COMPLETELY FREE
You most likely already know that the French Quarter is the best place for free entertainment. From historic architecture, to spontaneous second lines, to the free self-guided tour, to the street performers throughout the Quarter and Jackson Square, there is an abundance of free entertainment in New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. And don’t forget about strolling down Magazine Street and the Garden District or through the live oak-dotted parks. I’ve put together a few things to keep both you and Sallie Mae happy. If you're already tired of reading, just make sure you check out the Food Happy Hours and the soon-to-be-updated Summer Dining Specials below.
MUSIC
Algiers Ferry- Ride the Ferry from the foot of Canal to Algiers Point and catch Wednesdays on the Point, a free concert series throughout the summer- Wednesday (5:00 – 7:30)
French Market- Free tours and music- Check the calendar
Louisiana Music Factory- Free concert- Saturday (2:00, 3:00)
Satchmo Summer Fest- Free 4 day festival- August 1-4
Tipitina's- Free Fridays Concert Series- Friday (10:00)
DRINKS
Aline Street Beer Garden- Free sixth barrel keg if you bring 15 folks to the bar (PLEASE call ahead)
Galatoire's- Free champagne (if you wear pearls)- Thursdays
Sovereign Pub- Free sixth barrel keg if you bring 15 folks to the bar (PLEASE call ahead)
WINE TASTINGS
Keif and Co.- Free wine tasting- Thursday (5:00 – 7:00)
Martin Wine Cellar- Free wine and cheese tasting- Friday (4:30 – 6:30)
Pearl Wine, Co.- Free wine tasting- Thursday and Friday (5:00 – 7:00)
Swirl- Free wine tasting- Friday (6:00)
BREWERY/DISTILLERY TOURS
Abita Brewery- Free tour- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (2:00), and Saturday (11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00)
Covington Brewhouse- Free Tour- Saturday (10:00, 10:45, 11:30)
NOLA Brewery- Free tour – Friday (2:00) *The tour is technically $5.00 now, but you get to take home a pint glass and all the beer you can fit in your gut.
Old New Orleans Rum- $10.00 distillery tour with free tasting- Monday – Friday (12:00, 2:00. 4:00), Saturday (2:00 – 4:00)
FOOD
Banks Street Bar- Free red beans- Monday (10:00)
Cane's- Free Box Combo if you sign up for the Caniac Club (yes it's a chain, but I challenge you to find a better chicken strip)- Daily (10:00 – 9:00)
Cafe B- Complimentary appetizers (and $5.00 cocktails)- Monday – Saturday (3:00 – 7:00)
Dress It- Complimentary appetizers- Thursday (5:00 – 7:00)
Eleven79 – Free antipasti- Monday – Thursday (5:00 – 7:00)
Handsome Willy's- Free food, last week it was breakfast tacos and watermelon- Friday (5:00 – 9:00)
Il Posto Café- Free appetizers, $2.00 Abita- Tuesday – Wednesday (5:00 – 8:00)
Lucy's- Free chips and salsa at the bar- Monday – Friday (4:00 – 7:00)
Pal's Lounge- Free red beans- Monday (6:00), Free wings- Wednesday (6:00), Free pasta- Sunday (6:00)
Rendezvous Tavern- Free Indian food from Nirvana- Sunday (1:00 – 3:00)
Vaughan’s Lounge- Free red beans- Thursday (Late)
TOURS
St. Louis Cathedral- Free tour (If you’re lucky you’ll catch a wedding second line)- Daily
New Orleans Museum of Art- Free admission- Wednesday (10:00 – 5:00)
Ogden Museum of Art- Free admission for Louisiana Residents- Thursday (10:00 – 5:00)
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park- Free nature hikes- Daily (9:00 – 5:00)
Jean Lafitte French Quarter Visitor Center- Free guided French Quarter Tour- Daily (9:00 AM)
OTHER FREE STUFF
The Streetcar- Not exactly free ($1.25), but a great way to see the city, and a great way to get to two of New Orleans free parks, City Park and Audubon Park.
FOOD HAPPY HOURS
Since these happy hours run through all of the seasons, they aren't technically summer specials. Since we're on the cheap kick, I'd figure I'd throw them in there. Follow this link, or click anywhere in the table below for some serious happy hours such as $1.00 catfish sliders or $0.50 oysters to satisfy your inner-foodie.
E-MAIL PROMOTIONS
Multiple restaurants and bars will shell out free drinks and food for initially signing up for their email list. Some even offer you additional deals throughout the year- including your birthday. I’ve included links to these establishments, as well as the promotion.
Marigny Brasserie- Free appetizer
Gordon Biersch- free appetizer
Zea- Free appetizer
Bulldog- Buy one get one free pint
Bourbon House- Free glass of their bourbon of the month
STUDENT ID'S
If you’re still clinging tightly to your college years and still have student IDs, bring them for some pretty serious discounts.
Audubon Zoo- 2.00 off- Tuesday – Sunday (10:00 – 7:00)
Audubon Aquarium- 2.00 off- Daily (10:00 – 7:00)
Southern Food and Beverage Museum- ½ price admission- Monday – Saturday (10:00 – 7:00), Sunday (12:00 – 6:00)
WWII museum- $9.00 off admission, be sure to catch the 4-D movie, Beyond all Boundaries- Daily (9:00 – 5:00)
GROUPON/LIVINGSOCIAL
Most of our misadventures on the blog have been centered around the new-found and ever-growing craze of social coupon websites. Most of these certificates cost 50% of the actual value of the certificate ($20.00 for 40.00 to spend in the restaurant), and are good for both food and drinks. Each site provides a new coupon every day, so check each daily or sign up for the free daily email reminders at the links below.
Groupon
LivingSocial
Get My Perks
Double Take Deals
Local Flavor Savers
RESTAURANT.COM
These $25.00 certificates are available for purchase for $10.00. With promotion codes*, these $25.00 certificates sell for as low as $2.00. Unlike the other coupon websites, restaurant.com’s certificates have multiple stipulations, which is why I have nearly given up on this website multiple times.
1. With most $25.00 certificates, you are required to spend at least $35.00 before you can use the voucher. This shouldn’t be a problem with 2 people.
2. Certificates are not valid towards tax. You are taxed on the original bill- not a major problem.
3. You are charged an 18% gratuity on the original bill- not a problem if you have decent service.
4. Some certificates cannot be used for alcohol- MAJOR problem.
Besides all of the conditions, I've still been able to try some excellent restaurants like Rue 127 and Atchafalaya using restaurant.com certificates.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
I never really believed in these coupon books until I bought one a few years ago. Within the first week, I had already recouped the $20.00 it took to purchase the book by getting a buy-one-get-one-free at 2 restaurants and a Zephyrs game. If you’re a resident or plan on being here for a week, I’d definitely look into buying one of these. From half price restaurants to free tours and tickets, you can check out the deals at entertainment.com before you buy the book.
TWITTER AND FACEBOOK
Even my mother-in-law has Facebook. Hell, everybody has at least one account with these social media giants, so put it to good use. Follow your favorite restaurants, chefs, bars, and music venues for daily specials, promotions, and giveaways, such as free hot dogs and drinks for the Zephyr's web Wednesday promotion.
OTHER COUPONS
neworleansonline.com
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