Ella Barchie 
July 4th weekend is just around the corner and we’ve been gearing up for weeks. Between fireworks roundups and seasonal treats, we’re on it. We’ve rounded up several other events taking place over the holiday weekend, fireworks optional. From bike parades to live music to a kite festival, there’s a celebration for everyone. Read on for a list of 4th of July events at the Jersey Shore this weekend.
Editor’s note: This is a growing list. Be sure to check our community events calendar for all the latest additions.
July 3
Avalon Golf Cart Parade | 2901 Avalon Avenue, Avalon
Avalon’s golf carts are leaving the course and heading to the road. Starting at 6PM from the 29th Street parking lot, decorated golf carts will drive through Avalon and end at Surfside Park at 7PM. Here, the best three carts will be given prizes and the band Nashville Express will perform.
Drone Show at Ocean Casino Park | 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Most skies are lit up with fireworks around the 4th of July. But Ocean Casino is switching it up with a patriotic-themed drone show starting at 9PM at The Park behind the resort. The show fills the dark sky with colorful animations made by flying drones. The event is free for anyone to see.
Lavalette Patriotic Bicycle Parade | Presidents Avenue Beach, 600652 Oceanfront, Lavallette
Lavallette is back with the Patriotic Bicycle Parade to begin the holiday celebrations. The parade will take place from 9AM–10AM at the Presidents Avenue Beach, on July 3rd.
Patriotic 5k Beach Run | 500 East Heather Road, Wildwood Crest
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Before the barbeques and the fireworks begin, Wildwood Crest is hosting a 5K run on hard sand. The run begins at 7PM at Heather Road Beach and is open to all runners, no matter their level. Winning and best-dressed prizes will be handed out at the end. Participating costs $35 and you can register online now.
Pre-Fireworks Concert | 8100 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor
The party doesn’t need to start with fireworks; it can begin beforehand. Stone Harbor Township presents a Pre-Fireworks Concert with musical performances from Jim Bannach and the BLT Orchestra. The show begins at 82nd Street Recreational Fields at 7:00PM, followed shortly by fireworks at 9:00PM.
Wildwood Crest July 4 Celebration | East Fern Road, Wildwood Crest
Wildwood Crest’s July 4th Celebration is a chance to recognize America’s history and veterans. The event begins at Centennial Park at 6:45PM with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Following that, all veterans and first responders will be asked to stand and be recognized. The event concludes with live music from the Legacy Band.
July 4
4th of July Bike Parade | 210 Gardens Parkway, Ocean City
From Longport Bridge to East Atlantic Boulevard, the streets in Ocean City will fill with red, white, and blue-decorated bicycles. Anyone of any age can register that morning at 9AM at the Longport Bridge parking lot before the parade begins at 10AM.
Avalon Boat Parade | 704 7th Street, Avalon
Beginning at 12PM at the Avalon Yacht Club, the town’s best boats will sail through the inlet decorated in red, white, and blue. The Borough of Avalon will provide a live stream of the parade for anyone who cannot attend in person.
Read more: A Definitive List of the Jersey Shore’s Best Boardwalks
Cape May Independence Day Parade | 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May
Neighbors will gather at 1PM for the town’s Independence Day parade, starting at the Cape May Convention Hall. The parade is an annual event to honor veterans and showcase performances from string bands, other performance groups, and local organizations. This year, the parade includes a “Best Decorated” contest, where people can decorate their strollers, golf carts, or bicycles for a chance to win a prize.
Independence Day Family Parade | 511 E 13th Ave, North Wildwood
North Wildwood’s Independence Day Parade is a fun pick for any kid who wishes to show off their patriotic apparel. The parade is free and open to any decorated bike, wagon, stroller, scooter, or other low-speed vehicles. Anyone who wishes to join should begin at the corner of 13th and JFK Avenue at 9AM.
Kite Flying Competition | 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City
Beginning at 7PM, the Ocean City Boardwalk sky will fill up with kites of different shapes and colors.
Long Branch Ocean Fest | 10 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch
Long Branch is celebrating July 4th from 1PM – 10PM with activities anyone of all ages can enjoy. The Ocean Fest will include live music, food trucks, games, and attractions at the Great Lawn + Promenade Boardwalk. The day will end with a fireworks show.
Manasquan Parade, Concert, + Fireworks | 201 Beachfront, Manasquan
From 5:00PM – 9:30PM, Manasquan will be packed with Independence Day celebrations. To begin, festively decorated bikes and golf carts will parade around the town, followed by a live performance of the band Wave Length, and ending with a spectacular fireworks show.
Ocean Grove Independence Day Parade | 199 Central Avenue, Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove’s community is coming together to celebrate July 4th with the Independence Day Parade. The event will feature eight divisions of 65 local organizations as they make their way through Ocean Grove. Divisions 1, 2, 4, and 6 begin on Central Avenue, and the rest begin on New York Avenue. All divisions will begin marching at 10:30AM.
See more: George Washington Bridge to Light Up Regularly for the First Time in Its Existence
Surfside Park Cookout + Music | 2901 Avalon Avenue
Surfside Park will be hosting two events on July 4th. The day begins at 11AM to 3PM with a hot dog cookout hosted by The Lions Club. Later that night at 6:30PM, the fun begins again with a performance by the 63rd Army Band, who will perform a mix of patriotic and contemporary music.
July 5
Branchburg’s America 250 Celebration | 227 Baird Road, Branchburg
The July 4th celebrations will continue past the holiday with Branchburg’s America 250 Festival. The event includes live music, kids’ activities (such as face painting, inflatables, and a petting zoo), food and drinks, and a World Cup watch party, all before fireworks at 9PM. The event begins at 12 PM at White Oak Park.
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