Classes & Workshops in New Orleans

If you’re looking to get more hands-on with New Orleans, signing up for a class or workshop is a great way to do it. And these aren’t just any classes , you’ll find everything from learning how to play the basics of second-line drumming to figuring out the art of oysters on the half shell from someone who’s been shucking in the French Quarter for years.

I still remember taking a jazz improv workshop down in the Marigny that felt way less like a lesson and more like jamming with friends. And if you’re around in the fall, keep an eye out for cooking classes that focus on gumbo or jambalaya,local chefs love to share secret tips (and you won’t find those recipes anywhere in a cookbook).

A quick tip: schedules can change around big events like Mardi Gras, so it’s smart to book early or check ahead. Also, some workshops, like mask making for Mardi Gras, pop up only seasonally but are worth snagging if you’re in town. Just remember, these classes are a chance to connect with locals and soak up the city’s culture,don’t just stand there, jump in!