Go beyond the tasting room and into the heart of the distilling process at “Meet the Distiller,” a behind-the-scenes experience at Sazerac House (101 Magazine St.).
The tour begins with a private VIP tour of the Sazerac House distillery and its historic apothecary, during which guests can gain an insider’s look at the craftsmanship, tradition and science behind Sazerac’s iconic spirits. The experience concludes in the private tasting room, where guests will meet the distiller for a guided tasting of four Sazerac products, discovering the unique character and flavor profile of each pour. Tours are Mon.-Fri, 3 p.m.-4 p.m., and 21 years of age and up.
sazerachouse.com; @sazerachouse
Read All About It
There is always something going on at the Garden District Book Shop (The Rink, 2727 Prytania St.) — and August is busy with a number of important book events, starting on Aug. 11 with “The Deserving: What the Lives of the Condemned Reveal about American Justice” by Elizabeth Vartkessian in conversation with Sister Helen Prejean and Rose Vines; Aug. 14 featuring “Clouthief” by Nathaniel Rich”; Aug. 15 showcases “The Hanged Man” by Katherine Conner, and Aug. 21 is the debut of “Coffee Culture” by Marielle Songy.
And don’t forget to get a cocktail at the shop’s Bar Epilogue!
gardendistrictbookshop.com; @the.gardendistrictbookshop
Tip’s Free Fridays
Kick off your weekend with a melodious summer tradition — and support local musicians and a historic club at the same time — at Tipitina’s (501 Napoleon Ave.) Free Fridays series. August is when it starts wrapping up the season, so you don’t want to miss this lineup: Aug. 7: Flow Tribe + Zita; Aug. 14: Billy Iuso + Pocket Chocolate; Aug. 21: Steve Kelly + Zoomst and Aug. 28: Stanton Moore, Joe Ashlar, Danny Abel, Brad Walker, plus Jelly Joseph. Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., and 21 years of age and up.
tipitinas.com; @tipitinas
Sacred Tiles
While mahjong has taken off, not everyone can play during the day, when most groups get together.
Enter Saint Mahj, with a monthly schedule of games in chic atmospheres at work-friendly times that allow participants to sit back, play mahjong, gossip (nicely!) and have a glass of wine.
August games are at Hotel St. Vincent (1507 Magazine St.) on Aug. 4, 11 and 25, with a tournament on Aug. 8 (check Saint Mahj Instagram for updates.) Games start promptly at 6:30 p.m. Bring tiles if you have them — and, most importantly, don’t forget your NMJL playing card.
@saintmahj
State of Art
The breadth of artistic talent in the state will be showcased at Louisiana Contemporary, presented by The Helis Foundation, an annual juried art exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (925 Camp St.).
Opening to the public on Aug. 1 (Fidelity Bank White Linen Night), the 2026 Louisiana Contemporary features 50 works by 45 artists from New Orleans, Mandeville, Baton Rouge, and other Louisiana communities — including 28 first-time participants.
Chosen by juror Sarah Jones, the Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang head of live arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the works reflect risk-taking, diversity and excellence across mediums. Jones will also give a gallery talk on opening day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The exhibition is on view through Feb. 14, 2027.
ogdenmuseum.org; @ogdenmuseum
