Best Things to Do in NOLA for the July 3 to 6 Weekend
Essence Fest
essence.com/essencefestival2025
For the July 4th weekend, the Essence Festival of Culture is returning to New Orleans for the 55th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine. The festival features over 20 immersive experiences, including the Essence Film Festival, BeautyCon, and Evening Concert Series. All the experiences embody this year's theme of "Made Like This," celebrating Black excellence and culture. While three-day passes are sold out, tickets for each day are available on Ticketmaster.
Uncle Sam Jam
Lafreniere Park is celebrating the Fourth of July a day earlier with its Uncle Sam Jam. The free festival features a lineup of award-winning artists, including Don McLean and Shenandoah, as well as food from over a dozen local vendors. Lafreniere Park will close out the night with the Salute to America Firework Show, accompanied by a performance from the Victory Belles. The Uncle Sam Jam begins July 3 at 3 p.m., with VIP packages and parking passes available on the festival's website.
Bubbles & Beats at Royal Sonesta
facebook.com/events/9610075849117700/9610075859117699
The Royal Sonesta Hotel has launched a summertime series called Bubbles & Beats, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month. The two-hour event includes live music, champagne sippers, and ever-changing hors d'oeuvres. Located on Bourbon Street, the Royal Sonesta is the perfect spot to enjoy three glasses of bubbly before spending the night in the French Quarter. Tickets for Bubbles & Beat cost $55, with this month's event taking place on July 3 at 5:30 p.m.
The Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps
lbtrnola.com/new-orleans-uptown-le-bon-temps-roule-events
Head to Le Bon Temps at 4801 Magazine St. for a live show from The Soul Rebels starting at 11 p.m. The Soul Rebels combine pop music with influences from local hip hop, jazz, rock, funk, and soul. Tickets are $20 per person and available for purchase at the door.
Light Up the Lake in Mandeville
visitthenorthshore.com/event/light-up-the-lake-independence-day-celebration/6297
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the city of Mandeville's Independence Day Celebration on the Mandeville lakefront between Coffee and Carroll streets. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a parade by the Mande Milkshakers, followed by music by Amanda Shaw at 4 p.m. and The Boogie Men at 6:45 p.m. There will be food trucks, games, and crafts for the whole family. The fireworks display will commence at 8:45 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees are invited to have a picnic in the park prior to the event from 10 a.m. onwards.
4th Of July Celebration at NOLA Brewing
nolabrewing.com/new-orleans-irish-channel-nola-brewing-live-music-and-events
Join NOLA Brewing on the Fourth of July for live music, drinks, and pizza. The first show will begin at 3 p.m. with three hours of music from popular bluegrass band The Spring Chickens. An hour after the Spring Chickens' performance, Eric Johanson will take the stage at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. with his blues and rock music. Both shows are free to attend.
Dat Dog Hot Dog Contest
Dat Dog is sponsoring its second annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. Participants who can eat their weight in hot dogs will compete for a grand prize of $500. Those not interested in competing can sample the winner of the Son of a Saint Design Dog Contest and enjoy live music. The Fourth of July Fest promises to be an excellent time for hot dog and non-hot dog lovers alike, kicking off at 4 p.m. on Independence Day.
Cyril Neville at Chickie Wah Wah
Head to Chickie Wah Wah at 2828 Canal St.
on the Fourth of July for a live performance from Cyril Neville at 9 p.m.
General admission tickets can be purchased for $32.61, and tables for parties
of four are available for $259.14. Tables are assigned upon entry on a first
come first serve basis. Doors open at 7 p.m., and you must be 18+ to attend.
Dirty Coast 20th Anniversary Party
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1091151933059554&set=a.639738778200874
Pfister Sisters at Buffa's
https://www.buffasbar.com/events/the-pfister-sisters-250706
Visit Buffa's Bar at 1001 Esplanade Ave. on July 6 for a live show from the Pfister Sisters, one of New Orleans most beloved jazz groups. The show begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are sold out online, but a number of seats are held until the day of the event for walk-ins.
