Tours
Convergence® Tours are custom-designed for HGA and include exclusive private artist studios and behind-the-scenes experiences otherwise not available. Lunch is included unless otherwise noted. Tours depart from and return to the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
A Day of Mardi Gras Magic: Costumes, Culture & Celebration
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM
Tickets: $184 (includes all admissions, lunch, and transportation)
Step into the heart of New Orleans’ most dazzling tradition on this immersive day tour celebrating the sights, sounds, and spirit of Mardi Gras. Begin your journey at Mardi Gras World, where larger-than-life floats come to life before your eyes. Continue to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a treasure trove of history honoring the city’s vibrant parades, second lines, and neighborhood traditions. Up close, you’ll experience the exquisite hand-sewn beadwork, feathers, and rich traditions of this unique cultural expression, deeply rooted in the African American communities of New Orleans. After a break for a delicious local lunch, explore the glittering costumes at the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, where sequins, feathers, and artistry shine in every piece, including an opportunity to try them on. Finally, experience a powerful presentation at The Presbytère, where the story of Mardi Gras meets the living legacy of the Black Masking Indians. This is more than a tour — it’s your backstage pass to the soul of New Orleans’ most lavish celebration, featuring the stories of the celebration as told by the people who live them.
Threads of History: A Textile Journey Through New Orleans
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Tickets: $195 (includes all admissions, lunch, and transportation)
Unravel the rich fabric of New Orleans’ past on this docent-led, backstage-pass tour celebrating the art and history of textiles. Begin with the elegance of Longue Vue House and Gardens, where fine furnishings and design set the stage, including exclusive access to the estate’s textile archives. You’ll also have time to stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and view HGA’s Small Expressions exhibit. Next, step into the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum for a docent-led tour of their rare uniforms and textiles that tell powerful stories of the Civil War era, including a 150+ year old handwoven blanket and a collection of over 140 flags, most of which are from Louisiana regiments. After a relaxing lunch break, visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Research Center for a presentation and show-and-tell from their archives exploring exquisite historical textiles. The final stop (not open to the public) is the Louisiana Textile Collection Archives, home to a remarkable array of historic textiles that preserve the artistry and craftsmanship of generations. With expert guides at every stop, this tour offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the threads that have woven New Orleans’ cultural tapestry.
Inside NOLA Creativity: A JAMNOLA & Artist Studio Experience
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 9:15 AM – 1:15 PM
Tickets: $99 (includes all admissions and transportation)
Celebrate the playful, colorful spirit of New Orleans on this half-day art adventure! Begin with a docent-led tour of JAMNOLA, an immersive cultural experience bursting with larger-than-life installations that honor the city’s music, art, food, and joy. Then step inside the Aquarium Gallery and Artist Studios for an exclusive presentation with JAMNOLA artist Jacob Reptile, whose vibrant work captures the energy of New Orleans. Afterward, explore 11 unique artist studios, meeting makers and discovering the creativity that fuels the city’s thriving art scene. This tour is your all-access pass to the imagination and innovation of New Orleans artists.
Acadian Threads: A Journey Through Louisiana’s Weaving Heritage
Monday, August 17, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Tickets: $193 (includes all admissions, lunch, and transportation)
Discover the artistry and heritage of Louisiana’s textile traditions on this exclusive, docent-led journey. Begin at Magnolia Mound, where historic furnishings and fabrics reflect the region’s French Creole roots, and where Acadian textiles are on display in their historical context. After a break for lunch, explore the Louisiana State University Hill Memorial Library, home to the Acadian archives and historical documents, and enjoy a special presentation by Jerry Hale, who continues the rare tradition of growing brown cotton. The day concludes at the Louisiana Textile and Costume Museum, where you’ll experience a guided tour of the latest exhibit, a presentation on textile history, and behind-the-scenes access to the archives—including rare Acadian textiles. This immersive tour offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see, learn, and connect with the threads that continue to shape Louisiana’s cultural fabric.
Registration Information
Register early! Tours fill quickly!
Registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced Priority Registration opens October 13th at Noon ET. Priority Registration opens October 20th at Noon ET. General registration opens October 27th at Noon ET.
How to Register:
- Online - The preferred and secure registration method
- Phone (678) 730-0010 – Available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Registration will continue until the Tour is filled or at Noon on the day before the tour. Registrations received onsite will incur an additional administration fee of $25 and will be based on availability. Tour Captains are unable to allow anyone on the bus who has not registered in advance. Full payment is required to secure a space on a Tour.
Cancellations
Tours require a minimum number of participants to run. HGA reserves the right to cancel if there is insufficient registration. If we must cancel, HGA will issue a full refund for the canceled tour.
Cancellation requests for tours must be made by emailing HGA@WeaveSpinDye.org. Cancellation requests received:
- By January 30, 2026 - Receive a 75% refund
- By May 12, 2026 - Receive a 50% refund
- After May 12, 2026 - Non-refundable
HGA recommends purchasing travel insurance and reviewing your policy to ensure adequate coverage. Standard trip cancellation policies typically cover non-refundable expenses for specific reasons, such as sudden illness or severe weather. In contrast, a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit can reimburse a percentage of costs for almost any reason, provided you purchase it within a specific window after booking your trip.