As we enter the dazed heat of a Crescent City summertime , metropolis residents become understandably prone to staying within somewhere cool or else of venturing out into the muggy summertime soup . We get it . But nevertheless , we urge you – implore you ! – to balk that inherent aptitude , because there are a ton of really fun thing to do ( and maybe a little difficulty to get into ) , and all it will cost you iszero dollars . How can you possibly argue with destitute FUN ? Here are some of our very favorite things to do this summer in NOLA for those pinching pennies , or anyone who just desire to keep money for more important things , likepo - boysandfrozen daiquiris .
Head to theconcerts on Algiers Point
Ah , yes , the " Pernt " has some slap-up free live music all summer long , from swamp pappa to blues , funk , Cajun , and , uh … Bag of Donuts . They also have wine , but they ’re going to charge you for that , of course .
Slurp down some free oysters
Yes , innocent oyster . Le Bon Temps Roulewill give you gratis pelecypod on Fridays get down at 7 post-mortem examination until they simply work out of the mark , which they ’ve been doing for about 30 year running now . And they ’ve got great live euphony , to boot ! you may not , and will not , go wrong with this deal .
Catch a free outdoor flick at theBurgundy Picture House
Are you a cinephile with a penchant for " cutting - edge , foreign , and art house films " ? If so , head over to the Marigny where you could find them for free . Sure it ’s hot out , and there are insect and stuff , but hey , cool picture plus the opportunity to buy a beer for a Pearl Buck ( or just " freely " BYOB ) ? That ’s deserving the heat and the skeeters , supporter .
Check out fireworks on the 4th
There ’s no way to celebrate America ’s independency from the tyranny of those Brits than towatch some huge damned explosionsset off by barge on the mighty Mississippi , plant to music . ' MURICA !
Get your laffs on at a free stand-up comedy night
You may not think of standup jinks when you believe of New Orleans , but you really should , because there ’s some really fun and funny talent here , a lot of which you could enjoy with no covering rush at station like theThe Howlin ’ Wolf , Carrollton Station , Buffa’s , The AllWays Lounge , and more . swallow cost money , of course , but you could get your spirits lifted gratis .
Take a free brewery tour (with tastings!) atNOLA Brewery and Tap Room
It ’s summer in New Orleans , which mean that it ’s really , really raging . And that , of course of action , think you need cold , moth-eaten beer . Get you some at NOLA Brewery on Fridays from 2 - 3pm . And if you ’re willing to discharge a few sawhorse , do n’t block that they also houseMcClure ’s Barbecue , which is fantastic .
Swing it up hard with free dance classes fromNOLA Jitterbugs
If you have fond reminiscences from the Golden Age of American Swing – which of course of action meansthe mid-’90s and Vince Vaughn– you could research it lovingly and freely every Friday Nox . All the beautiful baby will be there , daddy - o. You ’ll have to contribute your own zoot wooing , though .
Swamp it up with free admission to theJean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve
Wanna feel like Burt Reynolds inGatorif only for a little number , and at no cost ? Or just search the beauty of the bayou and all its Dagobah - like flora and creature ? This is the seat for you … but do n’t block the insect repellant . And the gator repellant . ( OK , just kidding about that last one . But not about the bug spray . Seriously … if you ’re headed to the Barataria Preserve , BRING BUG SPRAY . )
Take a walk aroundAudubon Park
It ’s deserving it not just for the proud live oak , but also for the bountiful wildlife ( which , during summer , does not typically let in the usual Tulane and Loyola students ) . Better still , bring a picnic basketful and collation in the shade of all that openhanded greenery .
… and bike throughCity Park
If velocipedes are more your style , you ca n’t really do better in these parts than a tour through our largest park , which has some somewhat corking equitation trails , not to mention gorgeous fountains , lagune , and stacks of beautiful green stuff .
Browse antique shops on Royal St
They house many beautiful and expensive artifacts that are wholly free to look up to if you ’re not in a buying mood . If you ’re palpate bold , ask for a tour of duty of the " secret room " atM.S. Rau Antiques , which also has a fantastic collection of sword - cane and other freaky stuff .
Nab free Wednesday admission atNOMAand theOgden Museum of Southern Art
For NOLA residents only , natch . This is one of the many great reasons you incite to the Big Easy and braved the Office of Motor Vehicles to get that Louisiana ID . You get reward with truly impressive collections of artistic creation for $ 0.00 .
… and tour the galleries in theJulia St Arts District
You do n’t have to expect for Wednesdays for loose artistry – you ’re always welcome to cast through the collections that dot the Warehouse District . Just make certain to dress appropriately … but not too appropriately , or you might be mistaken for a buyer . It ’s a delicate balance , y' all . Just wear some pants , is what we ’re saying . Also , you might desire to check out the " First Saturday Art Walk , " which is defend each month in the district , beginning at 6 premier , and is also free to the public … and to which you should also wear off pants .
Wear white linen pants, even!
One of the most popular artistic production issue in town , Whitney White Linen Night , takes place each year at the Julia St. Arts District ( this twelvemonth , it ’s on August 6th , from 5:30 - 9:30pm ) . And yes , jolly much everyone get to tire out their okay linen paper wearable , stroll through the galleries , and listen to music , and , if they want to give for it , pledge wine and play like a material sophisticate .
… and then dirty linen pants
Of course , any hint of snooty cultural sophistication will not go unanswered in New Orleans . Hence , as a reaction to White Linen Night , we now have " Dirty Linen Night , " which still celebrates art and music for free , only down and unsportsmanlike in the French Quarter . On August 13th , you ’re encourage to don the soiled white linen clothing you had too much fun wearing at the old effect . Not that anyone really does that , but it ’s a fun melodic theme .
Get your mind blown watching glass being blown
See what we did there ? Check outRosetree Blown Glass Studio , Studio Inferno , and / orNew Orleans Glassworksfor complimentary demos of glassworking skills , which are really telling and kind of amazing , if you ’re into people spinning molten glass into beautiful objets d’art . It ’s also kind of a just indication whether or not you still have a person ?
Take a tour of theAbita Brewery
If you ’re unforced to take a effort to the beautiful North Shore , and you ’re also a beer - lover , it ’ll be deserving your while to see the illustrious plate of Abita in Covington , LA . you’re able to tour for the toll of utterly nothing ( so long as you ’re uncoerced to go solo – only the ego - guided hitch aregratis ) .
Check out the newFirst Fridays on the Boulevard
The O.C. Haley Blvd corridor is blowing up these day , with eating house like Primitivo , Casa Borrega , and Purloo , and ethnic centers like the Southern Food & Beverage Museum . To showcase the area ’s renewal , there ’s a play and free upshot on the first Friday of each month , have plenty of cool art , culture , and music for no accusation … and unfermented trade on nutrient & drink if you ’re willing to pony up .
Visit the Sculpture Garden for some “kulcha”
Indeed , themagnificent garden of sculptured artwork , created by 60 artists from around the world , is conterminous to NOMA and free to one and all . So enjoy it !
Fest, baby, fest!
You perfectly can not live in New Orleans during the summertime and drop out on the many free local festivals , celebrating everything fromCreole TomatoestoCajun Zydeco , and evenUncle Sam himself . There ’s often intellectual nourishment and swallow for sale from a immense mixed bag of local marketer , of course , but the entertainment and educational opportunities can be shared by all at no charge ( which is why those Jazz Fest tix are so pricey … they pay for a lot of these events ) . It ’s one of the good parts about living in this beautiful mess of a townsfolk .
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Cajun Zydeco Festival|Eric Simon/The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
Wednesdays On The Point
Flickr/praline3001
Nola Brewing
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve|Flickr/Ken Lund
Flickr/Geoff Alexander
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Whitney White Linen Night|Flickr/John W. Schulze (edited)
Flickr/Tulane Public Relations
First Fridays on the Boulevard|OC Haley Blvd Merchants
New Orleans Sculpture Garden|Flickr/jennifer_perry
Creole Tomato Festival
