This year’s Fourth of July marks the 238th birthday of the United States of America. This year’s celebrations begin with the 10th annual Mercer County Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 28, from 3 to 11 p.m. at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. The event features food, beer and wine gardens, craft vendors, live music, tethered hot-air balloon rides, games, water rides, a mechanical bull, a children’s area with inflatable rides, and more. The festival will culminate in a fireworks display.
The concert lineup begins at 3 p.m. with the Mercer County Symphonic Band, followed by Under Pressure at 5 p.m., Kristen and the Noise at 6:30 p.m., and Burnt Sienna at 8:30 p.m. and immediately following the fireworks.
Freedom Festival, Mercer County, Mercer County Park, West Windsor. Saturday, June 28, 3 to 11 p.m. Free admission. 609-448-7107. www.wpst.com/freedomfestival.
Other events include:
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Mercer County Park, West Windsor. Sunday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. Music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, a salute to Frank Sinatra, a medley of “Jersey Boy” classics, and patriotic favorites. Free. 800-ALLEGRO. www.njsymphony.org.
Spirit of Princeton, Princeton University Sports Fields. Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m. Independence Day celebration. Picnics welcome. Bring blankets or chairs. No alcoholic beverages. 609-683-4008. www.spiritofprinceton.homestead.com.
East Windsor Township, Etra Lake Park, Etra Road. Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m. Music by Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band and the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One Band. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Raindate is Saturday, July 5. 609-443-4000. www.east-windsor.nj.us.
July 4 Jubilee, Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Friday, July 4, Noon to 3 p.m. Sign the Declaration of Independence, commemorate the 13 colonies, participate in domestic colonial life activities, meet George Washington, live music with the Riverside Bluegrass Band, refreshments, and more. Admission is free. 609-924-8144. www.morven.org.
Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton Battlefield Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton. Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Revolutionary War period soldiers demonstrate drill, artillery, and flintlock muskets. Clarke House volunteers demonstrate domestic skills found on a farm. Period games will be available for children of all ages to try. Thomas Clarke House and the “Arms of the Revolution” exhibit open to tour. Presentation about the Battle of Princeton. Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch (no barbecues or alcohol). Hike in the Institute Woods. 609-921-0074.
South Brunswick Recreation, South Crossroads School fields, Monmouth Junction. Friday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. Music from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks at dust. Food vendors. Raindate for fireworks is Saturday, July 5, 9:15 p.m. Free. 732-329-4000. www.sbtnj.net.
Cranbury, Main Street. Saturday, July 5, 6 p.m. Concert by Mercer County Symphonic Band followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring blankets and a picnic dinner (no alcoholic beverages). Raindate is Sunday, July 6. 609-395-0900.
