New Orleans tends to pride itself on being a little bit separate from the rest of the United States. The “Northernmost Carribean City” has Napoleonic laws, a laissez-faire attitude and a whole grip of words and phrases that outsiders can’t pronounce. Still, this city will find any excuse to party and with the 4th of July rolling around, New Orleans is ready to be a part of the Union again (if only for a day). We all know the dueling barges are worth a few “oohs” and several more “ahhs” but for those who are burnt out on fireworks – or just want something to do while they wait for the booms – we’ve compiled a few of the best Independence Day parties to get your ‘Murica on.
Sidney’s Truck Pool Party
https://www.facebook.com/sidneys.saloon.nola/photos/gm.262614750958590/1184550298375210/?type=3&theater
Like the country it celebrates, the 4th doesn’t put on airs. Independence Day is about freedom, of course. It also can be about alcohol, food that’s bad for you and beautiful explosions. Steer into that anti-classy skid and head down St. Bernard for Sidney’s traditional truck pool party. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a pool in the back of a truck. If that’s not enough to get you out, food from new Mid-City spot Trilly Cheesesteaks, frozen drinks and $1.50 PBRs should do the trick.
Where: Sidney’s Saloon, 1200 St. Bernard Ave.
When: 3 p.m. til late
Cost: Free
4th Of July Throwdown
https://www.facebook.com/blackgirlgiggles/photos/gm.1924867234243160/2086333644988471/?type=3&theater
The members of Black Girl Giggles are always around town entertaining people at their own comedy nights and other established events. But with a massive festival catered almost exclusively around the tastes and art of black women, you know they had to go big. BGG is holding events all weekend to coincide with Essence Fest, starting with this takeover of Lucky’s on the 4th.
Where: Lucky’s Bar, 1625 St. Charles Ave.
When: Comedy starts at 7 p.m., DJs go all night
Cost: Free
Kung Fu Throwdown
https://www.facebook.com/BarRedux/photos/gm.2063082763962942/937271436473624/?type=3&theater
When the ‘splosions go up, the city throws down. DJ Pumpkinhead gets the far end of the Bywater moving with his funk and soul set conveniently close to the levee and Crescent Park if you decide you aren’t too cool to watch the city’s show.
Where: Bar Redux, 801 Poland Ave.
When: 8 p.m.- 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
America: The Party 9
https://www.facebook.com/therustynail/photos/gm.1718982848190994/10156525726192704/?type=3&theater
The Rusty Nail continues to be indispensible, providing a bit of levity and looseness in the otherwise condo-fied Warehouse District. Their July 4th party brings the same energy they have all year, pairing their deadly Disco Lemonade with Dat Dog and tunes from NOLA’s masters of cheese Where Y’acht. The party starts at 2 p.m. and runs all night.
Where: The Rusty Nail, 1100 Constance St.
When: 2 p.m. til late
Cost: $10
Drags Not Flags!
https://www.facebook.com/138358476957797/photos/gm.392620671237839/230185757775068/?type=3&theater
It’s been a tough year to be proud of the United States. We get it. For those out there not feeling all rah-rah-shish-boom-bah about the way the country’s heading, there’s a party for that. Drags Not Flags! is an anti-4th of July party celebrating the city’s drag scene and queer community ahead of any country. It promises to be a sweaty good time with a mix of DJ and drag sets and proceeds will go to benefit RAICES, a non-profit that provides legal services to vulnerable refugee and immigrant populations in Texas. Feel good and feel good about it.
Where: Poor Boys Bar, 1328 St. Bernard Ave.
When: Doors at 9/Show at 10
Cost: $10 suggested donation
