Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Essex County! 🇺🇸

This Fourth of July is extra special as communities across the country come together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. From hometown parades and family festivals to live music, food vendors, and spectacular fireworks displays, Essex County is packed with ways to honor this historic milestone. Whether you’re looking for a small-town celebration, a night under the fireworks, or a full day of patriotic fun, we’ve rounded up the best Fourth of July events happening throughout Essex County to help you plan an unforgettable holiday weekend.

June 27

 

Star Spangled South Orange

Location: Flood’s Hill Meadowland Park 

Time: Starts at 5 PM 

Details: Fun and Games at 5 PM

Sloppy Joe Eating Contest at 7 PM

South Orange Symphony at 7:45 PM

Hamiliton on the Big Screen at Sundown 

 

July 1 

 

Verona Fireworks & America 250 Celebration 

Location: Liberty Field 

Time: Starts at 7 PM 

Details: Live music, family-friendly activities, dancing, raffles, fireworks, & more!

Rain Date: July 2nd 

 

Essex County Parks Summer Music & Fireworks Spectacular 

Location: Branch Brook Park 

Time: Begins at 7 PM

Details: Live Performance & Fireworks 

 

Fairfield Fireworks & America 250 Celebration 

Location: Recreation Center 

Time: Parade 6:30 PM / Fireworks at 9:15 PM 

Details: parade, bouncy house, food trucks, DJ, & fireworks

 

Holiday Concert for America’s 250th

Location: Maplewood Memorial Library 

Time: 12-1 PM

 

July 2 

 

 

Cedar Grove Fireworks

Location: Panther Park 

Time: Gates open at 7 PM / fireworks around 9 PM

Details: fun for all ages!

 

July 3 

 

Belleville Fireworks  

Location: Belleville Municipal Stadium  

Time: Starts at 6 PM 

Details: Family fun with games, face painting, a DJ, food trucks, and fireworks!

 

East Orange Independence Day Spectacular

Location: Paul Robeson Stadium  

Time: Doors open at 6 PM 

Details: Family fun with games, face painting, a DJ, food trucks, and fireworks!

 

July 4

 

 

Belleville Historical Society Honoring Our Revolutionary Soldiers & Color Run 

Yoga in the Park at 9 AM at School #7

Revolutionary War Soldiers Tribute at 11 AM at Dutch Reform Church

Color Run at 1 PM at Belleville High School 

 

Livingston’s 89th Annual 4th of July Celebration 

Location: Memorial Oval 

Time: 9 AM – 9:45 PM

Details: All-day Independence Day celebration including car show, food vendors, live entertainment, and a large evening fireworks display.

 

Nutley’s 4th of July Celebration 

Location: Nutley Park Oval 

Time: Family Run at 9 AM / evening festivities begin at 6 PM – fireworks at dusk

Details: Family run begins at Kingsland Park. Music, food, face painters, magicians, and fireworks!

Rain Date: Next clear night 

 

Bloomfield’s Independence Day Celebration 

Location: Foley Field 

Time: Gates open at 5:30 PM , Fireworks at 9:25 PM 

Details: Food Vendors, Kid’s Amusements/Games, Fireworks, Live Music, & Awards

 

Millburn/Short Hills ’s 4th of July Celebration 

Location: Memorial Park South

Time: morning activities begin at 8AM, Doors open for fireworks at 7:30 PM / fireworks at 9 PM

Details: 

8 AM – 5k Race at CHS Track & Field 

10 AM – Bike Parade starting at Ricalton Square

10:30 AM – Kids Fun Run at Memorial Park North 

12 PM – Adult Softball at Memorial Park North 

1:30 PM – Bingo at Maplewood Community Center 

3 PM – Pet Parade at Maplewood Community Center 

4 PM – Ice Cream Eating Contest at Maplewood Community Center 

7:30 PM – DJ, lightshow, & Ice Cream Trucks at Memorial Park South

9 PM – Fireworks 

 

Maplewood’s 4th of July Celebration 

Location: Millburn High School

Time: morning activities begin at 9AM, Doors open for fireworks at 7:30 PM

Details: Flag raising and patriot award ceremony at 9

Bike, Trike, & Stroller Ride at 9:30 AM

Kids’ DJ Dance Party, Magician, Carnival Rides & Face Painting at 10 AM

Main Event with Food Trucks & DJ Entertainment begins at 7:30 PM

Fireworks at 9:30 PM

 

West/North Caldwell, Essex Fells, Roseland 4th of July FIreworks Celebration 

Location: James Caldwell High School Varsity High School 

Time: Gates open at 5:30 PM

Details: Bike Decorating Contest at 5:30, Inflatables & Family Activities, Live Music Performances, Food Trucks, and Fireworks at dark 

Rain Date: 

 

West Orange’s 4th of July Celebration 

Location: West Orange High School 

Time: 12 PM – 6 PM 

Details: Live music, food trucks, face painting, kid zone, and DJ! 

 

Montclair Parade and Festival 

Location: Edgemont Park 

Time: Parade at 11 AM, Picnic at 1 PM 

Details: Parade, food trucks, music, games and activities!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope this guide helps you make the most of Independence Day in Essex County. Gather your family and friends, wave your flags, support local events, and enjoy the traditions that make this holiday so special. Be sure to bookmark this guide, share it with fellow local families, and check back for updates as additional celebrations are announced. Here’s to a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July as we celebrate 250 years of American history together! 🎆✨