If you’re in the Meadowlands for the long July 4 weekend, there is plenty to do, from fireworks and concerts to the state fair, harness racing, and more.
State Fair Meadowlands
The State Fair Meadowlands is back at the Meadowlands Sports Complex through Sunday, July 9 in the parking lots of MetLife Stadium.
There are amusement rides, racing pigs, magicians, a petting zoo, and fair food with free parking daily for all fairgoers.
“This year is going to be our best, most entertainment-packed year yet,” said Mike Dorso, vice president of State Fair Meadowlands. “We have perennial favorites with new performances that are sure to please. All the favorite foods are back with a few new vendors.”
Admission tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Shows with admission at scheduled times include hypnotist Steve Bayner, a stunt show, magician Lance Gifford – a new face at the State Fair Meadowlands – and more.
The Big Bee Robot, a real moving car, transforms into a giant 15-Foot action robot and entertains with an L.E.D. light show for a futuristic experience.
Multi-instrumentalist Monte Ibel performs July 1-4 and fuses modern pop with the soul sounds of the 70s.
The Cycle Circus features a daredevil team performing a freestyle motocross show with pyrotechnics, music, and lighting.
Fireworks are happening on July 3 and July 4 arranged by Garden State Fireworks, the same company that choreographs fireworks shows for Walt Disney World and Coney Island.
See more: $1 Dogs, $2 Beers Racing for Meadowlands Fan Appreciation Night
Nutley Fireworks & Fair
Franklin Avenue will be closed between Chestnut and Church streets in Nutley on Tuesday, July 4, beginning at 4 p.m. with festivities kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
Food vendors will line Franklin Avenue and there will be music by DJ Rob Franicola and games at the Park Oval, where fireworks will begin at dusk. There will also be live music provided by The Infernos.
If the weather is bad, the event will be held on the next clear night. See www.nutleynj.org/4thofjuly for more information.
Rutherford Baby Parade & Fireworks
The 91st Annual Baby Parade takes place in Rutherford on Saturday, July 1 at Elliott Place (between Home and Mortimer avenues) at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Lightbridge Academy, a $100 grand prize will be awarded for 1st place and another 10 prizes will be awarded at $50 each.
Fireworks and other festivities, sponsored by Felician University, begin at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park. Streets will be closed in the area around the field (denoted in red on the map) and residents are asked to bring lawn chairs.
Hackensack Fireworks & Festivities
Hackensack’s fireworks and festivities take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on July 4 at Foschini Park. There will be food trucks, family games and a beer garden from 4 to 8 p.m. The band Fillet of Soul performs at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks start about 9 p.m.
Free parking is available at:
Lot A: State St between Lawrence St and Trinity PL
Lot C: Corner of Midtown PL and Midtown Bridge St.
Lot D: Clay St and State St behind Verizon Bldg.
Lot E: Corner of Ward St and Stat St
Lot S: Corner of Essex St and State St.
Lot T: Corner of Trinty Pl and State St.
Lot U: State St between Clay and West Camden
Atlantic St Garage: between State St and Main St.
