Fourth of July in Central & North Louisiana

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From Monroe to Minden to Shreveport, freedom fests reign with all the verve of a true Louisiana celebration. Expect barbecue, fireworks, 5Ks, and more. 

Shreveport KTBS Freedom Fest Finale

July 4: Part of the America 250 celebration, scores of fireworks will be coming from towns throughout the region: in downtown Shreveport, South Bossier Park, Cypress Lake, Blanchard, Cypress Lake, Lake Claiborne, and Jefferson, Texas, and Longview, Texas. KTBS will be airing all of it on KTBS and KPXJ, but on the ground locals can celebrate with live performances, food trucks, children's activities, and more. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. Free. ktbs.com. 

The Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K Race in Shreveport

July 4: Don't miss the annual Firecracker 5K at Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport this year, proving patriotism one heated mile at a time as part of the America 250 celebrations. Kids can come too, with a half-mile fun run. 7:30 am. $30 for the 5K; $15 for the kids fun run. sbfunguide.com. 

The Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival

July 4: "Louisiana’s July 4th Destination Festival" is getting bigger and better in honor of America's 250th birthday. This year's highly anticipated Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival heads to the Paragon Casino Resort for its annual celebration. With two stages for entertainment, the live music will continue all day long. Other events include a bake-off; an arts & crafts fair; a car, motorcycle, and jeep show; boudin, cherry pie, and watermelon-eating contests; and fun and games, with fireworks to follow. Kicks off at 7:30 am. $10; free for four and younger. avoyellesarts.com.

Independence Day Celebration in Monroe-West Monroe

July 4: The twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe know how to celebrate America's 250th birthday in style. Beginning at 9:30 am, head to Triangle Park for a patriotic children's parade, then stop by Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo for Red, White, & Blue at the Zoo. Another parade rolls at 11 am—Twin Cities 250th Anniversary Parade hosted by Krewe of Janus in Monroe, followed later that evening by the highly-anticipated fireworks display. Throughout the day, local vendors will be peddling their wares, and the streets will be filled with the sounds of live bands. Fireworks start at 9 pm, over the Ouachita River—best viewed from downtown West Monroe or Monroe, or on the West Monroe levee. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org.