July 4ᵗʰ fireworks are sort of like holiday tree lightings and St. Patrick’s Day parades: blink, and you might miss them in your town because the dates picked seem so random. This year’s holiday is extra special and falls on a Saturday, but most municipalities in the Meadowlands area held their fireworks last weekend or on a weekday.
But for those towns celebrating on the actual day, it’s not just fireworks, but an extravaganza featuring food, live music, games, and all kinds of fun. There will never be another July 4ᵗʰ when America turns 250 years old, Macy’s Fireworks turns 50, and international visitors are in town for the World Cup (the next Meadowlands game is Sunday, July 5; we host the final on Sunday, July 19).
New Jersey played a starring role in the Revolutionary War, with 200 military engagements and roughly 600 battles, skirmishes, and other acts of war. There are more than 150 official Revolutionary War historic sites to explore in the Garden State.
Here is what’s happening on this once-in-a-lifetime July 4th:
Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular at Overpeck County Park
Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is a family-friendly event on Saturday, July 4, featuring live music, children’s activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and a fireworks display over Overpeck Creek.
The event will be held at Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, New Jersey. Free event parking and shuttles will be available at several locations throughout the Overpeck area. See this detailed map for information. Challenger Road will be closed to through traffic during the event. Access to the Challenger Road parking areas will remain available for event parking only.
Started in 2023, this year’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is an official event of Bergen250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture. The initiative is spearheaded by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs within the Bergen County Department of Parks.
Event Schedule (subject to change):
- 2 p.m. – NJ Wind Symphony, one of the premier wind ensembles in the country, founded in Ridgewood, N.J. in 1983.
- 3:15 p.m. – Glenn Roberts Band, country music’s hottest hits, southern rock, originals. From Newton, N.J., formed in 2015.
- 4:45 p.m. – Tempo Alegre, Latin music variety band from Somerset, N.J. since about 2009.
- 6:45 p.m. – Super Trans Am, 1970s tribute band formed around 2020 from Berkeley Township, N.J.
- 8:15 p.m. – The Sugarhill Gang, 1979 old-school hip-hop group from Englewood, N.J.
- 9:25 p.m. – Fireworks
What to Bring and What NOT to Bring
Bring:
- Family and friends
- Camping/tailgate chairs
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Don’t bring
- Dogs & pets inside gated area
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase in gated area)
- Smoking/vaping/controlled substances
- Coolers & glass containers (coolers are welcome outside gated viewing area, see map)
- Beach umbrellas/canopies
- Sparklers
- Drones
- Weapons
Event updates and additional performance announcements will be posted on the Bergen County Parks System’s Facebook and Instagram pages and on www.BergenJuly4th.org. Rain date is July 5.
See Macy’s Fireworks on the Waterfront in Jersey City
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is celebrating its 50th anniversary and collaborated with Jersey City to expand the display to the lower Hudson River. Public viewing along the Hudson River is free and will be managed by the Jersey City Police Department. This year’s event will also feature a flotilla of tall ships and a U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial salute. Dedicated ADA-accessible viewing is available at 70 Hudson St. along the Hudson River Walkway. To get the best unobstructed view of the sky, head to one of the following official access points:
- York St. & Hudson St.
- Grand St. & Hudson St.
- Essex St. & Hudson St.
- Washington St. & Dudley St. (Paulus Hook Section)
- Colgate Clock
- Columbus Dr. & Hudson St.
- Hudson St. & Harborside Pl.
- 2nd St. & Hudson St.
Wrestling, Harness Racing, Fireworks at Meadowlands Racetrack
Celebrate America’s birthday at the Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, New Jersey for a unique evening of fun and fireworks. Los Mini Enmascarados (Mini Masked Wrestlers) perform the unique Mexican Cultural Art of Lucha Libre at 7 p.m. Horse racing begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Read more: Celebrate July 4th With Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling, Free Fireworks at Meadowlands Racetrack
There is no charge to enter the racetrack, check out harness racing, or watch the fireworks, which will go off at approximately 10:35 p.m. Tickets for Los Mini Enmascarados are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased here. A limited number of VIP picnic tables near the stage remain available. Fans can bring in their own chairs and blankets for the open-seating show.
For more information, see PlayMeadowlands.com. Reservations for the Pink Buffet are available by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/dine/.
Walking Tour Explores American Revolution’s Pivotal Events
Historic Walking Tour with the Bergen County Historical Society, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1208 Main St., River Edge, N.J. The “Meet Me in the Meadow” walking tour will be guided by Deborah Powell, Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commission Member and Past BCHS President. Because of its strategically important bridge over the Hackensack River, Historic New Bridge Landing witnessed military activity in every year of the Revolutionary War, serving as a battleground, encampment, military headquarters, and intelligence-gathering post. The site played a critical role during George Washington’s retreat across New Jersey in 1776, earning its reputation as “The Bridge That Saved a Nation.” Click here to register and for more information.
‘Red, White & Dream Party‘ at American Dream
American Dream Mall is hosting an indoor Independence Day celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary. The “Red, White & Dream Party” is from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, and will be held alongside its ongoing month-long Dream Fan Fest World Cup celebration. The July 4 festival will be held at the Dream Bar, located in Court A on Level 2. There will be a free indoor BBQ (while supplies last), yard games, and live entertainment.
In addition, the Arena Watch & Play Zone — a hub for major sports watch parties and interactive gaming — will be open all day on July 4. It will feature giant screens broadcasting soccer matches, live hosts, free interactive games, soccer tournaments, and giveaways. DJ Pro Style and iHeartRadio will perform live sets in the mall to keep the pre- and post-match holiday crowds hyped.
Nutley Plans Full Day of Fun, Plus Fireworks at Dusk
Nutley is hosting a massive day-long Independence Day and America250 celebration on Saturday, July 4, at 6 p.m. at the Nutley Park Oval. Food vendors will line Franklin Avenue and Ultimate Entertainment will provide music and games. There will be face painters, magicians, and balloon artists, as well as a family fun run, crafts, and more. The fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk.
Franklin Avenue will be closed from Chestnut to Church streets from 3:30 p.m. until cleanup is finished. For more information, contact 973-284-4976.
Firecracker Family Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. at Kingsland Park in Nutley (across from Kingsland Manor). Participants can run, walk, or jog. The run will depart from Kingsland Park, travel along the Nutley Parks Path to Chestnut Street, and then return to Kingsland Manor. During the run, participants will encounter QR codes placed throughout the parks that offer additional information and history about Nutley and its residents. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
Following the race, Kingsland Manor members wearing period attire will offer tours of the manor and share information about Nutley’s local history. Light refreshments will also be served, and participants will receive a commemorative 250th Anniversary gift while supplies last. Registration is suggested. Click here for registration information.
Summer Craft Saturdays for families take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive. No registration is necessary. The session is free, appropriate for all ages, and supplies are provided while they last.
Ridgefield Park Has Oldest Parade in Country
Ridgefield Park takes Independence Day seriously, with the oldest continuously running parade not only in New Jersey but in the entire country. Its Fourth of July Parade and Celebration, founded in 1894, begins at 7:30 a.m. at Euclid Avenue and Mt. Vernon Street, with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Memorial Plaza. The rest of the schedule:
- 7:45 a.m. – Cannon salute, raising of our nation’s flag; Memorial Plaza
- 8 a.m. – Annual review of the RPFD; Firemen’s Monument, Euclid Ave and Cedar St.
- 9 a.m. – Baby and Youth Parade; Euclid Ave, between Preston and Mt Vernon Sts.
- 11:25 a.m. – Cannon salute and playing of the National Anthem; Hudson Ave and Preston St.
- 11:30 a.m. – Cannon salute and start of the Civic Parade; Hudson Ave and Preston St.
- 1:00 p.m. – Trophy and Awards presentation; Brewster Park
- 7:30 p.m. – Performance by the Rutherford Community Band; Veterans Park
- 9:00 p.m. – Singing of the National Anthem; Veterans Park
- 9:10 p.m. – Fireworks display; Veterans Park
- 9:30 p.m. – Fireworks display; New Overpeck Park
Passaic County Salutes Independence Day at Dey Mansion and Clifton Stadium
Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters, 199 Totowa Road, Wayne, New Jersey, will mark July 4 and America’s 250th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music, food vendors, and lawn games on the grounds of George Washington’s 1780 headquarters.
Clifton Stadium, 350 Piaget Ave., Clifton, N.J., will celebrate America’s 250th birthday from 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. There will be carnival rides, a beer garden by Ghost Hawk Brewery, food, games, music, and fireworks. The carnival also takes place 6-11 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 and 3-11 p.m. Friday, July 3.
July 4 Party on the Great Lawn at Mountain Creek Resort
If you’re looking for a mountain getaway vibe, Mountain Creek Resort, 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, N.J., is throwing a July 4 party from 6-10 p.m. on the Great Lawn outside of the Red Tail Lodge. Grab a bite to eat at the Biergarten or any of the resort’s other satellite stations. There will be live music by Emotional Damage, vendors, bounce houses, lawn games, a petting zoo, sky rides (closes at 8 p.m.), and the Mountain Coaster (additional cost, closes 8 p.m.). People are advised to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. The fireworks will start between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Weapons, alcohol, glass containers, and drones are strictly prohibited at this event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Vendors include:
- The Rustic Bee Lemonade
- Rosie’s Empanadas
- Dairy Swirl
- Totally Nutz
- Jerzey Girl Pickles
