The 25th annual Uncle Sam Jam at Lafreniere Park is a great place to kick off the upcoming July 4th weekend. The free festival offers live music from some talented local and national performers, an array of food and drink choices, and a fantastic firework show to end the night. The festivities start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 10:30 pm on Saturday, July 3. 3000 Downs Blvd., 504-838-4389, visitjeffersonparish.com.
You can also get some fresh creole tomatoes from the French Market on July 3. The annual Creole Tomato Festival at French Market provides live music, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, and of course, lots of creole tomatoes. The festivities will commence online and in person, giving patrons the convenient option to enjoy the festival from home. 1008 N. Peters St., 504-636-6400, frenchmarket.org/event.
Testing your luck by entering to Win a Mercedes Benz at Boomtown Casino is another way to have an exciting July 4th weekend. The casino is a fun place to gather with friends to enjoy the entertainment and dining options they have to offer. The car drawing will take place on July 3, where someone will win big. 4132 Peters Rd., 504-366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com.
On Saturday, July 3, you can attend the concert at City Park featuring the Marine Reserve Forces Band. The talented group is known for playing popular patriotic hits at different ceremonies, parades, and concerts. Once the concert ends, the night will finish off with a spectacular firework show. 1 Palm Dr., 504-482-4888.
The NOLA
Zydeco Festival
on Saturday, July 3 is another event worth attending. The free-admission
festival will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which is the perfect
venue for this event. People in attendance will be able to check out the live
Zydeco bands, have free access to the museum, take part in dance lessons, and eat
some delicious Louisiana cuisine. 400 Esplanade Ave., nolazydecofest.com.
Finally, you can take a trip to Baton Rouge to visit the USS KIDD Veterans Museum on July 4. The museum is hosting its annual Patriots and Pirates event where people can purchase tickets to take part in an exciting patriotic celebration. Tickets include access to the museum, refreshments, and the chance to climb aboard the USS KIDD to watch a firework show. 305 South River Rd., 225-342-1942, usskidd.com.
