Middletown Will Host Freedom Fest Drone Show Over Raritan Bay On July 5

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown famously does not usually set off fireworks for July 4/Independence Day.

But this year, to celebrate America's 250th birthday, Middletown Township will host a patriotic drone show over Raritan Bay on July 5. Middletown is calling it "Freedom Fest" and it will be a patriotic celebration held at Bayshore Waterfront Park.

Says Middletown:

Wrap up your Fourth of July weekend at Middletown America 250 Freedom Fest!

Join us on Sunday, July 5, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park (719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth) for an evening of family-friendly fun as we continue the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

Enjoy food trucks, beach volleyball, cornhole, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a Declaration of Independence signing area, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, and a spectacular patriotic drone show to cap off the evening!

Be sure to stop by the Middletown America 250 Merchandise Store for commemorative apparel and souvenirs.

Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch the drone show on the beach; the drone show goes off when the sun does down. While it's entirely free to attend, the town is asking people to sign up here just so they have an idea of the crowd size that will be expected: app.seemylegacy.com/community/643/campaign/9515/overview

And this Sunday, June 28, there will be a parade in Middletown:

The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. from the front of the Middletown Arts Center. The parade will turn right onto Kings Highway and then march down New Monmouth Road, ending at Mater Dei Park. Here is a map of the parade route for Sunday: monmouthnj250.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Monmouth-County-250-Parade-Route-Map-updated-May-31-2026.pdf

Following the parade, continue the celebration with a FREE family festival at Mater Dei Park (23 Cherry Tree Farm Road). Enjoy live entertainment, rides and attractions for all ages, food trucks and lots more.

The year 2026 is America’s 250th birthday, 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. June 28 was chosen as the date for the parade in Middletown because that is the date the legendary Battle of Monmouth was fought in 1778. (The Battle of Monmouth was fought near Freehold borough, in present-day 1,818-acre Monmouth Battlefield State Park.)

How long is the parade route?

The parade route is 2.3 miles.

Where can I watch the parade?

Spectators can view the parade anywhere along the route. Popular viewing areas include:

Middletown Library (55 New Monmouth Road)

New Monmouth School (121 New Monmouth Road)

Where can spectators park?

Public parking will be available at:

New Monmouth School (121 New Monmouth Road)

Middletown Library (55 New Monmouth Road)

What time does the parade start?

The parade begins at 12:30pm. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Is the parade rain or shine? Yes, the parade will take place rain or shine unless severe weather conditions require cancellation or delay. In the event of cancellation or delay, information will be posted on MonmouthNJ250.org and social media.

Is the festival free to attend? Yes, the festival is free and open to the public.

Can I attend the festival without going to the parade?

Absolutely. The festival is open to all, regardless of parade attendance.

Click here for Parade FAQs and additional information, from Middletown Twp. Visit monmouthnj250.org/monmouth-county-250-parade for more information.