There are so many ways to enjoy New Orleans in the summer, and culturally as well. The city produces a variety of entertainment options from walking tours to gallery exhibits to song and dance. Here are a few you won’t want to miss.

Art Billboards & Gallery Show

New Orleans is packed with artists around the city during French Quarter Fest & Jazz Fest, and visitors can enjoy artists’ original work at Exagere Art Gallery, located in the historic French Quarter. The Opening Reception of the Arts Billboard and Gallery Show at Exagere takes place April 13th from 7-10 p.m. and will include elements of Art, Music, Theater, Fashion, and more.

The All-Star Covered-Dish Country Jamboree

This all-star covered dish is a country music variety show, and a jamboree that’s hosted by local Honky Tonk Legends, The Wasted Lives, every Tuesday night at the Allways Lounge, starting at 9 p.m.

It’s a good way to introduce your kids and family to the local musical culture, and the jamboree is divided into three musical acts, with emphasis on Honky Tonk, Classic Country, Western Swing, Classic Americana, and Apalacian music. You can also win some prizes and participate in a square dance with a dance band. Enjoy yourself in a relaxed setting; bring a dish to pass, and yer dancin’ shoes! It occurs every Tuesday night at 9 p.m.

Heart of the Gardens Tour

Who doesn’t love a good walking tour? This new tour to the New Orleans Botanical Garden is for private groups only on a mini-bus with a step-on guide. The three hour tour costs $33 and requires a minimum of 20 people, and is ideal for family parties.  

The New Orleans Botanical Garden has collaborated with Gray Line Tours of New Orleans and Longue Vue House and Gardens to present the “Heart of the Gardens” tour, a motor coach tour that showcases the natural wonders of New Orleans and includes walking tours of the New Orleans Botanical Garden and Longue Vue House and Gardens. Heart of the Gardens is the first official tour being offered by Gray Line Tours since the Katrina Devastation Tours. The bus tour begins in French Quarter, and goes down Esplanade Avenue, which comes alive with elegant live oaks flanking the drive. You’ll also see Bayou St. John, one of the city’s oldest passages. Contact Gray Line Tours at (504) 569-1401 for more information.

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photo: smu_cul_digitalcollections