by Jeanni Ritchie
This month we are celebrating Independence Day, a federal holiday which commemorates the establishment of the United States of America. Traditionally celebrated with cookout and fireworks, there are many private as well as public Fourth of July parties across Central Louisiana.
We will take a look at a few!
13th Annual Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival
Paragon Casino Resort
111 Paragon Pl. Marksville, LA
Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
The festival will include two stages of entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, car, truck, bike and Jeep show, cornhole tournament, traditional July 4th sweets bake off, 5K and an array of kid-friendly activities.
City of Alexandria presents: Rock the Red!
City Hall
915 3rd St, Alexandria, LA
Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM-9:30 PM
Downtown Alexandria hosts Rock the Red, an annual Independence Day celebration filled with music, fun, and fireworks! Enjoy live performances by: Trini Triggs | 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Roi “Chip” Anthony | 7:30 – 9:00 PM. Fireworks 9 PM. Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and family!
Run Wild proudly presents the Freedom Run 5K and Fun Run
Date: July 4, 2025 Location: Conference Center at England Air Park, Alexandria, Louisiana
*Family-friendly 5K and Fun Run courses suitable for all ages and fitness levels
*Patriotic atmosphere with red, white, and blue attire encouraged
*Post-run refreshments, snacks, and music
*Awards for top finishers
VERNON PARISH: New Llano Fireworks in the Park – July 4
Bring your own fireworks to shoot from 6-9 p.m. Main fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets, enjoy food trucks, snow cones, free watermelon, music and fun. Free!
BEAUREGARD PARISH: Fourth Fest in DeRidder – July 4
Fashion show, Bingo, line dancing competition, farmers market, pie-eating contest, and watermelon seed spitting contest.
The night before…
Fireworks over Buhlow Lake 20th Anniversary
Gates open 2 PM; Fireworks show 9 PM July 3rd
And the next day…
John Foster
Paragon Casino Resort
111 Paragon Pl. Marksville, LA
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Doors Open 7PM • Showtime 8PM
Celebrate the July 4th holiday weekend with Baton Rouge Native and American Idol runner-up John Foster at Paragon Casino Resort! This Season 23 American Idol star has already released his first single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” performed at the Grand Ole Opry, and now he’s bringing his sensational country music sound live to the Mári Showroom stage!
Celebrate the 4th with one of these exciting celebrations!
