From Princeton University Stadium and Cranbury’s Village Park all the way to the shore, from a fishing contest for kids in Allentown to a demonstrations of historic trades at Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville, you can stay close to home or take a day trip to celebrate the Fourth.
Wednesday, June 30
Independence Day Celebration, Montgomery, Orchard Hill Elementary School, 609-466-3023. Entertainment, games, fireworks. No rain date. 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 1
Independence Day Fireworks, Spirit of Princeton, Princeton Stadium, Fitzrandolph & Western Way, 609-924-3118. DJ music followed by a firework display organized by the Spirit of Princeton citizens’ committee. Parking is off Faculty Road only. Handicapped parking available. Raindate is Friday, July 2. Free. 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 3
Independence Day Celebration, East Windsor Township, Etra Lake Park, 609-443-4000. Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band, Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Rain date is Monday, July 5. 6 p.m.
Fireworks, Red Bank, Marine Park, Wharf Avenue, 888-447-8696. Festivities begin at dusk featuring fireworks. 7 p.m.
Concert and Fireworks, Hamilton Veterans Park, South Entrance, Hamilton, 609-890-3684. Music by the Mahoney Brothers followed by fireworks. 7:30 p.m.
Concert and Fireworks, New Jersey Symphony, Mercer County Park, West Windsor, 800-ALLEGRO. “”Showstoppers: A Celebration of Great Music Composed for the Stage and Screen”” features music by Rossini, Gershwin, Bernstein, Rodgers, Loewe, Berlin, and Bizet. Guest conductor is Robert Billig. Fireworks to follow. Bring chairs and blankets. No rain date. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Concert Under the Stars, Riverside Symphonia, Tinicum Park, River Road, Erwinna, Pennsylvania, 609-397-7300. This popular annual July Fourth concert features patriotic favorites, American show tunes, and movie themes performed by the 60-piece professional orchestra. Featured vocalist is Caitlyn McCloughan. Park gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking and dance party with Caution. $18 adults; $10 children. 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 4
Oceanfest 2004, Long Branch, Oceanfront Promenade, 732-222-0400. Biggest Independence Day celebration on the Jersey shore features sandsculpting exhibits, beach soccer, 3-on-3 basketball, rides and games, clowns, food, and music. Concert at 7 p.m., followed by world-class fireworks display on the beach below the promenade. Free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Independence Day, Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, 215-946-0400. Demonstrations of historic trades. $5; $3 children. 10 a.m.
Independence Day Celebration, Freehold Boro, Freehold Raceway, Route 33, 732-946-2711. Annual independence day celebration features rides, music, food, and vendors. Music, magic, stiltwalking, and juggling. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Rain date is Monday, July 5. 5:30 p.m.
Independence Day, Lawrence Township, Rider University Campus, Lawrenceville, 609-844-7065. Musical entertainment by the T Birds, followed by fireworks. 7 p.m.
Annual Fishing Contest, Allentown, Allentown Lake on Main Street, 609-259-3151. This famous fishing contest takes place from 9 a.m to noon for children 12 and under (and their helpers) with lots of prizes. Bait provided. Canoes, oared boats, or boats with electric motor engines only. Free. 8 a.m.
Fireworks, Bradley Beach, Brinley Avenue Beach, 732-776-2999. Fireworks. 9 p.m.
Monday, July 5
Independence Day, Cranbury, Village Park, 609-395-0544. Concert followed by fireworks. 7 p.m.
