It's that special time of year when I start searching for where to watch fireworks near me. If you're in the same boat as me, I've got your back. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks in Louisiana. Grab your favorite blanket (and maybe some bug spray) and make your way to one of these awesome events.

1. Baton Rouge: Fireworks on the Mississippi

Fireworks on the Mississippi is an annual event that’s been a time-honored tradition for over 50 years. It’s one of the largest fireworks shows in Louisiana and easily one of the best. The fireworks can be viewed from either side of the river (Downtown Baton Rouge or Port Allen) and the show begins at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th.  Downtown Port Allen will have face painting, magicians, and space walks for the kids plus plenty of local vendors selling food and beverages.

2. Slidell: Heritage Festival

If you’re on the Northshore, the Slidell Heritage Festival is worthy of your time! This festival takes place on June 29, 2024, at Heritage Park. The gates open at 5 p.m. and admission is $15 per person. There will be water slides, pony rides, live music from Rockin’ Dopsie and Karen Waldrup, and of course, and an epic fireworks display to end the night.

3. Metairie: Uncle Sam Jam

Folks in the Greater New Orleans Area can head over to Lafreniere Park in Metairie on July 3rd for an evening of great food, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show. Uncle Sam Jam is free to enter, but I would recommend purchasing a parking pass ahead of time.

4. Erath 4th of July Celebration

The Erath 4th of July Celebration takes place from June 30-July 4, 2024. It's a small-town celebration with a multi-day series of events that the whole family will love. There will be carnival rides, a parade, a fun run, a fais do do every night, and much more. The fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. on July 4 p.m. and you’ll be able to see them from just about anywhere in town!

5. Lake Charles: Red, White, Blue & You Festival

Lake Charles residents can enjoy a fireworks show courtesy of the City of Lake Charles from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lake Charles Event Center on the 4th of July. The Red, White, Blue, and You Festival is free, family-friendly, and always a good time.

6. Monroe/West Monroe: July Fireworks Over The Twin Cities

Spend your Friday night in downtown Monroe or West Monroe to enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in Northern Louisiana. The fireworks will be shot from the Endom Bridge at 9 p.m., which will give you an idea of where you need to set up. Anywhere from Downtown Monroe or Downtown West Monroe would be ideal! Keep in mind that this fireworks display is July 5, 2024, not July 4.

7. Shreveport: Freedom Fest

The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4th and there will be plenty of viewing spots to see the fireworks in Shreveport this year. Sci-Port, the American Rose Center, and South Bossier Park are some of our top picks for viewing spots.

Remember that all of these events are weather-dependent, and you'll want to check each festival's website on the day of the event to make sure it's still going on.

Where are you planning to watch the fireworks from? Do you always watch the fireworks from the same place every year, or do you like to mix it up? Let us know in the comments below!

Read on to discover some of our favorite summer activities in Louisiana:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/louisiana/things-to-do-in-summer-la/