A uniquely American city with a deep French history – that’s New Orleans – and as a result, we celebrate two “freedom” events this month – Independence Day and Bastille Day.
On the fourth of July, start at Crescent Park, where at 4:30, you can swing to music from the WWII Museum’s opens in a new windowVictory Belles, followed by Bag of Donuts – the SuperPop party band extraordinaire. Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing feet! Later in the evening, get excited for opens in a new windowGo Fourth on the River (ranked the 5th “Must See” fireworks display in the U.S.by American Pyrotechnic Association). In this incredible exhibition, “dueling” barges glide up the Mighty Mississippi, shooting off an amazing barrage of fireworks, accompanied by patriotic music, which can be played through an opens in a new windowapp on your phone! The show is scheduled to start at 9, but you’ll want to head down to the riverside between Gov. Nichols St. Wharf and Canal St. Dock earlier than that to get a great spot. Did I mention it’s free? What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation’s independence!
In 1789, on July 14th, the storming of Bastille prison in Paris marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Why do we celebrate this French holiday? Well, from the fires of the revolution, a young general named Napolean Bonaparte rose to prominence. In his quest for global domination, he needed money! So, he sold France’s North American colony to the United States in what became known as the Louisiana Purchase, thus bringing our beloved city under the wing of Uncle Sam. The opens in a new windowBastille Day Féte takes place on Friday, July 13th, at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and features live music, dancing, special gallery tours, food trucks and drinks, as well as performances.
Also happening in July are the opens in a new windowEssence Festival – July 5-8, opens in a new windowRunning of the Bulls – July 15-18, and opens in a new windowTales of the Cocktail – July 17-22. You won’t run out of things to do in NOLA in July – take a little trip, stay with us at 1896 O’Malley House and refresh your tired mind!