On July 4, 1776, a new nation was born.

Two hundred and fifty years later, communities across Monmouth County are celebrating America's biggest birthday. From Revolutionary War battlefields and tall ships in Sandy Hook Bay to parades, fireworks, concerts, and community festivals, this is a once-in-a-generation celebration.

Monmouth County was one of the most important locations in the Revolutionary War. The county's role in the conflict—including the pivotal Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778—helped shape the future of the United States.

Nowhere is that story more meaningful than Monmouth County. Happy Birthday, America!

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Founders, Freedom & Fireworks (More)
Date: Saturday, June 27
Location: Matawan
One of Monmouth County's official America250 celebrations featuring patriotic activities and fireworks.

America's BIG Birthday Parade: Red, White & YOU! (More)
Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: Parade followed by Family Festival
Location: Mater Dei Park
A countywide patriotic parade commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, followed by a free family festival with entertainment, food vendors, and activities.

U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus Concert (More)
Date: July 1
Time: 7-10 pm
Location: PNC Arts Center, Holmdel
An unforgettable night of patriotic music and performance. The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus—recognized as the Army’s premier musical ensembles—bring decades of excellence to the stage with powerful performances.

Antique American Flag Display (More)
Dates: July 2-5
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Location: The Historic Village at Allaire
A unique patriotic exhibit, giving residents a rare chance to view American history up close.

Sail 4th @ Sandy Hook (More)
Dates: July 3–4
Location: Sandy Hook Bay
One of the largest America250 celebrations in the region as tall ships from around the world gather in New York Harbor and Sandy Hook Bay. Admission is free.

Independence Day at Monmouth Battlefield (More)
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 4 pm
Location: Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Celebrate Independence Day at one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in America. Admission is free.

Little Silver Celebrates America 250 (More)
Date: October 11
Time: 2-7 pm
Location: Sickles Park
Featuring The Moroccan Sheepherders, children’s activities, Parker Homestead tours, food vendors, fireworks and an antique care show.

🇺🇸 The Battle of Monmouth was fought on June 28, 1778, and is considered one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. Following the harsh winter at Valley Forge, George Washington's Continental Army demonstrated a new level of discipline and professionalism against British forces, helping prove that American troops could stand toe-to-toe with one of the world's most powerful armies.

George Washington personally rode onto the battlefield at Monmouth after American troops began retreating in confusion. His dramatic confrontation with General Charles Lee became one of the most famous moments of the Revolutionary War and helped stabilize the Continental Army during the battle. (More)

🇺🇸 Molly Pitcher is one of America's most enduring Revolutionary War legends and is tied to the Battle of Monmouth. According to tradition, a woman remembered as Molly Pitcher carried water to soldiers during the battle's intense heat and later assisted an artillery crew after her husband collapsed. Historians continue to debate details of the story, but the legend remains closely associated with Monmouth County. Historians debate whether Molly Pitcher was a single person, often identified as Mary Ludwig Hays, or a composite of several women who aided soldiers. (More)

🇺🇸 Sandy Hook had strategic importance during the Revolutionary War. Located at the entrance to New York Harbor, Sandy Hook was one of the most strategically important locations. British forces occupied the peninsula for much of the conflict, using it to help protect access to New York City and its harbor. Today, Sandy Hook remains a gateway to one of the busiest waterways in the United States. (More)

🇺🇸 The "Spy House" in Port Monmouth probably wasn't a Revolutionary War spy headquarters at all. Historians have found no evidence that the house served as a tavern or spy center during the Revolution. However, its location overlooking Sandy Hook Bay made the area an ideal place to watch British ships entering and leaving New York Harbor, helping inspire one of Monmouth County's most enduring legends.

Today known as the Seabrook-Wilson House, the Spy House is one of the oldest surviving homes on the Bayshore. The current structure dates largely to the early 1700s and was home to the Seabrook family, including Thomas Seabrook, who served in the New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary War. (More)

🇺🇸 Washington Chose Monmouth for a Reason
In June 1778, George Washington decided to pursue the British Army as it marched across New Jersey from Philadelphia toward New York. Rather than allow the British to cross the state unchallenged, Washington moved to engage them in Monmouth County. The resulting Battle of Monmouth became the largest battle fought on New Jersey soil and one of the longest single-day engagements of the Revolutionary War. (More)

🇺🇸 Washington's Army Comes of Age
Just months after enduring the harsh winter at Valley Forge, Continental soldiers demonstrated the discipline and battlefield effectiveness they had gained through training led by Baron von Steuben. The Battle of Monmouth showed that Washington's army could stand and fight British regulars in a large-scale engagement. (More)

🇺🇸 Washington Rode Into Battle
One of the most famous moments of Washington's military career happened in Monmouth County. When American forces began retreating in confusion, Washington rode forward, confronted General Charles Lee, reorganized the troops, and rallied the army. Witnesses described Washington under enemy fire personally directing troop movements on the battlefield. (More)

🇺🇸 Washington Was Here
During the Monmouth Campaign of June 1778, George Washington and the Continental Army moved through what are now Freehold Township, Englishtown, Manalapan, and surrounding areas of Monmouth County while pursuing British forces across New Jersey. (More)

NOTE: Please verify all times and locations as townships have been changing dates and locations due to weather.

Saturday, June 27
🇺🇸 Matawan, 6:30 pm, Lake Lefferts (More)

Sunday, June 28
🇺🇸 Wall Township Fair, 5-10 pm, Municipal Building (More)

Tuesday, June 30
🇺🇸 Bell Works in Holmdel, music & entertainment, 5-9:15 pm, Parking Lot (More)

Wednesday, July 1
🇺🇸 Aberdeen, 5-10 pm, Fireworks at 9:15, Veterans Memorial Park (More)

Thursday, July 2
🇺🇸 Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair, 6-11 pm, Municipal Harbor (More)
🇺🇸 Bradley Beach, 9 pm, Beachfront (More)
🇺🇸 Howell Independence Day Celebration, 5 pm, Soldier Memorial Park (More)
🇺🇸 Ocean Township Lighting the Way to America's 250th, 5:30-10 pm, Joe Palaia Park (More)
🇺🇸 Red Bank Presents America's 250 Celebration, 4 pm, Broadwalk (no fireworks) (More)

Friday, July 3
🇺🇸 Asbury Park, 9 pm, Beachfront (More)
🇺🇸 Belmar Fireworks + Light Show, 9 pm, Taylor Pavilion (More)
🇺🇸 Colts Neck, 6 pm, Bucks Mill Park (More)
🇺🇸 Hazlet Township, Food Truck Festival, 6-10 pm, Veterans Park (More)
🇺🇸 Riverview Medical Center Foundation Family Fireworks on the Navesink, 6:30 pm, Red Bank, Fair Haven, Middletown public riverfronts (More)
🇺🇸 Sea Bright, 6:30 pm, Beachfront (More)
🇺🇸 Union Beach 250th America Birthday Bash, 5-10 pm, Waterfront (More)

Saturday, July 4
🇺🇸 Holmdel Independence Day Celebration (no fireworks), 12-3 pm, Longstreet Farm (More)
🇺🇸 Keansburg Family Fun Fest, 12-9 pm, Baywalk East (More)
🇺🇸 Oceanfest, 1 pm-10 pm, Long Branch Promenade (More)
🇺🇸 Ocean Grove Independence Day Parade, 10:30 am-1 pm (no fireworks) (More)
🇺🇸 West Long Branch Celebrates 250 Years of America, 7-9 pm, Franklin Lake (More)

Sunday, July 5
🇺🇸 Ocean Grove Summer Band Patriotic Concert, 7 pm, Great Auditorium (no fireworks) (More)

Have you been to the beach yet this season?

Yes: 37%
No: 28%
Only the boardwalk: 20%
Will go soon: 15%