Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in the French Quarter
Photo by Miguel Discart on Flickr
Say goodbye to summer and ease yourself into fall by celebrating Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026) in New Orleans. Americans do travel a lot for this long weekend ending on the first Monday of September, and New Orleans is a top Labor Day destination.
There are great reasons for the city’s popularity, and don’t let the still-summery temps of early September deter you — the Labor Day weekend in New Orleans will deliver, and then some. Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of your stay in the French Quarter, starting with the immensely popular Southern Decadence festival.
Southern Decadence
This massive four-day festival celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world. Southern Decadence started as a humble going-away party but is now considered the fifth largest event in the city after Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and the French Quarter Festival.
Southern Decadence will be held from Thursday, September 3, through Monday, September 7, 2026. It kicks off and closes with dance parties. There will be lots of block parties and dance parties in between. This year’s theme is “Phoenix Rising: Together We Rise.” The colors to consider are turquoise, red, black, royal blue, and gold.
The festival’s annual hub, Bourbon Pub Parade, will be open till 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday. Just like in previous years, it will serve as the epicenter of the annual Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free show/block party happening on Saturday at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets. The annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday, starting at 2 p.m., will also end up there, stretching loosely one block over to its ending point at Bourbon and Dumaine Streets.
A lot of events are free, and you can buy passes from several venues to access the events that do charge an entrance fee and may sell out. (Here’s more info on the ticketed events, the kinds of passes are available, and where to get them.)
The Oz dance club and the 24/7 Cafe Lafitte in Exile, both on Bourbon Street, will also host DJ’d shows and dance parties that weekend. Although not part of the Bourbon Street stretch, the 24/7 Good Friends bar at 740 Dauphine Street in the French Quarter also receives a fair share of the festival partygoers each year. Another popular destination is the 24/7 Phoenix Bar (941 Elysian Fields Ave.), located in the Marigny within a short walking distance from the French Quarter. As usual, it will host block parties during the event.
Musical Highlights
Your best bet would be to just head out to Frenchmen Street on any given evening and explore, and there’s something always going on at the iconic Tipitina’s Uptown. The Labor Day weekend’s musical offerings are usually excellent. Let the WWOZ Livewire Music Calendar guide you.
Eating and Drinking
For happy hour, various French Quarter bars are offering lots of great deals. Check out our guide to the best happy hours in the French Quarter. As for eating, the French Quarter is your oyster, and then some. Check out our dining guides and listings to reserve a perfect spot.
If you’re planning a stay in New Orleans during the Labor Day weekend, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
Eat, drink, dance, stay cool, and happy Labor Day!
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LUNA Fête Returns to the Arts District
Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of New Orleans on Facebook
How would you like to add a free multi-block party that also happens to be a walkable art and technology experience to your fall roster of things to do? Not to mention, it’s interactive, kid-friendly, and full of light-based art.
LUNA Fête started as just one installation in 2014 on Lafayette Square (602 Camp St.) in downtown New Orleans. (It was a light and video projection illuminating Gallier Hall.) Since then, the celebration has spread from Gallier Hall to Piazza d’Italia (377 Poydras St.). This year, the Fête will be held for three nights, on Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 6-10 p.m. nightly.
An annual presentation by the Arts Council of New Orleans, LUNA Fête marries art and technology in unprecedented ways, with emphasis on projection mapping, digital sculpture, and light installations. LUNA Fête was originally envisioned as a five-year initiative intended to culminate in New Orleans’ 2018 tricentennial, but it continued, now in its 12th year. Each year, the Arts Council grew the scope of its international partnerships with video-mapping artists and expanded the number of installations it commissioned and produced in New Orleans.
The idea of LUNA Fête hails from Europe. Take a visit to Lyon, France, in the winter, and you may see buildings crumble before your eyes, and then reassemble. What you are witnessing is a trick of art and illusion born partly from a digital process called “image mapping” at the Fête des Lumières, an annual illumination festival that lights up Lyon each winter.
The process is different from just projecting an image onto a building. Instead, a 3D model of the building is used to create an optical illusion that gives the impression the building is moving and changing.
Projection mapping, as an art form and as part of the free public festival, has been around in Europe but is relatively new to the U.S. It’s becoming more popular, though, especially because it’s interactive, kid-friendly, and pretty incredible to see in person.
But projection mapping isn’t the entirety of LUNA Fête. Past installations include huge snow globes that transformed light into a paintbrush. The spheres were sensitive to light, so the audience could interact with them, creating shapes and even their own portraits on the surface using flashlights, glow sticks, smartphones, or any other light-emitting device.
Other previously showcased pieces included audio and video installations with sonic lollipops, robot cave drawings, and a giant whale spouting techno music. As you might guess, all of the above goes over great with children, as do the street stands selling hot chocolate. This year, also expect a puppetry parade as well. This year, the event continues to explore the artistic focus of “Melody & Mythology.”
Come see how Luna Fête brings technology, film, and contemporary art together while using local iconic architecture in a unique, contemporary way!
Coming to New Orleans in the fall? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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What to Expect at the 2026 Bayou Classic
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
With Thanksgiving upon us, summer weather is truly over, and the fall schedule is packed with fun activities you can only find in New Orleans. One of those events is Bayou Classic, traditionally held during Thanksgiving week.
Each November, Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. This year marks the 52nd annual event, which has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, the Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game. The game kicks off on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the Superdome (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
Photo courtesy of Bayou Classic on Facebook
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 27, at 6 p.m., promises to be amazing (tickets). The Fan Fest is held on Saturday before the game at Champions Square by the Superdome.
The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 26, starting at 3 p.m., from the Superdome, and ending at Poydras and Loyola streets in downtown New Orleans. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Where to stay
To enjoy the best of the Bayou Classic in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. French Quarter is an ideal option for this event due to its proximity to the Superdome, where the big game will be held.
And, since it will be Thanksgiving weekend, you can enjoy fine meals here on actual Turkey Day, or any day of the weekend, before heading to the Superdome. Walk around the French Quarter to check out Christmas light displays that deck out this historic neighborhood, and indulge in a wide range of boutiques and galleries on Small Business Saturday (November 28, 2026).
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, Place d’Armes Hotel, or Alder Hotel to have the best of this historic city at your fingertips.
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Bayou Bacchanal
Photo courtesy of Bayou Bacchanal on Facebook
We know, fall in New Orleans is packed with festivals, but please make room for this fabulous annual fest that pays homage to Caribbean culture and heritage right here in the Crescent City. The Caribbean island nations and New Orleans have had ties for centuries, and, besides, just like the vibrant countries of the Caribbean, the city also knows a thing or two about throwing a serious Carnival party, complete with costumes, live music, amazing food, and, of course, a parade.
Bayou Bacchanal is presented by the Friends of Culture organization, which provides a cultural link between the Greater New Orleans area and the island nations of the Caribbean. The fest will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2026.
The fest is held at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park (701 N. Rampart St.) in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. The extravaganza starts with a parade. Attendees are invited to bring their families, don costumes, and join in on the fun. Marching bands and dance troupes will lead the procession, playing Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae. The annual Bayou Bacchanal Parade is free and open to the public.
Once the celebration reaches the park, the fun will continue with live performances (highlighting Caribbean artists and DJs), dancing, a costume competition, and dozens of Caribbean food vendors doling out the delicious flavors of the island nations.
Expect to sample such staples as jerk chicken, saltfish, roti, and curry goat and chicken. You can wash it all down with ginger beer or passionfruit juice, or any number of the delicious concoctions that will be available throughout the festival grounds.
Immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture and party till the sun goes down (and beyond) at this lively festival!
Are you planning to visit New Orleans this fall?
The weather is mild, and we’ve got a fabulous lineup of festivals that celebrate the Crescent City’s unique culture and every food and drink imaginable. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance to many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Be in that number!
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The New Orleans Film Festival
Photo courtesy of The New Orleans Film Festival/Craig Mulcahy
The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) has been constantly evolving since its inception in 1989. As the movies and the technology behind them have become more advanced, so too has this local event, which promotes and fosters the cinematic arts for audiences and filmmakers in the Crescent City.
To date, the New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the South and is the longest-running festival of its kind in the state. The festival has grown to the point of attracting thousands of attendees and industry insiders, plus more than 400 filmmakers and over 200 films annually.
This year, the festival kicks off on Thursday, October 22, and runs through Tuesday, October 27, 2027, at multiple venues across the city.
The event is facilitated by the New Orleans Film Society, which is a nonprofit, year-round organization made up of full-time staff, volunteers, local cinephiles, and donors. The Film Society screens movies in the greater New Orleans area throughout the year, but there is no cinematic event in the city’s busy calendar quite like the NOFF.
Now in its 37th year, the Film Festival has grown into a massive undertaking. It’s one of the few film festivals in the nation that showcases Oscar-qualifying films drawn from all three Academy-accredited categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. The festival is a subject of considerable media attention too.
As befits a city that has a long history of involvement in social justice and civil rights movements, the festival has a stated commitment to diversity. As such, over 50% of the featured films are created by women and gender non-conforming filmmakers, and the same goes for productions created by filmmakers of color.
The festival also works hard at creating networking events for the filmmakers to connect with the industry presence and meet the distributors and the media. You can see the film lineup here.
In addition to film screenings, there will be panels, workshops, and artist talks. Back this year is the South Pitch, which is a program that selects up to 12 film teams to pitch their works-in-progress to a distinguished panel of funders, broadcasters, distributors, and producers. Each pitch lasts five minutes, followed by 10 minutes of feedback.
South Pitch features two tracks: South Pitch Narrative and South Pitch Documentary. According to the festival organizers, “The program commits a total of $25,000 in grants and prizes, including a $5,000 top prize, a $2,500 runner-up prize, unrestricted grants of at least $1,500, and $500 audience choice awards per category.”
More than that, “Selected teams receive pitch coaching, one-on-one mentorship, travel stipends (for out-of-town participants), and All-Access passes to the New Orleans Film Festival.” Winners are announced during the Festival Awards Brunch.
Last but not least, let’s not forget to mention all the parties, receptions, and a VIP lounge experience. For more information on the panels, parties, special guests, and a schedule of events, visit the New Orleans Film Society website, the festival’s Facebook page, or Instagram.
Want to attend the NOFF? There are several different ticket packages available for attendees, including individual screenings and all-access passes. You can buy all-access passes online ($350). New Orleans Film Society members, students, and teachers get a discount on the passes.
Fall in New Orleans is packed with festivals and other celebrations of art, music, food, and culture. Looking for a place to stay when you’re visiting? There’s no place better than a historic French Quarter hotel! Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top picks.
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Beignet Fest Returns in 2026
Almost any identifiably New Orleans menu item has a corresponding festival, but up until a few years ago (the fest turns 9 in 2026), one of the city’s most iconic culinary treats was left without its own party. We’re referring to the beignet: little fried pockets of doughy goodness ideally dusted with alpine levels of powdered sugar.
Well, the beignet — the official state donut of Louisiana, if you were wondering — has its own celebration thanks to the annual Beignet Festival, which returns on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The daylong party will take place at the Festival Grounds in City Park (4 Friedrichs Ave.), and admission is $20 for adults in advance and $25 the day of the event; children under 10 with a paid adult are free. You can get tickets online, and there are also VIP and special pricing for krewe members. The Ruby Slipper VIP Experience is $59, the Abita 40 GA+ Experience is $40 (21+ only), and the VIP Lagniappe Lounge access will set you back $100.
Feel free to bring (along with your appetite, of course) blankets and chairs, and don’t forget sunscreen and maybe a hat, as the Festival Grounds doesn’t offer a lot of shade.
As you may expect, there’s going to be a whole lot of delicious sweetness going on (and a fair bit of savory too). The festival benefits the Beignet Fest Foundation, which funds programs and services for families impacted by autism. Beignet Festival founders Amy and Sherwood Collins created the foundation, and it uses the proceeds from the festival to create grants.
From traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese, Beignet Fest will feature dozens of beignet dishes from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and food trucks. Like most New Orleans festivals, the festival also features live music, a kid’s village, and an artist’s market. There’s also a beer garden! This year, the fest features a robust music lineup, including Amanda Shaw, Imagination Movers, and more.
The fest offers more than just sweet donuts, of course. The past year’s favorite, The Ruby Slipper Cafe, for example, had been offering cochon beignets smothered in pork debris (gravy), and Bananas Foster beignets along with Vietnamese coffee beignets.
Katie’s Restaurant has been doling out its delicious and generously sized crawfish beignets, while Loretta’s Authentic Pralines featured BBQ chicken beignets and crabmeat beignets stuffed with lump crab meat (voted the Best Overall Beignet in the past). Fear not, however, Loretta’s always brings its famous praline and chocolate praline beignets to the fest as well.
Oreo beignets from Luca Eats were the “Best Sweet Beignet” winners for two years in a row, while the bacon and cheddar beignet from Howlin’ Wolf Den was one of the past winners in the “Best Savory Beignet” category.
There will be vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards will be given in four categories once again: the “Best Sweet Beignet,” “Best Savory Beignet,” “Most Original Beignet,” and “Crowd Favorite Beignet.” Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
You can park for free along perimeter streets and anywhere in the park that isn’t labeled “No Parking.” Blue Bikes will have a docking area located near the main entrance to the Festival Grounds if you’re considering biking. Designated handicap spaces are located right at the main entrance by the Reunion Shelter Pavilion (4 Friederichs Ave.) for vehicles with valid state-issued permits.
You can also hop on the Canal St. streetcar line. Get off at the end of Esplanade Ave. and Carrollton Ave., and follow the signage leading you to the entrance of the Festival Grounds.
There will be additional pay-to-park options at Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St.). A free shuttle to the festival grounds will operate there from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also, please do not park on the grass inside City Park. The City Park Police will ticket or tow violating vehicles.
The festival is rain or shine, and no pets, please.
For more information, visit BeignetFest.com or Beignet Fest on Facebook and Instagram at @BeignetFest.
Need somewhere to stay during your visit? Book a stay at a historic French Quarter boutique hotel at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels!
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NOLA Funk Fest 2026: Celebrating Louisiana’s Rich Musical Heritage
Image courtesy of NOLA Funk Fest on Facebook
Are you ready for a three-day musical extravaganza that celebrates the rich heritage of Louisiana’s music scene? Look no further than the second annual NOLA Funk Fest, taking place from Friday-Sunday, October 16 to October 18, 2026, at the Audubon Aquarium and Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, located at 1 Canal Street. This festival promises to be a grand celebration of funk music and a glimpse into the future with The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience. Let’s take a closer look at what Nola Funk Fest has to offer.
The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience
The inaugural NOLA Funk Fest in 2023 served as the grand unveiling for The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, an ambitious project that aims to create a 120,000-square-foot museum, set to be built across from the New Orleans Convention Center, dedicated to the preservation of Louisiana’s rich musical history. This museum, with a projected opening in 2027, will tell the captivating story of music in Louisiana, from its roots in Congo Square to the contemporary sounds of today. What sets this museum apart is its commitment to interactivity and live music performances. It’s not just about looking at artifacts; it’s about experiencing the music in a new way.
Live Music Lineup
The heart of NOLA Funk Fest is its outstanding lineup of musical performances. With more than 30 of the city’s best local funk acts gracing two stages, this festival promises to be a non-stop party for music lovers. The festival festures a tribute to Allen Toussaint with the Toussaint Family Band, plus a star-studded lineup such as George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners Supa’ Set, Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph + JoJo Hermann & Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, Dumpstaphunk, Cimafunk, Anders Osborne featuring Jackie Greene, and many more.
Tickets and Other Information
- Tickets range from $32.37 general admission to $1,017.93 for super VIP for all three days. Children under $10 can attend for free. Children 11-15, accompanied by a parent or guardian, may purchase a $5.00 cash ticket at the door.
- There will be bag checks at the entrance.
- No outside chairs, coolers and ice chests, and no food and drink.
- Also, no pets.
- Getting to the festival is easy, but parking is challenging. Arrive early to park in these lots located in the heart of the festival: French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, Canal Place, and various locations within walking distance.
- You can also bike; bike parking is available. Another option is to use public transportation.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this incredible celebration of Louisiana’s musical heritage and to support the development of The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience museum. Early bird tickets are available on the NOLA Funk Fest website. Make sure to mark your calendar for October 16-18, 2026, and get ready to groove to the rhythm of Louisiana’s soulful music at NOLA Funk Fest!
For more information and ticket details, visit the official NOLA Funk Fest website: https://www.nolafunkfest.com/. Follow the updates on Instagram and Facebook.
Need a hotel? To stay close to all the action, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!
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Tremé Fall Fest
Image courtesy of the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association via Facebook
Dancing to brass bands in the Tremé, mere feet from the stone steps of the nearly two-centuries-old African American church, sounds like a scene from a cinematic idealization of New Orleans. But for several years in a row, it’s been a reality, as the Tremé Fall Festival throws a serious party on the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé, and Gov. Nicholls streets on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the nation’s first African American neighborhoods, Tremé has faced some historically important changes in the years following Hurricane Katrina. This cherished neighborhood has numerous cultural destinations, including the New Orleans African-American Museum (NOAMM; 1417-1418 Governor Nicholls St.), Backstreet Cultural Museum (1531 St Philip St.), Congo Square (Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N Rampart St.), and the oldest African-American Catholic church in the United States, the historic St. Augustine Church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.).
The festival honors the unique history and heritage of the neighborhood. It was developed by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association to benefit those cultural destinations found within the historical community of Tremé. The organization has been instrumental in the fight to preserve the culture, music, food, and architecture of this unique historic neighborhood. In the past, proceeds from Tremé Fall Fest benefited St. Augustine Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave — for example, by painting the church exterior and performing building repairs.
The free, donation-based festival features arts and crafts vendors, face painting, free health screenings, tours of St. Augustine Church, and, of course, entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty that will feature a second line.
Tremé is famous for its music, with the annual festival lineup to match. Tremé All Stars, Olympia Brass Band, John Boutte, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Dwayne Dopsie & Zydeco Hellraisers have all performed at this festival in the past. This year, the music lineup includes Wanda Rouzan & A Taste of New Orleans, Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate, New Orleans Catahoulas, Juice, and Corey Henry & The Tremé Funktet.
No New Orleans fest is complete without delicious food, and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries will be on hand all weekend long, so bring your appetite.
All day, you’ll find most of the action in front of St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Festival-goers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets and set up picnics.
Free parking is available at Armstrong Park via the St. Phillip St. entrance, as well as along N. Rampart St. and many other sites throughout the neighborhood, including the lot behind Aloysius apartments located at the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and Henriette Delille Street. Of course, you can also bike to the event or ride the Rampart-St. Claude Ave. streetcar line.
Get more info and updates on the music and food vendor lineup for 2026 at the event’s website and Facebook page.
Need somewhere to stay during your visit to New Orleans this fall? We have a packed schedule of festivals and other fun events! You can check out our top recommendations for what to do in New Orleans this fall here.
Find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels, within walking distance of many festivals and celebrations, including the Tremé Fall Fest!
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Blues, With a Side of Barbeque at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on Facebook
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival always sports an eclectic lineup, consistently booking a mix of young talent alongside seasoned blues veterans. And that’s before you even consider the wide variety of BBQ vendors that surround Lafayette Square Park (602 St. Charles Avenue) throughout the weekend.
The central location of the event makes it an easy walk from the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter, and while we’re certain you’ll fill up on barbecue at the festival, you’ll also be within easy strolling distance of some of New Orleans’s best restaurants and bars.
This year, the over-decade-old free festival takes place on Friday-Sunday, October 9-11, 2026. This popular event began after Hurricane Katrina and was designed to create jobs and draw tourism back into the city. Over the past decade, the three-day blowout has garnered a reputation as one of the best free festivals not just in New Orleans, but in the country.
Just like in past years, there will be two stages of music and a huge arts market. Performers this year include Booker T. Jones, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, and New Orleans blues favorite Little Freddie King, among others. You’ll also be able to discover a slew of lesser-known artists that add to the intimacy of the event.
As always, the event will include copious amounts of barbecue, with some of the best barbecue vendors in the region. Past vendors have included McClure’s, Blue Oak BBQ, The Joint, and many, many others.
The spread will honor several regional styles, with an emphasis on Louisiana — made easier than ever with the recent proliferation of BBQ restaurants on the New Orleans dining scene. Beyond BBQ, there will be, of course, options for vegetarians, plus vegan and gluten-free fare.
WWOZ will broadcast most of the festival live both on the airwaves and through a stream on their website. But that’s no excuse for missing this event!
Please note that due to the past years’ crowding around the stages, the festival organizers instituted a “no chairs” perimeter of 75 feet from both stages. You’re still welcome to bring chairs and set up camp away from the stages, of course. Also, please note that no pets or coolers are allowed.
To get to the fest, you can hop on the St. Charles Ave. streetcar line or take the #11 Magazine St. bus. Another option is to bike over (there’s even free valet bicycle parking). Finding street parking in the area might be tough, but there are many paid parking lots in the area, the closest one being the lot in the Poydras Center (650 Poydras St.).
Looking for a place to stay while you’re visiting New Orleans this fall? There’s no place better than a historic French Quarter hotel! Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top recommendations!
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Break Out the Lederhosen: Oktoberfest Returns to the Deutsches Haus
New Orleans throws its version of Oktoberfest over the three weekends in October at Deutsches Haus, a social club located in Mid-City at 1700 Moss Street, to celebrate the city’s rich German history with all the usual trappings, including authentic food and live music. There are other Oktoberfest events throughout the metro area, but the Deutsches Haus’ one is by far the biggest.
So, here’s what you need to know about celebrating all things German, from the sizable contribution to the city’s culture made by the German immigrants throughout the three centuries of New Orleans’ existence, to beers and brats, and, yes, the chicken dance.
For the three Fridays and Saturdays — October 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24 (4-11 p.m. on Fridays and 1-11 p.m. on Saturdays), Deutsches Haus center in Mid-City, located just across the street from Bayou St. John at City Park (1700 Moss St.), will host the Bavarian-themed fun, replete with authentic food and music, children’s activities, and other opportunities for the attendees to immerse themselves in German culture and traditions.
Food and Drink
It won’t be Oktoberfest without such classics as brats, sauerkraut, and desserts like strudel. The 2026 Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest will feature more than 20 German beers, 13 wines, and 20 Schnapps. Pair it with the food, and you’ve got yourself a feast.
The event’s organizers promise that the entrees will be a rotating selection of German specialties, so expect such delicacies as schnitzel, German meatloaf, sauerkraut, a variety of German cheeses, large Bavarian-style pretzels, and flammkuchen (a German variation of pizza with white and creamy sauce). Not ready for brats or schnitzel? The fest will also serve the traditional American fest fare like fries and chicken nuggets.
Music, Activities and Events
The Deutsches Haus promises both local and out-of-state bands, and everything from yodeling to oompah to Schnitzelbank, a traditional humorous German song with audience participation. Daily activities will, of course, include the Oktoberfest must, Dancing Chicken, plus the daily Masskrugstemmen (beer-stein holding contest), the children’s corner with arts and crafts called Kinderecke, a VIP room, a gift shop, and a historic exhibit.
Admission and Tickets
Daily admission to Oktoberfest is $10 and free for children under 12 years old. Tickets can be purchased on-site, cash only (there are ATMs on-premises).
Getting There
There’s parking on-site, but it’s limited ($25, first-come, first-served). You can’t park on the banks of the bayou, but there should be a fair amount of street parking in the neighborhood around Esplanade Ave. Cabrini High School’s Dads Club is offering $20 parking at the school, which is approximately a seven-minute walk to the festival. Better yet, if you bike, the fest offers free bike parking just inside the Moss Street gate closest to Esplanade.
If you’re traveling from the French Quarter, the streetcar that runs on Canal St. has its final stop by the City Park/Art Museum, and it’s about a six-minute walk to the fest from there. The #90 Carrollton Ave. bus stops right in front of the Deutsches Haus, and the #91 Jackson-Esplanade bus will get you to Esplanade Ave. and Moss St. (a four-minute walk or so to the Deutsches Haus).
So, break out your lederhosen, bring the kids, and enjoy some Bavarian-inspired fun!
Are you looking for a place to stay when you’re in New Orleans this October? There’s no place better than a French Quarter hotel. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top picks.
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NOLAxNOLA Comes Back for Its Sixth Year
Did you know that October is considered Music Month in New Orleans? That’s saying something, considering New Orleans’ vibrant music ecosystem all year round. Here, our festival and music culture reflects the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. And we have over 130 annual festivals to show for it. There’s a celebration of so many things, from a Creole tomato to beignets to Louisiana seafood to beer… You get the drift.
Music, however, is a constant presence in the magical equation that is a New Orleans festival. And what better time of year to throw an 11-day music party at the end of September, going into early October, when the temps are pretty much perfect, and fall is finally in the air?
So, what is NOLAxNOLA exactly? Pronounced “NOLA by NOLA,” it’s a celebration of New Orleans music, venues, and artists. In 2021, a coalition of New Orleans artists, venues, and cultural leaders banded together to support one another and keep the music community and culture bearers strong in those difficult times. The event featured a huge and impressive cast of New Orleans artists and was a success, so it came back in 2022 with even more shows and more venues participating.
In its sixth year, NOLAxNOLA will run from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, October 4, 2026. The astonishing over 50 venues will host over 300 shows during that time. They are both indoor and outdoor, located all over the city, and span from the dives and breweries to hotel bars, music halls, jazz clubs, and iconic venues like Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s to local theaters (Civic, Joy, Orpheum, and more).
The lineup is very local and breathtakingly extensive. Think of a perfectly put roster of all of your favorite local acts, and that’s the artist list scheduled to perform at the event. That would be Irvin Mayfield, featuring special appearances by New Orleans legends Cyril Neville and Kermit Ruffins; The Brass-A-Holics, Seun Kuti & Regina Belle; Preservation All-Stars; John Boutté; Rebith Brass Band; Ingrid Lucia; Louis Michot; Snug Harbor’s 40th Anniversary Celebration featuring The Snug Harbor All Stars — the list goes on and on (there are 494 artists listed on the event’s website). Many shows are free; others are ticketed, as determined by each venue.
NOLAxNOLA was co-founded by Sig Greenbaum, Founder and CEO at Sigfest Events. He has over 20 years of experience producing global live events. For updates and to see the full lists of participating venues and artists, visit the event’s page on NewOrleans.com and follow NOLAxNOLA on Instagram.
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