4th of July fireworks, Essence Fest and more things to do this week
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It's the Fourth of July, New Orleans style. The city is popping off with fireworks shows and Essence Fest, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
- Vice President Kamala Harris is in town, along with Janet Jackson, Usher, Serena Williams and lots of other big names.
Check out those events and more things to do this week.
- See WWOZ's Livewire for a live music calendar.
Threat level: New Orleans is experiencing a dangerous heat wave with the "feels like" temperature expected to stay above 100°F through the weekend.
- Drink water and take breaks in the shade or AC.
- Check out these options for splash pads, hotel pools, snoballs and ice cream shops.
Wednesday
🎇 Fireworks shows kick off.
- Happy 3rd of July in City Park. Fireworks are at 9pm at the Peristyle. (Full schedule)
- Uncle Sam Jam at Lafreniere Park. Chapel Hart headlines. (Parking info)
🦈 "Jaws" is screening at the Broadside. (Tickets)
🪖 The National WWII Museum is offering half-price tickets all month to Louisiana residents. (Details)
🎮 The "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" aquarium tour is in New Orleans with characters, traveling exhibits and other Nintendo flair. It's in town through Sept. 14. (Details)
Thursday
🇺🇸 It's the 4th of July, and we've got fireworks, festivals and river cruises.
- Go 4th on the River starts at 9pm in downtown New Orleans. The water show is at 6:30pm. (Details)
- There are parties on the Moonwalk and at Spanish Plaza too.
- Go deeper for the full guide for Independence Day.
🖤 Essence Fest kicks off with events, parties and shows all over town.
- Here's the Superdome schedule.
- Go deeper for the full festival guide.
Friday
🎤 Birdman, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh are at the Superdome with Essence Fest's tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records. Busta Rhymes, T-Pain and The Roots perform too. (Tickets)
🎾 Serena Williams is at Ulta in Elmwood for customer selfies with her new makeup line. (RSVP)
Saturday
👀 VP Kamala Harris is at Essence for a public conversation at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Her talk will be livestreamed too. (Details)
🎶 Usher is at the Superdome with Method Man, Charlie Wilson, Big Boi and more. (Tickets)
Sunday
🏉 NOLA Gold has its first ever playoff game in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference. (Tickets)
👑 Janet Jackson is at the Superdome for the final night of Essence. Tank and the Bangas, Ha Sizzle, Teedra Moses and more take the stage too. (Tickets)
Florida Fourth of July travel warning
Be extra careful if you are heading to Florida beaches for the holiday week.
- Five people drowned last week in rip currents at Panama City Beach. Check the beach flags before you get in the water.
- And, the panhandle is on high alert after three people were injured in shark attacks. Here are tips for avoiding shark attacks.