Fall is one of the best times to visit New Orleans, as visitors can enjoy cooler weather and off-season airfare and accommodation prices. While it’s still technically off-season, there are many festivals and entertainment both indoors and outdoors.
From mid-September to mid-November, festivals are held every weekend to celebrate different aspects of the Crescent City’s unique culture.
Food lovers should check it out National Fried Chicken Day The event draws more than 100,000 people each October 5-6, and features competitions, cooking demos, DJs, and, of course, dozens of vendors showcasing their unique take on this classic Southern dish.
Bennett Festival Held on November 16 in beautiful City Park, Beignets is one of New Orleans' most celebrated culinary events, with vendors offering sweet and savory treats, live music and an artist market. And what would Beignets be without coffee? New Orleans Coffee Festival It's an amazing experience on September 27 and 28. Held at the Morial Convention Center, just steps from the French Quarter.
Free and fulfilling
Since both food and music nourish the spirit, many free festivals combine the best of both. Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival The Oct. 11-13 event at Lafayette Square Park will bring together local and regional blues greats and the colorful barbecue delights of Louisiana.
Food and music too Treme Creole Gumbo Festival on November 9 and 10 at Louis Armstrong Park near the French Quarter. Some of the city's top brass bands played beautiful music, and vendors served gumbo and other Creole delicacies in Congo Square.
The fall festival season offers many ways to connect with the city and the region’s cultural contributions and diverse communities. Autumn Festival The Oct. 26 event will elevate the artistic and cultural history of the nation's oldest African-American community.
this New Razadeko Festival November 2 is the annual celebration of Louisiana Creole French culture, which aims to preserve Louisiana Creole French culture through Zydeco music and dance. The event is held along the Mississippi River at Crescent Park, located at the end of Mandeville Street in the Marigny neighborhood.
this Bayou CarnivalNew Orleans' version of Caribbean Carnival will be held at Armstrong Park on November 1st and 2nd.
Fall also means football and Halloween, two things this city takes very seriously. Win or lose, New Orleans Saints is the city’s passion, so nothing says New Orleans better in the fall than mingling with passionate “Who dat” fans at outdoor tailgate parties and the Superdome.
Halloween brings endless creativity, and on October 19th, Boo's KruNew Orleans’ official Halloween parade. It brings visitors to the Mardi Gras atmosphere, only spookier. The parade, whose floats are made by the legendary Kern Studios, the city’s Mardi Gras fame, starts at the Marigny and runs through the French Quarter—what organizers like to call the “Boo Carre.”
Cocktail culture is woven into the fabric of the city, so visitors can take part in some spirit-boosting activities. Monteleone Hotel Throughout September, the hotel will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, and hotel guests can sign up for private, intimate tours and history classes the week of September 15-21.
Oktoberfest The event kicks off on October 11 and continues on Fridays and Saturdays in October near Midtown City Park.
Swifties coming to the Taylor Swift Era Tour (Oct. 25-27 at the Superdome) should Virgin HotelsThe Commons Club at the 11th Street location is hosting a special burlesque and drag brunch with cheesy drinks named after her songs. The brunch will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall is the perfect time to explore New Orleans' rich cultural history on foot or by bike. Take a two-hour walking tour through Treme, Learn more about Nola Tourism Or ride a bike Torchlight Tour Get to know the city while touring its various neighborhoods.
All Bout Dat tours Offering walking tours and van tours, documenting the connection between black heritage, jazz, and spirituality. Stroll through the French Quarter Drinking and studyingTake a cocktail tour of the city and learn the stories behind landmarks and the cocktails associated with them.
Where to stay
This fall, the city will have a new hotel welcoming guests.
this Copper Vine Restaurant and BarThis CBD hotel has recently been expanded to include a new 11-room guest house above the restaurant, with spacious, well-appointed rooms perfect for hen and hen parties or wedding parties or group retreats.
Guests can stay at the legendary Dew Inna boutique hotel and music venue in Central City where Little Richard, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and other legends have performed. Rooms are named after New Orleans cultural icons, and the hotel has a pool and restaurant.
