Fourth of July in Acadiana & 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.

Mendoza Ford Independence Day Celebration Benefitting Maurice Police & Fire Departments

June 24: A true Acadiana celebration of Independence benefitting Maurice first responders, with all of the necessary ingredients: a Pork Jambalaya Cook Off, Train Rides for kids, a craft show, live music by Clay Cormier, and a fireworks show. 6 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at mendozaford.com.

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 Swampland Revival, Ryan Foret, Alligator Blue, Dustin Sonnier, Gerald Gruenig and Gentilly Zydeco, the Poisson Rouge, and the Beau Young Band. Cap it all off with a fireworks display the evening of the 4th at 9pm. Free. erath4.com. 

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

June 30–July 2: 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 Friday, and ends at 8 pm Sunday. Free. (337) 207-6206 or iberiarodandgunclub.com.

Jennings Stars & Stripes Celebration and Fireworks Show

July 1:  An outdoor community festival at Founders Park, with a BBQ Contest, food trucks, markets, games and live music from 4 pm–9 pm and a "Celebrate America" Fireworks Show held by the Jennings Fire department at the Oil and Gas Park. Free.Visit the Jennings Festival Association Facebook Page for more information. 

4th of July Lake Jam

Bring the boat or the car out to celebrate America with live music from bands like South 70 and Southern Roots, food vendors Mama G’s, Asian Cajun Trailer, and East Gate BBQ, and family activities in Morgan City’s Lake End Park. 11 am–5 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

Weiner-Pop Up Independence Day Weekend Celebration

July 1: Enjoy craft hot dogs and live music this July at the Weiner Pop-Up Independence Day Weekend Celebration! Live music by Jimmy Breaux from 4 pm–7 pm. Let's Celebrate America! Noon–9 pm. Free. lafayettetravel.com. 

Acadian Wind Symphony’s Celebrate America! at the ACA

July 1: The nationally-acclaimed Acadian Wind Symphony, under the direction of Gerald Guilbeaux, will present a patriotic concert for Independence Day in the James Moncus Theatre at The Acadiana Center for the Arts. 7:30 pm. $20. acadianacenterforthearts.org.

Celebration in the Park July 4th Celebration

July 1: Morgan City does it up with food trucks, bands, and kids' activities from 1 pm at Lake End Park. Live music kicks off at 4 pm. Fireworks will erupt over the river starting at 9 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

Youngsville Sugar Mill Pond Independence Celebration

July 3:  Meet at Sugar Mill Pond and, before lighting up the night, enjoy music from Radio Zydeco, family-friendly activities, and pop up vendors. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at the Sugar Mill Pond Facebook Page. .

New Iberia Fourth of July Parade

July 4: Patriotic harmonies are set to make their way through Bouligny Plaza in honor of the birth of our nation. An Honor Guard ceremony will follow. Downtown New Iberia. 1:30 pm–5 pm. Free. (337) 367-0308. iberiatravel.com. 

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. 7 pm at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Free. visitlakecharles.org. 

Red, White, and Blue Boat Parade

Start the day with the Red, White, and Blue Boat Parade, and finish it out with fireworks over the lake from Lake End Parkway in Morgan City. Parade at 1 pm, fireworks begin at 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.