New Orleans' signature Independence Day celebration, Go 4th on the River, is the official centerpiece of the city's America 250 festivities — and it's completely free. At 9:00 p.m. on July 4th, dueling barges anchored on the Mississippi launch the biggest fireworks show the city has ever staged, choreographed to patriotic music and lighting up both banks of the river.

ESSENCE Fest returns July 3-6, 2025 with an incredible lineup that promises to make this year's celebration one for the ages. The four-day festival coincides perfectly with the Independence Day weekend, creating an extended celebration of culture, music, and empowerment that uniquely captures the spirit of both American freedom and Black excellence.

A Legacy of Culture and Empowerment, The Essence Festival, often called "the party with a purpose," has been a cornerstone of Black culture and empowerment since its inception in 1995. What started as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine has grown into the largest African American culture and music festival in the United States.