New Orleans celebrates July 4 with music, hot dogs, patriotic colors and of course, fireworks. On Thursday, find celebrations on City Park's Great Lawn and under the skies at Metairie's

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.