NOLA By Day: Thursdays in New Orleans

Thursdays have a buzz to them — it’s almost the weekend, and you can almost treat a Thursday night like a Friday night, especially in New Orleans, where you can attend dance parties, concerts, social bike rides, and more. Make good use of your “pre-Friday” and try one of the following activities; you’ve got options ranging from live music shows to yoga classes at museums, and that’s just scratching the surface.

Jam Out

Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps Roule — Hit up this fun, neighborhood bar on Magazine Street and get ready for an energetic live performance by one of New Orleans’ best brass bands at this local’s favorite weekly show.

Fast Times ’80s Night Dance Party at One Eyed Jacks — We can all appreciate an excuse to dress up (hello, shoulder pads and scrunchies), and you’ll be in good company if you do so for this tubular dance party where you can shake it to the likes of The Bangles, Violent Femmes, Billy Idol, Kenny Loggins, and all the ’80s hits.

Jeremy Davenport at Davenport Lounge — Sip on classic cocktails at the Ritz-Carlton and watch this acclaimed jazz trumpeter and talented crooner do his thing (bonus: you can also catch him on a Wednesday).

Jazz in the Park — This is a seasonal event that happens runs for a couple months at a time every Thursday during spring and fall. Taking place in Armstrong Park, Jazz in the Park includes crafts for sale, food, and drink, in addition to (of course) live music.

Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series — Also a seasonal event, this one is from January to April and is an opportunity to experience live, local music in a gorgeous setting at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Gardens in City Park.

Get Cultured

Ogden After Hours — Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in the early evening for a live musical performance and post-performance interview by a Southern music historian. Past performers have included James Andrews and his brother Trombone Shorty, Amanda Shaw, and Walter “Wolfman” Washington.

Work Out

Yoga at the Cabildo — How cool is it to practice yoga in a national historic landmark? This weekly Thursday class runs from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. and costs $12 (or $8 if you’re a member of the Cabildo). The price of the class also includes admission to the museum, which focuses on early Louisiana history.

Happy Thursday Bike Ride with NOLA Social Ride — Meet up for food and drinks, and then embark on a slow-paced biking event for riders of all skill levels. There is a different theme each week, so to stay on top of upcoming events, bookmark the site, or join the NOLA Social Ride Facebook group.

LOL, Drink, and Be Merry

Trivia — Study up and geek out, because Thursday is trivia night (when there isn’t a Saints game on) at Carrollton Station.

Comedy — If you’re in need of some comic relief, check out Comedy Gumbeaux at the Howlin’ Wolf Den at 8:30 p.m. featuring top-notch local comedians.