By: Richard L. Smith
After a turbulent week of severe weather that tragically claimed lives in Plainfield and North Plainfield, North Jersey residents are now looking toward a brighter, hopeful Fourth of July.
The National Weather Service forecasts a dry and pleasant evening across much of the region — perfect for enjoying Independence Day festivities.
Here’s a look at where you can celebrate across Union, Essex, and nearby counties today, July 4, 2025, with parades, food vendors, live entertainment, and, of course, spectacular fireworks:
Union County Celebrations
Plainfield
• Parade at 10:00 a.m. on East Front Street and fireworks at Cedar Brook Park, 7:00 p.m.
• Organized in cooperation with the city and school district, expect live entertainment, vendors, and family fun. Rain date: July 5.
Rahway
• Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. at Rahway River Park.
Union Township
• Concert and fireworks at Biertuempfel Park. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., featuring High Energy Band and food vendors.
• Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. Rain date: July 5.
Elizabeth
• Afternoon music and fireworks at dusk at the Waterfront on Front Street. Rain date: July 5.
New Providence
• Celebration at South Street near Our Lady of Peace. DJ, chalk art, and fireworks at dusk.
Cranford
• Nomahegan Park festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with inflatables, food trucks, and music.
• Fireworks at dusk. Rain date: July 5.
Roselle Park
• Roselle Park High School, 5:00 p.m. festivities with a live band, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk.
Kenilworth
• Fireworks at dusk at Black Brook Park. Rain date TBD.
Scotch Plains
• Festivities began June 28 at Shady Rest Golf and Country Club.
Essex County Festivities
Newark
• Essex County Branch Brook Park, Heller Parkway Newark; Concert by the NJ Symphony Orchestra followed by Fireworks Spectacular.
Bloomfield
Foley Field/Memorial Park - JFK Drive, Gates open 5:30 pm; Food vendors, Kids Rides/Games,
Awards. DJ will play til 8:00 pm then Live Band til Fireworks at 9:30pm,
East Orange
• Paul Robeson Stadium, 6:00 p.m. with live music and fireworks. Rain date: July 5.
Maplewood
• Memorial Park all-day celebration, including live music and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
South Orange
• Floods Hill, evening concert followed by fireworks.
Nutley
• Traditional 4th of July festivities with music, food, and fireworks at dusk. Nutley Park Oval
Livingston
• Memorial Oval with activities beginning at 9:00 a.m. and fireworks at dusk.
West Caldwell / Essex Fells / North Caldwell / Roseland
• James Caldwell High School, 7:00 p.m. live music and fireworks at dusk.
Cedar Grove
• Panther Park, gates open 7:00 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
Verona
• Verona Community Center, fireworks at dusk.
Millburn/Short Hills
• Taylor Park, music at 7:00 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
West Orange
• Food Truck & Music Festival at West Orange Public Library, 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No fireworks).
Fairfield
• Recreation Complex, 5:30 p.m. DJ and food. Fireworks at dusk.
Across the Water – Hudson County and Statue of Liberty Views
Jersey City’s annual Freedom & Fireworks Festival at Exchange Place is one of the biggest draws in the region, offering a stunning view of fireworks over the Hudson River with the Statue of Liberty in the background. Live performances, food trucks, and kids’ activities run throughout the day, with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m. (Weather permitting).
According to NJ.com, the event typically draws tens of thousands and includes performances from local and national talent. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and use public transit due to heavy crowds.
Whether you’re heading to a quiet park with family or a bustling festival with fireworks, tonight is a chance to reflect on unity, freedom, and community spirit.
Celebrate safely and enjoy the show — North Jersey is ready to light up the sky.