PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Presented by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Borough Council and Carteret Business Partnership, the free fest will be headlined by country star Walker Hayes. His 8:00pm live performance will feature country chart-topping hits “Fancy Like,” “AA,” “Y’all Life,” and the new “17 Year Old Problems.”
The family-friendly event also will feature rides, games, food trucks, a variety of vendors, DJ music, and a beer & sangria garden. At 9:15pm, a spectacular fireworks celebration will usher in America’s 250th birthday celebration.
“For many, many years, Carteret Independence Day Festival has brought our cultural diverse community together with visitors from surrounding towns,” Mayor Reiman said. “But this year, we are especially excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the great Walker Hayes, as well as the most spectacular fireworks display you could hope to see. We look forward to seeing you in Carteret and celebrating this special holiday.”
A free shuttle bus to and from the event will be available starting at 5:00pm from Carteret Middle School on Carteret Avenue and Minue School on Post Boulevard. The last drop off will be at midnight.
For more information, visit https://www.carteret.net or @MyCarteret on your favorite social media platforms.
