We’ve got your weekend: Baby, you’re a firework!

In true New Orleans fashion, there are always options when it comes to festivities! We have been scoping out July 4th spots that are offering some wonder and extras for the Independence day celebration! We decided to give you a two-part list: The Boomers (more well-known, rather populated spots) and The Sparklers, (not necessarily well-known, or even specifically designated for firework watching).

The Boomers

1. The Riverfront Marketing Group is presenting the 27^th Annual Go 4^th on the River Dueling Barges Fireworks Show! On Thursday, July 4^th, the fireworks show will take place at 9:00 P.M. over the Mississippi River. The fireworks are choreographed to a patriotic playlist, and this year you can download their App to get the inside on the music. This event is free, open to the public, and you can find out full details here.
2. Crescent Park is starting their celebration at 5:30 P.M. (until 9:30 PM). You can fill your stomachs and ears before you fill your eyes with the battling barges since there will be food trucks at the Mandeville Wharf and performances by The National WWII Museum’s Victory Belles and MoJeaux. Admission is free; dogs, chairs and blankets, and outside food and drink are welcome! You can find out full detail about this firework-watching location here!
3. Do you want to chug and steam along as the skies light up above you? Well, you can hop on the Steamboat Natchez to make those dreams come true. To ride aboard this boat, you’ll need to pay $109 ($55 for kids), but that $109 gets you food and an open beer, wine, and soda bar. There will also be music provided, and since you are floating on the Mississippi, you’ll have a great view of the boomers. Boarding begins at 6:30 PM, and you’ll steam into the cruise from 7:30 until 9:30 PM. For full details, you can check out their site here.

The Sparklers

1. This firework show is more about the sneaky date rather than sneaky fireworks. The annual Happy 3rd of July event is taking place at The Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn in City Park. You want to put on your red, white, and blue best, and bring your chairs and blankets so you can enjoy music from The Marine Corps Band New Orleans . There will, of course, be fireworks from the top of the Peristyle. The band begins at 7:00 PM and the fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public.
2. The Ace Hotel Alto pool always has a beautiful view of the city, and we are wondering how it will fair when there are fireworks in the sky. With the bar, the view, the chance for a dip, this might be the perfect secret spot to view those explosive wonders.
3. Algier’s point offers more than just a fireworks show. It offers fewer people, a view of the skyline as the fireworks boom, and a lovely fairy ride (if you are coming from the city). Viewing the fireworks show on the east bank has become a tradition for many, so there is a communal feel to this gathering. You can BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything) and see the New Orleans skyline light up with colors.

No matter where you decide to celebrate, all of us at ViaNolaVie would like to wish everyone a wonderful, happy, hot, fun, dry and explosive 4th of July! Everyday feels like a celebration in New Orleans, and this time we get to shoot that happiness into the sky! Have a happy and safe 4th of July!