Monmouth Celebrates 250
Commemorate America’s 250th with historical reenactments, 5Ks, community-wide bashes, fireworks and much more!
The day we’ve all been waiting for is nearly upon us! We’ve been excited about America’s 250th birthday since this time last year, and now the countdown to July 4 is on. And Monmouth County was at the heart of the struggle for American independence—the Battle of Monmouth was a pivotal victory for the Continental Army in the American Revolution. Naturally, we’re going all out for the nation’s biggest birthday yet.
The Monmouth 250 committee has been hard at work since 2023 preparing for the spectacle. According to Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, “I started doing research about it, because I have great memories of the country’s bicentennial celebration when I was a child. I wanted something like that here.” All that work is finally paying off, with parades, 5Ks, galas and much more.
So in addition to eye-popping fireworks, local live music and cookout classics, don’t miss these celebrations:
June 14. Lace up your running shoes and head to Holmdel for Monmouth County’s Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk. While you run (or walk!), take in high-energy music and cheering crowds. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue!
June 20–21. Join the Friends of the Monmouth Battlefield at that historic site in Manalapan for their annual recreation of the legendary battle. Wander period-accurate army camps, learn from costumed actors and hear timely talks. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days.
June 25. At Bell Works in Holmdel, enjoy the America’s 250th Birthday Gala with cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing. This black-tie-optional event starts at 6 p.m.
June 28. “America’s Big Birthday Parade: Red, White and You” steps off in Middletown at 12:30 p.m. for a celebration of country, community and fun.
July 1. Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center hosts a free concert to honor the semi-quincentennial. Listen to performances by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus and female vocal group the American Bombshells, who resemble the Andrews Sisters of World War II vintage. The show starts at 7 p.m.
July 3. Climb aboard Sea Bright’s Tall Ship Cruise at 7:15 p.m. for an unforgettable evening on the water with breathtaking views, live music and a spectacular fireworks display to close it out.
July 3-4. For even more tall ships, see the spectacle of with Sail 250, which will stop by Sandy Hook Bay on these two days.
July 4. Keansburg’s America 250 celebration includes a full family fun day, starting at 10 a.m., with food trucks, music and activities.
Fireworks
Of course, no Fourth of July celebration would be complete without this classic send-off. Options around the county are plentiful; here are a few standouts:
July 2. Howell Township’s Independence Day Celebration. Fun begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
July 3. Hazlet’s fireworks display. Celebration starts at 6 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
July 3. Asbury Park’s Independence Day Fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
July 4. Long Branch’s famous Oceanfest. Fun starts at 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk.
How are you celebrating Independence Day? Share your photos from the festivities with us
