Attend the Uncle Sam Jam
Uncle Sam wants you to attend his annual bash at Lafreniere Park. On July 3, the Metairie park will host its 30th annual Uncle Sam Jam from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 3000 Downs Blvd.
The jam, which began in 1996, has become a staple of Independence Day celebrations for residents of Jefferson Parish. Spend the day before July like a Metairie local, while listening to country artists and enjoying delicious food.
Festival Lineup
Headlining the festival is folk rock artist Don McLean, best known for his single "American Pie." The musician, nicknamed "American Troubadour," is expected to perform the 1971 hit, along with "Vincent" and "Castles in the Air." Drive your Chevy to "the levee" because his set starts at 6 p.m.
Following McLean, country music band Shenandoah will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. The performers have created chart-topping songs, including "The Church on Cumberland Road" and "Sunday in the South." With three certified gold albums, the band is sure to be popular among audiences.
At 9 p.m., the Victory Belles, from the National World War II Museum, will honor the service of veterans with a firework show. The trio of female vocalists performs music from the 1940s.
Louisiana singer Payton Smith will end the Fourth of July celebration with a 90-minute set. The Houma native will mark the release of his newest single, "She Shouldn't Have," which was released in March 2025. The Marine Forces Reserve Band and Bottomland round out the list of performers.
Food & Drinks
The Uncle Sam Jam features 16 food vendors that satisfy any culinary craving. Seafood lovers can enjoy jambalaya or étouffée from the Cajun Element Catering or Cayenne Seafood Specialties. Anyone who prefers the turf rather than surf can enjoy barbecue from Couzan's or Da Grill.
Frytastic! and The Cajun Nacho offer Louisiana twists on festival fare, such as hamburgers, fries, and nachos. Instead of buying a hot dog, try a link of sausage from Haute Boudin.
Big Easy Treats, Kona Ice, and Squeezy Street Fresh Fruit will keep you hydrated in the July summer. After all, the best cure for the heat is something sweet.
Must-Know Information
Admission to the festival is free, but Uncle Sam Jam offers VIP packages and parking passes for an additional fee. The Stars and Stripes VIP Package provides amenities, including private restrooms, premium stage viewing, and premier parking.
To park on Lafreniere Park grounds, you must pay $20 per vehicle with a credit or debit card. Free parking is available at the Shrine on Airline. A shuttle runs to and from the festival grounds for all festival-goers.
Enjoy the Summer Sun at Lafreniere
Exchange your grill mitts and tongs for a day of concert-going and taste-testing. Visit Uncle Sam Jam's website to purchase parking passes and VIP packages.
