Fourth of July New Jersey Shore picks

If you're in dire need of a vacation, taking a Shore trip during our nation's birthday is never a bad choice. Bathe in the sun and soak in these seashore events happening throughout Fourth of July weekend.

For the Family

Start your holiday weekend with a Mummers Day performance on Thursday, July 2. Beginning at 7 p.m., this lively Philadelphia tradition will entertain Shore-goers from the 16th Avenue boardwalk to the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Shopping alert: The Wildwoods Fourth of July Boardwalk Craft Show will take place on Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. At the Rio Grande Avenue boardwalk, shop for over dozens of things from household items to new summer gear. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don't leave the exercising at home; take part in the Fourth of July Beach n' Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk on Saturday, July 4. Participants will get things started at 9 a.m. at the Wildwoods sign (Rio Grande and Ocean Avenues) and run a 5-mile loop back to the starting point. For walkers, the 1-mile walk will head down the Wildwoods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue and make way back to the Convention Center. Registration starts at 8 a.m.
 
For a patriotic performance: Vocalist Capathia Jenkins and the Philly Pops will perform songs dedicated to our nation beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Burk and Ocean Avenues in Wildwood. Best part, it's free!

Pimp out your bike in red, white, and blue for Ocean City's annual Fourth of July Bike Parade on Saturday, July 4. Ride with American pride at the South Ocean City parade (40^th Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Garden Civic Association's parade (Longport Bridge parking lot). Registration for each starts at 9 a.m.

Ocean City's annual Kite Festival and Competition returns on Saturday, July 4 at the 10th Street beach. Beginning at 6 p.m., guests can watch as kites in all shapes and sizes soar throughout the Shore skies. Following the kites, a Hula Hoop and yo-yo demonstration by Air Circus will take place at 8 p.m.

Cape May's annual Independence Day Festival (Beach Drive) invites the community on Friday, July 3 to an evening of vendors, live entertainment, games, rides, and food. The party begins at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.

AC nightlife picks

Start the holiday weekend early at Golden Nugget's Haven Night Club (Huron Avenue & Brigantine Boulevard) on Thursday, July 2 with beats and mixes from rap producer and G-Unit's DJ, DJ Whoo Kid. Doors open at 11 p.m.

Grab your gals and pals on Friday, July 3 and head toward Boogie Nights in the Tropicana (2831 Boardwalk) for First Friday Cougars and Cubs Ball. All ladies 40 and up and men 21-29 get in the club before 11 p.m. for free.

Swim to the beats of EDM at the Chelsea Hotel (111 S. Chelsea Ave.) during the AC Daylife Pool Party on Saturday, July 4. Beginning at 11 a.m., the rooftop seating area will turn into a dance floor with mixes produced by Canadian duo Sultan & Ned Shepard.

Keep the party going at Borgata's Festival Park (1 Borgata Way) on Sunday, July 5 during Mania Electronic Festival Circus. At noon, guests can soak in live circus performances and DJ sets by the Chainsmokers, DJ Ikon, Dallas K, Grand Theft, and DSK CHK.

Where to watch fireworks:

Atlantic City: Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and take place on two ocean barges, viewable along the Boardwalk and beach.

Ocean City: On Saturday, July 4, fireworks are set to start at 10 p.m. and will take place on the beach next to the Ocean City Music Pier (825 Boardwalk).

Cape May: Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 from an offshore barge located near Congress Hall (251 Beach Ave.).

Wildwood: Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. on the Pine Avenue beach on Saturday, July 3.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.