4th of July in New Orleans

New Orleans Summers are hot – and there is no hotter place to be for the Fourth of July than in the Crescent City.

The biggest celebration happens on the banks of the Mississippi with the annual Go Fourth on the River extravaganza. “Dueling Barges” is an exciting fireworks show to the tune of patriotic music – it’s a world renown, one-of-a-kind spectacle! Spend the day exploring the French Quarter before settling down for the show, which usually starts around 9pm. There are a lot of different locations to catch the excitement along the river, so no matter where you watch, you’ll be front and center for the action!

Steamboats offer “fireworks cruises” for the evening, so you can get up close and personal with the amazing show. Participating steamboats, prices, and food and drink offered on board varies, so make sure you call ahead to get information and tickets.

Enjoy the sites along the river, from the fabulous French Market and Flea Market to the shops and eateries in the Riverwalk Marketplace. You can stroll along through Woldenberg Park among imaginative sculptures, listen to the cheery calliope from the steamboat Natchez, or take the ferry to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World and see the artistry behind the floats of Mardi Gras. If gaming is your thing, visit Harrah's New Orleans Casino, located one block from the river, where you'll find thousands of the newest slots and hundreds of table games.

The city’s parks also offers the perfect location for barbeques and picnics with friends and family. For larger groups, pavilion rentals are available with water and electricity for cooking. Or stop by a restaurant and pick up anything from barbeque, to sandwiches, and wine and cheese and throw the perfect picnic to commemorate our nation’s birthday.