Now that summer is in full swing, it's time to kick off your holiday celebrations with a bang. Nothing says 'Happy 4th of July' like a sky full of fireworks, and the good news is there are plenty of places in Bergen County to sit back and enjoy the show. Pack up the fam – plus some snacks and a blanket or two – and head over to one of these spots getting ready to light up you night.
Edgewater Independence Day Fireworks
What: Spend the night along the scenic Hudson for an awesome fireworks display, plus food trucks, music and kids activities.
Where: Veterans Field, 1167 River Road, Edgewater
When: Thursday June 30, 6-10 pm, fireworks at 9:20 pm
Chow at: You can’t go wrong enjoying a meal with a view at Haven in Edgewater, where you can celebrate with one of their seasonal cocktails.
What: Come early to enjoy pre-fireworks, summertime carnival fun, plus live shows for the kids like Cycle Circus and Jurassic Kingdom.
Where: State Fair Meadowlands, 1 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
When: Sunday July 3-Monday July 4, fireworks start after 10 pm
Chow at: Choose from over 50 food vendors on site to satisfy all of your sweet and savory cravings.
What: Round up your friends and family for the fireworks show, and don’t miss live music by “The Shotz.”
Where: Memorial Park, Berdan Avenue and 1st Street
When: Saturday July 2, 9 pm, gates open at 6:45 pm
Chow at: Food and drinks will be on sale, or dip into Fair Lawn's delish gastro pub The Craftsman for burgers and Irish-inspired eats, plus craft cocktails.
Lyndhurst Township's Fourth of July Celebration
What: It’s a party in Lyndhurst, NJ with their Gala Fireworks Display, food trucks and more festive fun.
Where: Behind the Little League fields on Riverside Ave., Lyndhurst
When: Friday July 1, 6 pm start, fireworks at dusk (after 8:30 pm)
Chow at: Take a bite out of delish Mexican food offerings at the popular Mariachi Grill in Lyndhurst.
Paramus Fireworks and Food Truck Festival
What: Tons of festivit-eats, plus kids games and activities and of course, the after-dusk fireworks on the ballfield.
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus
When: Sunday July 3, 2-8:30 pm
Chow at: Bring an empty stomach for over 20 trucks to chow from, including Chanks Pizza Cones, ePita Bowl and bacon on a stick
Ramsey Independence Day Celebration
What: Start the night out with live music, and stay for the fireworks to round out the evening.
Where: Finch Park, 315 Island Rd., Ramsey
When: Friday July 1, 6:30-10 pm
Chow at: Food is available on site, or head to uber-popular spot Kinchley's Tavern in Ramsey for their infamous thin crust pies.
Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
What: Celebrate at one of America’s longest-running parades, and end the day with a concert and fireworks.
Where: Parade at Euclid Ave. and Mt. Vernon Street, Fireworks at Veterans Park, Overlook Ave. & Morningside Ln., Ridgefield Park
When: Monday July 4, activities starting at 7:30 am, Concert at 7:30 pm, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Chow at: MK Valencia Restaurant & Lounge in Ridgefield Park has a beautiful outdoor patio area to fancify your festivities.
Teaneck July 4th Community Celebration
What: While there aren’t any fireworks this year, this one is worth a mention for the family fun. Check out the parade followed by jugglers, balloonists, bouncing, carousel and plenty more for the kids.
Where: Colonial Court lot & south end of Votee Park, Teaneck
When: Monday July 4, parade at 9:30, activities from 10 am-2 pm
Chow at: Grab some post-celebratory grub at Amarone Ristorante in Teaneck, which is serving up authentic Italian dishes.
What: Come early for food trucks, family games, live music from Fillet of Soul, and end with their fireworks spectacular.
Where: Foschini Park, 278 River St., Hackensack
When: Monday July 4, opens at 5 pm, fireworks at 9 pm
Chow at: Any of the number of food trucks on site
What: Enjoy a night of live music and booming fireworks to brighten your celebrations.
Where: Memorial Park, Maywood
When: Saturday July 2, Jumping Dragons at 6:30 pm, fireworks at 9:15 pm
Chow at: Twin Door Tavern in Maywood offers Italian eats and their own live music on Saturdays
Oradell's 4th of July Celebration
What: This two-day long patriotic party includes fireworks, food trucks, a wetdown and more.
Where: Memorial Field, 343 Prospect Ave., Oradell
When: Sunday July 3, 6:30 pm festivities, 9 pm fireworks, Monday July 4, 9 am parade and activities to follow
Chow at: Grab a juicy burger from The Lab Burger, or sink your teeth into one of their unique sandies and hot dogs
Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration
What: The festivities are back this year, bringing live entertainment and fireworks to the neighborhood.
Where: Veteran's Field, North Maple Ave., Ridgewood
When: Monday July 4, 6 pm
Chow at: Stroll downtown Ridgewood, which offers top restos including Roots Steakhouse or Park West Tavern
Beyond Bergen
Nyack Independence Day Fireworks
What: One of the best fireworks in Rockland, check ‘em out from the park, Marina municipal lot or shared use path on the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
Where: Nyack Memorial Park, 4 Depew Ave., Nyack
When: Monday July 4, 10 pm
Chow at: The options are endless at this mecca for foodies, but for a cozy meal and fun vibe, try Middle Eastern restaurant Art Cafe, with plenty of tasty options for kids and adults.
New Jersey's July 4th Celebration
What: This all-in-one celebration brings food, shopping, music and fireworks. This year's headliners include Flo Rida, plus Shaquille O'Neal and Funk Flex DJing.
Where: Exchange Place PATH Station, 68 Christopher Columbus Dr., Jersey City
When: Monday July 4, 12-10 pm
Chow at: Fire and Oak, the local hot spot also found in Montvale, offers tasty bites the whole family can enjoy
