Free time at Groundwater Week 2025 can mean relaxing with friends and a local brew as several craft breweries dot the city. They bring a variety of styles and flavors so there is certainly something for every beer connoisseur.
The most popular craft brewery in Louisiana, Abita Brewing Co., is brewed in Covington, 30 miles from New Orleans. For those wanting a day trip out of the city, the venue offer tours, a visitors center, and taproom.
However, much closer is an Abita Brewery in the Lower Garden District with a patio to relax on and a variety of food trucks throughout the week in case hunger calls.
Speaking of food, NOLA Brewing and Pizza Co. does both right. Along with flagship beers like NOLA Blonde and Hopitoulas, it also serves delicious New York-style pizza.
Experimental and exotic beers can be found at two breweries in the Faubourg Marigny/Bywater community. Parleaux Beer Lab produces small batch, imaginative beers that are constantly rotating.
Brieux Carre Brewing Company is another small brewery that says it “brews to be as weird and interesting as the city we live in.” Its rotation changes weekly.
If you want something really different, Broad Street Cider and Mead located in the Uptown district may be the spot. The owners studied cidermaking in Oregon and traveled the world searching for ideas for their handmade ciders.
Also located Uptown is Urban South Brewery, which features a colorful, vibrant tasting room. Make sure to ask for a Mardi Gras Pils, one of its most popular taps.
One of New Orleans’ most historic beers, Jax, is back. Established in 1890 but closing in 1974, Jax is now available again as a product of Port Orleans Brewing Co. located in the Uptown district. Port Orleans has several other creative beers on tap in its large taproom and expansive outdoor space.
Groundwater Week 2025 takes place in New Orleans December 9-11 and is co-locating with the Irrigation Association. Click here to register for Groundwater Week 2025, and when you’re there, make sure to grab a cold one. Early-bird savings end November 7.