It’s that time of year again. When the dark nights are brightened with pyrotechnics that continue to blow our mind despite how many times we’ve seen them. It’s a birthday party that we’re all invited to and it might be our favorite one to attend. Why? Well, who else gets to celebrate their birthday with fireworks? I mean really! So we’ve compiled the greatest list of Jersey Shore Fireworks in the history of America.
Little did you know that John Adams had intended to celebrate America’s birthday with “pomp and parade” on July 2nd… yes, we may be two days late in the celebration, but here at the Jersey Shore we’re celebrating on the 2nd, the 3rd, the 4th, and yes, even the 5th. Because one day of festivities is just really not enough.
Actually, we’re so patriotic that not only are we giving you the full list of where you can get your red, white, and blue on during our nation’s birthday, but we’re also going to load you up with tips, tricks, and some of our favorite places to satisfy your inner foodie. So mark your calendar, pack some sandwiches, and then get ready for some ridiculous Jersey Shore fireworks that may make this the best 4th of July yet (fingers crossed – no rain this year!)
Thursday, July 2nd | Friday, July 4th | Saturday, July 4th | Sunday July 5th
Summerfest at Windward Beach Park, Brick
When you name your Jersey Shore fireworks celebration Summerfest, you know that it’ll be a day filled with all things that you love because it’s all about our favorite season of the year. Kick of the 21st season of Brick’s Summerfest with a concert by The Amish Outlaws at 7pm before ending the night with a show in the sky at 9pm.
Hang out in the beer and wine garden, grab some food in the updated food court or bring your own with some sandwiches from Mulberry Street Italian Food Center. There will be free shuttle buses running from Brick Township High School, Midstreams Elementary School, and Drum Point Elementary School from 5-8pm, so you won’t even have to worry about parking! And if those fireworks are pushing you to enjoy the summer evening a little bit more, head to River Rock for Ladies Night. Remember, it’s a birthday party!
Freehold Raceway, Freehold Borough
How does an evening of live music from the Eddie Testa Band along with the top songs played by WRAT and WJRZ along with fireworks that are sure to make you proud you’re an American sound? Pretty damn good! Set up your own party area when the gates open at 6:30pm. Bring along a picnic by packing up some delicious sandwiches or spend some time trying out the number of food vendors that will be keeping the masses full all night long. With over 20,000 people expected to attend, this is one picnic that is sure to stand out, especially as the sun sets and the fireworks put a dazzling topper to your cake.
Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood Twp.
Celebrate our nation’s big day this Thursday with the Wilbur Wittemann Patriotic Band starting at 7:30pm. Bring your blankets, chairs, some food, and your festive spirit as Lakewood Twp. sets the tone for a fireworks display starting at 9:15pm. Set up anywhere along the lake on North and South Lake Drive for a spectacular view of the starry sky. They’ll even be shuttle buses available from the Municipal Building and Public Works parking lot beginning at 6pm.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant Beach
At Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, you get two nights of fireworks, not just one! Thursday night is their weekly fireworks at dark show. The best part of these fireworks? No matter where you are on the boardwalk, you’ll have a front row seat starting at 9pm.
Municipal Harbor, Atlantic Highlands
There’s truly something festive that comes about when there’s food, games, and yes, Jersey Shore fireworks. Atlantic Highlands is celebrating America’s birthday with a five day shindig. Running from June 30th to July 4th, the Fireman’s Fair is the perfect place to bring the family. Play some games, take a ride on the tilt-a-whirl, or just stay for the fireworks at 9:30pm on July 3rd. If you’re still feeling the need to party (and maybe grab a festive drink) head to where the local’s go at Windandsea for some live entertainment or enjoy a front seat view of the fireworks at On the Deck Restaurant. Either way, it’s sure to be a boom!
This shore town is no stranger to festive celebrations (Lobster Fest and Memorial Day are huge hits here), so when they put on a Jersey Shore fireworks display, you know it’s going to be good. Become a part of the community, if just for one night, as you lay on the beach for an evening of lights at 9:30pm. Before heading to the beach, make like a local and enjoy some traditional Italian food at Pagano’s Uva Restaurant on Main Street for a strong martini and maybe a bowl of pasta or a pizza fresh out of the oven. We guarantee you’ll see the same people in the bar that you’ll see laying down next to you on the beach.
Fishing Pier and Boardwalk Avenue, Keansburg
Pack the kids up and head for a two-day Jersey Shore fireworks party starting at 9pm on July 3rd and 4th (because one day of fireworks is so last year). Spend the night at Keansburg Amusement Park for a chance to ride the looping roller coaster, get dizzy on the tea cup rides, or sea just how far up you can climb on the rock climbing wall. It’s a family night out that your kids are sure to never forget.
Lacey Township High School, Lacey Twp.
This Friday, celebrate America’s birthday with the Lacey Twp. community as Exelon supports a community night out with big boom fireworks and an evening to remember. Get to know your neighbors starting at 7:30 then ooh and ahh with them as the first boom kicks off at 9:15pm.
Lakehurst Elementary School, Lakehurst
What says America as much as a car show? Well, a car show, parade, and fireworks. Yea, that’s ‘merica in our opinion! Start the long weekend off with fireworks on July 3rd at dusk then start your engines for their popular car show on the 4th followed by a parade celebrating the people who help keep this great nation great.
Main Beach, Manasquan
Yet another beach town going all out for the America’s big day. Starting at 5:15pm, kids are invited to take part in the patriotic bicycle decorating contest at the Little League Field. Once the winners have been chosen, watch as the parade marches past the Manasquan Coast Guard Station. After that, stay for some tunes from Billy Lawlor on the beach at 7:30pm. When he’s done, you’ve got fireworks. If that’s not enough for you, grab some festive food and drink from Remington’s on Main Street. If you’re still going after that, call us.
Joe Palaia Park, Ocean Twp.
One of our favorite places to go for a run, Joe Palaia Park is also the site of a fantastic Jersey Shore fireworks display. This party gets a jumpstart at 6pm with live music and food. Purchase food there or bring in your own 4th of July set up. Maybe some hot pizza from Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza and some eclectic and addictive donuts from Broad Street Dough Co.? Yea, we’ll come hang out on your blanket.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant Beach
What better way to spend America’s birthday than by hanging out at Pt. Pleasant Beach, one of the best places to actually have a birthday party! And in true Pt. Pleasant style, they’re celebrating with not one night of Jersey Shore fireworks, but two nights. Yes, back to back. Before the the late night show, take the kids into Jenkinson’s Aquarium for an up close look at their scaley friends and then maybe go for a whirl on a few at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk where you’ll find everything from a carousel to a roller coaster. When your stomach starts rumbling, head to Martell’s Lobster House for a Lobster Quesadilla which will definitely hold you over. The best part of these fireworks? No matter where you are on the boardwalk, you’ll have a front row seat starting at 9pm.
Beachfront, Union Beach
What’s so great about this year’s Jersey Shore fireworks display at Union Beach is that they’re back on and better than ever. After Superstorm Sandy, this little beach town couldn’t afford to host their annual 4th of July fireworks, but now, they’re back. The show starts at 9pm on the beachfront. Be there to support this town that has gone through so much.
Asbury Park Waterfront, Asbury Park
One of the hippest beach towns at the Jersey shore continues to step it up a notch with their beachfront fireworks display starting at 9pm. Watch from the boardwalk or lay on the sandy beach as you bite into a hot sausage sandwich from Tony’s Sausage, Dogs, and Cheesesteaks, an Italian style sub from Dino’s on Main or maybe a cheesesteak from The Speakeatery (because the Liberty Bell is in Philly). You may even be able to catch the fireworks from the rooftop at the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten (not American, but the Germans are always up to celebrate!) Whatever you choose to do, just enjoy the night out in the company of good friends, good food, and good drinks.
Barnegat Municipal Dock and Bay Village in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
From 10am to 10pm, Long Beach Island is going to be in full red, white, and blue regalia. Everyone from the north tip to the south will be celebrating with parades, crafts, paddleboards and of course fireworks. Get patriotic during Barnegat Light’s Independence Day Parade at 6:30pm, pick up some crafts at Craft Day by the Bay in Harvey Cedars or head to the south tip of the island for Shape Fest. If you’re going all out, reserve a fireworks cruise on the Miss Barnegat Light. It’s the perfect night to treat the family to some fresh seafood tacos at El Swell (yes, tacos have become an American tradition) or Howard’s for a BYOB dinner that may have you oohing and ahhing a little bit earlier. No matter where you are on the island, you’re sure to see the sky light up.
Beachfront, Beachwood
No, it’s not their 239th birthday, but for the past 75 years, Beachwood has been celebrating America with a pyrotechnical patriotic salute on the river. Fully funded by donations, this longtime tradition brings families, neighbors, and visitors together to watch this spectacular show in the sky. They’re sold out this year, but next year consider taking the River Lady for a fireworks dinner cruise. Just make sure you book early!
Oceanfest at the Boardwalk, Long Branch
We can’t believe that Oceanfest is celebrating its 25th anniversary this 4th of July. Set along the Long Branch boardwalk, you’ll experience a family friendly festival that packs a huge punch. Find everything from music, to local crafts, dancers, clowns, a sand sculpture demonstration, and yes of course fireworks. While you’re up there, grab your beach chair and some take out from Wild Bamboo for made to order Thai and Chinese food. You can even order it online and it’ll be ready as you plop down on the beach and stay there until the fireworks are long over.
BlueClaws Stadium, Lakewood
Celebrate America’s birthday by watching America’s sport. Root for the home team as the BlueClaws play the Hagerstown Suns then stay for their 4th of July fireworks display, celebrating America’s birthday and hopefully a win from the BlueClaws!
New Egypt Speed Way, New Egypt
Fast cars, loud fireworks, and supporting the Wounded Warrior Project? Yea, we’re in. This 4th of July head to the New Egypt Speed Way to watch cars race to the finish then celebrate with some Jersey Shore fireworks. Just try convincing your kids that there’s another place to go to tonight.
Franklin Lake Park, West Long Branch
Yes there are fireworks down the street in Long Branch, but its sister in the west also wants in on the fun. On July 4th, hang out in West Long Branch for a show that is sure to create some sibling rivalry. Accompanying the fireworks display will be a Jersey Jukebox concert complete with all of your favorite patriotic songs.
Beachfront, Seaside Heights
New Jersey’s very own family fun summer beach town is kicking off their fireworks extravaganza this Saturday. No matter where you are in town at 9pm, from Casino Pier at the tip of the roller coaster to a bar seat at Hemingway’s Café, the view will be spectacular. And if you’re into fireworks, this is just the kick off to their Wednesday night fireworks that will last all summer long.
Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton
This historic seaport is getting ready to make history with their Independence Day celebration on the 4th. The event begins with a parade down Main Street at 10am then moves on to the party with food vendors, music, garvey races, and even jugglers. Culminating in a big fireworks showcase, this is surely an event that you don’t want to miss.
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport
Ok, they may not be lighting off firework displays, but when Monmouth Park Racetrack hosts a party, we’re definitely into it. The Red, White, and Blue Party is sure to pack in the fun with great food, drinks, live music, games, and of course horses. It’s a day at the track that our founders would approve of.
Centennial Gazebo and Gardens at Philadelphia Avenue, Lavallette
If a small shore community is more your style, then the fireworks display in Lavallette is your cup of tea. Sit back as you listen to the live concert and then watch the Jersey Shore fireworks display that will make you feel right at home. If you want to really extend your day, play in the surf, lay on the beach, and maybe pick up a few nautical inspired pieces for your home at The Beach Home before the night lights up. It’s a birthday present to yourself, for America! (Just go with it…)
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