July 4th weekend is one of the busiest stretches of the summer on Seven Mile Island, with fireworks, parades, live music, family activities, beach traditions, and community events taking place throughout Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Whether you are planning around the kids, meeting friends for fireworks, or looking for a few easy events to add to the weekend, here is a town-by-town look at what is scheduled.
AVALON
Thursday, July 2
Thursdays at Surfside, 6:30pm–9pm
Surfside Park
Avalon’s holiday weekend begins with Thursdays at Surfside. The evening includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by live music from American Soul.
Friday, July 3
Golf Cart Parade and Live Music, 6pm
Surfside Park
Avalon continues the holiday weekend with a golf cart parade and live music from Nashville Express at Surfside Park.
Saturday, July 4
Avalon Boat Parade, 12pm
Avalon Back Bays
Avalon’s annual Boat Parade begins at noon and travels through the back bays. This longtime holiday tradition brings decorated boats through the bayfront areas of town.
Avalon Fireworks, 9pm
Launched from 30th Street Beach
Avalon’s fireworks display begins at 9pm and will be launched from 30th Street Beach. The show is choreographed to music and can be viewed from locations along the shoreline.
For more information, visit avalonboro.net.
STONE HARBOR
Friday, July 3
Live Music, 7pm
82nd Street Recreation Field
Stone Harbor begins its Independence Day weekend celebration with live music by Jim Bannach and the BLT Orchestra at the 82nd Street Recreation Field.
Stone Harbor Fireworks, Around 9pm
Beach off 96th Street
Stone Harbor’s fireworks display is scheduled for Friday evening around 9pm. The fireworks will launch from a barge off 96th Street and will be visible from the beach.
Saturday, July 4
American Legion Pancake Breakfast, 8am–11am
Post 331, 11617 Second Ave., Stone Harbor
Start July 4th at the American Legion Pancake Breakfast at Post 331. This annual breakfast supports Seven Mile Beach’s American Legion Post 331.
Morning Races, Contests, and Home Run Derby, 10am
82nd Street Recreation Field
Stone Harbor’s July 4th morning includes races, contests, and a home run derby as part of the borough’s holiday activities.
Decorated Bike Parade, 10am
Stone Harbor
The decorated bike parade will feature bikes dressed in red, white, and blue for the holiday.
Declaration of Independence Reading, 10am
101st Street Gazebo
Stone Harbor will host a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the 101st Street Gazebo.
Declaration of Independence Reading, 11:30am
Pump House on 96th Street
A second Declaration of Independence reading will take place at the Pump House on 96th Street.
Decorated Golf Cart Parade, 12pm
Begins at St. Paul’s parking lot and ends at the 82nd Street Recreation Field
Stone Harbor’s decorated golf cart parade begins at St. Paul’s parking lot and ends at the 82nd Street Recreation Field.
Sunday, July 5
Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am–12pm
Stone Harbor
The weekly Stone Harbor Farmers Market will be open Sunday morning with produce, baked goods, flowers, and local vendors.
For more information, visit shnj.org.
July 4th weekend is always a busy time on the island, so plan ahead for parking, beach traffic, road closures, and larger crowds near fireworks viewing areas. Whether you are staying in Avalon, Stone Harbor, or spending time in both towns, the weekend is full of local traditions that make summer on Seven Mile Island feel like summer.
