworks, Parades, and Music Light Up Weekend

Friday is here and it’s time to start celebrating the extended Independence Day weekend! Kick off the festivities at the Freedom Festival in Randolph for a carnival, parade, and one of the best fireworks displays in the state! Also consider heading over to Dover for a celebratory concert and fireworks show. And, as always, look forward to fantastic live music and cold brew at the Long Valley Pub and Brewery on Friday and Sunday.

You Need to Attend the Randolph Freedom Festival: Randolph holds one of New Jersey’s biggest Fourth of July celebrations with a three-day festival at the County College of Morris. Head over on Friday, July 1 for the Freedom Fair and enjoy a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food from 2 to 11 p.m. On Saturday, July 2 enjoy a parade at noon that will begin on Dover Chester Avenue in front of Mt. Fern Church. The parade will feature bands, pipe and drum corps, bands, antique cars, horses and floats. The Freedom Festival Fireworks Display will begin at the end of the night at 9:45 p.m. There will be plenty of parking available at $5 per car. For more information, go here.

You Need to Celebrate with a Concert and Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day in Dover with a fireworks display and concert on Friday, July 1 at Hamilton Field on Route 46 East at the Dover Elementary School campus. DJ Doctor J. & Fusion Core Drum Corps will be performing at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be supplied by local non-profit and sports groups. Tickets are $3 ($1 for senior citizens) and will be available at the gate. The rain date for the fireworks is Friday, July 8.

You Need a Friday Night Out: If you’re looking for a night of rock music, great food, and famous pub brews, head over to the on Friday, July 1, when Frankie G & the Toyz will be jamming out at 10 p.m.

You Need to Get Sailing with the Kids: Spend time with the kids at Cooper Gristmill in Chester Township on Saturday, July 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of decorating and sailing a boat down the tail-race. Boats can be purchased for $10 or borrowed for free. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must wear enclosed toe shoes or boots (no bare feet, please). Donations are greatly appreciated for touring the Gristmill. Gristmill is located in Black River County Park on Route 513 in Chester Township. For tour availability and information please call 908-879-5463 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

You Need an Acoustic Sunday: Stop by the on Sunday, July 3 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to unwind with acoustic tunes played by David McBride on the Brew Pub Patio.