Aside from being renowned for its jambalaya, gumbo, Cajun culture and Mardi Gras festivities, the city of New Orleans is also known as the home to the star-studded Essence Music Festival.
This 4th of July weekend, festival-goers will meet, greet and party with some of music’s top celebrities including Beyoncé, Maxwell and Charlie Wilson. Many will even rub shoulders, share stories and get empowered by the likes of Al Sharpton, Roland Martin and Iyanla Vanzant at Empowerment Experience sessions and panel discussions held daily throughout the weekend.
Between enjoying the empowerment events inside the New Orleans Convention Center during the day, and the concerts taking place day and night, be sure to venture out into the rich cultural landscape that makes New Orleans a top 10 ranking tourist destination in America. We’ve gathered a list of family-friendly attractions that will give you a feel for being part of the street culture and music scene of the Big Easy.
Come and witness the fusion of Southern scenery and African-American music that will make this holiday weekend one to remember for all those attending the Essence Music Festival.
Essence Festival Family Reunion Day
When Sister Sledge belted out the lyrics,“ We are family/I got all my sisters and me,” they meant it — and the organizers of the Essence Music Festival aim to prove it this 4th of July, kicking off the fest with a big bash. Bring the entire family and come celebrate America’s independence at the first ever Family Reunion Day hosted by Carla Ferrell of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Right in the heart of Woldenberg Park, enjoy great Louisiana-style BBQ, a petting zoo presented by the Audubon Nature Institute — plus live music performances by Biz Markie, the Brass-A-Holics, Cupid, Doug E. Fresh, Gina Brown, Tweet and more. This FREE event takes place Thursday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t miss this outdoor family extravaganza!
The 23rd annual Go 4th on the River Dueling Barges Fireworks Show
Called the crowning jewel of New Orleans at this time of year by some, the 23rd annual Go 4th on the River Dueling Barges Fireworks Show promises to be a showcase to remember. This event is similar to what some Southerners call a “battle of the bands,” but instead of marching bands performing in stunning formation, you will be amazed by an incredible fireworks duel between two barges that takes place on the Mississippi River. After the Essence Festival Family Reunion Day, you can head over to the fireworks show to enjoy more music in addition to the spectacle of lights, as you and your companions will also be serenaded by a live Navy band. Come see for yourself why the American Pyrotechnic Association listed this event the fifth must–see fireworks display in the country. It all starts at 9 p.m. on July 4th, and “can be viewed from both sides of the river from the Riverwalk to the French Market,” according to a news release. Visit www.go4thontheriver.com for more information.
The French Market
This North Peter’s street landmark, spanning six blocks and founded in 1791, is one of the most popular attractions for visitors strolling through New Orleans. From imported clothing and jewelry, to local vegetables and spices to add to your home recipes, the French Market is authentic Louisiana culture at its best filled with food, live performers, and that multicultural atmosphere that makes New Orleans unique. Visit www.frenchmarket.org for more information.
Louis Armstrong Park & Congo Square
The legacy of New Orleans native and jazz legend Louis Armstrong is memorialized near the French Quarter in the Tremé neighborhood in a special park. The Louis Armstrong Park located there is dedicated to the memory of this man who so deeply impacted the jazz world, and brought the message of black music to a large, international audience while maintaining the purity of his sound. Filled with sculptures, duck ponds and pretty, open spaces, a stop by the Louis Armstrong Park will make a relaxing, great place to start a love affair with nature, or have an afternoon picnic. Just steps from the French Quarter, you can also plan an impromptu history lesson as the park also contains Congo Square, which was a historic meeting place for slaves.
The New Orleans Museum of Art
There’s only one place in New Orleans that has an outstanding permanent collection of almost 40,000 pieces of art — The New Orleans Museum of Art. The city’s oldest fine arts institution offers collections that include photography, glass designs, and African, French, American and Japanese-influenced works — some in distinctive settings. Marvel at over 60 sculptures situated in the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. See the spirit of Louisiana come alive as you stroll through winding trails and sparkly lagoons. The last admittance to the museum is 45 minutes before closing, so be sure to call (504) 658-4100 for the daily, specific hours.
New Orleans City Park
City Park, one of the nation’s oldest urban parks, is a beautiful place that has something for everyone. From historic oaks to picturesque moss canopies, this park has amazed millions of visitors for years. And if you decide to come early for the Essence Music Festival, head over to this 1,300-acre outdoor natural oasis for live music and an illuminating fireworks display on July third. Make sure you make a stop at the one-of-a-kind antique wooden carousel in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park housed there, as well. This hand-carved spectacle of “flying horses” is known to be a family favorite for nearly 100 years. This park is truly magical.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.