Fourth of July Celebrations
New Orleans welcomes the annual ESSENCE Music Festival, the country’s largest African-American music festival, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The jam-packed lineups feature bands like The Rebirth Brass Band, D’Angelo, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Tank, Aretha Franklin, Fantasia and so many more. New Orleans also hosts Go 4th on the River, a dueling barges fireworks extravaganza on the Riverfront.
In Baton Rouge, the historic battleship USS KIDD is the setting for a one-of-a-kind experience on July 4. Take a tour of the destroyer and enjoy face painting, inflatables, obstacle courses and concessions at the Freedom Festival. The downtown evening concludes with a fireworks display over the Mississippi River at 9 pm. Or head south to L’Auberge Casino and Hotel Baton Rouge for a pool party and more fireworks over the Mississippi.
Stroll the charming Main Street of New Iberia on July 4 and grab a seat for the parade. The city also hosts an Honor Guard ceremony and fireworks display.
West of New Iberia, Erath hosts its Fourth of July Celebration. A Cajun carnival, barbecue cook-off and watermelon-eating contest are just a few of the events you’ll want to catch throughout the week. On July 4, watch fireworks illuminate the sky.
Lake Charles will again host its annual July 4 Red, White, Blue & You Festival, which includes a street parade and a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces by the Lake Charles Community Band. Following the concert, stick around for a fireworks extravaganza over Lake Charles.
In North Louisiana, historic Natchitoches hosts the annual Celebration on the Cane July 4 with live music and a fireworks display over the Cane River.
About an hour north of Natchitoches on I-20, Shreveport-Bossier celebrates the KTBS 3/KPXJ CW 21 Independence Day Festival at Riverview Park. The fireworks show can be seen from the park or across the river at the Louisiana Boardwalk, which offers shopping, dining and entertainment.
The largest fireworks show in Northeast Louisiana takes place in Monroe at Forsythe Park. Their Independence Day Celebration traditionally features arts and crafts and food vendors, kid-friendly activities live music and a hot dog-eating contest.
