Go 4th on the River
What better way to celebrate the founding of the U.S. than a fireworks show? The Riverfront Marketing Group agreed, so the organization created Go 4th on the River.
At 9
p.m. on Independence Day, Go 4th on the River will welcome locals to the New Orleans Riverfront with a grand firework display.
The display commemorates the 249th anniversary
of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In celebration, the
Riverfront Marketing Group has organized its biggest firework show yet. The show
features hundreds of special effects features, as well as the launching of
dozens of pyrotechnic shells.
The show begins with the creation of a Patriotic Peacock Tail Fan, consisting of red, white, and blue fireworks shot toward the Crescent City Connection. Then, the Shell of Shells will paint the Mississippi River in shades of silver and gold.
The free fireworks show is not the only
Independence Day celebration happening on the Riverfront. In fact, performances
are taking place along the Mississippi River.
Join a River Cruise
Both the paddle-wheeler Creole Queen and
Steamboat Natchez offer views of the spectacular from a unique location—a ship
deck.
The
Creole Queen 4th of July Celebration Cruise allows patriots to spend
Independence Day on the river. The cruise features live entertainment,
including a DJ and live jazz band. Having worked up an appetite, guest can
enjoy a buffet of American favorites, finished with a slice of apple pie.
The Steamboat Natchez Evening Fireworks Cruise includes a pre-boarding calliope concert full of patriotic hits. Aboard, the Dukes of Dixieland plan to serenade cruisers with New Orleans jazz. The Creole buffet features Louisiana dishes such as crawfish étouffée and maque choux.
Both the Creole Queen and the Natchez begin boarding at 6 p.m., with the goal of leaving port at 7 p.m. Tickets for the river cruises are available on each ship's website. Whether you prefer the paddle-wheeler or steamboat, you are guaranteed to have the best views in New Orleans.
Walk the Riverfront
Hoping to stay on land? The French Market
District will be the site of a performance by the Trinitones. The Irish a cappella
group achieved internet stardom due to its covers of "Teenage Dirtbag" and
"Stacy's Mom." If you miss the Trinitones performance at 2 p.m., head to Oscar
Dunn Park for the band's evening show at 8 p.m.
Staying
on land, you can watch the General Roy S. Kelly fireboat's patriotic show.
Previously used by firefighters and police, the boat is now a 4th of
July staple.
Firework enthusiasts hoping for an eagle-eye view should climb the 34 flights to the Vue Orleans Observation Deck. The indoor deck provides beautiful views of the Crescent City without the humidity. Tickets are available on Vue Orleans' website.
Watch the Rockets Red Glare
Spend the 4th of July the New
Orleans way at the Riverfront. Parking, event, and contact information can be
found on the Go 4th on the River's website.
