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.

GOING INSIDE RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THE RUMBLE OF THUNDER ALL ACROSS SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR IT HERE IN THE STUDIO. SOMETHING THAT YOU SAID WOULD HAPPEN. RAVEN. YEAH, I KNOW, I LIKE IT.