All Day Activities Feature Popular Food Trucks, 3 DJ Stages, Family Fun Zone, and Much More!
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Mayor Steven M. Fulop, City Council members, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Exchange Place Alliance are proud to announce the return of one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the region with the 2025 Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Spectacular, taking place along the Jersey City waterfront on Friday, July 4.
The full day of family-friendly festivities will once again draw tens of thousands of attendees, with over 60 vendors, 3 DJ stages, 2 beer gardens hosted by 902 Brewing, and a Kids’ Zone with activations and bounce castles. The Independence Day celebrations are capped off with breathtaking fireworks display by world-renowned Fireworks by Grucci over the Hudson River with a picturesque backdrop of the NYC skyline.
“Each year, Jersey City’s Fourth of July Festival brings people together from throughout the tri-state area to celebrate our country’s independence in one of the most diverse cities in America,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop. “We have built a tradition that showcases the incredible talent we have right here in Jersey City and gives our small businesses a platform to shine in front of tens of thousands of people.”
“Jersey City’s July 4th celebration brings together everything that makes this city so special: the people, culture, music, food, and community. It’s an unmatched energy—and an honor to be part of it,” adds Director of Cultural Affairs, Christine Goodman.
The celebration kicks off at 12:00 p.m. at Exchange Place.
Midnight Market Owner and Operator, Analysis Vasquez, says she is excited to partner with the city once again to offer attendees more than 40 food trucks and vendors offering cuisines from around the world, along with a beer garden, kids’ zone, and family activities throughout the day.
“This year’s celebration will showcase over 60 local food and artisan vendors, offering an incredible variety of flavors—including BBQ, jerk chicken, empanadas, pupusas, soul food, Indian momos, Mongolian skewers, tornado potatoes, dumplings, and much more. We’ll have three stages of DJ entertainment throughout the day: The Cookout Stage, The World Stage, and the House Music Stage. We invite everyone to join us for great food, local shopping, cold craft beers, good vibes, and fireworks!”
The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show, beginning at 9:30 p.m., lighting up the Hudson River synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack and visible across the waterfront.
“We are excited to welcome residents and visitors back for a safe, fun, and unforgettable Fourth of July experience,” said City Council President Joyce Watterman. “This is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and pride in the place we call home.”
“Major events like our July 4th Festival show how planning and interdepartmental coordination can create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. It takes a solid team on the city side to ensure the waterfront can safely and successfully host one of the largest celebrations in the region,” concludes Business Administrator John Metro.
Fireworks by Grucci is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated fireworks company with a prominent reputation, having performed at eight U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, Olympic Games, and the World’s Fair. Grucci also earned the Guinness World Record for “largest fireworks display” ever recorded.
Please visit the city’s website at July4thNJ.com for more information on the event, transportation, directions, and what to bring. Anyone attending the event is strongly encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation, as parking will be extremely limited. Roads surrounding Montgomery Street along the waterfront will be closed for the duration of the event. Bike JC will also host a free bicycle valet at Exchange Place.
All media inquiries should be directed to Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione at KScalcione@jcnj.org.