Where to Country Dance in NOLA?
New hot trend? Folky cowboy dancing is in.
Country dancing is a trending activity at several venues and among locals around the Crescent City. Whether you identify as a "cowboy" or not, these venues are welcoming to people of all ages, highlighting the spirited, the young, and the LGBTQ+ communities.
Country dancing is a new cultural phenomenon in New Orleans as venues introduce weekly events. Stylish cowboy boots, flowy dresses, and brimmed hats have been hitting the town. The Western look is making a comeback, and people are jumping on the wagon.
One could even say country nights are the new alternative scene.
Here are some of the places to go that may or may not be known to everyone, popping off in Greater New Orleans from Metairie to the Marigny and all the way to Bourbon Street in the Quarter. Giddy up for the ride.
Where to Find Country Nights in NOLA
St. Roch Tavern
1200 St. Roch Ave.
facebook.com/StRochTavern
St. Roch Tavern is in the heart of the Bywater. It hosts free country dancing every Monday at 9 p.m. Music groups that've played include Bane & the Gators, Slow Motion Cowboys, Rose Vaughn, and many other local bands. Duos and partners swing shoulder-to-shoulder to live band's washboards, banjos, guitars, and raspy, authentic vocals from beloved folk musicians. The young folk have learned Cajun dance there, and it has been known to be "the spot" in town.
Bourbon Street Honky Tonk
727 Bourbon St.
frenchquarter.com/nola/bourbon-street-honky-tonk
Bourbon Street Honky Tonk is a bar known for drawing in visitors with a lasso, figuratively. It's a pirate's den meets a cowboy dance joint. Locals and tourists alike enjoy New Orleans-style jazz and blues musicians, including the famous international blues king Big Al Carson. Other local talents include Marc Stone and Mark Pentone.
The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret
2240 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans
theallwayslounge.net
The AllWays Lounge's motto is, "Calling on all the country queers." Just $5 can get you into the iconic burlesque and drag lounge when they present Queer Line Dancing Nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. For nearly 20 years, the AllWays Lounge has hosted seasoned and novice performers in the city. Other events include Sapphic Speakeasy, Bayou Blues Burlesque, and showgirl Lefty Lucy's bingo nights. Check out their calendar for more information on shows at theallwayslounge.net/calendar.
Whiskey Cowboy Saloon
1300 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
whiskeycowboysaloon.com
For all the cowboys who love yodeling, Whiskey Cowboy Saloon is the perfect place for you. In addition to live music, it offers karaoke—choose your favorite rock and oldies country tunes and get singing. The bar is known for its long happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday.
Where to Find Country Dance Classes
Okay Bar
17 00 Port St.
instagram.com/okaybarnola
Line dancing lessons happen every Tuesday at the Okay Bar. They aren't just "okay." They have a unique charm and homey ambiance. It is open to everyone at all levels. This neighborhood watering hole is perfect for beginners breaking in their boots.
Saddle Bar
715 Bienville St.
saddlebarneworleans.com
Saddle Bar, off of Bourbon Street, says it's loud, rowdy, and Southern. From the saddle seats at the bar to the antler chandeliers on the ceiling, you'll feel like you're in a Western movie. It offers line dancing, two-stepping, and a cowboy mechanical ride. They offer free dance lessons on Two-Step Tuesdays and Outlaw Country Nights with strictly outlaw anthems—no pop, no apologies. It will also be starting Boots Early, Beats Late events, which start with traditional country hits and end with Southern EDM remixes.
Boot Scootin Rodeo
522 Bourbon St.
bootscootinnola.com
Open seven days a week, people sit up on Boot Scootin Rodeo's bar on real Western saddle seats and ride the bull. This is a classic country bar, featuring red, white, and blue cocktails and live guitar shows. New Stomp Shack parties teach line dancing for all levels, with beginner and intermediate classes available. Check Instagram for dates at instagram.com/stompshack.
Dance Quarter
1719 Toledano St.
dancequarter.com/studio
Dance Quarter offers secluded dance lessons for all ages. Swing dancing is a specific style of country dancing found at this studio. From group to private, you can learn to dance at your own speed. It has four dance rooms and over 10 different styles of lessons—not all of which are country.
NOLA Line Dance Festival
739 Canal St.
sosu-wlady-d.square.site
Need a four-day workshop event? For 16 years, New Orleans has had its own annual NOLA Line Dance Festival at the Astor Crowne Plaza. This year's event ran from June 25 to 28, and next year's event is scheduled for June 9 to 13, 2027. The festival teaches workshops such as line dancing, partner dancing, and trail ride styles. There are multiple themed parties, a wellness expo, a vendor market, and food.
