2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Matawan-Aberdeen And Surrounding Towns

MATAWAN, NJ — Fourth of July activities in the Matawan-Aberdeen area have extra sparkle in 2026, as this year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Matawan and Aberdeen already had their fireworks. Here are remaining shows in the local area:

Highlands, July 3: Tall ships will be docked off Sandy Hook through July 3. They are leaving early in the morning on Saturday, July 4, so see them now before they're gone. Tall Ships Will Anchor Off Sandy Hook Starting Tuesday; See Them This Week

Free viewing of fireworks over the Navesink River July 3: It's a private party that raises money for Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center, but public spectators can enjoy the show from various locations along the river, or by boat near the Oceanic Bridge. Fireworks usually go off around 9:15 p.m. July 3.

Keansburg, July 4: There will be a large fireworks display on July 4, when it gets dark, at Baywalk East over the Raritan Bay.

Fireworks at Pier Village in Long Branch, July 4: Long Branch will host its annual Independence Day firework spectacular on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as part of Oceanfest, the state’s largest Fourth of July celebration. The festival starts at 1 p.m.; stroll the shops and boardwalk and then fireworks go off over the ocean when it gets dark, usually around 9 p.m. It's great to see from the beach, and the Great Lawn & Promenade, 10 Ocean Ave North, Long Branch, NJ 07740

Middletown, July 5: 6:00-10:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at Bayshore Waterfront Park (719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth) for an evening of family-friendly fun as they celebrate America's 250th birthday. Enjoy food trucks, beach volleyball, cornhole, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a Declaration of Independence signing area, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, and a spectacular patriotic drone show to cap off the evening. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch the drone show on the beach; the drone show goes off when the sun does down.

Have a safe and joyous July 4th!