July is a hot month, no doubt about it. But you know how it is here in NOLA, we party rain or shine! July is also a great month to get into town, because the festival crowds are not here, and it’s easier to get seats at a resturant and a place to sleep!

Independence Day is awesome with opens in a new windowGo Fourth on the River, one of the most unique and compelling pyrotechnics displays in the country. Go to the banks of the river to watch dueling barges float past, both with incredible fireworks displays! You can even download opens in a new windowthis app, which matches music to the fireworks!

Later in the month, celebrate a different kind of independence with the opens in a new windowBastille Day Fete at City Park near the New Orleans Museum of Art. This party is for the “French Independence day”, and brings NOLA’s French history to present day. On July 12, from 5-9pm, enjoy cooking demonstrations, a dog parade, dancing and music and food trucks, among much more!

On the 13th is another event with international flair, the annual San Fermin in Nueve Orleans, or the opens in a new windowRunning of the Bulls. In this case, however, partipants are chased by Derby Girls, who are just as fierce as their bovine competition! The running starts at 8am at The Sugar Mill, and is followed by La Fiesta de Pantalones at the Rusty Nail at 11:30am.

To cap it off- a weeklong event, opens in a new windowTales of the Cocktail, July 16-21. This is a sort of a convention for mixologists, liquor companies, and other industry professionals, however, you do not have to be one of those to attend the events. Just buy opens in a new windowtickets! Held at various locations throughout the French Quarter, Tales offers seminars, demonstrastions, tastings, Happy Hours and an awards ceremony.

No matter what you decide to do in July, in New Orleans, stay with us, we’ll treat you right!