Color Atlantic City red, white and blue on July 4 weekend with days and nights of celebrations that include promotional giveaways, multiple fireworks displays and a 500-drone light show.
Catching a glimpse of the Independence Day brilliance is easy from the island’s casino hotel rooms, boats out of Gardner’s Basin Marina, or outside on the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk, which all offer spectacular views.
The July 4 weekend kicks off on Friday with a fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. June 30 in North Beach. The best viewing locations include Steel Pier as well as Atlantic City casinos Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Showboat and Ocean Casino Resort.
From there, the Independence Day weekend kicks into full swing with plenty of activities to celebrate.
Fireworks, drones kick off July 4 weekend in Atlantic City
The fireworks spectacular, in partnership with “Fireworks by Grucci,” America’s First Family of Fireworks, will be free and open to the public. It will feature several viewing locations throughout the north end of the boardwalk.
Tennessee Avenue restaurants are also sponsors of the annual fireworks celebration. Live music, drink specials and other activations can be found from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. across the North Beach boardwalk area prior to the fireworks.
A drone show spectacular at Borgata Atlantic City lights up the night sky at 9 p.m. on July 3. This will both celebrate Independence Day weekend and Borgata’s 20th anniversary in the resort. The public viewing area opens at 7 p.m. at Borgata’s BetMGM surface parking lot with beer, sodas, snacks and candy available for purchase.
More on the drone show
Featuring 500 drones to light up the Atlantic City skyline above the casino resort, spectators will enjoy over 10 minutes of dramatically choreographed lighting using cutting-edge technology by Verge Aero, is a leading drone show technology provider founded in 2015.
Vero Aero developed their own purpose-built drones and software to work together to create spectacular drone shows on the global stage, including performances for professional athletic teams, music videos and winning the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell during America’s Got Talent Extreme 2022.
“As we commemorate this pivotal milestone in Borgata’s history, we want to captivate our visitors with a celebratory drone show,” Travis Lunn, President & COO of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, said in a press release.
“This incredible show is a kick-off to a summer of celebration for Borgata’s 20th Anniversary. While visiting the resort, our guests will enjoy an array of specialty anniversary menu items throughout our restaurants, entertainment throughout the summer, and exceptional 20th Anniversary grand prizes.”
July 4th weekend will bring ‘much-needed boost’ to economy
Visitors can take in fireworks at North Beach and midtown – and just about any location on the island – on different dates. Fireworks also are part of the fifth anniversary of Ocean Casino Resort and 45th anniversary of Resorts Atlantic City.
“From the Boardwalk to our amazing beaches, from top-notch entertainment options to our incredible casinos, Atlantic City has so much to offer visitors,” said Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber.
“The Fourth of July Weekend is always action-packed in Atlantic City, and this holiday weekend will be no exception. We are optimistic that this summer will bring a much-needed boost to the local and regional economy.”
The atmosphere in the city gets extra special for Independence Day celebrations. The breathtaking July 4 fireworks displays over the waterfront Boardwalk and the Marina are among the most popular Fourth of July events in New Jersey.
“Atlantic City Fireworks are a 4th of July tradition,” said Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO of Resorts and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.
“Visitors of all ages look forward to the free shows because there’s nothing quite like watching the night sky light up over the ocean. Resorts and our North Beach partners are kicking off the weekend with a spectacular fireworks show on Friday, June 30. It will be an extra special show because all of the partners are celebrating monumental milestones this summer.”
Plenty to do July 4th weekend in Atlantic City
Additionally, there are new restaurants, world-class entertainment, experiences and events for visitors to enjoy throughout the summer of 2023.
Conde Nast Traveler recently highlighted what’s new and exciting in Atlantic City:
“Atlantic City is bringing the pre-pandemic energy with a string of flashy openings this spring and summer…Inside the largest arcade on the East Coast, Raceway at Lucky Snake at Showboat with a 40,000-square foot go-kart track and Island Waterpark.”
So, book a room, pitch your beach chair by the water, or schedule a boat tour during the Atlantic City July 4 weekend to get the best and most comfortable Atlantic City fireworks viewing vantage points.
In case you’re not sure about all the Atlantic City weekend events, we’ve created a list of what to see and where to be.
Other events around Atlantic City
There are giveaway items at Resorts Atlantic City for visitors on July 4. They’ll have free beads and flags at the promotions booth between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. And at sunset, there will be a National Anthem ceremony featuring Miss Atlantic City Brooke Feldman.
Fireworks light the sky at 10 p.m. at Tropicana Atlantic City on July 4. They continue every Saturday until Sept. 3. Fireworks launch from the beachfront. You can see them all along the boardwalk, with several viewing parties dedicated to the show.
Find a champagne brunch over at Golden Nugget AC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 2. Enjoy an all-you-can-savor brunch buffet at Chart House with the perfect combination of breakfast and lunch specialties. Sip on mimosas while you take in waterfront views.
Experience the Spectacular North Beach Atlantic City Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on June 30 while at the Hard Rock Beach Bar. The beach bar offers beach chair rentals and cabana rentals.
Need non-fireworks stuff to do? Check these out
If you’re too much of a cowboy to watch fireworks, grab your cowboy boots and hit the dance floor at Mountain Bar or enjoy the laid-back vibes of Beachside Bar. Wherever the night takes you, you’ll find the perfect place at Caesars Atlantic City. This wild west-themed saloon off the Boardwalk has a mechanical bull, beer pong, live music and bar food.
Also find a pig roast from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 4 at The Yard at Bally’s Atlantic City with live entertainment. The beer garden-style venue is a must-experience Atlantic City nightlife attraction offering live entertainment, a gastro-pub style menu, a curated tap list featuring local brewers and Bally’s signature beers.
And check out the lobby bar at Harrah’s Atlantic City, a good way to start or end your night. They offer a selection of craft beer and specialty cocktails along with different drink options. The snack menu features tasty bites to satisfy your hunger.
