Fourth of July in Manasquan
Parade, beach concert & fireworks in one night
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Thu, July 2
Celebration Night
5–10 PM
Parade to Fireworks
Beachfront
Concert & Show
$
Beach Badges Required
While You're in Manasquan
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- Manasquan Inlet — NJ's most consistent surf break. Watch surfers or rent a board and join them.
- Main Street — Charming downtown with independent shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Algonquin Arts Theatre — Intimate performing arts venue with concerts, plays, and community events.
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Manasquan
Book Manasquan Tours & Experiences
Make the most of the weekend — book a tour, tasting, or guided experience. Free cancellation on most reservations.
Why Manasquan for July 4th?
Manasquan does Independence Day the old-fashioned way and gets it all done in a single evening. On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the town runs a parade, a beach concert, and fireworks back to back from about 5 to 10 PM along the beachfront and boardwalk - a tidy, walkable celebration that feels like a town reunion.
The rest of the holiday weekend is pure Jersey beach town. The Manasquan Inlet draws surfers and anglers, the mile-long boardwalk is made for an evening stroll, and Main Street keeps a low-key, locals-first feel a few blocks back from the sand.
Because the celebration is on the 2nd, Manasquan pairs well with the later shows nearby - Belmar on July 5 and Spring Lake's quiet beaches in between - if you're building a long weekend.
How to Spend the Fourth
Beach Day
Morning on the sand near the inlet. Beach badges required in season.
Main Street Break
Lunch and coffee downtown, a few blocks off the beach.
Parade & Concert
July 2: line up along the route, then catch the beach concert.
Fireworks Finale
Stay on the beachfront for the fireworks that close out the night.
Where to Eat
Tables fill up fast over the holiday weekend. Reserve a few days out, especially anywhere with a water view.
Squan Tavern
$$Italian
Family red-sauce institution since the 1960s
Carlson's Corner
$Boardwalk
Beachfront burgers, breakfast, and people-watching
The Committed Pig
$$Brunch
Big breakfasts and burgers, expect a wait
Mahogany Grille
$$$American
Upscale Main Street dinner, reserve ahead
Where to Stay
The rooms closest to the beach and the fireworks book up first for the Fourth. Compare hotels and rentals below and reserve early.
Manasquan beach rentals
Best for the weekend
Houses and apartments near the beach and inlet
Spring Lake inns nearby
Grand B&Bs next door
Walkable to Manasquan, more rooms to choose from
Point Pleasant hotels nearby
A short drive south
More hotel options near the boardwalk
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Things to Do on the Water & Around Town
Things to Do
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Plan for July 2
- • The big celebration is the 2nd, not the 4th
- • Arrive early for parade-route spots
- • Stay through 10 PM for the fireworks
Beach Badges
- • Daily and seasonal badges required
- • Buy at the beach or online
- • Lifeguards on duty through late afternoon
More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Manasquan Fourth
A whole celebration in one night, plus a classic Jersey beach town for the long weekend. Book your stay early.