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 has been taking place for almost ninety years. A carnival midway and fais do do takes place every night leading up to Independence Day—when the whole town gathers for summer fun in the form of an early morning fun run, water fights, a parade, and of course—a stunning fireworks display to close it all out. Free entry; fees for ride entry. 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 Marc Broussard and DJ Digital, a kid zone, food, and fireworks to end the celebration. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. youngsvillesportscomplex.com.

Old Fashioned July 4 Celebration

July 4: Celebrate Independence (and America 250) all evening 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 Arcade Amphitheatre. This year's festivities are particularly patriotic to honor America 250. Noon–10 pm. visitlakecharles.org. america250la.org.

Red, White, and Boom in Opelousas 

July 4: Head on over to Yambilee Ag Arena for an evening of patriotic perfection, featuring music, food, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Fireworks will light up the sky at 9 pm, so bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the show. 6 pm–9 pm. cityofopelousas.com.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show in Eunice 

July 4: For almost three decades, the former Eunice mayor and licensed pyrotechnic, Kenneth Peart, orchestrates a spectacular thirty-minute display of fireworks, all for free. Pack a picnic blanket or lawn chairs for the evening's light show at the Eunice Recreation Complex. 9 pm–10 pm. cajuntravel.com.

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, fireworks show finale at 9 pm, and more. This year's live performances lineup includes South 70 and No Idea Band. 3 pm–9 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

Leonville Fireworks Show

July 4: The hospitable town of Leonville invites one and all to its free Fourth of July blowout, including a picture perfect view of Bayou Teche at the Leonville Boat Launch, ice cream, snowballs, and BBQ, hotdogs, and drinks sold by the Leonville Fire Department. Music kicks off at 6 pm, followed by fireworks at 9 pm. (337)-945-2116

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 pm–8 pm. cajuntravel.com.