Fourth of July in Cajun Country & Southwest Louisiana

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Zuza Galczynska

The Grand Dérangement, in which the Acadians were expelled from British-conquered territories in today's Canada, took place just 21 years before the United States decided it was time to do some kicking the British out of somewhere, so one can imagine a certain... extra saltiness in some Cajun Fourth of July celebrations. By now, though, the holiday is mostly about the same things it is everywhere - spending time outdoors with your friends, love of country, fireworks, and grilled meat. But it still hasn't lost that extra Cajun zest.

Erath Independence Day Cajun Carnival

June 30-July 4: One of the oldest Fourth of July celebrations in Acadiana, this Cajun Carnival in Downtown Erath is set to be chock full of rides, fais do dos, Fire Department water fights a fun run, a parade, and more! Look forward to live performances by local musicians the likes of Alligator Blue, Jace Richard, Dustin Sonnier, The Chee–Weez, Poisson Rouge, and Geno Delafose. Cap it all off with a fireworks display the evening of the 4th at 9pm. Free. erath4.com. 

Acadian Wind Symphony’s Celebrate America! at the ACA

June 30: The nationally-acclaimed Acadian Wind Symphony, celebrating thirty years of music making, presents "Uncharted Journey" by local composer Andrew Morgan Smith, in the James Moncus Theatre at The Acadiana Center for the Arts. 3:30 pm. $20. acadianacenterforthearts.org.

Youngsville Sugar Mill Pond Independence Celebration

July 3:  Meet at Sugar Mill Pond and, before lighting up the night, enjoy music from The Rouge Krewe, Gino V, DJ RV, Layla Lavergne, and School of Rock, family-friendly activities, pop up vendors, food from Bon Temps Concessions, and of course fireworks to end the celebration. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at the Sugar Mill Pond Facebook Page. 

Jennings Stars & Stripes Celebration and Fireworks Show

July 3:  An outdoor community festival at Founders Park, with a BBQ Contest, food trucks, markets, games, a live music concert by The Eighties Experience starting at 6 pm, followed by a fireworks show at 8:30 pm. Free.Visit the Jennings Festival Association Facebook Page for more information. 

New Iberia's 4th of July Salt Water Fishing Rodeo

July 4–July 7: A yee-haw good time on the water, come full circle with a bit of fais do-do under the pavilion (for an extra independence vibe, call the fish "Cecil" and make fun of its teeth). Quintana Boat Launch at Cypremort Point. Fishing begins at 12:01 am Thursday, and ends at 10:30 pm Saturday. This years musical lineup includes performances by Seasoned Soul, Cliff Bernard, Swampland Revival, and The Bad Boys. Free. (337) 207-6206 or iberiarodandgunclub.com.

Old Fashioned July 4 Celebration

July 4: Celebrate Independence all day long at the City of DeRidder's annual July 4 celebration at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds. Expect a DJ, fireworks, food trucks, and a good old fashioned time. 7 pm–9 pm. cityofderidder.org.

Lake Charles Red, White, Blue & You Celebration

July 4: Voted one of the "STS Top 20 Events" for the month of July by the Southeast Tourism Society—this festival celebration paints the town patriotic with a star-spangled street parade,concessions, face painting, and a huge fireworks display over the lake at the Lake Charles Civic Center. At 6 pm catch Lake Charles Community Band’s 25-piece “Bayou Big Band,” and at 7 pm The Flamethrowers take the stage. visitlakecharles.org. 

4th of July Lake Jam

July 4: Bring the boat or the car out to celebrate America at Morgan City's Lake End Park with a boat parade, food trucks, live music, a Kid Zone with water inflatables, the fireworks show finale and more. This year's live performances lineup includes Cliff & Sidepiece Band, and Shorts in December. Asian Cajun Trailer, T–Paul's Cajun Catering, Lily Bea's Snowballs, and more food vendors return for this years festivities. 3 pm–9 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

Broussard Independence Festival

July 4: A  big ole birthday party for the nation, Broussard-style. Family friendly activities (hot dog eating contests!), live music by Louisiana Red, and fireworks at the St. Julien Park Sports Complex. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at the Broussard Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. 

Krotz Springs Fireworks on the River

July 4: The name says it all—head out to the Atchafalaya for a sportsman's paradise fireworks show in Nall Park, 562 Front Street. The little town goes the whole nine yards with hot dogs, watermelon, and live local music. 6:30 pm–8 pm. cajuntravel.com.