Fourth of July holiday weekend fireworks and events
Fireworks are weather dependent. In case of rain, check back for rescheduling information.
Fireworks in Franklin Township postponed until July 9.
Friday, July 2
First Friday Block Party in Trenton – Featuring DJ Quest. Sponsored by the 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, 11 West Front Street, Trenton, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards – Live music by Jerry Steele. Wine by the glass. 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Live Music at Hopewell Valley Vineyards – Bluegrass and folk music by A Little Bit Off. 46 Yard Road, Pennington. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fireworks in Hamilton – Hamilton Township’s Independence Day celebration will feature a concert from The Heartbeats to kick off the festivities. Veterans Park, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. Rain date is July 3.
Fireworks in Lawrence – Lawrence Township will resume its annual fireworks display (canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic) at Rider University on Friday, July 2 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Postponed from Thursday due to the weather). The event will feature food trucks, music and other fun activities. Bring a blanket and a picnic and stake out a good spot for viewing the display.
Fireworks at Six Flags Great Adventure – The annual Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th Fest will feature fireworks at dusk on July 2, 3 and 4th.
Saturday, July 3
West Windsor Farmers Market – Fresh local produce, specialty food items, live music and more. Vaughn Drive Parking Lot, 877 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Live Music on the Palmer Square Green – The Outcrops perform blues, funk, R&B, soul, folk, country and jazz. Noon to 2 p.m. on Palmer Square in downtown Princeton.
Concert in Celebration of Independence Day – The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey performs works by John Williams, John Philip Sousa, James Hewitt and more. Bring a chair or blanket. Mill Hill Park, 7:30 p.m. Free Parking at Trenton Parking Authority Garage, 104 East Front Street. Rain Date: Saturday, July 10.
Fireworks in West Windsor – Fireworks will take place as part of the L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair, which will run from July 1 to July 11 at Mercer County Park.
Fireworks at Six Flags Great Adventure – The annual Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th Fest will feature fireworks at dusk on July 2, 3 and 4th.
Sunday, July 4
Hopewell Farmers Market – Local produce, breads, coffee and more. 62 East Broad Street, Hopewell Borough. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Declaration of Independence Reading in Princeton – Come out to Princeton Battlefield and hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud. Bring your family and friends for a memorable reading and explore the Battlefield on the nation’s birthday. 500 Mercer Street, noon to 1 p.m.
Carillon Recital by Carlo van Ulft – Carlo van Ulft was appointed carillonist of the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Springfield, Illinois in 2015. Previously, he served for 18 years as the carillonist of the Centralia Carillon in Centralia, Illinois. He will perform selections in honor of Independence Day, including, among others, the Stars and Stripes Forever, the Liberty Bell March and You’re a Grand Old Flag. Graduate College Tower, Princeton University, 1 p.m.
Live Music in Stockton – J.B. Kline and Ed Wall will perform at noon at the Federal Twist Vineyard.
Fireworks in East Brunswick – The fireworks display will be seen from Dideriksen Park, Heavenly Farms Park and the Middlesex County Fairgrounds. Community members recommend that you pack a snack and stake out your spot for the perfect view early in the night. Fireworks will begin at about 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks in Robbinsville – Fireworks at dusk at the Princeton Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Fireworks will be visible across from the cemetery.
Fireworks at Six Flags Great Adventure – The annual Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th Fest will feature fireworks at dusk on July 2, 3 and 4th.
Fireworks in West Windsor – Fireworks will take place as part of the L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair, which will run from July 1 to July 11 at Mercer County Park.
Monday, July 5
Fireworks in Cranbury – Come out and stroll Main Street on your way to Village Park, and enjoy Cranbury’s beautiful green space. Food trucks from Zinna’s Bistro, House of Cupcakes, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Mr. Softee will be available in Village Park and eateries on Main Street will be open. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy music by the Mercer County Symphonic Band. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk. No alcohol permitted in the park. Rain date July 6.
Thursday, July 8
Declaration of Independence Reading in Trenton – On July 8, 1776, Trenton hosted the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence outside of Philadelphia in front of what was then the Hunterdon County Courthouse on Warren Street. The now-immortal words of the Declaration of Independence were proclaimed aloud, and ultimately heard around the world. Join us at this pivotal moment in history is recreated. Presented by the Kiwanis Club. 23 South Warren Street, Trenton, noon.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.