RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Fourth of July activities in Ridgewood could have extra sparkle in 2026 due to 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 town and the surrounding areas.
July 4 Festivities
This year, the annual Macy's Fireworks in New York City will be displayed over three locations, and viewers in New Jersey will be able to see them over the Hudson River. In addition, annual celebrations in Ridgewood and Jersey City will still take place, and Bergen County will host its second annual display with live music as well.
Here are links to some of the local festivities:
What: Ridgewood 4th of July
When: July 4, activities begin at 9 a.m., fireworks festival at 6 p.m.
Where: Night celebration is at Veterans Field, Ridgewood
What: Third Annual Bergen County Star Spangled Spectacular
When: July 4, 2 p.m.
Where: Overpeck County Park
What: Macy's Firework Display
When: 8 p.m. Eastern, July 4
Where: Hudson River waterfront or tune in to NBC
What: Jersey City 4th of July
When: Noon to 10 p.m. on July 4
Where: Exchange Place on the waterfront
250th Celebrations And More
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.
Are you planning an event this summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Ridgewood, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.