July 4th fireworks are back in NJ for 2021. Here’s where to find them – Daily Record
A year ago, our favorite Fourth of July celebrations and traditions were canceled. A global pandemic had made the prospect of big crowds and festive gatherings a distant dream.
But now many Independence Day events are back, which means, among other things, a weekend of glittery, firework-filled skies and thunderous booms. As New Jersey transitions to a post-pandemic world, towns are eager to resume their treasured July 4th traditions, but still cautious about safety.
Some have confirmed they will not be hosting Independence Day fireworks displays this year: Ridgewood, Cresskill, Hackensack, Montclair, Lodi (fireworks are in the works for October), Bloomfield (fireworks are being planned for October 16), Mahwah, Tenafly, Saddle Brook, Wyckoff and Maplewood.
But there are still plenty to choose from. Here are the places you can see fireworks over the July 4th weekend. Know of an event not listed? Tell us about it at newsroom@northjersey.com.
Macy’s fireworks in NYC
This year, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks in New York City, the biggest display of them all, will return on July 4 beginning at 8 p.m. The free fireworks can be viewed from any unobstructed view over the East River in Midtown Manhattan or along the waterfront of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The NYPD has also set up public viewing locations for vaccinated individuals at FDR Drive. Entry points can be found on East 23rd, East 34th, and East 42nd Streets.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will also be broadcast on NBC-TV from 8 to 10 p.m. with musical performances by Coldplay, OneRepublic, Black Pumas, and Reba McEntire.
Hudson County
Jersey City fireworks
After last year’s pandemic hiatus, the Freedom and Fireworks event will return to the waterfront on July 4. Bursting over the Hudson River and across the Manhattan skyline, the Jersey City fireworks have historically been the largest display in the state. The show will begin after sunset and will be launched from two barges. It was created by the legendary Grucci family, which holds a GuinnessWorld Record for the largest fireworks display.
You can view the illuminated night sky from various locations, including the North Field at Liberty State Park, the Hudson River Walkway and most overlooks in The Heights.
Years past have drawn crowds of almost 150,000 and featured concerts by Snoop Dogg and Pitbull. This year will not include the festival and concerts, but Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop said in a press release that the event “serves as a big step towards normalcy following a year of lockdowns worldwide.”
Bergen County
Fireworks in Fair Lawn
Have a blanket or lawn chair ready on July 1 in Fair Lawn. The fireworks display is at Memorial Park. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. and the night kicks off at 7 p.m. with a musical performance by “The Shots.” Food and drinks will be sold. Pre-sale tickets are discounted and can be purchased until July 1 at 5 p.m.: $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and senior citizens. Locations include the Recreation Department, the Memorial Park Bath House, the Municipal Building, Haus Café, and Beyond Hair. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gate.
If the weather’s iffy, looks for updates on Cable Channel 77or fairlawn.org, or call 201-794-5370 after 5 p.m.
Garfield fireworks
Garfield fireworks are set for July 1 (rain date July 2) at Century Field, 75 Elizabeth St. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. with live music by “The Uptown Getdowns,” along with a variety of food trucks.
Fireworks in Bergenfield
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. on July 1 at Veterans Memorial Park. Live music begins at 6 p.m., and there will be food to enjoy.
Edgewater fireworks
Fireworks will light up the sky over Veterans Field on River Road on July 1 (rain date is July 2). Details on timing are forthcoming and will be posted on the website of the borough of Edgewater.
Fireworks in Lyndhurst
The Independence Day celebration will kick off on July 2 at 6 p.m. with food vendors and music behind the Lyndhurst Little League Fields (255 Riverside Avenue). At 8:30 p.m., as the sun is lowering, there will be Patriotic Exercises with the Gala Fireworks Display following shortly after.
Paramus fireworks
Fourth of July festivities will span two days in Paramus. It all starts the morning of July 3 with a parade that begins at 9 a.m. at Century Road and Farview Avenue and ends at Petruska Park at 11.
From 2 to 8:30 p.m. July 4, the Just Jersey Food Truck and Music Festival will take place in the parking lot of Westfield Garden State Plaza (1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard). Only requirement: an appetite. That night, from 6 to 10:30 p.m., fireworks will light the sky at the Gennarelli-Paramus Sports-Plex on the Garden State Plaza Parkway.
Allendale fireworks
The July 4 program begins at 7 a.m. with a flag raising and morning salute conducted by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts at Memorial Park. At 8 a.m., the fun moves to Recreation Park, with a series of athletic competitions including the 1.5-mile Memorial Fun Run, water balloon toss, and more. Baseball and softball games also kick off at 1 p.m.
A concert by the Community Band of Waldwick begins at Crestwood Lake at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks for Allendale residents at 9 p.m. Tickets are required for entry. Public seating will be available on Fields 5 and 6 behind the Red Barn (tickets required), along with some extra spots on South Beach, Maple Avenue Field, and Kunisch Field.
Fireworks at The Meadowlands
The State Fair at the Meadowlands has been going since June 21 but will feature two special nights of fireworks on July 3 and July 4. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. following a day packed with recreation, including hypnotist and magic shows. Tickets are required and can be purchased online. The fair is in the Metlife complex on Metlife Stadium Drive.
Passaic County
Wayne fireworks
Gates will open for fireworks at 6 p.m. July 1 at Wayne Hills High School. The event will also feature activities for kids and food. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should email steve.schiffman@waynepal.org.
Fireworks in West Milford
West Milford’s fireworks will light up the sky on July 2 (rain date is July 9) at the field behind West Milford High School (67 Highlander Drive). The celebration gets going at 6 p.m. and will feature music, food, and entertainment for the whole family. There is a $10 entry fee per car. More information: 973-728-2860.
Clifton fireworks
Clifton’s Independence Day celebration is back. On July 4, the city will host a picnic at Main Memorial Park (1395 Main Avenue) from noon to 6 p.m. At dusk, fireworks will begin at Clifton Stadium. Fireworks tickets are $3 per person and can be purchased at the city clerk’s office until Friday, July 2. Tickets will also be available the day of the fireworks starting at 7 p.m. The rain date for both the picnic and the fireworks is July 5. Inquiries about becoming a vendor should be directed to the mayor’s office.
Along with the picnic and fireworks show, Clifton will present the “Avenue of Flags”— a display put together by volunteers that goes up five times a year to commemorate living and deceased veterans. This July 4, from dawn to dusk, the flags will be visible along Clifton Avenue by City Hall.
Essex County
Fireworks in Verona
Fireworks will be held on June 30 at the Verona Community Center (880 Bloomfield Ave.). Rain date is July 1. The celebration will begin at 7 p.m.
Fairfield fireworks
An Independence Day celebration will take place on June 30, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Fairfield Recreation Complex. Concession stands s will be open and DJ music will start two hours in, at around 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin after sundown, around 9 p.m.
Fireworks in Brookdale County Park
On July 1 (rain date is July 2), Brookdale Park will host “The Infernos” band as a part of the Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series. The live music will start at 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9:15 p.m. The concert series has performances planned into late August.
Cedar Grove fireworks
Gates open for the fireworks display at 7 p.m. on July 1 (rain date is July 2) at Panther Park Field. While you wait for the light show to begin at dusk, there will be DJ music, a balloon artist, and crafts hosted by the Cedar Grove Library staff. Note that camping chairs and food are prohibited on the field turf. Food will be available for purchase by the Cedar Grove Black & Gold Club and the Towne Scoop Ice Cream Truck.
Morris County
Fireworks at Lake Hopatcong
The largest body of fresh water in New Jersey will reflect a sky full of color on July 4 at 9 p.m. This fireworks display is an annual tradition sponsored by the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club in Mount Arlington and is free and open to the public.
Jefferson Township fireworks
The annual Jefferson Fest is back this year starting at 5 p.m. July 10 and going until 11 p.m. The night will feature music, food trucks, and fireworks (scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.). The festival will take place at Jefferson Township High School (1010 Weldon Road) and admission is free.
Fireworks in Randolph
Independence Day weekend is stacked with events at Randolph’s Freedom Festival. On both July 1 and July 2 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. the Freedom Festival will feature carnival rides, food, music, and more at the County College of Morris. Fireworks will be at 9:45 p.m. July 2 (rain date is July 3) with an expected contribution of $5 per carload. The weekend wraps up on July 3 with a parade starting at 10 a.m. at Dover Chester Road and Quaker Church Road and ending at the County College of Morris. That night, from 6 to 11 p.m., will be the last night of the Freedom Festival (rain date is July 4).
Sussex County
Fireworks at Skylands Stadium, Augusta
A fireworks display will cap the Sussex County Miners’ July 4 game, and “Hometown Heroes” (police, fire and EMS units) will parade around the ball park. Gates for the game open at 4:35 p.m.; first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
No fireworks, but still lots of fun
Ridgewood fireworks canceled
The village’s popular fireworks display is canceled for another year, but its best-in-county parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. on July 5, after the annual flag raising in Wilsey Square at 9 a.m.
The parade begins at the corner of South Monroe Street and Godwin Avenue and ends at Northern Parkway and Meadowbrook Avenue. In recognition of the obstacles of the past year, the parade’s theme is “Stronger Together.”
Can’t make it to the in-person celebration? The events will be live-streamed on Facebook.
No fireworks in Glen Rock
A Fourth of July celebration will take place over two days. To begin the weekend, on July 3, Glen Rock Pops will perform live, as is tradition. The concert is free and will happen on the lawn of Borough Hall starting at 7 p.m. The rain date is July 4. Music will include patriotic songs and classics. There will be a raffle.
The Independence Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Glen Rock Borough Hall, Harding Plaza, and ends at the municipal pool. Anyone is welcome to apply to have a float in the parade, but kids of all ages are invited (without an application) to decorate a bike, scooter, or wagon. A panel of judges will decide which is the best decorated. The Religious Communities of Glen Rock will also be collecting non-perishable foods at the parade for food banks.
Maywood won’t have fireworks
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on July 5 with the theme “Honoring All Essential Workers.” This year there will not be a grand marshall and there will be no distribution of candy or ice cream — though you can snag a hot dog at Peerless Firehouse on West Hunter Avenue after the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Memorial Park. Maywood will not have a fireworks display this year.
Englewood not having fireworks
In partnership with Englewood Health, the city is hosting its Independence Day celebration on June 30 at 7:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Dwight Morrow High School (274 Knickerbocker Road). Rain date is July 6. There will be live music, but food will not be provided — attendees are urged to bring a picnic basket.”
No fireworks in Teaneck
From 12:30 to 2 p.m. on July 4, Teaneck will present a free concert by “Total Soul,” a singing and dance group that will cover hits from the 60s to today’s biggest names.
No fireworks in Little Falls
Little Falls will not be having fireworks this year but is coming in strong with its Fourth of July Street Fair. The fair is scheduled all day long on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. There will be 10 food booths, local music, activities for kids, and more.