06/15/2026
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO INVITES THE PUBLIC TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH THREE SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AND CONCERTS BY AN EVENING OF R&B AND PHILADELPHIA SOUL: FILLET OF SOUL, THE NJ SYMPHONY ORCHRESTRA AND MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES FEATURING VAN MARTIN, THE DISCOTEKS AND THE EMPIRE
Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to celebrate the Fourth of July with three spectacular fireworks displays and exciting concerts by An Evening of R&B and Philadelphia Soul: Fillet of Soul in Essex County Weequahic Park on Wednesday, June 24th, the NJ Symphony Orchestra in Essex County Branch Brook Park on Friday, June 26th and Music through the Decades featuring Van Martin, The Discoteks and The Empire in Essex County Brookdale Park on Wednesday, July 1st.
“Our Free Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage in venues throughout our historic Essex County Park System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze and dance to the sounds of classical, rock and roll, jazz, big band, rhythm and blues, and more. We have an outstanding line-up that is sure to entertain and impress,” DiVincenzo said. “An evening in the parks with some of the area’s most talented musicians and our Spectacular Fireworks Extravaganzas are the perfect shows for Independence Day. Come out and celebrate your Fourth of July with us,” he added.
An Evening of R&B and Philadelphia Soul: Fillet of Soul and Fireworks Spectacular
Fillet of Soul is a high energy Funk/Soul band performing hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s featuring artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, the O'Jays, Al Green and many others. The group consists of four singers projecting soulful melodic leads along with fully blended background harmonies. The instrumental section is made up of drums, bass, guitar, keys and horns that provide an "in the pocket groove" that will touch the audience’s souls. The Fireworks Spectacular and An Evening of R&B and Philadelphia Soul: Fillet of Soul will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Weequahic Park
Meeker Avenue
Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Fireworks Spectacular
Enjoy the sounds of the New Jersey Symphony under the stars! This free program features a medley of timeless classics and patriotic favorites. The NJSO and Fireworks Display will be held as follows:
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park
Heller Parkway
The Great Lawn
Newark, NJ
Music through the Decades featuring Van Martin, The Discoteks and The Empire and Fireworks Spectacular
Three great musical groups come together for a dynamic Independence Day concert! Van Martin is an accomplished lead guitarist known for his ability to perform a variety of musical styles. The Discoteks bring the unforgettable energy of the ‘70s back to the stage with a bang, playing music from the golden era of disco and Motown. The Empire is a five-piece, hybrid DJ/band that performs from a diverse soundtrack. Music through the Decades featuring Van Martin, The Discoteks and The Empire with a fireworks spectacular will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Brookdale Park
Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
Bellevue Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
The SummerMusic Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions. The series is also made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
Concerts are held at accessible sites. Individuals who require special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least two weeks prior to the concert to alert staff as to their needs. Admission to the concerts is free. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑268-3500 x6231.
