Fourth of July fireworks shows booming for 2022: Here’s where to watch this weekend

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - This year, Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks are back and booming around southeast Louisiana.

With Essence Fest returning in-person for the first time since the pandemic, New Orleans will be buzzing with activities. People will also have plenty of places to enjoy dazzling fireworks at several patriotic events all weekend.

Most Independence Day celebrations on the North Shore and South Shore return, including the Uncle Sam Jam in Jefferson Parish, City Park’s Third of July event and the annual Go 4th on the River fireworks show in New Orleans.

We gathered this list of fireworks celebrations happening around southeast Louisiana. Check back for updates as we get them.

St. John the Baptist Parish Annual Independence Day Celebration - Friday, July 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., St. Peter Catholic Church & St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

The St. John the Baptist Parish Annual Independence Day Celebration and firework show will be held on the grounds of the St. Peter Catholic Church, 1550 Highway 44, Reserve, LA, and the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2349 Louisiana 18, Edgard, LA starting at 6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided. The celebrations will culminate with a firework display on the Mississippi River beginning promptly at 9 p.m.

Pearl River Fourth of July Celebration - Friday, July 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Pearl River & Town Hall

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and the whole family for small-town fun at this fourth annual festival in downtown Pearl River on Friday, July 1. Festivities kick off with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Other events include a pie-eating contest, three-legged race, hula hoop contest and sack races Fireworks begin at dusk. See more information about the event here.

Slidell Heritage Festival - Saturday, July 2, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Heritage Park

The Slidell Heritage Festival returns during the holiday weekend with music, food and games at Heritage Park on Saturday, July 2. The music lineup features The Phunky Monkeys, Amanda Shaw and Soul Revival. A fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Kids ages 12 and under enter for free. Visit the Slidell Heritage Festival website for more details.

Sparks in the Park - Saturday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Bogue Falaya Wayside park

The City of Covington’s annual Sparks in the Park festival features food, fun and music at Bogue Falaya Park on Saturday, July 2. Festivities kick of at 5:30 p.m. and ends with fireworks at dusk, cued to the patriotic sounds from Covington Concert Band. Covington Farmer’s Market String Band will also perform, and YMCA and Covington councilman Joey Roberts puts on his DJ hat for the day. Picnics and beverages are welcome, but there will also be food vendors on-site. See more details here.

Happy 3rd of July at City Park - Sunday, July 3, 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Great Lawn at New Orleans City Park

New Orleans City Park celebrates Independence Day a day early with its Happy 3rd of July event on Sunday, July 3. The patriotic program begins at 6 p.m. with music by the Marine Forces Reserve Band, followed by the national anthem sung by local artist Robin Barnes. The evening culminates with fabulous fireworks atop the Peristyle at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, and arrive early, to enjoy this free community event. For more information, visit the New Orleans City Park website.

Uncle Sam Jam - Sunday, July 3, 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Lafreniere Park

Uncle Sam Jam kicks off Independence Day in Metairie with a free, open-air concert and fireworks display at Lafreniere Park on Saturday, July 3. Gates open at 2 p.m., and the Marine Forces Reserve Brass Band kicks off a day of performances at 3 p.m. The Topcats, Cowboy Mouth, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours and The Total Bettys are also set to perform. The Lucky Dog National Hot Dog Eating Contest returns for a second year. The fireworks show is set for 9 p.m. See the full schedule and other details here.

Light up the Lake Independence Day Celebration - Sunday, July 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Lakeshore Drive Park

The eight-annual event features an all-day picnic along the Mandeville lakefront, food trucks, a kids’ tent, face painting, and special events at an entertainment stage located between Coffee and Carroll Streets. Performances include a patriotic tribute and live music by Groovy 7 and The Brasshearts. A Fireworks show starts at dusk from Sunset Point over Lake Pontchartrain. See more information here.

St. Bernard Salutes America - Sunday, July 3, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds

St. Bernard Salutes America hosts its 38th annual 4th of July festival and fireworks show at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds in Chalmette on Sunday, July 3. This year’s event will feature live music, various food booths, ice-cold beer and beverages and a fireworks show. DJ Rocky Squirrel and Contraflow Band are scheduled to perform.

Madisonville Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration - Monday, July 4, 10 a.m to dusk, Tchefuncte Riverfront and Town Hall

Madisonville’s free annual family day of fun starts with a veterans’ salute and other ways to celebrate summer. The celebration starts at 10 a.m. with kids’ games and contests in watermelon-eating and rooster crowing. There’s also a pie bake-off, and waterfront fireworks closes out the festivities. Bring your chairs, coolers and picnic baskets. See more details via the Facebook event page.

4th Fest in Crescent Park - Monday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Crescent Park

The annual 4th Fest in Crescent Park returns to celebrate Independence Day ahead of the Go 4th on the River Fireworks display on Monday, July 4. Guests can gather for the event starting at 5:30 p.m. Prior to fireworks, Jamaican Me Breakfast Club and Big 6 Brass Band take the stage for performances at Mandeville Wharf. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Southerns Food Truck, NOLA Chef Scott’s Creole BBQ andTanjarine Kitchen. Guests can stick around to spot fireworks over the Mississippi River at 9 p.m. Visit the French Market District website for more details.

Go 4th on the River - Monday, July 4, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., New Orleans Riverfront

The annual Go 4th on the River fireworks show returns along the New Orleans Riverfront to celebrate Independence Day on Monday, July 4. Choreographed to patriotic music, the display will feature hundreds of rapid-fire shells sweeping the sky at heights of 200 feet above the Mississippi River. The Port of New Orleans will bring out the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat again this year with its famed water show with plumes of red, white, and blue fountains beginning at 6 p.m. and leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Olde Towne Slidell Fourth of July Celebration - Monday, July 4, noon to 9 p.m., Throughout Olde Towne & 2200 Block of Carey Street

Put on your red, white and blue and bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes for a day of celebration in Olde Towne. Enjoy great food, cooling zones, kids activities and live music by Rhythm Chasers Band, Box Office Giants, Stacy Weaver Band and Bryanna Matt Band. And don’t forget the big finalé: a fireworks show choreographed to music!

Abita Springs Fourth of July Celebration - Monday, July 4, 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Abita Springs Trailhead Park

Abita Springs celebrates Americana at its annual celebration. Gulf Coast Classic Cruisers host a car show. Christian Serpas & Ghost Town and Four Unplugged are scheduled to perform. There’s face painting for the kids and food and drink vendors from the Abita Art & Farmers Market. Plus, the Abita Beer Truck will be on-site. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. See more details here.

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