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.

New Orleans prepares for its most celebrated musical pilgrimage—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For two magical weekends spanning April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2025, the Fair Grounds Race Course will transform into a cultural epicenter where music, cuisine, crafts, and heritage converge in a celebration that has defined Louisiana's cultural identity for over five decades.

Are you planning your first trip to the Big Easy? Good call! To help you make the most of your inaugural visit, we've compiled a list of must-do experiences that capture the essence of our beloved city.