Fourth of July events in North Jersey kick off June 26. Here's where to catch them all
Independence Day will be here before we know it, so it's time to start planning how you'd like to celebrate. And, while attending a family gathering or a backyard barbecue could be fun, there's nothing quite like ringing in the Fourth of July with some fireworks, parades, festivals and more.
Because North Jersey has celebrations taking place in every corner of the region, we've compiled a list of the currently scheduled events to make your life easier.
Here's a look at the Fourth of July events and firework shows taking place across North Jersey in 2024, by day:
June 26
Montville 4th of July Celebration. From June 26 through June 28, Montville will be hosting their annual 4th of July celebration events. Each day features different attractions, including food and beer trucks, carnival rides, live entertainment, a car show and fireworks. Hours: Open 5 to 10 p.m. each day. Go: Montville Township High School, 100 Horseneck Road, Montville.
June 27
Edgewater Independence Day Fireworks. Live music, food trucks, kids activities and fireworks on June 27. Bring a chair or blanket. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to use the free River Road shuttle bus. The rain date is June 30. Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:20. Go: Veterans Field, 1057-1165 River Road, Edgewater.
Fair Lawn Fireworks Show. Fair Lawn will be hosting their annual fireworks show on June 27. In addition to fireworks, there will be food vendors and live music for guests to enjoy. Tickets for the pre-fireworks festivities are $5 for children under 12 and seniors, $7 for adults and $25 for a family of five. Hours: Gates for the event open at 6:45 p.m., and fireworks begin at sundown. Go: Memorial Park, Berdan Avenue and 1st Street, Fair Lawn.
June 28
Verona Fourth of July Fireworks. Verona's Fourth of July event on June 28 will include a night full of dancing with a DJ and other live entertainment, as well as a fireworks show at dusk. Hours: Starts at 7 pm. Go: Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Ave., Verona.
Lake Hopatcong Annual Fourth of July Fireworks. The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club will be hosting their annual July 4th fireworks on June 28 on the main lake of Lake Hopatcong. Parking will be available on Bertrand Island for residents and members only. Hours: 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Go: 75 North Bertrand Road, Mount Arlington.
The Essex County Free Summer Concert Series will include a free performance in Newark by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, featuring a fireworks display. The program will feature a medley of classics, Broadway themes and patriotic favorites; as well as John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, John Philip Sousa’s Atlantic City Pageant March and other Jersey treasures. Hours: Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Go: The Great Lawn at Branch Brook Park, Heller Parkway. In case of rain, the concert will be relocated to the Jim Wise Theatre in Kupfrian Hall on Summit Street on the campus of NJIT.
June 29
Morris Plains Family Day and Fireworks. The annual Morris Plains Family Day will be held at Morris Plains Community Park on June 29, featuring food, activities and entertainment. Then, their July 4th fireworks show will take place after sundown. Hours: Family Day begins at 5 p.m., and the fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Go: 51 Jim Fear Dr., Morris Plains.
Bloomingdale July 4th Fireworks. Bloomingdale will host their annual July 4th fireworks show on June 29 at Walter T. Bergen School. The event will also include food and rides. Hours: Starts at 6 p.m. Go: 225 Glenwild Ave., Bloomingdale.
Montague Day and July 4th Fireworks. Montague Day on June 29 will feature the Miss Montague Contest, an animal exhibit, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a dunk tank, vendors, food, fireworks after dark and more. Hours: The event starts at 4 p.m., and the fireworks begin after dark. Go: Montague Town Hall, 227 Clover Road, Montague.
Tenafly 4th of July Celebration. Rides, food, DJ music and giveaways, sponsored by the Tenafly Recreation Department. Free for all Tenafly residents. Hours: 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m. The rain date is June 30. Go: Roosevelt Common, behind Tenafly Middle School, 10 Sunset Lane.
June 30
Paterson Food Truck Festival and Fireworks. Visitors are invited to enjoy food from local businesses at a food truck festival, followed by July 4th fireworks on June 30. Hours: Starts at 5 p.m. Go: Great Falls Welcome Center, 65 McBride Ave. Extension, Paterson.
July 1
Hanover Township Patriotic Celebration. Hanover Township is holding their 2024 Patriotic Celebration, which will feature food trucks, live music, games, face painting, balloon art and fireworks. Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Go: Hanover Township Municipal Complex, 1000 Route 10, Whippany.
Cedar Grove Annual Fireworks Display. Cedar Grove is hosting their annual Fourth of July fireworks display and celebration event, which features a live DJ, a balloon artist, a patriotic obstacle course, crafts and refreshments. Hours: Starts at 7 p.m. Go: Panther Park Field, 118 W Bradford Ave., Cedar Grove.
City of Englewood's Fireworks Show. Mayor Michael Wildes and the Englewood City Council invite you to the City's fireworks celebration on July 1. The rain date is July 2. Hours: 7:30 p.m. Go: Front lawn of Dwight Morrow High School, 274 Knickerbocker Road.
Frank "Dutch" Cleenput Annual 4th of July Softball Game. The Paramus fire department vs. police department. Hours: The game begins at 8:15 p.m. Go: Cliff Gennarelli Sports-Plex, Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus.
July 2
Essex County Free Summer Concert Series and Fireworks. Listen Men of Soul perform soul and R&B music, and enjoy a fireworks display. Hours: Begins at 7:30 p.m. Go: Weequahic Park, Elizabeth and Meeker avenues in Newark.
Mountain Lakes July 4th Fireworks. A festive July 4th fireworks show will take place July 2 over Mountain Lake, and Island Beach will be open for viewing. Hours: Starts at 9 p.m. Go: 276 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes.
July 3
Dover July 4th Fireworks and Celebration. Dover will be hosting a July 4th celebration with food, activities, live entertainment and fireworks on July 3. Hours: Starts at 6 p.m. Go: 302 E. McFarlan St., Dover.
Glen Rock Pops Celebrates Nation’s Birthday. The Pops Orchestra goes patriotic on July 3 with a free concert on the lawn of Borough Hall. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy the music that will include an evening of marches, popular patriotic songs and light classics under the baton of music director Anthony LaGruth. Meet the grand marshals – Marcia, Walter and Daniel Perry - of the July 4 parade as well. The IDA raffle drawing will take place during the intermission, with prizes including a $500 Visa gift card and a $250 Shop the Rock basket of gift cards from town merchants. Tickets will be available for purchase at Kilroy’s prior to the concert or at Borough Hall that night. Hours: Concert begins at 7 p.m. Go: Borough Hall, 1 Harding Plaza, Glen Rock.
Essex County Summer Concert Series and Fireworks. Listen to the Infernos at Brookdale Park and enjoy a fireworks show. The Infernos’ repertoire includes big band, oldies, Motown and today’s chart hits. Founded by the late Bobby Wells, former musical director of the Duprees, the band features lead singer Kenny Simmons, formerly of the Commodores. Hours: Starts at 7:30 p.m. Go: 473 Watchung Ave., Bloomfield.
Belleville Fireworks 2024. Mayor Michael Melham and the Township Council present this event, with fireworks, family fun, face painting, food trucks, clowns, rides and a DJ. Hours: Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk. Go: Belleville Municipal Stadium, 100 Passaic Ave.
July 4
Ridgefield Park July 4th Celebration. Ridgefield Park will have festivities all day on July 4th, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a flag raising ceremony and a parade. Hours: Starts at 7:30 a.m. Go: Memorial Plaza 554 Shaler Blvd., Ridgefield Park.
Florham Park July 4th Celebration. During this full day of celebration on July 4, there will be a flag raising ceremony at the Florham Park Fire Department at 315 Brooklake Road, followed by the annual town parade. Then, rides, food, games and more will be available at Emmett Park Field, with fireworks in the evening. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Go: Emmett Park Field, 111 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park.
Livingston July 4th Community Celebration. This all-day event on July 4 will feature a car show, food trucks, games, live entertainment and a beer garden. The celebration will conclude with Livingston's annual fireworks show. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Go: Memorial Oval, Robert H. Harp Drive, Livingston.
Paramus Independence Day Parade. The annual event on July 4 will feature local first responders, community organizations and more. The master of ceremonies is DJ Valentino & Bartel, IHeartRadio & 103.5. Hours: Begins at 9 a.m. Go: Starts at the intersection of Farview Avenue and E. Century Road, moving north on Farview Avenue. It will conclude at the Memorial Elementary School on Midland Avenue.
Jersey City 4th of July Celebrations. At Exchange Place Path Plaza, there will be a variety of activities for July 4th, include the Jersey City Night Market, carnival rides, games, live music and food vendors. Then, enjoy the annual Macy's July 4th fireworks on the Hudson River. Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Go: 68 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City.
Ridgewood 114th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. This all-day event on July 4th features a flag raising at Wilsey Square followed by a parade starting at Monroe Street and Godwin Avenue. Then, there will be evening entertainment, food trucks and a beer garden at Veterans Field, followed by the National Anthem and a fireworks show. Hours: Flag raising begins at 9 a.m.; parade begins at 10 a.m.; evening entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; and the National Anthem and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Go: Veterans Field, 156-158 Northern Parkway, Ridgewood.
Glen Rock Parade. Rain or shine on July 4, there will be marching bands, pipers, historic Civil War reenactors, floats, clowns and more. For information, write to [email protected]. Hours: The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Go: The route begins at Glen Rock High School, 400 Hamilton Ave., and goes east on Harristown Road, takes a left on Highland Road, another left at Rock Road through the center of town, and a right on Doremus Avenue, ending at the Municipal Pool parking lot.
Cresskill's 4th of July Townwide Celebration. On July 4 (rain date July 5), enjoy a day of fun, food, rides, games, a D.J. and more. Contact the Recreation Office at 201-816-8065 or [email protected] for information. Cresskill residents only. Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go: Community Center, 100 Third St.
Montclair July 4th celebrations. The series of celebrations taking place in Montclair on July 4th include the town's 68th annual July 4th parade, followed by a festival in Edgemont Park.. Hours: Parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by the family picnic; fireworks begin around sundown. Go: Parade begins at South Fullerton Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue and travels to Edgemont Park; Edgemont Park, Valley Road and Holland Terrace, Montclair.
River Edge July 4th Parade and Celebration. The events will include a parade on July 4 throughout River Edge, as well as a fair with a variety of vendors. Hours: Starts at 11 a.m. Go: Parade begins on Cherry Hill and ends at Memorial Park on Continental Avenue.
Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular. This Independence Day celebration on July 4 will feature the New Jersey Wind Symphony; other live entertainment including the New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra, Reggie Pittman Band, Jake Thistle, Leslie Mendelson; children's activities; food trucks; a beer and wine garden; and fireworks at Overpeck Creek. Hours: Starts at 3 p.m. Go: The Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park, Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park. Parking is available in the Ridgefield Park and Henry Hoebel sections of the park, as well as the Glenpointe Alfred Sanzari Building parking garage in Teaneck and the KABR Group parking lots on Challenger Road in Ridgefield Park, with complimentary shuttle transportation.
July 4th Hometown Heroes Parade and Sussex County Miners Game. In Augusta, events include the Hometown Heroes Parade, a game between the Sussex County Miners and the New Jersey Jackals, as well as a fireworks display. Hours: Starts at 4:30 p.m. Go: 94 Championship Place, Augusta.
Nutley Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks. In Nutley, July 4th festivities include a variety of food vendors, liv music, games and a fireworks show. Hours: Celebration events start at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk. Go: Nutley Park Oval, 300 Franklin Ave. Nutley.
Denville's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. A free concert by Street Hassle followed by a fireworks show, presented by the Township. Street Hassle is a horn band that plays classic rock, blues, Motown and pop. Hours: The concert begins at 7 p.m. Go: Gardner Field, 2 Savage Road, Denville.
Lyndhurst's Zappy Fourth of July. At the Lyndhurst Band Shell, there will be a free concert on July 4 with several different performers to celebrate the Fourth of July. Hours: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Go: Lyndhurst Municipal Park, 367 Valley Brook Ave., Lyndhurst.
The 48th Annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. While this event is technically in New York City, the Macy's July 4th fireworks will take place on the Hudson River for the first time since 2013, meaning New Jersey residents can view them from places like Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken. Hours: Begins at 8 p.m. Go: Taking place on the Hudson River, and viewing locations vary.
4th of July at Foschini Park. A free event with food trucks, family games, music by the Infernos and a fireworks show. No dogs permitted. Hours: Food trucks and games from 4 to 8 p.m.; the Infernos start at 7:30; fireworks at 9. Go: Foschini Park, 278 River St., Hackensack. Park in Lot A (State Street, between Lawrence Street and Trinity Place), Lot D (Clay and State streets, behind the Verizon building), Lot E (corner of Ward and State streets), Lot T (corner of Trinty Place and State Street) or Lot U (State Street between Clay and West Camden).
Annual Norwood Fireworks Show. The event will feature ice cream and popcorn vendors on site. Hours: Fireworks begin at sunset. Go: Kennedy Field, 455 Broadway, Norwood.
July 6, 2024
Meadowlands Fireworks & Fan Appreciation Night. At Fan Appreciation Night at Meadowlands Racetrack, enjoy $1 concession items, $2 Bud and Bud Light drafts, as well as a free fireworks show for July 4th after the races. Hours: 6 to 11:30 p.m. Go: Meadowlands Racetrack, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford.
Clifton Independence Day Celebration. The event will feature a festival with food vendors, activities, games, rides, music and more, followed by a fireworks show. Hours: Starts at 4 p.m. Go: 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton.
Greenwood Lake Centennial Car Meet and Fireworks Show. The event will feature an antique car meet, food trucks, live music, an artisan fair and a fireworks show on the lake at sundown. Hours: Car meet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; food trucks and vendors from 4 to 10 p.m.; and firework show from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Go: Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, 7 Windermere Ave., Greenwood Lake.
Rockaway Boro Family Festival 2024. The Borough's 47th year with Garden State Fireworks will feature food trucks, a beer truck (age 21 and older with ID), live music by Back to Rock and Street Hassle. and 50/50 raffles to support the RBFD. The rain date is July 7. Hours: The event begins at 4 p.m. with Bach to Rock performing until 6 p.m. Street Hassle performs from 7 to 9:30. The winning raffle tickets will be drawn at 9:30. The fireworks will follow. Go: Fireman's Field, 144 Beach St., Rockaway.
Tenafly 4th of July Celebration. The annual fireworks display will featuring Cyro Baptista's Chama playing joyous Brazilian and world music. Free for all Tenafly residents. Hours: The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9. The rain date is July 7. Go: Behind Tenafly High School, 19 Columbus Drive.
July 7
Paramus 4th of July Food Truck Festival. Hosted by the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department, featuring Hold My Knots, the Quarry Truck, the Mozzarella God, Rolling Pita, Kielbasa and More, Batter Me Up, Kimchi Smoke, Empanada Mania, Eat My Balls, Angry Archies, the Ice Cream Lady, the Brownie Bar, Johnny Zeppoli, and Clyde's Homemade Italian Ice. Hours: Begins at 3 p.m. Go: West lot of the Garden State Plaza, Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex. $5 admission; $10 for a family of two or more. Admission proceeds benefit the fire department.
Paramus 4th of July Fireworks Show. Featuring live music, hosted by DJ Valentino & IHeartRadio. Bring a blanket or chair. Each guest is allowed clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags. Hours: Gates open at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk. Go: West lot of the Garden State Plaza, Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex.
July 11
Randolph Freedom Festival. Held from July 11 to 13, the Randolph Freedom Festival will feature live music, games, food, a beer garden and fireworks. Hours: 6 to 11 p.m. Go: 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Fourth of July fireworks shows and more North Jersey things to do