From a young age, the thrill of summer—that blissful two or three months of sun-kissed freedom and discovery—is so deeply instilled. It never quite goes away.
This summer, the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute (OLLI) at LSU’s new course catalog offers countless opportunities for folks fifty and older to approach the summer season as a chance to step outside the same-old routine. Try your hands (or feet) at basketmaking, or line dancing, or ukulele. See what happens when you add carbon dioxide to wine. And become an expert on topics including but certainly not limited to: the Morganza Spillway, Cuba’s cultural scene, or Louisiana horror stories. That’s just the beginning.
Registration for OLLI’s 2026/2027 year opens on June 8, which is also when early bird course registration opens for Summer Courses. Summer classes begin on July 6.
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At OLLI at LSU, a basketmaking class takes shape.
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Members of the Felicianas chapter of OLLI at LSU during a pickleball class.
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Mastering the finer points of Mahjong
Here is a small sampling of some of the courses on offer this summer:
Kate Chopin & The Awakening
Online
Tuesday, July 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th
11:30 am–1 pm
Taught by retired LSU Professor Emeritus of English and Women’s Studies Dr. Emily Toth, this discussion-based course will explore Louisiana author Kate Chopin’s 1899 American classic, The Awakening. Considered controversial and polarizing at its time as a work of feminist literature, the book is a compelling examination of womanhood in late 19th century New Orleans. Course fee is $25 ($20 for early bird).
Louisiana Horror Stories & Folklore
Camellia City Chapter & Crescent City Chapter
Friday, July 17th and 24th (Crescent City Chapter)
11:30–12:30 at Broadmoor Art & Wellness Center, New Orleans
Friday, August 14th (Camellia City Chapter)
11 am–12pm at Bogue Falaya Hall, Covington
Taught by Kyle Crosby, host of the YouTube Channel, Louisiana Dread, this immersive class dives into the dark world of Louisiana cryptids and mythical creatures like the Rougarou, Grunch, Feufollet, and other bayou spirits. Learn about the history and folklore that created and sustained these myths through a combination of discussion and lecture. Course fee is $15 ($10 for early bird) in New Orleans; $5 in Covington.
Bubbles
Crescent City Chapter
Thursday, July 30th
1:30 pm–3 pm at Brady’s Wine Warehouse, New Orleans
It’s a globally inspired wine tasting, with a focus on adding a little sparkle (CO-2) to the glass. Attendees will leave this hands-on workshop, taught by sommelier Wesley Kohler-Bergene, with a new understanding of summer bubbles, plenty of new vintner and knowledge with which to impress your friends. Course fee is $15 ($10 for early bird), plus a $10 supply fee.
Pine Needle Basketry
Felicianas Chapter
Thursday, July 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
11 am–1 pm at the Pointe Coupee Parish Library
Taught by Linda Collins, Domestic Historian at the West Baton Rouge Museum and an impassioned educator on traditional arts and crafts, this hands-on workshop honors the traditions of Native Americans who created utilitarian artworks with pine needles. This course will teach the skills needed to create not only simple baskets, but one-of-a-kind works of art.
Course fee is $35 ($30 for early bird).
Line Dancing
Felicianas Chapter and Lagniappe Chapter
Thursday, July 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th (Felicianas Chapter)
11 am–12:30 pm at the West Feliciana Parish Library in St. Francisville
Friday, July 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st (Lagniappe Chapter)
12:30 pm–2:30 pm at Jeffie Jean Studio in Baton Rouge
Taught in St. Francisville by Jann Peck and in Baton Rouge by Jerisse Grantham, this is a course to get your feet moving and grooving in the low-stakes, easy fun art of line dancing. Learn the step sequences, and enjoy music ranging from country to disco and even a little Latin. It’s cardio-fun that will set you up for success at your next Southern wedding. Course fee is $25 ($20 for early bird) in St. Francisville; $35 ($30 for early bird) in Baton Rouge.
Explore more about OLLI at LSU at ce.lsu.edu/olli, or dive straight into the Summer 2026 course catalog by clicking HERE. Early bird course registration runs from June 8–June 21, and regular course registration starts June 22nd. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait!
