Go Fourth on the River
Every year on the Fourth of July there's a big celebration on the riverfront of New Orleans. It includes a spectacular fireworks display set off from two large barges in the middle of the Mississippi River and can be seen all along the Mississippi River from the Riverwalk to the French Market. The big display usually starts about 9 pm. You can also take a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez an enjoy the fireworks display from there. If you want to take a later riverboat cruise try the Creole Queen.
The Riverfront
The businesses along the riverfront have gotten together to help New Orleans celebrate Independence Day with aplomb. Shops, restaurants, hotels, and venues such as the Aquarium have combined to give away food,online coupons, and musical entertainment along with the beautiful fireworks on display over the river. Riverwalk Marketplace has re-opened, and Jax Brewery has shops and restaurants, including Pat O'Brien's on the River.
Free Music
There is also lots of free music involved on stages set in Dutch Alley in the French Quarter, Woldenberg Park near the Aquarium of the Americas and in the Riverwalk Marketplace.
The 2009 Schedule
Dutch Alley
- 12:00 p.m. Daddy-O Brothers Band featuring Lisa Lee
- 2:00 p.m. Larger-than-Life Signing of the Declaration of Independence
- 3:00 p.m. Tuane & the 3rd Eye Production Band
- 5:30 p.m. Chuck Perkins and Voices of the Big Easy
- 7:00-9:00 p.m. Preservation Hall Stars featuring Carl LeBlanc
Riverwalk Marketplace
- 3 to 4 pm - The Bucktown Allstars
- 4:20 to 5:35 - The Treme Brass Band
- 5:5 to 7:10 - Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys
- 7:30 to 9 - The Mixed Nuts
Woldenberg Park
- 3:00 to 4:30 - The New Orleans Concert Band
- 3:00 til - Special activities to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.
