How to Do Fourth of July Down the Shore
Anyone going down the shore this holiday weekend?
Now, that’s a silly question. With temps soaring to 100 degrees (yikes!) and a rumored cooler breeze down by the water, who wouldn’t want to spend their holiday weekend along the coast?
Just make sure you pack your sunscreen, plenty of water, and a boatload of patience. As you can probably guess, you will NOT be alone for this massive 250th birthday celebration. Parking will be at a premium (if at all), crowds will be everywhere, and it will take you longer to get from point A to point B. To top it off, we’ll be battling extreme heat this weekend as well.
But now for the good news: your favorite shore towns are prepared and pumped to show you a good time complete with festivals and fireworks to showcase our fierce pride, so by all means, do go and enjoy! Just remember to arrive early, stay hydrated, and be patient. Most of all, keep in mind the true meaning of this summer holiday—the birth of our great nation. Please show your respect by being kind to your fellow shoregoers!
So what’s the best way to July 4th Down the Shore?
Join a parade (or just watch one)
Everybody loves a parade, right? Well, you’re in luck—there are several to choose from down the shore this weekend. Whether it be a decorated bike or boat parade, a proud pooch parade, or a symbolic Independence Day parade, you’re sure to find a lot of pride and patriotism … among a sea of red, white, and blue. Most parades take place on Saturday July 4 between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Information about the parades in each town can be found below.
Enjoy live music
Several towns have live music events either on Friday night or Saturday just before fireworks. All are outside, which means you should bring a beach chair or blanket to relax on while you enjoy the tunes. The lineups for these musical events are listed below.
Show your pride
Several contests are being held this weekend, mostly surrounding the theme of dressing you, your dog, or your mode of transportation in red, white, and blue to show your patriotic spirit. Go all out and enjoy the spirited and friendly competitions!
Bring the fam
All events listed below are family friendly! Some feature festivals that will be held either during the day or in the evening prior to the fireworks display. They include parades, contests, and other fun events. All appear to be dog-friendly as well.
Take a moment to remember why we’re here
Fourth of July celebrations are filled with festive fun, but it should be more than just parades, picnics, and pridefulness. Our nation was founded upon the principle that all people are created equal, and that each of us enjoys the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If you’d like a reminder of what our nation’s forefathers intended, a live reading of the Declaration of Independence will be held in Wildwood Crest’s Centennial Park at 6:45 on Saturday July 4. Several events will also honor veterans in a show of gratitude for their service.
Here is a list of events by town.
Avalon
Golf Cart Contest and Parade
Friday July 3, 6:00 pm
29th Street parking lot, Avalon
Decorate your golf cart with the theme “USA” and meet at the 29th Street parking lot at 5:30 pm. Parade through town with pride (Avalon and Dune Drives, between 20th – 32nd Streets) and enjoy live entertainment at Surfside Park by Nashville Express at 7:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the three best decorated carts.
Boat Parade
Saturday July 4, 12:00 noon
Avalon Yacht Club
Parade begins at the Avalon Yacht Club for boats decorated in a patriotic theme. To participate, arrive at 11:45 am. This event will be live-streamed through Avalon’s Facebook page.
Fireworks
Saturday July 4, 9:00 pm
30th Street Beach, Avalon
Bring beach chairs or blankets to view the display. Simulcast music will be broadcast on WCZT 98.7 FM The Coast. Rain date: Sunday, July 5.
Cape May
Cape May’s Annual Independence Day Parade
Saturday July 4, 1:00 pm
Philadelphia Avenue to Beach Avenue
This annual parade honors veterans and features string bands in addition to many other performing groups, family entries, classic automobiles, and more. The parade begins on Philadelphia Avenue, travels along Beach Avenue, and finishes near the Lifeguard Headquarters. This year, the parade will include a “Best Decorated” contest. Participants are encouraged to decorate their golf cart, bicycle, or baby carriage for a chance to win a prize. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced immediately following the parade at Cape May Beach Patrol. Rain date: Monday July 6
Fourth of July Celebration at Congress Hall
Saturday July 4, 6:30pm – Dusk
Congress Hall, 100 Congress Place, Cape May
For over 200 summers, Congress Hall has hosted this beloved tradition, complete with a grand All-American Cookout on the lawn, followed by fireworks.
Cape May July 4th Fireworks Cruise
Saturday July 4, 6:45 pm
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal
1200 Lincoln Boulevard, North Cape May
Cruise across the Delaware Bay for a fun evening to view the Lewes, DE fireworks and back to Cape May. This seafaring event includes music, food, drinks and live entertainment by the band GOING ROGUE! Tickets are $60 for adults and $40 for children under the age of 12.
Free Music in the Park
Friday July 3 and Saturday July 4, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Rotary Park, Cape May
Bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy live music for free! Friday night features Tom Powdermaker Duo and Saturday night features. Nolan Quinn and The Troublemakers.
Fireworks
Saturday July 4 at 9:30 pm
Beach at Congress Hall
Fireworks will be launched from the beach at Congress Hall but will be visible for blocks. Rain date: Monday, July 6.
Lower Township Celebrates America 250
Friday, July 3, 2026 (5:00 pm – 9:30 pm)
Bayfront in North Cape May (Lincoln Blvd to Emerson Ave)
Come celebrate America’s 250th in North Cape May! This festival features live entertainment, family activities, food, expanded amusement rides, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays along the Delaware Bay waterfront started after 9:00 pm.
Ocean City
Gardens Bike Parade
Saturday July 4, 10:00 am
Longport Bridge Parking Lot, 210 Gardens Parkway
This bike parade, sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association, is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, trikes, and wagons in a patriotic way. Registration begins at 9:00 am and parade begins at 10:00 am.
South Ocean City Bike Parade
Saturday July 4, 10:00 am
40th and Asbury, Ocean City
Decorate your bicycles, wagons, and strollers for this morning event. Registration begins at 9:00 am and the parade begins at 10:00 am. This event is sponsored by the South OC Improvement Association, City of Ocean City and the Chamber of Commerce.
Riviera Bike Parade
Saturday July 4, 12:00 noon
Leyte Lane Park, Ocean City
Decorate your bikes, strollers and wagons in a patriotic theme. This event is sponsored by the Riviera Neighborhood. Registration begins at 11:30 am and parade begins at noon, winding through the Riviera neighborhood of Ocean City.
Greater Kensington String Band Performances
Saturday July 4, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Ocean City Music Pier
Enjoy live music by a Mummers string band.
Ocean City Pops Free Outdoor Concert
Saturday July 4, 8:00 pm
Carey Stadium, 500 Boardwalk
The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert including patriotic classics. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field (seating also available on bleachers). Fireworks to follow at 9:00.
Fourth of July Kite-Flying Contest
Saturday July 4, 7:00 pm
Ocean City Music Pier
Let your patriotic pride fly with a kite flying contest! Event begins at 7:00 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:00 pm.
Fireworks
Saturday July 4 at 9:00 pm
Ocean City Music Pier
The fireworks will be launched from a barge moored off the beach at Ninth Street. The show will best be viewed from the beach or Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street with a simulcast soundtrack during the show.
Sea Isle
Concert Under the Stars
Saturday July 4, 7:30 pm
Excursion Park, Sea Isle
Bring your beach chairs or blankets and enjoy live entertainment by Yacht Rock Gold in Excursion Park, followed by fireworks.
Fireworks
Saturday July 4, 9:15 pm
50th Street Beach, Sea Isle
Head to the beach with a blanket or chair to watch a spectacular fireworks show. Fireworks will be launched from a barge off 50th Street Beach but are visible along the beach and promenade.
Stone Harbor
Pre-Fireworks Concert
Friday July 3, 7:00 pm
82nd Street Recreation Fields, Stone Harbor
Enjoy live music by Jim Bannach and the BLT Orchestra, followed by fireworks.
Fireworks
Friday July 3, 9:15 pm
81st Street Field, Stone Harbor
Watch the fireworks from the 82nd Street field or anywhere along the beach.
Stone Harbor’s Annual Fourth of July Festival
Saturday July 4, 10:00 am
82 Street Recreation Fields, Stone Harbor
This annual festival includes races, contests, and a Phillies Home Run Derby. Contests include sand sculpting and decorated bikes. Registration begins at 9:00 am.
Wildwood
4th of July Boardwalk Craft Show
Friday July 3 and Saturday July 4, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm;
Sunday July 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wildwood Boardwalk
This event showcases artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. Rain or shine.
North Wildwood Independence Day Family & Pooch Parade
Saturday July 4, 9:00 am
Check in at 13th and JFK Avenues, North Wildwood
Pooches check in at 12th and JFK Avenues.
Registration begins at 8:30 am and the parade starts at 9:00 am at 12th Avenue and proceeds to 3rd and JFK Avenues. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bikes wagons, strollers, scooters and low speed vehicles in a patriotic theme. Advance registration required for families; pooches can register on that day.
Wildwood Crest Celebration
Saturday July 4, 6:45 pm
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
This event kicks off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a live performance by the Legacy Band at 7:00 pm.
Fireworks
Friday July 3 and Saturday July 4, 10:00 pm
Pine Avenue & the Beach
Fireworks will be launched from Pine Avenue and the Beach but will be visible from anywhere on the Boardwalk
