2015 Jersey Shore fireworks guide

If you’re heading down the shore this Independence Day weekend and looking for fireworks, there are plenty of options besides the pyrotechnics in Atlantic City.  
 
For example, did you know that Avalon claims to have one of the largest fireworks display in South Jersey? 
 
Still, the most grandiose in the entire state (and ranked among the top five in the nation) will be in AC.
 
The city will boast two fireworks shows this year, boldly rebranded as the “Do AC Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore Fireworks”. 
 
Each show lasts 15 minutes and is proceeded by a reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus famously patriotic quotes. Accompanying the fireworks will be celebratory music, including the finale of John Phillip Souza’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”.
 
The first show will take place on Friday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m. where fireworks will be launched off of two ocean barges. They’ll be viewable anywhere along the beach and boardwalk.
 
A second show will be on Saturday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. in the Marina District. Both events are free and open to the general public
 
 
Other Jersey Shore celebrations
 
 
Long Beach Island
 
The only fireworks display on the island itself will happen on July Fourth at dusk in Beach Haven. The annual show will again take place on the bay at Bay Village, 9th and Bay Ave.  
 
If you want to watch the fireworks onboard a party boat, Miss Barnegat Light is offering a special cruise from 7 p.m. to 10: 30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for kids.  
 
Margate City
 
On July Fourth, grab your grill and head for the sand. For one day only, from 9 a.m. to midnight, beachgoers can celebrate the freedom to barbecue on Margate’s beach.  At dusk, fireworks will light the sky over Huntington and Granville Aves.
 
Ocean City 
 
Two patriotic bike parades begin the Fourth of July celebrations in Ocean City.  
 
At 10 a.m. decorated bicycles will set off from 40th St. and Central Ave., heading south down Central towards the 52nd Street Playground, and also from Wesley Rd. by the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Atlantic Blvd. and finishing up at Beach Rd.
 
As the day winds down, Air Circus Kite Shop will host family fun on the beach. Join the kite flying competitions at 6 p.m. or the yo-yo and hula hoop contests that follow.
 
Afterwards, the Tidal Wave Band will play a free concert in front of the Music Pier before the fireworks are launched at 10 p.m.
 
Sea Isle City
 
The Atlantic Pops return to perform the annual Independence Day concert in Sea Isle’s Excursion Park (JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave.). Fireworks, launched from a barge anchored near the 50th Street Beach, will follow at 9 p.m. Rain date is Jul 5.
 
Avalon
 
Independence Day sees the return of the 40th annual Avalon Boat Parade. Watercraft decorated in fine patriotic fashion will set sail from the Avalon Point Marina at 11 a.m.
 
Later that afternoon, Avalon hosts two free concerts at the 30th Street pavilion.  From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. rock to the sounds of Loud ’N Klear and then groove with the Star Band. Following the shows, enjoy free family-friendly activities like face painting, balloon artistry, bounce houses and more at the 30th Street beach. 
 
The Bay-Atlantic Symphony will set the mood for fireworks with a free concert at Avalon’s Community Hall (30th St. and the Beach). The show, Broadway on the Boards, starts at 7 p.m. and will feature selections from Oklahoma!, West Side Story and Phantom of the Opera, as well as patriotic faves like the “1812 Overture”, “Stars and Stripes Forever” and the “Star-Spangled Banner”.  
 
Fireworks, set to patriotic music, will be fired over the 30th Street Beach at dusk.  
 
Stone Harbor
 
July Fourth festivities start at 9 a.m. with family-friendly events like foot and bicycle races, plus a home run derby over at the Stone Harbor Recreation Field (100 Second Ave. and 81st St.).
 
An evening concert at 6 p.m. will be followed by a grand finale fireworks display.
 
The Wildwoods 
 
Wildwood’s annual bicycle parade sets off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. from 9th and Atlantic Aves. in North Wildwood. Bikes all tricked out in red, white and blue will head north to 1st and Surf Aves. They’ll be joined by the patriotic pooch parade at 8th and Atlantic Aves. Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated bike and best dressed pet.
 
Two free concerts happen later in the evening. Over at Wildwood Crest, catch the Elton John tribute band, Bennie and the Jets. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park (Fern Rd. and Ocean Ave.). In Fox Park (Burk and Ocean Aves.) the Philly POPS orchestra will perform favorite patriotic tunes at 8:30 p.m.
 
Fireworks will cap off the night at 10 p.m. Launched over the beach at Pine Ave., they’ll be visible all over the island.
 
The music continues on Sunday when Chicago tribute band, Sounds of Society, play Fox Park at 7:30 p.m.
 
Cape May
 
Make for the beach to catch Cape May’s fireworks display, which will be set off from an off-shore barge at 9 p.m.
 
Looking for something a bit fancier? Once again, Cape May’s Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) is hosting a dinner and fireworks special for those who want to watch fireworks from the Cape May Lighthouse. Patrons will be picked up by a MAC trolley at the Washington Street Mall information booth and taken to the Red Store restaurant at Cape May Point for a seasonal five-course dinner. Afterwards, the trolley transports diners to the lighthouse to view fireworks from watch gallery.  Offered on both Friday and Saturday evening, tickets cost $100 and reservations are needed (limit 12 people each night).
 
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This post is part of our South Jersey Events Listing