New Brunswick's 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – July 4th is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in the Hub City this Independence Day. We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around New Brunswick so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4th in New Brunswick:

On Wednesday, July 3 "Captain America" will be shown as part of New Brunswick's free summer movies. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m. at the State Theatre NJ.

Also on July 3: New Brunswick's fireworks festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Boyd Park on the Raritan River. They will have two bands performing - Tempo Allegre, a Latin band, and Discoteks, a pop band. Fireworks are scheduled to go at 9:15 p.m. over the river. Rain date is July 7.

Admission is free, attendees may bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Food will be for sale, and they will have an inflatable amusement as an activity for children.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Highland Park • 5 – 10 pm
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
Donaldson Park, South 2nd Avenue
Music, food and fun for the whole family. Fireworks begin at 9:20pm. Rain Date: July 7. For Info: 732-819-0052.

Thursday, July 4th will feature an Independence Day celebration of local history at Buccleuch Park. The event goes from 1-5 p.m. and will feature a ribbon cutting at the recently-renovated Buccleuch Mansion, plus tours of the mansion, a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music, a Geocaching activity and a re-enactment of George Washington's "feu de joie" (Fire of Joy) salute.

July 4: Piscataway • 11 am – 5 pm 4th of July Celebration East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River RoadMeet Ben Franklin, Baron von Steuben & George Washington, music, BBQ and more. For Info: 732-745-3030Piscataway • 11 am – 5 pm From Indian Trail to Interstate ExhibitMetlar-Bodine House Museum, 1281 River RoadGuided Tours on the quarter hour. For Info: 732-463-8363 | www.metlarbodinehousemuseum.org

Thursday, July 4 New Brunswick • 10 am Declaration of Independence Reading Christ Church Cemetery, 5 Paterson StreetA Reenactment of the Declaration of Independence Reading, Reflections on Women in the Revolution lecture by Dr. Chris Rasmussen, music and Colonial-era refreshments. For Info: 732-545-6262

You are invited to attend the City of New Brunswick's Independence Day celebration at Buccleuch Park on Thursday, July 4, from 1:00 - 5:15 PM!

FUN festivities will include:
1:00-5:00 Picnicking in the Pavilion, with food and ice cream vendors!
1:30 Ribbon-cutting ceremony with City officials, and grand re-opening of the historic Buccleuch Mansion (Location: Front porch of Buccleuch Mansion, facing river)
2:00-5:00 Mansion tours throughout the afternoon by DAR hosts (Location: Back entrance of Mansion)
2:00 A fun historical geocaching experience inside the park for kids and parents, with prizes (Beginning location with lesson: Back porch of Mansion)
2:45 Overview of the Feu de Joie given by Dr. David Martin of The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield (Location: Showmobile stage)
3:00, 4:00, 4:30 Single cannon-shots signifying preparation for the Feu de Joie (Reenactment of George Washington's salute to the American Army with cannon-fire and reenactors)
3:00-5:15 Music by The Mark Heter 25-piece Patriotic Band, with singing (Location: Showmobile stage)
3:30 Live reading of the Declaration of Independence (Location: Showmobile stage)
5:00 Thirteen successive cannon-shots of the Feu de Joie grand salute
5:15 "The Star Spangled Banner" ends the program

Attendees may bring outdoor chairs and blankets for seating in front of the stage.

This program is a collective effort by the City of New Brunswick, Middlesex County Office of Arts & History, New Brunswick City Center, the Jersey Blue Chapter of the DAR, and the New Brunswick Historical Association.

Dr. David Martin of Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will give a talk on the significance of the salute before the cannon fire begins.

Admission is free and participants are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on and picnic in Buccleuch Park. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase.

Feu de joie info: The original New Brunswick feu de joie on July 4, 1778 entailed a two-mile line of soldiers from Sonman’s Hill (now Douglass Campus at Rutgers University) to the White Farm (now Buccleuch Park) and a nearby artillery park. Washington ordered its performance in New Brunswick to celebrate the Army’s performance at the Monmouth County Courthouse (now Freehold) against a British attack and commemorate the second anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Also on Wednesday night, July 3 Woodbridge will have its annual big fireworks show at Alvin Williams Park. The gates open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks start when it gets dark, around 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and relax under the stars!

July 4 Piscataway • 6 pm Annual 4th of July Fireworks
Piscataway High School Stadium, 100 Behmer Road
Kiddie rides, food vendors and music. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. For Info: 732-562-2382 www.piscatawaynj.org

Saturday, July 6, 2019 Piscataway • 2 – 4 pm 18th Century Ice Cream Making

Metlar-Bodine House Museum, 1281 River Road
Demonstration by culinary historian Susan McLellan Plaisted. For Info: 732-463-8363 www.metlarbodinehousemuseum.org

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.

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