By Jack Marflak
From Kearny’s Revolution 250 fireworks celebration to family activities, live music, historical programs and community events, there’s plenty happening throughout the holiday week. Whether you’re staying in town or exploring nearby communities, this guide highlights some of the best free and family-friendly events taking place from July 4 through July 10.
Kearny’s July 4th fireworks
The Town of Kearny always has a wonderful program of events scheduled for the 4th of July. This year is no exception with a great program planned for Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Veterans Field in Kearny. The Town will present the Town of Kearny Presents Revolution 250! Come celebrate the nation’s 250th Anniversary with a fantastic program for everyone. At 6:00 pm The Koontz Band will perform followed at 7:30 by The Danny Conde Band. The main event, the spectacular fireworks program, will begin around 9:05 pm. This event is free to all. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join in the celebration. You don’t want to miss this one!
VFW America 250 Celebration
VFW Post 1302 in Kearny is proud to be participating in the America 250 Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 as well. This event at the VFW is open to the public! All are invited so stop on by. The Canteen will be open starting at 1 PM showing World Cup games. The VFW lawn will be open with the beer garden. Live music starts at 6:00 pm at Veterans Field with fireworks expected around 9:05 pm.
Declaration of Independence reading
Just over the border in the neighboring Borough of North Arlington, Mayor Pronti and the North Arlington Council will hold their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. The reading will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at noon on the Borough Hall steps. All are welcome. What a great way to mark the day and date of our nation’s birth.
Ice cream social
If you are willing to travel a bit on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site,The Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association is hosting its Annual Fourth of July Ice Cream Social. The festivities begin at 12:30 pm with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and an appearance by the late President Grover Cleveland himself. The Ice Cream service is at 1:00 pm and tours of Cleveland’s birthplace home will also be available from 1-3 pm. There will also be activities for the kids so bring the whole family. The address is 207 Bloomfield Ave., in Caldwell, NJ. https://presidentcleveland.org/4th-of-july-celebration-2026/
Panini Pack giveaway
This Sunday, July 5, 2026 from 1 pm -3 pm head on over to Mr. Nino’s III Brick Oven Trattoria at 264 Kearny Ave. for a special Panini sticker swap free Panini pack giveaway (while supplies last). This is a family friendly event for all kids and families! Hurry in and don’t miss out. Good pizza, great company and strong community will make this a great event!
Music in the park
On Tuesday, July 7 the Bergen County Department of Parks, in partnership with the Borough of North Arlington, will present Music in the Park at The Stage at Riverside County Park at 452 River Road in North Arlington.The feature band will be Shake Rattle & Soul singing 60’s-70’s pop & rock ‘n roll. This free concert is open to all and is part of Bergen County’s Free Summer Concerts 2026. The concert begins at 7:00 pm so bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the show! Other concerts are planned throughout summer.
70’s Rock Show, dancing and food trucks
Thursday, July 9 Mayor Frank Velez,, Town Council, Belleville Public Schools, Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs presents Rock Night Super Trans AM for a night of super 70”s Rock Show, dancing and food trucks! The event is at Belleville High School. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets at 6:30 and music starts at 7:00 pm.
Meet Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin
On Friday, July 10 the Kearny Museum invites everyone to an American 250 Event featuring a presentation by historical figures Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin. The program will be held in the main library and will begin promptly at 6:30 pm. The event is free to the public. What a great opportunity to experience the lives of two great iconic figures of the American founding. For more information KearnyLibrary.org.
Volunteer at Kearny Community Garden
On Friday, July 10th from 5:30-7:30 pm volunteers are needed for the Butterfly Garden Clean Up. This volunteer event will be at the Kearny Community Garden 487 Passaic Ave., in Kearny. Bring tools, water and stop by for as long as you can. This is a great organization in town so come on by and volunteer!
Kearny Library’s weeklong activities
And finally the Kearny Library always has a great week of events planned to keep us busy, engaged and educated. Monday, July 6 is a Music Enrichment Workshop for grades K-3 beginning at 11:00am, Wednesday, July 7 is a pre-school dance party at 11:00am (all ages) w/Fit4Kids and a Paper Heart Puppet Show for all ages at 2:00pm and at 4:00 pm they will have a screening of the movie Princess and the Frog. Stop by and say hello to the library staff and Library Director Josh Humphrey. They work tirelessly to bring a variety of wonderful programs to the community! You can check out all of the Libraries events this week at KearnyLibrary.org/
