Fourth of July in New Orleans

Celebrate the Fourth of July in New Orleans

Fourth of July means tons of fun in New Orleans, from lounging in parks and open spaces to enjoying food, music, and fireworks. Check out our recommendations for how to spend the long weekend below.

Photo courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Go on a Picnic

New Orleans parks are the perfect spot for summertime picnics. With so many parks to choose from, there’s plenty of options in the city to explore, including new spots like The Batture and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Before stopping at parks like City Park, Audubon Park, and Crescent Park, stop by a restaurant and pick up anything from hotdogs to po-boys, and throw the perfect picnic to commemorate the day. Some of our favorite spots for picnic-friendly food include Picnic Provisions and Whiskey, Acorn, Parkway Bakery, Porgy's, and Dat Dog.

Visit a Museum or Take a Tour

The National WWII Museum is the perfect spot to celebrate American history. Explore the exhibits, see a show, and learn about the significance of New Orleans in the war. Nearby is the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, which chronicles the history of Jewish Americans across 13 southern states and 300+ years of history. Self-guided tours are available through the Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker and Tour App for those interested in New Orleans history.

Image Courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Cool Zoo

Cool Off

Take a dip and soak up some sun at The Country Club, which offers a day pass for guests to use their pool and cabana. For the kids, the Cool Zoo is the city’s only waterpark, featuring a lazy river and conveniently located in Audubon Zoo. If you prefer to cool off with an ice cream or snowball, see our roundup of Icy Summer Treats perfect for the holiday weekend.

Attend A Festival

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns from July 3-5 with performances from Cardi B, Latto, Patti LaBelle, Babyface, Brandy & Monica, Kehlani, and others. Happy 3rd of July in City Park is a free, family-friendly festival on July 3 with music and a fireworks show. Go Fourth on the River produces a dazzling firework display on the Mississippi Riverfront to close out the holiday.

Fourth of July Events in New Orleans

07/02/2026 - French Quarter Museum Heritage Night

07/03/2026 - ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola® - New Orleans

07/03/2026 - WELCOME TO NOLA: THE ULTIMATE HAPPY HOUR → NIGHT PARTY EXPERIENCE

07/04/2026 - 4th of July: Stars, Stripes & Riverside Lights Pool Party

07/04/2026 - Go Fourth on the River

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