This weekend marks America’s 250th anniversary and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate it in Monmouth and Ocean Counties! Check out our guide for some local fireworks, parades, and events to celebrate the special occasion.

Be sure to check dates, times, locations, and weather for any of the events you plan to attend, as details may be subject to change.

July 1

Seaside Heights | America’s 250th Celebration | 5pm-10pm

Enjoy a patriotic celebration filled with red, white, and blue along Casino Pier! There will be lively patriotic characters, face painting, patriotic drumline performances, and an all-new Beach Ball Drop. There is no cost for any of the activities. There will also be a wristband special for families to enjoy unlimited rides on the pier for just $29 from 1pm-7pm. You can end the night by enjoying the Seaside Heights Fireworks at 9:30pm.

Aberdeen | America 250 Celebration | 5pm-10pm

Join an evening filled with live entertainment, food vendors, family fun, and fireworks as we celebrate America 250 at Veterans Memorial Park (Ocean Blvd. and Lakeshore Drive). Admission is free, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Fireworks begin at 9:15pm, so don’t forget your chairs, blankets and patriotic spirit!

July 2

Wall | Allaire Village Antique American Flag Display | 11am-4pm

Don’t miss this unique, historic American flag display – featuring flags dating back to the 1800s at the chapel at Allaire State Park (available from July 2nd-July 5th). Admission for the flag display is free. There will also be a no-cost concert at 1pm on July 3rd at the gazebo, performed by the NJ National Guard 63rd Army Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you plan to attend the concert. Learn more.

Red Bank | America’s 250 Celebration | 4pm

Don’t miss this epic celebration at Broadwalk. At 4pm there will be activities for kids including a balloon artist, face painting and games. At 5pm there will be a DJ on site, trivia, giveaways, photo ops, and a pie eating contest. Don’t miss John Luckenbill’s Pop Band at 7pm, following by a 250th Anniversary laser light show at the intersection of West Front Street and Broad Street.

Howell | Independence Day Celebration | 5pm-9:30pm

Let Freedom Ring at Soldier Memorial Park (Lakewood Farmingdale Rd.)! Enjoy live entertainment, rides and activities, a karate demonstration, and cornhole – because nothing says Fourth of July more! There will be a fireworks display at dusk. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and beverages (for those 21+) available for purchase.

Ocean Township | 4th of July Celebration | 5:30pm-10pm

The annual celebration will take place at Joe Palaia Park (Whalepond Rd.) – featuring live music, food trucks, family activities, and more. The night will end with a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend, but items will be available for purchase.

Brick | Summerfest & Fireworks | 6pm

Brick’s annual Summerfest kicks off at Windward Beach Park on Princeton Avenue with a special 250th anniversary concert, followed by fireworks at dusk.

Toms River | Patriotic Concert & Drone Show | 7:30pm

There will be a patriotic concert followed by a drone show over Silver Bay (Bayfront Field, 1189 Bandon Rd.) Park at Cattus Island Park and a free shuttle will take you to the bayfront field. The show will begin with a 25-piece orchestra performing patriotic favorites. The concert will be followed by a drone show. There will also be food trucks, games, informational exhibits and a Revolutionary War-themed trailer highlighting the nation’s upcoming celebration.

Bradley Beach | Fireworks | 9pm-10pm

Don’t miss these annual Independence Day fireworks on the beach! No cost to attend. Be sure to also bring a chair or blanket.

July 3

Manasquan | Fourth of July Parade, Concert, and Fireworks | 5pm-9:30pm

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with a festive parade of bikes and golf carts, followed by a live musical performance at the Manasquan Beach Boardwalk (201 Beachfront). The evening will end with a fireworks display. There is no entry fee to attend.

Colts Neck | Annual Independence Celebration & Fireworks | 6pm

One of the largest-attended public events in Colts Neck, the town’s annual fireworks celebration at Bucks Mill Recreation Area (137 Bucks Mill Rd.) includes local businesses and organizations, while bringing the community together. There will be an apple pie eating contest, flag ceremony, various refreshments, music, and fireworks at dusk. A $10 parking donation is suggested. Find out more.

Belmar | Concert, Light Show and Fireworks | 8:30pm

The summer sky will be lit up with a fireworks spectacular and computerized light show set to music, outside Taylor Pavilion (5th and Ocean Avenues). A free concert will begin at 8:30pm, followed by the laser light show and fireworks display – which will start around 9:10pm. Though the event is free to attend, the town is suggesting a $25 donation from each family attending which will be donated to Rebuilding Warriors.

Asbury Park | Fireworks Display | 9pm

There are no bad seats for Asbury Park’s fireworks display, brought to you by Garden State Fireworks. This show will light up the sky over the waterfront, following the decades-old tradition. Arrive early to get your viewing spot set up, the fireworks display will take place between 1st and 4th Avenue beaches.

July 4

Manalapan | Celebration of Independence Day | 10:30am-3:30pm

Experience the Fourth of July like its 1776 at Monmouth Battlefield State Park! There will be a living history camp, demonstrations of cannon firing, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. There is no entry fee to attend.

Plumsted | Celebrate America Food Trucks & Fun | 12pm

Gather your family and friends for two star-spangled days of patriotic fun at Laurita Winery – with the fun also continuing on July 5th! The beautiful vineyard is a great place to enjoy live music and entertainment, gourmet food trucks, and Laurita’s specialty alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21 and over). There will be a fireworks display on July 4th only. Admission is $15 + tax per adult online until 6pm the day before, or $20 at the door. Those under 21 get in free.

Holmdel | Independence Day Celebration | 12pm-3pm

Independence Day was a festive time in the 1890s – patriotism was celebrated with music and games. Join the staff at Longstreet Farm as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests. This event is free to attend.

Keansburg | Annual Family Fun Fest & America 250 Celebration | 12pm-9pm

Celebrate Keansburg’s kickoff to summer at their annual Family Day at Baywalk East (2 Beachway Ave.). Set up your beach spot and enjoy a full day of non-stop entertainment, with a HUGE fireworks display to follow! Bring your friends, family and summer vibes.

Long Branch | Oceanfest | 1pm-10pm

Celebrate the nation’s big milestone, taking place at the Long Branch Great Lawn & Promenade. There is a lineup of bands providing entertainment all day long, live dances and performances, family-friendly activities, and food trucks. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean as the night ends. There is no entry fee to attend, but items will be available for purchase.

July 5

Freehold | Independence Day Concert & Fireworks and Hot Dog Eating Contest | 5:30pm

Enjoy a packed schedule of live music, entertainment by Mision Dance, and a fireworks display at the Freehold Raceway at 9:15pm. Jersey Freeze will also be hosting their third annual hotdog eating contest at 6pm. The festivities kick off with a live DJ, a face painter and balloon artist, a guest appearance from Buster of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and an appearance from the East Freehold Fire Department. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food available for purchase at Jersey Freeze. You can also watch the Freehold fireworks display from Jersey Freeze at sundown.

Pt. Pleasant | Independence Day Weekend Fireworks | 9:30pm-9:50pm

Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show from the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Before the fireworks, you can enjoy the activities the boardwalk has to offer, such as family-friendly rides and games or enjoying one of the various dining options. There is no entry fee to enjoy the fireworks display.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Stay tuned for our regular list of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for the remainder of July – coming next week.