The Fourth of July comes with fireworks shows and revelry across the New Orleans metro. The big picture: It's a busy weekend all around with Essence Fest also taking place across downtown. Be smart: It's illegal for residents to shoot fireworks in Orleans Parish and most of Jefferson Parish.

With nearly all of the aerial shells, paper rockets and sparkly fountains that fuel America’s Fourth of July celebrations being imported from China, volunteer groups like Johnson’s and cities big and small have been closely watching the negotiations.

There are plenty of locations and events in L.A. County to take in Fourth of July fireworks and drone light shows, from a historic boat ride to a low-key lookout.