Fourth of July Weekend in the Wildwoods Event List

Fourth of July Weekend in the Wildwoods Event List

Visitors and locals alike will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day across the Wildwoods, with a packed lineup of patriotic events stretching from Thursday, July 3, through Monday, July 6.

From beach runs and family parades to live music, fireworks, a drone light show and a performance by the U.S. Army Reserve’s 78th Army Band, there is something planned for every age throughout the holiday weekend.

Friday, July 3

The festivities begin in Wildwood Crest with the annual Patriotic 5K Beach Run at 7 p.m. The race starts at Heather Road Beach and takes runners across the hard-packed sand, making it accessible for participants of all experience levels. Awards will be presented to top finishers as well as participants showing off the best patriotic attire. Additional information and registration are available through Wildwood Crest.

Saturday, July 4

Independence Day celebrations kick off in North Wildwood with the annual Patriotic Pooch Parade and Independence Day Family Parade.

Registration for the Patriotic Pooch Parade opens at 8:30 a.m. at 12th and JFK Avenues. Families are encouraged to dress their dogs in red, white and blue as they parade through the city alongside decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers, scooters and golf carts. The parade begins at 13th and JFK Avenues before making its way to 3rd and JFK Avenues. Participation is free, and prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic decorations.

Later in the day, Wildwood Crest will host its annual July 4 Celebration at Centennial Park. The evening begins with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6:45 p.m., presented by John Ryan of Historic Cold Spring Village. Following the reading, military veterans and first responders will be recognized before live music from the Legacy Band begins at 7 p.m.

In Wildwood, the celebration continues at Fox Park, where the Jump City Jazz Orchestra will perform The Song Book of America from 8 to 10 p.m. The patriotic concert serves as the perfect lead-in to one of the area’s signature Independence Day traditions.

At 10 p.m., thousands are expected to gather along the beach and Boardwalk for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks will be launched from the beach at Pine Avenue and synchronized to patriotic music broadcast throughout the Wildwoods Boardwalk sound system. Those watching from their vehicles can tune to 106.3 FM to enjoy the synchronized soundtrack.

Sunday, July 5

The holiday weekend continues Sunday night with Wildwood’s popular Drone Light Show beginning at 10 p.m.

Hundreds of synchronized drones will illuminate the night sky above the beach between Cedar and Poplar avenues, creating colorful animations and patterns choreographed to music. Visitors are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets for the free family-friendly event.

Monday, July 6

The celebration wraps up Monday evening with a free concert by the 78th Army Band at Fox Park beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will feature multiple ensembles from the U.S. Army Reserve’s premier musical unit, including Checkmate, a rock and pop group; 9X9, which performs punk rock favorites; and Liberty Vibes, a Latin ensemble featuring salsa, Latin pop and Afro-Cuban music. The concert is free and guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating.

Whether you’re looking to cheer on runners, march in a parade, enjoy live music, watch spectacular fireworks over the beach or experience one of the area’s popular drone light shows, the Wildwoods offer a full schedule of free and family-friendly entertainment throughout the Fourth of July weekend.

Hopefully, we will see you on the beach with the temperatures, though!