Rouge, white and blue: A guide to 10+ July Fourth celebrations in the Capital Region

Start Independence Day weekend in Donaldsonville Thursday 

Stop by Crescent Park this Thursday, July 3, for the annual Donaldsonville Independence Day Celebration.  

The day will feature fireworks, food trucks and vendors, with music by Big Frank Lil Frank. The celebration is from 4–10 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Crescent Park is at 314 Mississippi St. Find more information here.

Or, head to NOËL Family Distillery for its free celebration, with live music, cocktails and spirit tastings, distillery tours and fireworks views. The event starts at 5 p.m. NOËL Family Distillery is at 30 Veterans Blvd. in Donaldsonville. Find more info here.

Attend a star-spangled parade Thursday 

Take a trip to Kenilworth this Thursday, July 3, to celebrate the Fourth of July with the neighborhood’s 53rd annual parade.  

Started in 1973 by a group of Kenilworth residents, the parade has grown from riding on lawnmowers and bicycles to what the neighborhood says is the largest Fourth of July parade in the state. This year’s parade theme is “Living the American Dream” and will feature Father Michael Alello of St. Aloysius Catholic Church as grand marshal; John and Terri Daly as residents of the year; and Mayor Sid Edwards as an honored guest.

The parade will roll at 6:30 p.m., beginning and ending at Kenilworth School on Boone Avenue. Find more information about the route and parade here.

Dine on festive specials Thursday-Saturday 

Enjoy a special Fourth of July menu, Thursday–Saturday, July 3-5, at The Queen Baton Rouge. 

The food lineup at 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails features a smoked meat trio, with beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked sausage; sliced brisket, house-smoked brisket with barbecue jus; and a slow-smoked chicken half.  

Catch the menu before watching the fireworks downtown on Friday—and all weekend long, from Thursday-Saturday. The Queen Baton Rouge is at 1717 River Park Blvd. Find more information on the menu here.

Listen to patriotic tunes Friday 

Celebrate the Fourth of July with patriotic music on Friday, July 4, at the Main Library at Goodwood. 

Join the Baton Rouge Concert Band for its annual 4th of July Celebration Concert. The community is invited to bring chairs and refreshments and listen to American classics and uplifting tunes.  

The free concert is at 7 p.m. and is at 7711 Goodwood Blvd. Find more information here.

Make a splash at Liberty Lagoon Friday 

Attend the grand reopening of BREC’s Liberty Lagoon water park this Friday, July 4.  

The opening celebration will feature free snoballs and live music from noon–5 p.m. Visitors will have full access to all water attractions.  

Liberty Lagoon will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The water park is at 111 Lobdell Ave. General admission is $12, $10 for active military and first responders with ID, and free for children aged 1 or younger. Find more information, purchase tickets and find the full reopening schedule here.  

Watch fireworks from L’Auberge on Friday 

Join L’Auberge Casino Hotel for a fireworks viewing party on Friday, July 4. 

L’Auberge is hosting three different events throughout the night: The Lawn Viewing Party welcomes all ages from 7–10 p.m. to watch the fireworks over the Mississippi River. The event is free, and food trucks and refreshments will be available for purchase. The Rooftop Pool Viewing Party welcomes visitors 21 and older to watch the fireworks from 7 p.m.-midnight, accompanied by Geaux DJ. The cover is $30. Star Spangled: A Patriotic Pop-Up welcomes visitors ages 21 and up to the Edge nightclub. Edge is open 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Expect a performance from Jonathon “Boogie” Long at 6 p.m., followed by a DJ. The event is free to the public.  

L’Auberge Casino Hotel is at 777 L’Auberge Ave. Find more information here.

Take a trip to Plaquemine for an all-day celebration Friday 

Don your red, white and blue on Friday, July 4, at the Plaquemine Community Center and pavilion.

Plaquemine’s July 4th Hometown Celebration hosts a variety of activities throughout the day, including dancing, free kids’ games, food and craft vendors, a boat parade and more. Fireworks start at 9 p.m., accompanied by music from the Justin Cornett Band. Visitors are asked not to bring ice chests, pets, fireworks or golf carts, but are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.  

The free celebration is from 1–9 p.m., rain or shine. The Community Center is at 57845 Foundry St. in Plaquemine. Find more information here.

Catch a fireworks show Friday

Watch fireworks over the Mississippi from a downtown rooftop on Friday, July 4, for the Fourth of July Rooftop Celebration.

Hosted on the sixth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts by the LSU Museum of Art and Tsunami, visitors can watch the fireworks. The night features three tiers of tickets, which can include a DJ on the terrace, a cash bar, buffet access, a personal server, a four-course dinner and more.

The rooftop viewing is from 7-10 p.m. on the sixth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts. It is at 100 Lafayette St. Find more information and see ticket tiers here.

Rock on the river Friday 

Catfish on the Bayou welcomes the neighboring communities of downtown Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Brusly and Plaquemine to celebrate Independence Day, Friday, July 4, together at Rocking on the River.  

The inaugural celebration features a performance by the O.M.T band, as well as vendors, line dancing, and blues and Zydeco music. 

Rocking on the River is from 5–9 p.m. and is free for attendees. The event will be at the Riverfront Plaza at 300 S. River Road. Find more information here.

Watch fireworks Friday

Watch Louisiana’s largest fireworks show with WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi on Friday, July 4.

Hosted by WBRZ and the Manship Family, the fireworks show can be seen on either side of the Mississippi River, including from the celebrations on the rooftops of the Shaw Center and L’Auberge Casino Hotel, and around downtown Baton Rouge and Port Allen.

The fireworks show kicks off at 9 p.m. Find more information here.

After the fireworks: Check out nightlife around downtown and beyond

Want a fun night out to celebrate Independence Day? The Capital Region has many spots to enjoy a night out. From a nice dinner to the bar scene, downtown has a variety of options. Check out our guide to downtown nightlife here.