No, it’s not the heat. What you’re feeling is the sweet, warm embrace of precious perspiring freedom on your brow. It’s so hot to be this free, isn’ it. We’re marking the day to celebrate our 365 days of independence. So, we’re cramming so much freedom fun in your face for the Fourth. We’re here to help you declare your plans for patriot parties in the star-spangled sunshine (but also, wear sunscreen).
Party on, patriots.
Geaux Forth and Celebrate
Happy Birthday America! The nation is celebrating its 243rd birthday, and if there’s one thing New Orleans does well, it’s party. July 4, 1804, was the first time the vast territory included in the Louisiana Purchase would celebrate America’s Independence Day. And, while America received A LOT from that treaty with France, adding New Orleans to your birthday party is never a bad move. Click here to see how to celebrate America in the Crescent City.
Holiday Getaway
Maybe all of the people in town isn’t your thing, or you want to take advantage of the four-day weekend. Well, with less than a tank of gas, you can get to some pretty interesting places. We took a trip to Avery Island, home of Tabasco hot sauce. The Tabasco Tour, paired with the lush Jungle Gardens on the island, makes Avery Island a fun and interesting day trip from the Big Easy. Click here to read more about the spicy getaway.
Fashion and the Cultural Fabric
From Carnival to second lines, celebrations in New Orleans have always used fashion as a focal point. From riding down St. Charles on a camel to outfitting three Zulu queens, local designer Marvin Millon’s detailed designs speak for themselves. He spoke to us about adding his flavor to the second line scene, and his memorable reign as 2018 King of the Divine Ladies, where his Indian-influenced theme began as an idea from Essence Fest. Click here to read more.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. July 5, 2019
Second Annual Black Masking Cultural Festival | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Stallings Playground | Free
Numerous Mardi Gras Indian tribes plan to be at the fest, including the Golden Feather Hunters, Flaming Arrows, Washitaw Nation, Golden Sioux, Creole Wild West, Wild Magnolias Monogram Hunters, Cheyenne Tribe, and Young Seminole Hunters.
Second Annual Creole Food Festival | 3-7 p.m. | Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture | $35
Creole is a style of cooking that blends French, Spanish, West & North African, Amerindian, Haitian and Portuguese. This festival brings together chefs, cuisines and beverages from the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Sat. July 6, 2019
NOLA Car Show Meetup | 8-11 a.m. | New Orleans Lakefront | Free
Come on out to the Lakefront to show off your car, truck, motorcycle or race car and hang out with fellow car guys/gals of the New Orleans area!
Big Freedia and Ben & Jerry’s Present: A Sweet NOLA Partnership | 2-5 p.m. | Republic NOLA | $5
You best’a believe the Queen Diva is getting her own flavor of ice cream! The Booty Bouncing Beignets flavor of Ben & Jerry’s is dropping Saturday and you can be one of the first to experience the wiggle! The proceeds are going to benefit No Kid Hungry LA, Liberty’s Kitchen, and Upturn Arts.
Sun. July 7, 2019
Women’s World Cup Championship Watch Party | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Wrong Iron on the Greenway | Free
Watch the women of Team USA battle it out against the Netherlands in search of back-to-back titles. Come early and grab your seat with $8 16oz. Bloody Mary’s and some Fete au Fete or bring your food in.
Essence After Dark: Beats & Bounce | 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. | Republic NOLA | $75
Close out the Essence Fest with a show DJ’ed by Mannie Fresh, and performances by Big Freedia and the Soul Rebels Brass Band.
