New Orleans and nearby parishes prepare for a vibrant Independence Day weekend with ESSENCE Fest, riverfront fireworks, festivals, parades and more.

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.

Southeast Louisiana will be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks shows. Below is a list of events broken down by parish: St. Tammany Parish: Light Up the Lake Independence Day Celebration,