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, water fights, a fun run, a parade, and more! Look forward to live performances by local musicians the likes of Parade Route Party Band, DJ Trashy, Dustin Sonnier, The Chee-Weez, Cliff Bernard, and DJ – Mike Jamez. Cap it all off with a fireworks display the evening of the 4th at 9pm. Free. erath4.com. 

Red, White & Boom! Youngsville Independence Day Celebration

July 3: Meet at the Youngsville Sports Complex and, before lighting up the night, enjoy music from Clay Cormier & The Highway Boys (among others), a kid zone, food, and fireworks to end the celebration. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. Find the event on Facebook.

Jennings Stars & Stripes Celebration and Fireworks Show

July 4: An outdoor community festival at Oil and Gas Park, with food trucks, cornhole, face painting, inflatables, and live music by First Street Hooligans and Colby Latiolais, followed by a fireworks show at 9 pm. 4 pm–10 pm. Free. Visit the Jennings Festival Association Facebook Page for more information. 

Dugas Landing Annual Fourth of July Fishing Rodeo

July 5–July 6: A yee-haw good time is sure to be had on the water at Dugas Landing. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, a DJ, and karaoke on Sunday, along with prizes. Free for spectators. 5:30 am Saturday; weigh-in ends at 4 pm Sunday. visitlakecharles.org.

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 fireworks, food trucks, and a good old fashioned time. 5 pm–10 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. 6 pm–10 pm. 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 Parkway with a boat parade, food trucks, live music, a Kid Zone with water inflatables, the fireworks show finale at 9 pm, and more. This year's live performances lineup includes Swampland Revival and Kings of Neon. 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, a DJ, and fireworks at the St. Julien Park Sports Complex. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. lafayettetravel.com. 

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.