Free New Orleans Outings
New Orleans is packed with freebies, so you can really make the most of a budget vacation. Window shop along Chartres and Royal Street, taking in the galleries, antique shops and, of course, street performers. Head over to the Arts District for more! Each first Saturday of the month is open gallery night with complimentary refreshments, special events, and opportunities to meet the artists.
The French Quarter Festival takes place every April where you’ll find food, fun and music at the state’s biggest free music festival. Over 12 stages are filled with jazz, R&B, Cajun, Latin, New Orleans funk, classical, rock swing, zydeco and more. Here, you’ll find over 100 top performers along with the “world’s largest jazz brunch” at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park. (The brunch isn’t free, but dishes start at just $3!) Plus, you’ll get free tours of hidden gardens and patios.
Maximize Your New Orleans Getaway
NOLA Brewing Company offers free tours, so you can get to know the local craft beer scene (and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a free tasting or two!). Every Thursday at Armstrong Park there are free live jazz concerts. The Bywater Burgundy Picture House offers outdoor film screenings, and there are a free Wednesday afternoon concerts at Lafayette Square in the spring.
Le Bon Temps Roule, a music club, dishes up free music and oysters on Friday nights. A tour of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square whisks you back in time, and picnicking at The Fly is always a special treat. Challenge yourself to spend nothing in New Orleans, and you’ll be surprised at the results!