Carli Clesmere 
Fourth of July weekend is always a fun one in Essex County, but 2026 is shaping up to be an especially big year. Between America’s 250th birthday, local parades, town-wide celebrations, fireworks, live music, family festivals, and park events, there are plenty of ways to spend the holiday close to home. Whether the plan is a classic fireworks show, a daytime parade, a picnic in the park, or an all-day town celebration, we rounded up Fourth of July events + happenings taking place in Montclair and the greater Essex County area. Read on for a list of 2026 Fourth of July events in Montclair + Essex County, organized alphabetically.
Disclaimer: As always, event details can change, especially with weather-dependent fireworks and waterfront celebrations. Check directly with each venue or organizer before heading out.
Fourth of July Events in Montclair + Essex County
Bloomfield Independence Day Celebration | Foley Field, John F. Kennedy Drive North, Bloomfield
Bloomfield’s Independence Day Celebration is happening on Saturday, July 4th at Foley Field. Gates open at 5:30PM for food vendors, kids’ amusements, games, and family-friendly activities. The opening ceremony and awards begin at 7:30PM, followed by a performance from The Infernos at 8PM. The night will end with a fireworks extravaganza at 9:25PM, which will be launched from Memorial Park.
Brookdale Park Summer Music + Fireworks Spectacular | Brookdale Park, Montclair + Bloomfield
Essex County Parks will host a Summer Music concert and fireworks spectacular at Brookdale Park on Wednesday, July 1st at 7PM. The evening will include Music Through the Decades, featuring Van Martin, The Discoteks, and The Empire, followed by fireworks. Locals can bring a blanket, settle into the park, and enjoy an early Fourth of July week celebration in one of Essex County’s most beloved green spaces.
Cedar Grove Fireworks Display | Panther Park, 118 West Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove’s annual fireworks display will take place on Thursday, July 2nd at Panther Park. The event is a family-friendly option for those looking to celebrate before July 4th, with the fireworks scheduled for the evening. Attendees should bring a blanket or lawn chair and check with the township for weather updates before heading out.
Livingston’s 89th Annual July 4th Celebration | Memorial Oval, Robert H. Harp Drive, Livingston
Livingston’s annual July 4th celebration returns on Saturday, July 4th with a full day of festivities at and around Memorial Oval. The day begins at 9AM with the AutoFest car show and continues with family activities, food trucks, live music, contests, and more. Main stage entertainment begins at 7:30PM, with a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15PM.
Maplewood Township Fourth of July Celebration | Memorial Park + Various Locations, Maplewood
Maplewood’s Fourth of July celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4th with events happening throughout town. The lineup includes an opening ceremony at Ricalton Square, a 5K supporting Columbia High School Track + Field, a Kids’ Fun Run, bike parade, pet parade, ice cream eating contest, bingo, adult softball, and more. The evening will wrap up with a DJ, light show, and fireworks at Memorial Park South around 9PM.
Millburn + Short Hills Fourth of July Celebration | Taylor Park + Millburn High School, Millburn
The Millburn + Short Hills Fourth of July Celebration returns on Saturday, July 4th. Morning events begin at 9AM with a flag raising at Taylor Park, followed by the annual Patriot Award Ceremony and family activities from 9:30AM to 1PM. The daytime lineup includes a magician, kids’ DJ dance party, face painting, vendors, food, and other family entertainment. Evening events take place at Millburn High School, with doors opening at 7:30PM and fireworks beginning at 9:30PM.
Montclair Fourth of July Parade + Community Picnic | Bloomfield Avenue to Edgemont Park, Montclair
Montclair’s Fourth of July celebration returns on Saturday, July 4th with its annual parade and community picnic. The parade begins at 11AM and travels along a 1.6-mile route, starting on Bloomfield Avenue and continuing through Midland Avenue, Watchung Avenue, and Valley Road before ending at Edgemont Park. The community picnic begins at 1PM and includes food trucks, music, games, and activities at the end of the parade route.
Nutley Township Fourth of July Celebration | Nutley Park Oval, 300 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
Nutley’s Fourth of July celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th beginning at 6PM at Nutley Park Oval. The evening will include food vendors along Franklin Avenue, music, games, family-friendly entertainment, face painters, magicians, balloon artists, and fireworks at dusk. Franklin Avenue will close between Chestnut Street and Church Street beginning at 3:30PM, so attendees should plan ahead for traffic and parking.
Verona Fireworks + America 250 Celebration | Liberty Field, White Rock Road, Verona
Verona’s Fireworks + America 250 Celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 1st at Liberty Field. The event begins at 7PM with a DJ, dancing, entertainment, raffles, music, and family-friendly programming. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:15PM. Parking is limited, so locals are encouraged to plan ahead before heading to the field.
Italiana by Zod’s July 4th Weekend Special | Montclair
Italiana by Zod is celebrating July 4th weekend with a festive food special from Wednesday, July 1st through Monday, July 6th. The Montclair spot will have an all-you-can-eat pizza or pasta deal for $17.76, a nod to the holiday weekend. This is a great option for anyone looking for a casual local bite while celebrating the long weekend.
As always, event details can change, especially with weather-dependent fireworks and outdoor celebrations. Check directly with each venue, township, or organizer before heading out.
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