Not a city to be outdone when it comes to holidays, the Fourth of July celebration kicks off a day early in true New Orleans fashion with “3rd of July Bounce”. The show at Siberia features Katey Red, Cheeky Blakk, 10th Ward Buck, and other bounce artists. At midnight, fireworks will signal the 236th anniversary of American independence.

Fireworks on July 4, 2011 as seen from Algiers. Photo: Infrogmation.

There will be even more bounce on July Fourth at the Rusty Nail, with the third-annual “America: The Party”. The nautical-themed event will feature DJs Tony Skratchere and Quickie Mart playing yacht bounce, plus hot dogs, hamburgers, and snoballs.

For more family friendly events, there will also be holding more traditional events such as “Go Fourth on the River”. The centerpiece of the 22nd-annual event is a fireworks show—exploding to a soundtrack by the U.S. Navy Band—that is ranked in the top-five for must-see firework displays by the American Polytechnic Association. Before the firework spectacular, the Steamboat Willie Jazz Band kicks off Independence Day at 10 a.m. at Café Beignet. After that, from 11:30 a.m. until the evening ends, Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers and the Dukes of Dixieland will be partying aboard the Steamboat Natchez, and at 5 p.m. Amanda Shaw performs a free concert in Washington Artillery Park across from Jackson Square.

Another option for music and fireworks is to watch from the other side of the river at Wednesdays on the Point. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes headline the free show at the Algiers Ferry Dock, with Zena Moses & Rue Fiya All Stars plus Romy Kaye & The Brent Walsh Jazz Trio opening the special Fourth of July concert at 5 p.m. In Metairie, the New Orleans Zephyrs will be celebrating with America’s favorite pastime, playing the Oklahoma City Redhawks in a game that will conclude with fireworks and a concert by Local Option II. Tickets range from $8-$15.