From America’s 250th birthday celebrations and Fourth of July fireworks to World Cup watch parties, boardwalk festivals, live music, food trucks fests, July in New Jersey is packed with things to do all month:
July 1
Middle Twp. America 250 Celebration
Middle Twp.
During the Hometown Heroes Ceremony, the Middle Township Navy ROTC Color Guard will present the colors, Mia Rodriguez will perform the National Anthem, and Mayor
Leusner will present certificates to sponsors. Then, there will be live music by Animal House Band, family entertainment, food vendors, and The Big Spectacular: Fireworks & Drone Show.
Independence Day Fireworks & Food Truck Festival
Lewis F. Cole Middle School, Fort Lee
Bring a blanket or low beach chair for the festival, which includes music, food, giveaways and fireworks.
July 1-5
Wildwood 4th of July Week Events
The Wildwoods
Events for America’s 250th birthday include the reenactment of Turtle Gut Inlet, a patriotic done show, a baby and a pooch parade, a 5K beach run, Friday night fireworks, a sports card show, the farmers market and boardwalk craft show, a 78th Army Band concert, and a huge 4th of July celebration.
Select dates, July 1-15
NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Hub
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison
SI Stadium will be fans’ home for soccer, music, and culture, with the SI Stadium Concert Series and RBNY Soccer Celebration activations in one place. Every matchday gives fans the rare chance to step onto the field, catch live DJs and player appearances, and enjoy a rotating mix of local talent, food trucks, and fan activations. Most matches will air inside the “Hype House,” featuring 20 TVs, a 360-degree bar, and a permanent stage for DJs and local bands, while select games will be shown on the main stage screen.
July 1-19
World Cup Fan Fest
American Dream, East Rutherford
The mega shopping and entertainment complex next to MetLife Stadium, where eight matches will be played, will host daily watch parties, live performances, celebrity appearances, giveaways, concerts, brand activations and special events.
Select Dates, July 1 – August 15
Montclair Jazz Festival
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
The Smithsonian Institution has selected the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, as part of its “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” a celebration of jazz cities that helped shape the nation. The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts (plus Wednesday, July 1) lead up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on Aug. 15.
July 1 – August 16
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
See over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring the towering Chinese Dragon, glowing flower gardens, ad special lanterns celebrating Philadelphia’s big summer events. The historic Rendell Family Fountain comes alive with choreographed lights, water, and music. Nightly performances feature acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts, and the ancient art of Face Changing.
Wednesdays, July 1 – August 26
Wildwood Crest Food Truck & Summer Music Series
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Stop by each week for a rotating lineup of 12 food trucks and different bands taking the stage. Artisan crafts, local goods, and specialized merch will be for sale.
July 2
Independence Day Fireworks & World Cup Events
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
New Brunswick kicks off its 4th of July festivities early with a free community celebration. This year’s festival doubles as a World Cup hub, with two 20-foot LED screens broadcasting soccer matches live. There will be live music from R&B and soul band Valarie & the Dimensions alongside a live DJ. The park will feature local food trucks, a family fun zone with inflatables, and a shopping village. The celebration wraps up at sundown with a fireworks spectacular over the Raritan River.
Stars, Stripes & Anglesea Nights
Anglesea Entertainment District, North Wildwood
The patriotic street fair will be a festive red, white and blue celebration featuring a dozen food trucks, market shopping, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and patriotic performers. There will be stilt walkers and street performers, a special appearance by the renowned Philly Fife & Drum Corps with Revolutionary-era music, and patriotic pageantry.
July 2, 16, 30
August 13
Angelsea Nights
Angelsea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The lively pedestrian festival is a mix of food trucks, shopping, and street entertainment like stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers.
July 3-5
New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
The river towns will mark America’s birthday in the very place where George Washington traveled during the Revolutionary War – and still has an open bar tab! On Friday, join a discussion with children’s book author Abigale Readlinger; look for costumed re-enactors dressed as the Washingtons, Ben Franklin and General Henry Knox; attend shows by Music Mountain Theatre and Roxey Ballet; and grab a seat for New Hope’s largest fireworks display in history. On Saturday, there is a pub crawl for adults led by George Washington and Sam Adams; and a giant outdoor concert. Sunday includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a freedom parade, dragon boat races, and the synchronized singing of “God Bless America” from both river banks.
July 3-5, 11-12, 18-19
Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows
Wildwoods Boardwalk
Dozens of booths will be set up along the southern end of the boardwalk, so you can look for handcrafted jewelry, home décor, unique artwork, beach-inspired treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats.
July 3-8
Heritage Week
Trenton
New Jersey’s capital city marks America’s birthday with the reopening of the Old Barracks Museum, a multi-cultural parade, a wreath-laying ceremony, a multi-cultural festival, a patriotic Trenton Thunder ball game, special exhibits at the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey State Library, an ecumenical service at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church where wounded Hessian soldiers were brought during the Battle of Trenton in 1776, walking tours, a potluck supper, readings of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” and the Declaration of Independence, free tours of the New Jersey State House, a concert by the 55 musicians of the Blawenburg Band, and HistoryFest.
July 4
Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
The afternoon of July 4 will feature over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions and fireworks. Major acts set to hit the stage include legendary hip-hop group and Bergen County natives the Sugarhill Gang, the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band and Tempo Alegre.
Hammonton Independence Day Parade & Festival
Hammonton
Activities begin in the morning at Veterans Park, where live music, food stands, historical exhibits and a patriotic ceremony will take place. At 4 pm, break for the parade down Bellevue Avenue; bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers will be judged for the contest. Come back to Hammonton High School at night for live entertainment, more food and activities, and a fireworks display.
USA 250 – America’s Birthday Bash
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The 116th annual birthday party for America starts with a flag raising and a parade in the morning. At night, there will be live music, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks.
Oceanfest
Long Branch
At one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey, you and your crew can watch dance performances, listen to musicians and see clowns. Stroll the boards, shop local businesses and grab a bite at nearby restaurants; then stay for the fireworks display to cap off the night.
Summit’s 4th of July Celebration
Soldiers Memorial Field, Summit
The 79th annual Fourth of July Celebration features a flag raising ceremony, children’s decorated bike parade, food truck festival, concerts, and a grand fireworks display.
America 250 – Milltown Parade
Milltown
All of the town favorites return for the country’s 250th anniversary celebration: a fishing derby, 5K race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, and music of all kinds.
Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The 4th of July party includes live entertainment, family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, and blueberry-themed BBQ faves.
July 4-5
Celebrate America Food Trucks & Fun
Laurita Winery & Marketplace, New Egypt (Plumsted)
Spend Independence Weekend at the winery, where activities include food trucks, live music, lots of wine, time with the kids in the vineyard, and fireworks on Saturday night.
July 4-19
New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
The iconic Rink will become a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens will be transformed into a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones will be located across the Plaza.
July 9
Downtown Thursdays Evening Market
Alden Street, West Orange
This month’s event features live music by The Characters, a popular Jersey Shore band.
July 9-11
Randolph Freedom Fest
County College of Morris, Randolph
For the 50th year, the campus grounds will be filled with music, carnival games, mechanical rides, amusements, food, a beer garden and fireworks in a post-July 4th celebration.
July 10
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Road Beach, Wildwood Crest
Get your shovels ready and head to the beach, where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of just sand and water. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their amazing pieces of art.
July 10-12
Anglesea Blues Festival
Anglesea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The weekend brings together blues music and BBQ favorites. Regional and national musicians will take the stage, playing the free outdoor main stage as well as local clubs and pubs. BBQ pros will compete in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship, serving up plenty of delicious food along the way. Pitch a tent or drive an RV and camp out for the whole weekend.
July 11
Butterfly Festival & Old Fashion Picnic
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Activities include butterfly house tours and a butterfly release, the Bugs on the Go Show, info on the life of a honey bee, a talk on native bees, and a butterfly parade. You can also tour the historic house and battlefield. There will also be live music and a community art show.
Summer Fairy Festival
Watershed Institute, Pennington
Magical activities include building fairy cottages using natural materials, splashing together during mermaid games, fluttering around an obstacle course, and dressing as a fairy or other mythical creature.
July 11-12
Maplewoodstock Art + Music Festival
Memorial Park, Maplewood
The annual two-day music and arts festival is run entirely by volunteers, and it’s free! There will be tons of mini concerts from musicians in every genre. This year will include a special Independence: Your Story art gallery, displaying artists’ paintings, photos, mixed media, sculptures and jewelry that envision America’s 250th anniversary.
Christmas in July
Historic Smithville, Galloway
The Village Greene will turn into a summertime Christmas celebration with visits with Santa, train rides, a shopping area on the Greene aside from the shoppes, and family-friendly activations and pop-ups.
Stony Hill Farms Pickle Fest
Stony Hill Farm, Chester
There will be pickle samples, flights, food items and merch.
Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
Kings Highway, Haddonfield
One of the region’s top fine art and craft shows lines the streets with tents, making it easy to browse while visiting downtown restaurants, shops and other local spots along the way.
July 11-14
The Capital One All-Star Village
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
The All-Star Village will be modeled as a baseball theme park, and be the ultimate fan fest for baseball fans ahead of the MLB All-Star Game. There will be interactive baseball attractions, autograph signings, photos with former stars, exclusive merch, and food from around the league.
July 12
Artisan Market Pop-Up
Pier A Waterfront Walkway or 770 Jackson Street Plaza, Hoboken (depending on the date)
There will be 60+ vendors selling jewelry, baked goods, eyewear, handmade items, prints, knitted items, accessories and chocolates.
July 13
Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Music Festival
The Point Tiki Bar, Somers Point
This Mardi Gras celebration in July is part Louisiana music festival, part food fest. Somers Point’s own Dead Reckoning will perform a Grateful Dead tribute; plus music by Rolling Stone cover band Bearly Stoned, Soul Project NOLA and The Plaid Salmon Horns. The concert is free, but the all-you-can-taste gumbo cook off has a fee. You’ll get free beads, too.
July 14
Welcome World! Princeton’s Global Food Festival & World Cup Watch Parties
Princeton
Princeton will celebrate the global spirit of the tournament through international foods (get your Global Foods Passport), cultural programming and community watch parties.
Englewood Night Market
Downtown Englewood
Bergen County’s ultimate block party is an open-air street festival with food, music, shopping, cocktail/mocktail vendors, live bands, DJ ALX, outdoor bars, soccer-themed activations, World Cup watch parties, an interactive soccer challenge, a 360º photo booth experience, and a giant 40-foot slide.
July 16-19
White Meadow Lake Festival Days
White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Twp.
The private community will be open to the public for rides, music, food, drinks, entertainment, a magician, strolling performers, a psychic, a marketplace, glitter tattoos, Henna tattoos, permanent jewelry, and more.
July 17-18
Color & Light Festival
Grand Arcade, Asbury Park
July 17-18
The Grand Arcade of Asbury Park Boardwalk will be the “screen” for projection-mapped images set to music. The original works of 3D animated storytelling are so realistic that the building will look like it’s physically transforming. And this year, creative studio Maxin10sity joins the lineup for the World Cup “Welcomes the World” Special Edition, as part of NJPAC’s North to Shore Festival.
July 18
Water Ice Festival
The Park at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Thirty water ice vendors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware will have their flavors on hand for sampling. Vote for your favorites as you walk along the boardwalk.
House Music Festival
Warinanco Park, Roselle
This year’s lineup features Chill X, Millie Milz, Soul Fingers, Dawud Johnson, Soulful Messiah, Stacy Kidd, MCEE Ras Anthony, and Zaykeya Productions and Entertainment, alongside a highly-anticipated special performance by Darryl Bonneau.
July 18-19
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals – Luau at Laurita
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Take a vineyard wagon tour, feast on island-inspired eats, sip on Laurita wines, and shop in the marketplace. For kids, there will be a balloon/face painting artist, a kid’s play area, corn hole, and live entertainment. There will be live performance by the South Pacific Island Dancers featuring authentic Hawaiian dancers and Samoan Fire Knife Dancers.
CFA Cat Expo and Show
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Cat lovers will come out for a huge marketplace, shows, displays, merch, the World Cup of Cats, and adoption info.
The Atlantic City Beach Festival and World Cup Watch Party
1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City
In time for the third-place match and World Cup final, this high-energy event combines live Latin music, beachfront entertainment, soccer viewing, concerts, food trucks and stands, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Flower Festival
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Terhune’s first-ever Flower Festival offers a full day of activities across the farm. For the kids: pony rides, barnyard tractors, interactive play areas, the Little Tikes Farm Store, the Junior Mechanics Shop, rubber duck races, a scavenger hunt, hands-on games, NJ Bubble Parties, Dennis the Magician’s Magical Bug Show (with a special ladybug release), themed craft projects. For the adults: Wine tasting in the 100-year-old historic apple orchard – including peach slushies. For everyone: Live music from local bands from 12 to 4 pm; Pam Mount’s food tent sells barbecue, fresh salads, gazpacho and apple cider donuts; the Barn Door Café will serve peach ice cream.
July 19
Hackettstown Street Fair + World Cup Celebration
Main Street, Hackettstown
While you stroll along the street, check for places that are tuned into the World Cup final match. There will be more than 100 booths set up, crafters, entertainment, live performances, a kid’s area and local shopping.
July 25
Sourland Mountain Festival
Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes
Learn all about the Sourland region as you listen to live music, eat local foods, sip craft beers and spirits, and take part in family activities. Since this is held at the winery, you know the samples will be on point. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of the Sourland Mountain region of Central New Jersey.
Gospel Music Festival
Monument Park, New Brunswick
The sounds of R&B, gospel and soul music will fill the streets of New Brunswick, as mini concerts take center stage at the park.
July 25-26
Antiques & Summer Market
WheatonArts, Millville
Spend the weekend searching for forgotten gems and unique finds at this indoor/outdoor event – like books, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, memorabilia, toys and vintage accessories. You can explore the Museum of American Glass, the Down Jersey Folklife Center, artist studios, museum stores, and the nature trail. There will be free hands-on family art activities. The Education Studio will be open, offering discounted Make-Your-Own Glass Fusing Experiences for pendants, magnets and suncatchers.
July 25 – August 1
Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival
Warren County Fairgrounds, Phillipsburg
After watching the hot air balloons soar overhead, head back to the fairgrounds for Demolition Derbies, the Traditional Arts Expo, a Kids’ Corral, concerts, garden tractor pulls, horse shows and carnival rides throughout the day.
July 26
Hopatcong Monthly Market
Hopatcong DPW Lot, Hopatcong
Discover unique handmade goods, new gift items, treats, and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting 50+ small businesses and talented makers in the community. A different food truck is featured each month.
Fireflies & Faeries
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
TNC will become an illuminated woodland so that you can walk along a 1/3-mile forest path and see handcrafted faerie houses from local artists.
July 31 – August 2
The Ultimate Pickle Experience
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
While snacking on pickle samples, order a meal from any of 20 food trucks parked outside the convention center. Watch pro pickle wrestling, sign up for a pickle eating contest, join the Pickle Olympics, and bring the kids to the Bounce-a-Mania Zone.
Clam Fest
Huddy Park, Highlands
The stars of the show are the seafood-based food trucks, but if you’re more of a land lover, come for the Lions Club funnel cakes or the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. The streets will be closed for rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors, music, and on Saturday a fireworks display.
July 31 – August 8
New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
The fairgrounds will be packed with rides, games, attractions, food, music and farm animals to celebrate all things Jersey. Aside from carnival events, the kids will want to see the Circus Incredible show, the Hontz Family Bavarian Band, tractor pulls, lumberjack competitions, Oscar the Robot and agricultural exhibits.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
4th of July Celebrations and Festivals in New Jersey
2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey: Fan Fests, Watch Parties and Family Events
Our Mega Guide to Summer Festivals in New Jersey
The Best Free Things to Do in NJ in July
Popular in Parenting:
Why Won’t My Teen Leave Their Room?
How to Set Summer Screen Time Rules Without Constant Fighting
How to Create a Summer Routine Your Kids Won’t Fight
