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4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson's Boarwalk with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson's Boarwalk with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
7/4/25 - By Laurie Rein

 Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including food, fun and fireworks at the annual Oceanfest spectacular in Long Branch and Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular.

Kick off July with fun and games all week at Perth Amboy PAL 3rd Annual Carnival.

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4th of July Fireworks and More Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Perth Amboy PAL 3rd Annual Carnival

Perth Amboy
Wednesday, July 2-Sunday, July 6
The 2025 Perth Amboy Police Athletic League Annual Carnival offers five busy days of rides, carnival games, live music, treats and more. Don't miss the fireworks following the carnival on Wednesday. READ MORE

Oceanfest in Long Branch

Long Branch – FREE
Friday, July 4
All are invited to the 32nd annual Oceanfest, an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. READ MORE

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular

Leonia – FREE
Friday, July 4
Bergen County's 2nd annual Independence Day Celebration features the New Jersey Wind Symphony, plus an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks at Overpeck Creek. READ MORE

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

Livingston – FREE
Friday, July 4
Livingston's 88th annual 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair, featuring rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, a photo booth, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant – FREE
Friday, July 4
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Fourth of July Jubilee at Morven Museum & Garden

Princeton – FREE
Friday, July 4
Morven's annual Fourth of July Festival is a free program that features community partners hosting family-friendly activities and crafts inspired by themes of history, civics, and service. The fun includes garden tours, face painting, music, food trucks and more.  READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Friday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school flair. Longstreet Farms takes the party back to the 1890s. Enjoy old-fashioned patriotism and celebrate with games, music, and more. READ MORE

Springfield's July 4th Celebration

Springfield – FREE
Friday, July 4
Springfield's July 4th Celebration features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert. READ MORE

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood – FREE
Friday, July 4
Join the 115th annual Ridgewood 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a flag raising at 9am followed by a parade stepping off at 10am. The evening festivities include food trucks and fireworks. READ MORE

Ocean City 4th of July Celebration

Ocean City – FREE
Friday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day down the shore in Ocean City with a kite flying competition, live entertainment, and a boardwalk fireworks display. READ MORE

Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show

Wildwood – FREE
Friday, July 4-Sunday, July 6
Peruse crafts, gifts, boutique items and more at the Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show. The show has weekly themes and is open rain or shine.  READ MORE

Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest

Browns Mill – FREE
Saturday, July 5
Have a very blueberry summer at Whitesbog Preservation Trust. Enjoy weekly live music, crafts, and blueberry picking on a smaller scale in the historic farm and village.  READ MORE

County Jamboree Festival in Rockaway

Rockaway
Saturday, July 5
Yee-haw! Bring the family Firemans Field for bluegrass and modern country music, delicious BBQ, line dancing and more family-friendly activities. READ MORE

Summer Palooza at New Market Fire Company

Ringoes – FREE
Sundays, July 6-27
Get ready for the ultimate summer fun at Beastro's Summer Palooza. Every Sunday in July, enjoy an amazing lineup of vendors, thrilling inflatables, games, face painting, scrumptious food, delectable sweets, a lively fun photobooth, and incredible live DJ tunes. READ MORE

Clifton Independence Day Celebration

Clifton
Sunday, July 6
The city of Clifton hosts an Independence Day celebration on Sunday, with a day of food trucks, fireworks and fun at Clifton Stadium. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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