What To Do For Free This 4th of July Weekend In New Orleans
Over the Fourth of July weekend, New Orleans shows the city's unique cultural atmosphere through massive, tourist attracting festivals, and its historical role in supplying the American Revolution.
Throughout the city, you can find fireworks displays with patriotic music or visit profound connections to the Civil War. However, celebrating Independence Day doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are several free things to do in the Big Easy during this national holiday.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
Many know that the French Quarter is the beating heart of the Big Easy, but did you know that this neighborhood can serve as the prime vantage point for the city's Independence Day festivities? The European architecture creates a unique backdrop for the holiday, with Spanish colonial buildings and Creole cottages often displaying American flags and other arrays of red, white, and blues colors.
Located at 520 Royal St., the French Quarter Museum Association is granting free public access on July 2 to museums in the French Quarter Cultural Corridor, including the Historic New Orleans Collection. While there, you can see the American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition and meet Lady Columbia, the female personification of the United States. There will be a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., where you can listen to music from the Pfister Sisters and enjoy a complimentary snack and drink from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on the event, you can visit their website.
Essence Festival of Culture Daytime Experience
Have time to kill and you're looking for something other than firework displays? Well, the Essence Festival of Culture is completely free and open to the public during the daytime. At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, you can see empowering panels, vendor marketplaces, and product giveaways, and sponsored activities.
If you wanted an inside look into beauty, finance, business, and health, you can access the panel discussions and listen to motivational speakers. There are also numerous sponsors that have lounges, pop-up shops, and beauty and lifestyle brands that offer free products and merchandise. The African diaspora vendors often display fine arts, crafts, clothing, and jewelry. Before attending, note that the evening events, such as the main stage concerts at the Caesars Superdome and the Essence After Dark performances, require paid tickets.
The daytime experience will last from July 3 to July 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. You must register for free to enter the Convention Center. For more information, you can visit the Essence Festival's website.
Go 4th On The River
Go 4th On The River is another free event to witness during the weekend celebrating American independence. Starting at 9 p.m., the event will be held over the Mississippi River with a firework display stretching between the Gov. Nicholls St. Wharf and the Canal St. Dock.
This family-friendly event is produced by the Riverfront Marketing Groups in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund. There are a variety of spots to watch the fireworks display around the city, including the Downtown Riverfront or on the Westbank of the Mississippi River facing the downtown skyline. Go 4th On The River is also a nonprofit community project that raises funds to produce this yearly tradition. For more information, visit their website.
Independence Day with the New Orleans Concert Band
Every 4th of July, the New Orleans Concert Band hosts its annual Independence Day Celebration at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on 925 Camp St., with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. and the performance running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This concert is led by guest conductor Dr. Patrick Hennessey. This band consists of 70 members that have been performing locally since 1975. This event will feature symphony classics, show tunes, and a special salute to the military.
This event is free and open to the community. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, which holds a capacity of 200 people. Refreshments are available for purchase. For more information, visit their website.
St. Bernard Salutes America
Located on 8245 W Judge Perez Dr., St. Bernard Salutes America is the annual Fourth of July and fireworks show in St. Bernard Parish. The evening's festivities include entertainment from Adam Pearce from The Voice and the Peyton Falgoust Band, a lineup of live local musical bands, and an array of food and drink vendors. The highlight of the evening is the massive and highly anticipated fireworks spectacular.
This event is free and open to the public, offering a family-friendly way to celebrate the country's birthday. The event will take place at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, visit St. Bernard Event Page's website.
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park
During this national holiday, are you looking for a nice spot with a wide grassy area for a picnic with great views? The Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park is a great location for a New Orleans style celebration.
The park includes spots for a setup that already has hammocks and swings to enjoy the river's breeze. You can easily pack a cooler with sandwiches from nearby French Quarter staples before heading to the park. A few local favorites are the Central Grocery on Decatur Street for a classic muffulettas or Verti Mart on Royal Street for po-boys. Just note that the park gets packed early, so you better grab your spot several hours before the sunset.
