It’s America’s birthday, and Hudson County is definitely one of the top places to celebrate the holiday. With a close-to-home view of amazing fireworks, the #JC4th Festival that will surely be a blast, and some great community events ready to get that party started — this 4th of July will be one for the books {and the weather is looking b-e-a-utiful}. Here’s where to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day in Hoboken and Jersey City this Fourth of July!
Fireworks + Events
Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular
Hudson County is surrounded by beautiful firework displays on the 4th, and we’re lucky to be able to see one of the most watched spectaculars on TV right in our very own backyard. The hype begins at 8 PM with Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular which is shot out of five barges set along the East River {between East 24th St. + East 41st St}.
Exchange Place/Lutze Biergarten Fireworks {****UPDATE***** NEW LOCATION ANNOUNCED HERE DUE TO NJ GOV’T SHUTDOWN}
Along with Macy’s, the Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival {see below} has a wonderful fireworks show of their own that begins after sunset. It is now being held at Exchange Place! Gather with friends and/or family —and remember you still have Hoboken’s Pier A to catch a view of Tuesday’s fireworks {although with new location it may be a bit different view depending on your seating/locale}. Here’s the map of festivities throughout downtown Jersey City:
Latest update as of 9:45AM on July 3rd^
Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival {****UPDATED WITH NEW LOCATION FOUND HERE****}
If you’re looking for a big 4th of July celebration, then the 4th Annual Jersey City Freedom Firework Festival is where you should be. This huge festival was going to run from 1PM – 10PM at Liberty State Park normally, BUT this year it will be held at Exchange Place in Jersey City {see map above, announced as of 7/1/17 by Mayor Fulop’s office}. The day packs in music, food, drinks, carnival performances, family activities, and ultimately an awesome fireworks display {the largest in New Jersey to be exact}. For more information and to view their full schedule, click here. Along with the festival, party at South House with music, games, bites, and $5/$6 beer.
Celebrate with Growing in Jersey City
As part of the July 4th celebrations, blogger @growinginJerseyCity is hosting her own event. Due to Liberty State Park being closed, please plan accordingly and follow her IG to stay in the know, although it appears the group is still meeting at 3:45 PM —location TBD. Hang with them and enjoy some festival foods, jam to good tunes, and view the fireworks. They’ll also being handing out prizes and giveaways. Visit the Facebook event for more info.
Party All Weekend at Lutze Biergarten
Lutze Biergarten is keeping the party going all weekend. Starting on Friday June 30th, they’ll be hosting a Lutze Luau followed by live music on Saturday, July 1st from 6PM–9PM, DJ’d music on Sunday, July 2nd + Monday, July 3rd from 6PM–9PM, and finishing with a bang on Tuesday, July 4th with a huge party. Another great destination for fun festivities with a great view of the fireworks {that will now be at Exchange Place RIGHT around the corner}.
Wicked Wolf’s 4th of July Backyard BBQ
Head over to Wicked Wolf for their annual 4th of July Backyard BBQ and snag $2 sliders and $3 beers all day. Their happy hour also goes from 4PM-7PM with $5 appetizers and $3 well mixed drinks, drafts, wines and $3 craft bottles from 7PM until closing. With their prime location on the Hudson Waterfront along with outdoor seating, it’s a great place for a holiday fireworks spectacular. You can make a reservation by calling (201) 659-7500.
Fireworks Spectacular at Surf City
Surf City is the ideal summer venue for a patriotic party. Located right on the water, you can watch the fireworks from their decks {although may be TBD depending on fireworks’ new location — but East River may be viewed still}. Doors open at noon and the fun is definitely family friendly {kids can stay until the end of the fireworks}. Don’t worry about reservations, but get there early because seats will be given on a first come-first serve basis.
Read More: Best Places to Grab Tropical Drinks in Hoboken + Jersey City
Downtown Community Church’s 4th of July Picnic + Fireworks
The Downtown Community Church is hosting their 4th of July party at Morris Canal Park at 6PM. A fun time for the family, they’ll be offering games, drinks, and treats. Feel free to bring a picnic and a blanket. Along with picnicking, you can enjoy the great firework shows happening around Hudson County.
July 4th Fireworks Cruise
Get up close to the surrounding fireworks with the four hour 4th of July Fireworks Cruise through the Hudson and around the East River. Enjoy some appetizers and the open bar, and dance to the DJ. The ship departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken at 7PM and returns to the port at 11PM. Don’t wait, though — the ship can only hold 120 passengers. Get a ticket by July 1st to save with their early bird special {$175 for singles + $300 for couples}. Prices bump up to $225 and $400 after July 1st. For more information and tickets, click here.
Other 4th of July Events
Antique Bar + Bakery’s 4th of July Pig Roast
A 4th of July Pig Roast is happening at Antique Bar + Bakery. The bar will open at noon and the food will be served at 3PM. In place of their regular menu, they’ll be serving roasted pig from their coal-fired oven, along with collard slaw, BBQ, + potato salad. Hang out for music and a good time.
Dogs of Liberty Adoptions
Independence Day is a perfect day to give a furry friend some independence. You know you’ve been waiting for a moment to bring some {more} love into your home. The Liberty Humane Society is hosting their Dogs of Liberty event with all dogs over 40 pounds up for adoption for $17.76 {cute!}. From 11:00AM – 4:00PM you can stop in, see the dogs, and apply. The Liberty Humane Society {and us} encourages you to save a life this 4th of July.
4th of July at Halifax
Halifax at the W Hoboken will be hosting their 4th of July festivities from 11AM – 10PM. Another fun celebration at the waterfront with potential firework views between the East River and Jersey City fireworks, and they’ll be serving an array of #eeeeeats for specials. Grab the Halifax Burger and a draft beer for $12, local bratwurst and draft beer for $10, Oysters for $1 each, and $6 summer cocktails. You don’t want to miss the views and quality bites while you hang out on their outside patio.
Read More: The Best of Hoboken Parks
Happy Independence Day to you and yours! Be sure to tag us in all your Fourth festivities on Insta @HobokenGirlBlog or #HobokenGirl!
