So you're looking for things to do in New Orleans this weekend? Good call. I've lived here ten years and still discover new gems every week. Forget those generic lists – here's how we locals actually spend our weekends. I'll even tell you where parking's nightmare and which tourist traps to skip.
Live Music You Can't Miss
Music here isn't background noise – it's the city's heartbeat. This weekend's lineup:
Frenchmen Street Jazz Clubs
Better than Bourbon Street for authentic vibes. Cover charges run $10-20 cash. Arrive before 9pm to grab seats.
| Venue | Sets | Cover |
|---|---|---|
| The Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen St) | Traditional jazz, 2pm-2am | $10 |
| Snug Harbor (626 Frenchmen St) | Ellis Marsalis Quartet: Fri/Sat 8pm & 10pm | $25 |
Honestly, Snug Harbor's acoustics are incredible but drinks are highway robbery ($18 cocktails?). Stick to beer.
Iconic Spots Beyond the Quarter
- Tipitina's (501 Napoleon Ave): Galactic plays Saturday 9pm ($35). Uptown institution – parking's brutal, ride streetcar.
- Maple Leaf (8316 Oak St): Rebirth Brass Band Sunday 11pm ($20). Prepare to sweat in this tiny room. Worth it.
Food Experiences Worth the Wait
Skip Café Du Monde's 2-hour line. Here's where I take friends:
| Restaurant | Must-Order | Wait Time Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Willie Mae's Scotch House (2401 St Ann St) | Fried chicken (best in USA) | Arrive at 10:30am (opens 11am) |
| Liuzza's by the Track (1518 N Lopez St) | BBQ shrimp po'boy | Call ahead – no online waitlist |
Seriously, Willie Mae's ruined other fried chicken for me. Get extra napkins.
Local Hack: Order takeout from Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave) for their 25¢ martini lunch (dine-in only) without 3-hour reservations.
Free & Cheap Thrills
Your wallet will thank you:
- Crescent Park: Riverside skyline views. Open 6am-9pm. Bike rentals at Rusty Rainbow ($12/hr)
- Second Line Parade: Follow TBC Brass Band Sunday 2pm from Case Park. Toss $1-5 to dancers.
- Historic Voodoo Museum (724 Dumaine St): $7 entry. Creepy-cool collections open till 6pm.
Rainy Day Alternatives
Tropical showers? No sweat:
- WWII Museum (945 Magazine St): $32.50 adult. Budget 4+ hours – the submarine exhibit alone takes an hour.
- Rare Book Room at Tulane: Free medieval manuscripts. Open Sat 10am-4pm.
- Cooking Classes at NO School (524 St Louis St): $89 gumbo classes Sunday 1pm. Book fast.
Confession: I find the Voodoo Museum kinda touristy but great for quirky Instagrams.
Family-Friendly Activities
My niece's favorites:
| Spot | Kid Perks | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Zoo (6500 Magazine St) | Sea lion feedings at 2pm daily | $24 adult, $17 child |
| City Putt (33 Dreyfous Dr) | Two 18-hole mini-golf courses | $10/person |
Pro tip: Zoo tickets include streetcar rides – hop on St. Charles line.
Festivals & Special Events
Always something happening:
- Creole Tomato Fest: French Market Sat/Sun 11am-6pm. Free entry. Taste heirloom varieties.
- Bouligny Tavern Art Market (3640 Magazine St): Local artists Sat 2-6pm. That candle maker? Worth the $28 splurge.
Logistical Must-Knows
Stuff visitors always ask me:
- Parking: Download "ParkMobile" app. $8/hr in Quarter vs $20 flat lots.
- Streetcar: $1.25/ride or $3 day pass. Canal St line runs 24 hours.
- Safety: Stay well-lit at night. Avoid Rampart St past 10pm.
Last weekend my cousin got a $65 ticket near Jackson Square. Don't park near hydrants!
Your Weekend Weather Strategy
| Day | Forecast | Activity Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 92°F, 20% rain | Hydrate! Zoo before noon |
| Saturday | 87°F, 60% thunderstorms | Book museum slots early |
Questions Locals Actually Get Asked
What's open late for food?
Clover Grill (900 Bourbon St) - 24-hour diner. Greasy burgers fix drunk munchies. Avoid "voodoo daiquiris" though – pure sugar headache.
Best quick breakfast before tours?
Croissant D'Or (617 Ursulines Ave) opens 7am. Almond croissants sell out by 9am. Cash only.
Authentic souvenir that's not beads?
Zele NOLA (541 Frenchmen St) sells local art. My go-to: hot sauce sets ($18).
Where do locals avoid on weekends?
Pat O'Brien's courtyard – $15 hurricanes are tourist traps. Head to Erin Rose (811 Conti St) for better $9 versions.
Final Pro Tips
- Water bottle hack: Bars refill for free. Tap water's delicious here.
- Shoe rule: Never wear new shoes. Cobblestones destroy feet.
- Cash is king: Many spots like Hansen's Sno-Bliz only take cash.
Ultimately, the best things to do in New Orleans this weekend depend on your stamina. Pace yourself – Sunday funday is real. If you only remember one thing? Book Willie Mae's now. You'll thank me when that crispy chicken hits your tongue while everyone else waits in line at Popeyes.
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