Thursdays in New Orleans: Best Events to Welcome in the Weekend

New Orleans, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and lively entertainment scene, truly comes alive on Thursday nights. As the weekend approaches, locals and visitors alike flock to the city’s iconic venues, bars, and restaurants to kickstart the festivities early. With a variety of live music, happy hour specials, and unique cultural events, Thursdays in New Orleans offer something for everyone.

TL;DR

• Iconic venues showcasing live jazz, blues, and other genres
• Lively bars and restaurants with enticing happy hour deals
• Unique cultural events like art walks and museum late nights

Live Music

When it comes to live music, New Orleans stands out. On Thursdays, you can experience the city’s musical soul at various renowned venues. Preservation Hall, a historic jazz spot in the French Quarter, hosts nightly shows featuring talented local musicians. The intimate setting and traditional jazz performances create an unforgettable atmosphere.

For a more diverse musical experience, head to Tipitina’s, a famous club that showcases both local and touring acts across various genres. From funk and rock to blues and zydeco, you’ll find an eclectic mix of live music at this Uptown institution.

If you’re looking to explore multiple venues in one night, Frenchmen Street is the place to be. This cluster of music clubs, located just outside the French Quarter, offers a wide range of genres, including jazz, blues, reggae, and Latin music. Some notable spots include The Spotted Cat Music Club, d.b.a., and Blue Nile.

Happy Hours

Thursdays in New Orleans are also celebrated for their lively happy hours, with bars and restaurants offering great drink specials and discounted small plates. The Columns Hotel, an elegant Garden District spot, features a stunning Victorian lounge where you can enjoy half-priced cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 5-7 pm.

For a more modern and upscale experience, head to Cure, a sleek cocktail bar known for its creative concoctions. Their happy hour, running from 5-7 pm, includes $6 classic cocktails and discounted snacks. If you’re in the mood for a casual atmosphere and affordable eats, check out Dat Dog, a popular hot dog joint with locations across the city. Their happy hour, available from 4-7 pm, features $3 draft beers, $5 cocktails, and discounted gourmet hot dogs.

Cultural Events

In addition to music and drinks, Thursdays in New Orleans offer a variety of unique cultural events. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art hosts Ogden After Hours, a weekly concert series showcasing Southern musicians in a beautiful setting. The event, which runs from 6-8 pm, also includes free admission to the museum’s galleries.

For art enthusiasts, the Warehouse District hosts Jammin’ on Julia, a monthly art walk featuring open galleries, live music, and food and drink specials. This event, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 6-9 pm, is a great way to explore the city’s thriving arts scene.

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) also offers occasional late-night events and programs on Thursdays. These special events, such as NOMA Nights, feature live music, art activities, and extended museum hours, allowing visitors to experience the museum in a unique and festive atmosphere.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the usual entertainment options, Thursdays in New Orleans provide opportunities for some truly unique experiences. Take a stroll through Crescent Park, a beautiful riverfront green space offering stunning views of the city skyline. The park is particularly enchanting in the evening, with the Crescent City Connection bridge illuminated in the background.

For a classic New Orleans experience, consider taking a sunset jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez. This authentic paddlewheel boat offers a two-hour journey along the Mississippi River, complete with live jazz music, delicious food, and picturesque views of the city.

If you’re looking for a more intimate and historic setting, visit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a candlelit 18th-century bar located on Bourbon Street. This cozy spot, which claims to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States, is perfect for a nightcap or a late-night drink with friends.

Food and Drink

No night out in New Orleans is complete without indulging in the city’s renowned cuisine. Bacchanal, a unique wine bar located in the Bywater neighborhood, offers a perfect blend of live music, outdoor seating, and delectable small plates. Their backyard courtyard, complete with string lights and rustic charm, creates a magical atmosphere for enjoying a glass of wine and listening to live jazz.

For a taste of authentic Cajun cuisine, head to Coop’s Place, a casual joint located in the French Quarter. This late-night spot, open until 1 am on Thursdays, serves up hearty dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice, perfect for satisfying your post-drinking cravings.

Neighborhoods to Explore

While the French Quarter is the most well-known neighborhood for nightlife, there are several other areas worth exploring on a Thursday night. The Marigny, located just adjacent to the French Quarter, is a hip and eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant music scene and dive bars. Check out spots like The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret, Kajun’s Pub, and Mimi’s in the Marigny for live music and cheap drinks.

The Bywater, located downriver from the Marigny, is another artsy and quirky neighborhood with a growing number of bars and restaurants. Some notable spots include Bud Rip’s, a dive bar known for its strong drinks and colorful locals, and The Country Club, a historic Bywater mansion turned restaurant and bar with a lovely outdoor pool and patio.

For a more upscale experience, take a stroll through the picturesque Garden District, known for its stunning mansions and tree-lined streets. While the neighborhood is primarily residential, there are a few notable spots for drinks and small plates, such as The Delachaise, a charming wine bar with an extensive selection and outdoor seating.

Address: 3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504) 895-0858

Tips for Going Out

When heading out on a Thursday night in New Orleans, there are a few things to keep in mind. Many bars in the city allow smoking indoors, so be prepared if you have allergies or are sensitive to smoke. Additionally, some spots are cash-only, so it’s always a good idea to hit an ATM before going out.

As with any big city, it’s important to be smart about walking around at night. While most neighborhoods in New Orleans are safe, it’s always best to stay aware of your surroundings and take a cab or rideshare if you’re unsure about walking back to your hotel or home.

Thursdays in New Orleans offer a perfect opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. With a wide range of live music venues, happy hour specials, and unique events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to welcome in the weekend, New Orleans-style!