Monmouth County July 4th Fireworks, Parades, More: 2018 Guide

If you love fireworks and patriotic celebrations for the Fourth of July, Monmouth County is packed with ways to celebrate America's birthday.

Whether you're vacationing for the week from out of the area or live locally, take a look at the list of events below. There's patriotic concerts and commemorations, laser light shows and bicycle parades. And, of course, there's fireworks.

If you're headed out Tuesday evening or Wednesday, be sure to bring plenty of water because the heat that has enveloped the area for the last few days is expected to temper only slightly, according to the National Weather Service. The heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday has high temperatures of 87 degrees predicted inland, with slightly cooler temperatures at the beach.

The good news is there is no rain in the forecast until Thursday, when there is a slight chance of thunderstorms. Friday has a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are the events in the area (older events have been moved to the bottom of the list). (Like what you see? Sign up for news delivered to your email by clicking here.)

PARADES & OTHER EVENTS

July 4
Freehold Independence Day Event
Annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps at Borough Hall. The reading begins at 9 a.m.

July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Noon to 3 p.m.
Join the staff as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests. Free!

July 4
Firecracker 5K Race
Wall Municipal Complex
2700 Allaire Road
Click here for more information.

FIREWORKS

June 30-July 4
Six Flags Great Adventure's July 4th Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Fireworks displays nightly at 10 p.m.; USO Show Troupe will perform 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8 p.m. July 3rd and July 4th.

July 3
Lakewood BlueClaws
FirstEnergy Park, New Hampshire and Cedar Bridge avenues, Lakewood
Postgame fireworks after Lakewood BlueClaws vs. Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game

July 3
Bradley Beach Fireworks
Beachfront
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

July 3
Colts Neck Fireworks
Bucks Mill Park
Sponsored by the Colts Neck Business Association.
It begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at Bucks Mill Park. Free admission. There will be donkey cart rides, face painting, bands and food. This is all generously provided by local Colts Neck businesses, such as Robert DeFalco Realty, Delicious Orchards and Becker Hardware.

July 3
Freehold Fireworks
Freehold Raceway
Concert at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk

July 3
Hazlet Fireworks
Veterans Memorial Park, 1776 Union Avenue
Fireworks start at dusk

July 3
Manasquan Fireworks
Main Beach
Event includes a parade, bicycle decorating, a Billy Lawlor concert and fireworks (sponsored by Leggetts). Rain date is July 7. Festivities are expected to begin at 5:15 p.m.Fireworks start at dusk

July 3
Ocean Township Fireworks
Joe Palaia Park, Deal Road and Whalepond Road, Ocean Township
Fireworks start at dusk

July 3
Union Beach Fireworks
Beachfront
Fireworks begin at dusk

July 3-4
Keansburg
Keansburg Amusement Park
Fireworks at dusk

July 4
Oceanfest
Oceanfront Promenade, Long Branch
The family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It features food vendors, crafters, entertainers, dancers, sand sculptures and a spectacular fireworks display.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

July 4
Point Pleasant Beach Independence Day Celebration
Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Beach, 300 Ocean Ave.
Fireworks at dusk

July 6
Atlantic Highlands Fireworks
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor
Fireworks begin at dusk

July 7
Aberdeen Fireworks
Cliffwood Beach
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

July 15
Marlboro Day Celebration
Marlboro Recreation Center
Event begins at 7 p.m.

(The following events were held previously.)

June 28-July 1
Wall Fair
Wall Township Fairgrounds
1870 Baileys Corner Road
Rides for kids and adults, food, games and more. Fireworks at dusk on July 1. Read more here.

June 30
Laser Spirit: A Patriotic Laser Experience
Robert J. Novins Planetarium @ Ocean County College, Toms River
5:30 p.m. Laser show featuring a mix of pop, classic rock, oldies, adult contemporary, and patriotic music. Contact the planetarium.

June 30
Matawan Fireworks
Lake Lefferts
Food, a giant slide for kids, a concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk

July 1
Wall Fireworks
Wall Township Fairgrounds, 1870 Baileys Corner Road
Fireworks begin at dusk; rain date July 6

July 1
Celebrate America! with the Garden State Philharmonic in Toms River
Ocean County Library, Washington Street, Toms River
7 p.m. outside the library. Celebrate Independence Day with the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra and the GSP Community Chorus. Since the 1960s, this annual concert has elevated July 4th festivities with music. Bring your own chair and sit anywhere for this outdoor concert. Part of the Ocean County Parks & Recreation's Carousel of Music Series.

Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff