Historical Tour and Musical Show at Dew Drop Inn New Orleans
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step back in time with our guided tour & jazz show at a legendary New Orleans landmark of musical and cultural heritage.
Discover the venue where Little Richard first performed Tutti Frutti and where Ray Charles laid his head many nights. Learn about the venue's historic fight against segregation and how the location became a welcoming space for both straight and queer communities, and blacks and whites alike, hosting famous musicians such as Etta James, James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Tina Turner.
After the guided tour, transport through time with a live performance celebrating the iconic artists who graced the Dew Drop stage, from Ray Charles to Little Richard. This vibrant show connects the roots of jazz, blues, and rock & roll, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the soul of New Orleans' music history.
Plus, a buffet lunch of classic New Orleans cuisine is included with your ticket.
Book your experience today and step into the rich history of this iconic location.
Available options
Historical Tour and Musical Show at Dew Drop Inn New Orleans
What's included
English Professional Guide
90 min live music show to immerse guests in the musical legacy of the famous venue.
Includes buffet lunch of New Orleans classic foods to enjoy during jazz matinee show following the historic tour.
Detailed itinerary
1
Our tour offers a unique history that unfolded at the Dew Drop Inn, a place unlike any other. This iconic venue was a pioneering safe haven during the Jim Crow era, welcoming both Black and white patrons, straight and queer communities, at a time when such inclusivity was revolutionary. Our tour delves into this rich history with exclusive access to original artifacts and rare archival photographs.
Listed on the Negro Motorist's "Green Book", the Dew Drop Inn thrived in the 50s and 60s hosting the greatest artists in American music from James Brown, Allen Toussaint, Ray Charles, Little Richard, and more. The venue played a formative role in the development of genres like R&B and Rock n' Roll.
The tour will explore oral history collections, shared in partnership with Tulane University's Special Collections library that capture these iconic musicians, many of them no longer living, speaking about their time at the Dew Drop Inn and the influence the venue had on their careers.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Enter through the door on the left into the lobby. The host will meet you there and escort you to the museum for your tour then into the venue for the jazz matinee show.
About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Top Attractions
French Quarter
The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary
Garden District
A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore, tours available
National WWII Museum
A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate to expensive
City Park
A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.
Nature
Half day
Free to enter, attractions vary
Frenchmen Street
A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Entertainment
Evening
Varies by venue
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gumbo
A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Jambalaya
A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Beignets
A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy.
Po' Boy
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.
Sandwich
Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Popular Activities
Swamp tours
Kayaking
Biking
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Café hopping
Museum visits
Historic site tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April
This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.
15-25°C
60-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown
By train
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
French Quarter
Garden District
Warehouse District
Faubourg Marigny
Mid-City
Day trips
Plantation Country
30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day
Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.
Swamp and Bayou Tours
30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day
Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Baton Rouge
80 miles (129 km) • Full day
Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.
Festivals
Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year)
Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends)
French Quarter Festival • April (four days)
Pro tips
- Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
- Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
- Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
- Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
