Coming down the shore early for July 4, or lingering a few days after?
From Independence Day fireworks and patriotic music to sports and charity events, discover what’s happening in town as we celebrate and honor our hard-won American independence and freedoms this July 4th Weekend.
In this guide, you’ll find information on:
> Fourth of July Fireworks & Independence Day Celebrations
Fourth of July Fireworks & Independence Day Celebrations
Avalon Boat Parade
Start your Fourth of July celebrations one day early along the waterfront at the Avalon Boat Parade. Featuring a patriotic theme, boats and participants will be decked out in red, white and blue!
Parade starts at 6:30 pm from the Avalon Yacht Club, and cruises around the back bays of Avalon.
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“The Hometown Star-Spangled Jam” – Avalon’s Fourth of July Concert
July 4th festivities on 7 Mile Island actually begin before all the evening fireworks start!
The concert kicks off with Avalon’s newest band, Mudshark. Also featuring Sean Loosh, Brett Haenn’s Black Dandelion, Marnie Lengle & Nate Kennedy, and the Jersey Cape Musicians leading audiences through the decades of the best American rock n’ roll!
Concert begins at 5:30 pm at Surfside Park.
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Avalon’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Right after “The Hometown Star-Spangled Jam” concert ends, catch the fireworks display in Avalon. Begins at approximately 8:45 pm from 30th Street Beach.
Stone Harbor’s Independence Day Concert & July 4th Fireworks
Fourth of July Fireworks and festivities return to the 82nd Street Recreation Fields in Stone Harbor this year!
Starting at 6 pm, enjoy food trucks and live music near the beach, including a pre-fireworks concert with Jim Bannach and the BLT Orchestra. Fireworks to follow.
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You may also like:
> Sea Isle City’s Fourth of July Fireworks
> Wildwood’s Fourth of July Fireworks on the Boardwalk
> “Music in the Plaza” in Downtown Wildwood – July 4 Concert
> Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series – Fourth of July Concert
Sports & Charity
There’s a number of sports and charity events happening over this long holiday weekend, from Friday before July 4th festivities into Thursday, a few days after.
Avalon Historical Society’s Skee-Ball Competition on the Boardwalk
Avalon Historical Society brings “the competition” back to this beloved arcade game on the Avalon Boardwalk! This charitable afternoon event will take place at Greyhound Poker Palace on Friday, June 28 from 4 to 7 pm.
All proceeds to benefit the Avalon Historical Society.
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You may also like:
> Tim Kerr Charities: 1.2 Mile Bay Swim
> Tim Kerr Charities: Murray Mile Ocean Classic
> Tim Kerr Charities: Avalon Beach Classic
Stone Harbor Fire Department’s Annual Hoagie Sale
Swing by the Stone Harbor Firehouse on Saturday, June 29 between 8 am to 12 noon to grab some lunch for the beach for yourself, housemates, or your kiddos – all while supporting this charitable cause!
Be sure to stop by early before these hoagies sell out!
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> Stone Harbor Fire Department
Arts, Galleries & Museums
Ocean Galleries Presents Artist Josef Kote in Stone Harbor
Josef Kote returns to Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor in a new exhibition titled “Flow,” featuring a curated selection of his paintings including limited edition and original artwork, with some paintings directly inspired by Avalon and Stone Harbor.
There will be two in-person Meet-the-Artist appearances on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6 from 7 to 10 pm. Any clients and collectors who are interested in private viewings or special requests are encouraged to contact Ocean Galleries.
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Taylor Swift Exhibit at Stone Harbor Museum
The Stone Harbor Museum has unveiled a new exhibit this year to debut a special Taylor Swift collection of memorabilia.
With long-running connections to the Stone Harbor community, Taylor spent her childhood summers vacationing on Seven Mile Beach from 1992 – 2004. During that time, she performed at Coffee Talk (which is still standing) and Henny’s (which is gone, but not forgotten, and stood where The Reeds “Spa Side” is located today).
Her father, Scott, was also an EMT with the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
The collection features four vinyl records from Swift’s 10th studio album, “Midnights” – which put together form a clock display. There’s also a concert film poster from “The Eras” Tour, a Taylor Swift-inspired Peter Max poster, and a “Midnights”-themed guitar autographed by Taylor Swift. The Swift family also donated photos of Taylor vacationing in Stone Harbor as a child.
“Thundermouth” Book Tour at Uncle Bill’s
Two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Famer Joe Watson will be making the rounds on a “Pancake House Tour” to introduce his new book that was released in May.
“Thundermouth” is Joe Watson’s nickname and the title of his book, chronicling the legend’s own life story as both a personal memoir and love letter to the sport of ice hockey. Known for his loud and booming voice at ear-piercing decibel levels in the Spectrum during the 1970’s, “Thundermouth” gives audiences a riveting, behind-the-scenes look at Watson’s life – from growing up in the remote town of Smithers, British Columbia to the dramatic shorthand goal against the 1976 Red Army powerhouse team, leading to the championship parade down Broad Street in Philly.
Watson will be spending a full week in Cape May County at various Uncle Bill locations, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Books will be available for sale at each location, with personalized inscriptions upon request.
TOUR DATES & LOCATIONS
July 7: Avalon
July 8: Stone Harbor
July 9: Cape May
July 10: Wildwood
July 12: Ocean City (40th Street)
July 13: Ocean City (21st Street)
July 14: North Cape May
Dinosaur Bones at Stone Harbor Museum
New this summer, the Stone Harbor Museum has dinosaur fossils on display – which are on loan from the Alan Ewing Carman Museum of Prehistory in Cumberland County .
The Museum is also featuring a special “Kids’ Day at the Museum” series this summer, engaging children in crafty activities to make their own fossils, design and send postcards, interact with sensory bins, and more!
Kids’ Day activities are offered the first Friday of every month (June to September), from 9 am to 12 pm.
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Dr. Seuss 25th Anniversary Exhibition at Ocean Galleries in Avalon
Quite rare and sought-after artworks spanning Dr. Seuss’ nearly 70-year career are now on display at the Avalon location of Ocean Galleries.
“25 Years Through the Wrong End of the Telescope” is a special anniversary collection – full of twists and turns that are sure to astonish and delight you!
More Music & Family Affairs
“Thursdays at Surfside” in Avalon
“Thursdays at Surfside” Concert Series has now officially kicked off this season, with the Sensational Soul Cruisers performance on Thursday, June 20 and more artists to come!
This music series event is held each week on Thursdays throughout the summer at Surfside Park in Avalon, and is a perfect way to unwind with family, friends, or your evening date after a day on the beach.
“Tuesdays at the Tower” in Stone Harbor
“Tuesdays at the Tower” Concert Series begins July 9 this year!
Featuring local favorites including the Dane Anthony Band, Holdyn Barder and his band, Marnie’s Musicians, The Seabillys, and more playing familiar tunes you can dance to and sing along with.
This music series event is held each week on Tuesdays throughout the summer at the Water Tower Lot in Stone Harbor.
“Thursdays on the Lawn” at St. Mary’s
Held on the front lawn of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, this free concert series event takes place on Thursdays in July and August, from 7:30 to 9 pm.
Featuring local artists including C. Lynne Smith, Three and One, Curtis McKonly, The Quietmen, and more – bring a chair or blanket, and sing along!
First concert in series starts July 11.
You may also like:
> Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series – Wednesday Nights
“Family Fun Nights” in Stone Harbor
Bring the family to the 97th Street Shuffle Board Courts on Monday nights in Stone Harbor!
Featuring different movie-inspired themes each week, you’ll find character Meet & Greets, face painting, music, crafts and more.
Be sure to mark your calendar for July 1 to see Patriotic Mickey & Minnie, along with Tink & Peter Pan!
“Friday Nights at Surfside Park” Kickoff
Balloon art, face painting, DJ music and more! The party begins on Friday, June 28 with a Summer Kickoff Spectacular – featuring themed games and prizes.
This family event series is held weekly on Fridays throughout the summer from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Surfside Park in Avalon.
Find more information:
> Events Nearby – Cape May, Wildwoods, and more
> Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market – on Saturdays
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