THINGS TO DO

16 festivals and events to attend this Fourth of July Week on the Jersey Shore

Looking for a fun and unique event to attend this Fourth of July week? Check out these top 16 happenings, starting July 2 to the 7 in Atlantic City, Cape May and up and down the New Jersey coast line.

Looking for a fun and unique event to attend this Fourth of July week? Check out these top 16 happenings, starting July 2 to the 7 in Atlantic City, Cape May and up and down the New Jersey coast line.

  • Jersey Shore

Looking for a fun and unique event to attend this Fourth of July week? Check out these top 16 happenings, starting July 2 to the 7 in Atlantic City, Cape May and up and down the New Jersey coast line. 

July 2

Festival of the Sea


The Festival of the Sea is held in the St. Francis Parish & Center parking lot, situated at 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach. There will be food, rides, games and community spirit. The festival takes place July 2-6 from 6 to 10 p.m. stfrancisparishlbi.org

July 3

Boat Parade in Avalon

The annual boat parade will be held in Avalon at 6:30 p.m. avalonrecreation.org.


Independence Day Festival


Lower Township’s Independence Day Festival begins at 5 p.m. on the bayfront in North Cape May. There will be live music, food, vendors, rides for kids and fireworks at 9 p.m. townshipoflower.org.


State Fair Meadowlands


The largest fair in New Jersey, State Fair Meadowlands, will have fireworks, over 100 rides and attractions, free entertainment, food and more on July 3 and 4. njfair.com.

A Revolutionary Celebration

Join Gen. George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben for this annual celebration featuring a reenactment of the fue de joie (fire of joy) that took place on July 4, 1778. The Libby Prison Minstrels and Mark Heter Band will perform live music. This will take place from 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. middlesexcountynj.gov.

Frank “Dutch” Cleenput Annual 4th of July Softball Game


Come and enjoy the Annual Frank “Dutch” Cleenput 4th of July Softball Game at the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex. Whether you’re a fan of Paramus Finest or Paramus Bravest, make sure to join them as they compete for the trophy and bragging rights. This fun-filled event is free for all to attend. paramuschamber.org.

Antique Car Show


The Lakehurst Elementary School is holding a antique car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. lakehurst-nj.gov.

July 4

Jersey City Festival

Jersey City’s 4th of July Festival and Fireworks will be held at the Exchange place. It will feature live entertainment, food trucks, music and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. freedomandfireworks.com.


Stone Harbor’s Independence Day


Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with contests, races and a home-run derby. Around 7:30 p.m., evening events will kick off with a concert by the BLT Band, followed by fireworks. stoneharbornj.org.


Patriotic Pooch Parade


The pooch parade kicks off Wildwood’s festivities, starting at the intersection of 9th and Atlantic Avenues at 9 a.m. After the parade, events will continue in the city, with a concert featuring Flip Like Wilson and fireworks. wildwoodsnj.com.


Oceanfest


Oceanfest is the biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore — in fact, it’s the biggest Independence Day celebration anywhere in New Jersey, and it happens every July 4th from 1 to 10 p.m. in Long Branch. Each year since 1990, crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands have descended upon the city’s oceanfront promenade for an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together music, food, a craft sale, street fair, and of course, fireworks! oceanfestnj.com.

Fourth of July Parade and Celebration


The Village of Ridgefield Park’s annual parade was founded in 1894 and is one of the oldest in the U.S. The main civic parade starts at 11:30 a.m. on Preston Street. Beforehand, a baby and youth parade begins at 9 a.m. near the intersection of Poplar St. and Euclid Ave. ridgefieldpark.org.


Cape May Celebration


Congress Hall’s grand Fourth of July celebration returns for its 208th summer of fun. This year, the hall will host its All-American Cookout on the Lawn. caperesorts.com.

July 6
Red, Wine and Blueberry 5k Run

Start your holiday weekend with a Red Wine & Blueberry 5k Run. Dress in your most patriotic outfit.  Adults will run a 5K course on a flat multi-surface road to the Egg Harbor City Lake and back to Renault Winery. The event takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. renaultwinery.com.

Ocean Grove Independence Weekend


The Ocean Grove parade starts rain or shine at 10:30 a.m. Later that evening, there is a concert at the Great Auditorium. oceangrove.org.

July 7

Patriotic Fireworks and Band

Lavallette will host its fireworks display at 9 p.m. in the Centennial Gardens and Gazebo. lavallette.org.