These Fireworks Displays In New Jersey Will Drop Your Jaw

New Jersey loves to celebrate on the Fourth of July. In fact, one of the nation's oldest Independence Day celebrations was held in Ridgefield Park, all the way back in 1894. We've got food festivals, parades, live music, craft fairs and, best of all, fireworks. No matter where you live in New Jersey, you're never far from a fireworks show on July 4th. Here are some spectacular shows that should not be missed:

1. Freedom And Fireworks Festival, Jersey City

Though the Macy's Fireworks will be held over the East River, New Jersey will still have its own show over the Hudson on July 4th. The Freedom and Fireworks Festival will be held in Liberty State Park, starting at 1 p.m. with fireworks around 10. There will be carnival rides for the kiddies (and adults) along with live music throughout the day. The show may be a bit different, but the stunning NYC backdrop for the fireworks is the same.

2. Asbury Park Independence Day Celebration

Enjoy the beach by day and fireworks over the ocean at night. The show will start at 9 p.m. on July 4th.

3. Freedom Festival, Camden

The festival starts at 5 p.m. in Wiggins Waterfront Park on July 4th. There will be live music throughout the night. Fireworks over the Delaware start at 9:30 - this is the largest show in the region.

4. Oceanfest, Long Branch

Held in Pier Village, enjoy 12 hours of entertainment - 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. There will be live music, entertainment for kids and adults, food vendors, sand sculptures and, of course, fireworks. The show starts at 9 p.m.

5. Meadowlands State Fair, East Rutherford

Fireworks will be held on July 3rd and 4th at dusk, though I recommend you get there earlier. You'll need to pay admission to the fair to see the show, so might as well enjoy it. There will be a hypnotist, live music, pig racing, a petting zoo, thrill show, high diving and a magician.

There are plenty of other fantastic fireworks displays as well, sure to blow last year's out of the water. Check out our full list of New Jersey fireworks displays in 2016 - many of them are free!

Atlantic County Fireworks

• Atlantic City Fireworks, July 4th. The show will be held along the boardwalk and marina at 9:30 p.m.
• Tropicana Fireworks, July 2nd, 10 p.m.
• Buena Vista Independence Day Festival, July 3rd. There will be a parade at 2 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
• Egg Harbor City, July 16th on Egg Harbor City Lake, 9 p.m.
• Margate, July 4th, Huntington Avenue Beach, 9 p.m.
• Allendale, July 4th, Crestwood Lake, 9 p.m. The fireworks are open to residents and their guests only.
• East Rutherford, July 3rd & 4th, Metlife Stadium, 9 p.m. Must pay state fair admission.
• Fair Lawn, June 30th, Memorial Park, 7:30 pm. Admission: $5-$7
• Hackensack, July 4th, Foschini Park, 9:15 p.m. Enjoy games and rides all day, food vendors, a flea market and live music.
• Lyndhurst, July 2nd. The show will be held at 225 Riverside Ave. (little league fields) at dusk.
• Maywood, July 2nd, Memorial Park, 9:15 p.m.
• Paramus, July 3rd, Garden State Plaza. There will be live music starting at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.
• Ridgefield, July 3rd, Veteran's Memorial Park. Rides and entertainment starting at 5:30 p.m. and followed by fireworks.
• Ridgewood, July 4th, Veteran's Field. Music starting at 6 p.m., gates close at 9 p.m.
• Rutherford, July 1st, Memorial Field, 9:15 p.m.
• Tenafly, July 2nd, Tenafly High School, 9 p.m. There will also be a festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Bordentown, July 1st, Joseph Lawrence Park, Dusk
• Evesham, July 4th, Cherokee High school, 9:30 p.m. Food and drinks available from 7 p.m.
• Medford Township, July 1st, Freedom Park, Dusk. Celebration starting 6 p.m.
• Mount Holly, July 3rd, Iron Works Park, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Free rides, food vendors, hula hoop act and a beer tent. Fireworks start at sundown.
• Shamong, July 3rd, Valenzano Winery. Festivities start at 5 p.m. with fireworks after the sun sets. Admission: $10-$15
• Camden, July 1st, Battleship New Jersey, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $10, includes entertainment.
• Camden, July 4th, Wiggins Waterfront Park. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Magnolia, July 1st, Yellin School, 9:15 p.m. These aren't fireworks, but a nighttime laser light show sounds like a blast.
• Avalon, July 3rd, 30th Street at the beach, 8:45 p.m.
• Cape May, July 4th, Congress Beach, 9 p.m.
• Lower Township, July 3rd, North Cape May bayfront between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue. Festivities start at 5 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
• Ocean City, July 4th, Boardwalk. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with a kite flying competition. Live entertainment follows concluding with fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Sea Isle City, July 4th, 50th Street Beach, 9 p.m.
• Stone Harbor, July 4th, 80th Street Beach, 8 p.m.
• Wildwood, July 4th, Pine Avenue Beach, 10 p.m. Live music starts at 2 p.m. with Tim McGraw headlining at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22.50
• Bridgeton, July 4th, Bridgeton City Park, 9:30 p.m.
• Millville, July 4th, Union Lake Park. Live band at 7:30, fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Belleville/Newark, June 28th, Branch Brook Park, 7:30 p.m, in conjunction with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
• Belleville, July 4th, Belleville Municipal Stadium, 9:15 p.m.
• Bloomfield, July 4th, Foley Field. Festivities starting at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Montclair/Newark, July 1, Brookdale Park. Live music at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
• West Caldwell, July 4th, James Caldwell High School, Dusk. Admission: $1-$3
• Cedar Grove, June 29th, Panther Park Athletic Field, Dusk
• East Orange, July 4th, Paul Robeson Stadium, Naughty By Nature performs at 5:30 p.m. (Free show.) Fireworks will follow.
• Fairfield June 29th, Rec Center. Food, music, free face painting at 5:30. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Livingston, July 4th, Memorial Oval. All day celebration. Car show at 9 a.m. Rides, games, contests, music and more. Fireworks to end the night.
• Maplewood, July 4th, Memorial Park. Event starts at 8:15 a.m. Car show, live music, games, face painting. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Admission: $10-$40
• Millburn, July 4th. Festivities start at 9 a.m. at Taylor Park. Events including a flag raising, awards, a bike parade and softball game. Festival starts at 3 p.m. at Millburn High School. There will be live entertainment, a variety of thrill and carnival rides, live music and more. Admission: $10
• Montclair, July 4th, Yogi Berra Stadium, gates open at 6:30. Admission: $3 per person or $10 for a family of 6 or less
• Newark, July 6th, Weequahic Park, 7:30 p.m. Also includes Motown musical tribute.
• Nutley July 4th, Park Oval, dusk. Festivities starting at 6:30 p.m.
• Verona, June 30th, Verona Community Center, 9:20 p.m.
• West Orange, July 4th, West Orange High School. Live music starts at 6:30, fireworks to follow.
• Monroe Township, July 4th, Owens Park, Dusk
• Jersey City, July 4th, Liberty State Park. Festival from 1 p.m.-10 p.m. concluding with fireworks.
• Jersey City, July 16th, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 9:30 p.m.
• Kearny, July 4th, Veterans Field. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., fireworks to start at 9:15 p.m.
• Secaucus, July 1st, Town Pool. Food, rides, and live music beginning at 4 p.m., Fireworks after dark. Residents and guests only.
• Califon - Fireman's carnival held from July 4th-9th. Fireworks on the 6th and 8th.
• Flemington, July 3rd, Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, 9 p.m.
• Lambertville, July 1st, Delaware River, 9:30 p.m.
• East Windsor, July 2nd, Etra Lake Park. Celebration at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Ewing, July 2nd, 6 p.m.
• Hamilton, July 1st, Veterans Park. Concert at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Lawrence Township, July 1st, Rider University. Concert at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m.
• Trenton, June 30th, July 2nd, 3rd, 14th and 16th, Arm & Hammer Park, Post Game
• West Windsor, June 25th, Mercer County Park festival grounds. Festival from 3 p.m.- 11 p.m. with live music, games, car show, 5K and fireworks.
• Carteret, July 1st, Waterfront. Festival 6 p.m.-11 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Cranbury, July 5th Village Park, Dusk
• East Brunswick, July 4th, East Brunswick Community Arts Center. Celebration starting at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
• Edison, July 4th, Papaianni Park. Celebration starting at 5:30 p.m., fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
• Highland Park, July 3rd, Donaldson Park. ParkStock starting at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
• Monroe Township, July 4th, Thompson Park. Celebration at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
• Perth Amboy, July 1st, Perth Amboy Waterfront. Fun, festivities and fireworks from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Piscataway, July 4th, Piscataway High School Football Stadium. Celebration starting at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Sayreville, July 2nd, Kennedy Park. Festivities starting at 4 p.m. including a hot dog eating contest. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• South Brunswick, July 1st, Crossroads School South Fields in Monmouth Junction. Celebration 6 p.m., fireworks 9:15 p.m.
• Woodbridge, July 3rd, Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park in Seawaren. Gates open 4 p.m.
• Aberdeen, July 1st, Fireman's Field, 8:30 p.m.
• Allentown, July 16th, Horse Park of New Jersey, Dusk
• Asbury Park, July 4th, Beachfront, 9 p.m.
• Atlantic Highlands, July 3rd, Fireman's Fair, Dusk
• Atlantic Highlands, July 8th, Municipal Harbor, 9 p.m.
• Bradley Beach, July 3rd, Beachfront, 9 p.m.
• Freehold, July 3rd, Freehold Raceway. Concert at 6:30 p.m., fireworks to follow.
• Hazlet, July 4th, Veterans Memorial Park, Dusk
• Keansburg, July 4th, Keansburg Amusement Park, Dusk
• Long Branch, July 4th, Pier Village. Festivals starting at 11 a.m., fireworks in the evening.
• Manasquan, July 1st, Manasquan Coast Guard Station. Parade at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., fireworks to follow.
• Matawan, July 1st, Lake Lefferts, Sundown
• Ocean Township, July 3rd, Joe Palaia Park. Parade at 5 p.m. on Dow Avenue, picnic and fireworks to follow.
• Union Beach, July 3rd, Beachfront, Dusk
• Chatham, July 4th, Chatham Middle School, Dusk
• Denville, July 4th, Gardner Field, 9:15 p.m.
• Dover, July 3rd, Hamilton Field Complex, Celebration starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks to follow.
• East Hanover, July 4th, Lurker Park, 8 p.m.
• Florham Park, July 4th, Borough Hall. Events throughout the day including a parade, picnic, petting zoo and fireworks at 8:15 p.m. Admission: $1
• Hanover Township, June 29th, Veteran's Field in Whippany. Parade starting at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.
• Hopatcong, July 1st, Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, Dusk
• Montville - June 30th to July 2nd at Montville high school with fireworks on the 2nd at dusk.
• Morris Plains, June 25th, Morris Plains Community Park. Family day starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Morristown, July 3rd, Central Park, 9:15 p.m.
• Parsippany-Troy Hills, July 4th, Parsippany Hills High School. Concert at 6:3- p.m. followed by fireworks.
• Randolph - June 30th-July 2nd celebrations with fireworks on the 2nd at 9:45 p.m.
• Barnegat, July 4th, Municipal Dock. Concert and fireworks starting at 7 p.m.
• Beach Haven, July 4th, Bay Village, Dusk
• Beachwood, July 4th, Beachfront, 9 p.m.
• Lakehurst, July 3rd, Lake Horicon, Dusk
• Lakewood, July 3rd, Lake Carasaljo, 9:15 p.m.
• Lavalette, July 3rd, Gazebo. Concert at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks.
• Manchester, June 25th, Harry Wright Lake in Whiting, Dusk
• Point Pleasant Beach, July 4th, Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Dusk
• Seaside Heights, July 4th, Boardwalk, 9:30 p.m.
• Jackson, July 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Great Adventure, 10 p.m.
• Tuckerton, July 4th, Tip Seaman Park, Dusk
• Clifton, July 3rd, Memorial Park. Picnic and fireworks for residents at 8:45 p.m. Admission: $3
• Little Falls, July 9th, Yogi Berra Stadium, Post Game
• Passaic, July 3rd, 9 p.m.
• Paterson, July 2nd and 3rd, Main & Ward Streets, Dusk
• Wayne, July 1st, Wayne Hills High School. Celebration featuring rides and food starts at 6 p.m.
• West Milford, July 2nd, McCormack Field. Festivities from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., fireworks to close. Admission: $10 per carload
• Pilesgrove, July 2nd, Four Seasons Family Campground, 9:30 p.m.
• Pilesgrove, July 4th, Marlton Recreation Park. Festivities start at 5 p.m.
• Bridgewater, July 4th, North Branch Park. Festival starts at 6 p.m. and includes a Revolutionary War encampment. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Bridgewater, July 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 9th, TD Bank Ballpark, Post Game
• Franklin Township, July 1st, Municipal Complex, Celebration at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
• Hillsborough, June 25th, Auten Road Intermediate School Festivities at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Montgomery Township, June 30th, Montgomery High School in Skillman, 9 p.m.
• North Painfield, July 4th, West End School Field, 7 p.m.
• Augusta, July 4th, Skylands Stadium, Post Game. Admission $12-$17
• Franklin, July 7th and July 10th, Franklin Pond, 9 p.m.
• Vernon, July 2nd, Sammis Road. Celebration starts at 6 p.m.
• Clark, July 4th, Arthur L. Johnson High School, 9:30 p.m.
• Elizabeth, July 4th, Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, 8 p.m.
• New Providence, July 3rd, South Street. Celebration at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Rahway, July 2nd, City Hall, Dusk
• Roselle Park, July 3rd, Roselle Park High School. Carnival at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Scotch Plains, July 2nd, Scotch Hills Country Club, 8 p.m.
• Summit, July 4th, Soldier's Memorial Field. Carnival rides, decorated bicycle parade and a mass "Twist and Shout" dance start at 9:45 a.m.. Fireworks after dark.
• Union, July 4th, Biertuempfel Park. Concert and fireworks, 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
• Blairstown, July 4th, North Warren Regional High School, 9 p.m. There will also be festivities during the day at Footbridge Park.
• Washington, July 4th, Fireworks, Dusk

Where will you be celebrating your Fourth of July this year? Are there any other fireworks displays in New Jersey that you could add to this list?