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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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.
Need somewhere to stay during your fall visit to New Orleans? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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It’s All Art for Art’s Sake
Photo by @gabby.bien on Instagram, courtesy of Magazine Street on Facebook
Early October in New Orleans brings about one of Uptown’s most well-attended art events — Art for Art’s Sake (AfAS), which takes place this year on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The landmark event is more than three decades old. Since 1980, Art for Art’s Sake has grown into a citywide phenomenon — a night when many of the city’s galleries open their doors and put on major shows.
On the night of AfAS, hundreds of guests will sip wine and cocktails as they saunter between big openings at Julia St. galleries like Arthur Roger, George Schmidt, and Ferrara Showman Gallery. A few blocks away, businesses on Magazine Street will stay open to provide shopping and dining for the masses.
Presented by the Magazine Street Merchants Association, Art for Art’s Sake is an annual showcase of art, food, and music on Magazine Street. Over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries along Magazine Street will be participating again.
In fact, it’s the street’s biggest event of the year, drawing out throngs of shoppers and fun seekers. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and other treats along the stretch of Magazine Street. As in previous years, you can also enjoy complimentary wine samples provided by one of the sponsors, Breaux Mart.
Art for Art’s Sake is free and open to the public. So, grab a group of friends and come down to Magazine Street for a night of gallery hopping and shopping at one of New Orleans’ largest shopping and entertainment districts.
Not sure where to shop and dine along Magazine Street? Check out the full list of restaurants and shops on the Magazine Street Merchants Association website.
A few more tips we can think of…
Dozens of restaurants along the Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street will be open for the evening and ready to welcome you, but reservations are recommended, especially for the popular spots on the bustling Magazine Street. There’s no dress code for the event, so casual will work, but you will definitely see chic outfits on at least some of the attendees. And wear comfortable shoes: Magazine Street alone stretches for six miles, and you might be doing some serious walking to check out the gallery art openings on Julia Street, too.
Are you looking for a place to stay when you’re in New Orleans? There’s no place better than a French Quarter hotel. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top picks.
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The National Fried Chicken Festival Is Back
Image courtesy of The National Friend Chicken Festival on Facebook
It appears New Orleans does indeed have room for more festivals, especially if it honors the beloved fried chicken. Between Popeyes and the takeover by Brothers Food Mart and the popping up of the excellent gas-station chicken counters, New Orleans has its fried chicken game on lock, and the three-day, 2026 National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF), held on Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the New Orleans Lakefront, (Lakeshore Dr. & Franklin Ave.) aims to also showcase as many variations as possible.
In honor of its 10th anniversary this year, FCF 2026 will feature its largest and most diverse food lineup to date, with over 40 participating restaurants showcasing their unique spins on the iconic Southern dish for an opportunity to take home the festival’s “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish Awards.”
As in previous years, the highly coveted Culinary Icon Award will also be presented to a prominent chef who has made remarkable contributions to the culinary industry. Not to mention, the festival was named the “6th Best Specialty Food Festival” by the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The festival’s roster of “experiences” has a beer garden, two VIP lounges, a family-friendly block party, and more. The beer garden gives you unlimited access to beer, complimentary snacks and water, as well as VIP restroom trailers.
The VIP option includes access to two exclusive lounge areas located at each main music stage, three alcoholic beverages of your choice from either lounge, a fried chicken meal from an award-winning restaurant, front-stage viewing, and better restrooms.
Besides the diversity of musical acts (Nelly, Ying Yang Twins, Big Freedia, and more), there’s also going to be a diversity of cooked chicken. While everyone is coming to the festival to partake of the South’s favorite fried treat — a meal that is, indeed, beloved around the world — don’t forget that there are some competitions on the line.
As in previous years, the fest will have more than chicken. It promises vegan options, vegetarian options, gluten-free options, and more. In the past, vendors have included winners like Bao Mi and Bonafried, plus Crawlins Seafood, Fatty’s Cracklings, Lufu NOLA, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey, and more.
Here’s what else you need to know if you are attending:
- This festival is cashless. No cash of any kind will be accepted.
- Parking is free but limited to the designated areas.
- Folding, festival-style chairs are permitted.
- No outside food or drink except sealed water bottles or empty reusable water bottles.
- No wagons, ice chests, or coolers of any kind are permitted on-site.
- The festival is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.
- Pets are not allowed inside the festival grounds, except for service animals.
- Only VIP ticket holders will be permitted re-entry to the festival.
So, come with an appetite. This is New Orleans, and folks love their chicken. We expect to see many tourists and local friends with a wing in their hands, and a smile on their faces!
The National Fried Chicken Festival, presented by Raising Cane’s, is held on October 2-4, 2026, at the Lakefront. General Admission tickets start at $21, with upgraded options for the unlimited beer garden and the VIP lounges going up to $454. Free for kids under 12. Get your tickets online.
Need somewhere to stay during your fall visit to New Orleans? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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How to Do Thanksgiving in New Orleans
Let’s be honest: Summer carried on and on in New Orleans almost all the way through October. But with Thanksgiving upon us, the weather has truly cooled off (for us locals anyway), which means you can enjoy some great New Orleans attractions and annual events — no sweat.
Photo courtesy of Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots on Facebook
Get to the Races
In New Orleans, opening day at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots is as big as turkey when it comes to anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday period. Sometimes it seems like everyone and their mother turns out to the track on Thanksgiving weekend, sporting cocktails, big grins, and some frankly awesome hats.
The racetrack opens mid-November, but the big day is on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26, 2026), and not just for the races alone. That’s when the racetrack’s Clubhouse offers a fancy traditional holiday dinner with all the trimmings, while everyone else can enjoy a still pretty sumptuous holiday buffet (make reservations in advance, as both tend to fill up).
For those who might attend actual Thanksgiving Day horse racing: The first of the day’s 10 races begins at 11 a.m., and top sprinters will later compete in a $75,000 Thanksgiving Handicap race. But again, the real point is: hats.
Enjoy Bayou Classic
Every Thanksgiving weekend, the Tigers of Grambling State meet the Jaguars of Southern University for the annual Bayou Classic. The city celebrates a two-day feast of events, including a fan fest and a massive parade on Saturday, featuring some of the country’s absolute best marching bands.
Friday offers the Bayou Classic Greek Show and the legendary Battle of the Bands, which can get as competitively heated as the football game proper. After all that, one of America’s hottest college football rivalries detonates at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
No Cooking Required
For Thanksgiving, many New Orleans restaurants will stay open and offer special holiday menus for both dining in and takeout. Some offer buffet-style feasts. Do a quick inquiry online, or check out sites like OpenTable to see what restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day and to make a reservation.
If you’re planning a stay in New Orleans for Thanksgiving, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo courtesy of Tujague’s Restaurant on Facebook
Thanksgiving Dining in the French Quarter
Don’t forget that world-class restaurants in the French Quarter host elaborate, multi-course Thanksgiving feasts that draw on the region’s rich culinary heritage. In addition to their regular menu, a number of restaurants will offer a full-course prix fixe menu that will feature the usual deliciousness of New Orleans decadence.
Shop Small Businesses
Don’t forget the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, and in the French Quarter, you’ve got a wide range of boutiques and galleries to indulge in.
Book Now
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. 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 historical city at your fingertips.
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Halloween for Kids in New Orleans
Celebrating Halloween in New Orleans could be a decidedly grown-up affair, with spectacular balls, parties, and parades. We are thankful for the variety, but that’s not to say that kids don’t get a parade and at least two weekends of themed activities leading up to the holiday. Here are our picks for how to celebrate in a family-friendly way, starting a few weeks before Halloween, which falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Ghosts in the Oaks
Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18, 2026, 5-9 p.m.
This four-day family-friendly extravaganza in the magical New Orleans City Park has become a tradition for many locals. During the event, both the amusement park and Storyland open their doors to kids of all ages for trick-or-treating, rides, a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, and a DJ dance party.
Entertainment also includes face painting and balloon animals. Proceeds from this fundraiser support the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. You might want to get your tickets well in advance online as this event usually sells out quickly (general admission is $30).
Krewe of Boo
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
This lively affair has become the “official Halloween Parade” in New Orleans in 2007, and has been going strong since, only growing in popularity. The parade is brought to you by Kern Studios, so expect the usual 3-D fiberglass and papier-mâché extravaganza, plus all of your favorite spooky characters.
You’ll see werewolves, ghosts, vampires, and other Halloween-themed monsters, but all the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest kids. The parade-goers have been known to don their favorite, family-friendly Halloween gear as well, and you’re encouraged to do the same.
There’ll be plenty of plush toy throws and candy for the little ones too. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Decatur St. and Elysian Fields Ave. in the Marigny, rolling through the French Quarter and passing by Jackson Square.
Boo Carré Halloween Haunt
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This is an opportunity for the kids to trick-or-treat starting in Dutch Alley between St. Philip and Dumaine Streets, and throughout the French Market District — from the Shops at the Upper Pontalba to the open-air French Market. Many vendors and shops along Decatur Street and at the farmers’ market will be participating. The annual celebration features live music, kids’ activities, and more.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This annual Halloween event at the Audubon Zoo is family-friendly (only kids up to 12 are allowed to trick-or-treat). It features haunted-house games, entertainment, Ghost Train, and more. The kids will hear stories, trick-or-treat, and meet some of the zoo’s animals. The proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital. Advance tickets are $30-$36.
French Quartour Kids Ghost Hunt
By appointment
Tricks, treats, stories, and a ghost hunt await during this walking tour designed for kids of all ages. The tour touches upon the history of the French Quarter and its well-known residents, but leaves the gore out, focusing instead on the legends and the hauntings. The whole family is encouraged to participate and ask questions (tickets are $25 per person; you can book your tour online).
“Haunted House” Decorations
There’s no shortage of “haunted houses” this time of year around New Orleans, but not all are child-friendly. So, while parental discretion is always advised, these fabulous haunted houses are set up in and around private homes every year, and they’re as thrilling as they’re safe for at least the older kids. You can check the listings in the newspaper for more Halloween displays set up in private homes as the dates get closer.
St. Charles Avenue and State Street
Local resident Louellen Berger has been arranging her 50-plus krewe of skeletons on the front lawn of her mansion every Halloween, drawing appreciative crowds and an occasional local celebrity. While some of the puns are too satirical for the little ones to get — as Berger’s installations spoof local politics and play on the only-in-New-Orleans themes — the whole setup is a spectacular treat for all ages.
Magazine and Second Streets
A spooky-fabulous display featuring music, holograms, lights, and projections that would awe anyone passing by. Expect a story with a plot, dancing ghosts, creepy apparitions, and dazzling lights.
State and Claiborne Streets
One of the most elaborate skeleton-pirate ship displays in town, skillfully lit and exquisitely arranged. There’s no music and no projections, but it’s well worth a peek.
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans this October? This is a great time to visit as the temps get milder and the city’s schedule is full of fun Halloween events and the annual fall festivals. 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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Things to Do This November in the French Quarter and Nearby
November in New Orleans is jam-packed with festivals and celebrations. It’s also a magical time to be here, with a stretch of perfect weather leading up to the winter holidays and Mardi Gras. Here are some of our favorite suggestions on what to see, eat, and do if you’re in New Orleans in November.
Bayou Bacchanal
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Bayou Bacchanal is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Presented by Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal will include Caribbean cuisine, dance, music, and celebration, all held on Louis Armstrong Park’s Congo Square.
Beignet Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026
This annual extravaganza returned in 2022 and is held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The free, daylong party gives you an opportunity to sample dozens of renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese.
There are usually vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards are given in four “Best of” categories. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
Sunday, November 8, 2026
The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is a lively New Orleans tradition celebrating the city’s iconic sandwich with dozens of classic and creative variations from local food vendors. Held along historic Oak Street, the festival also features multiple stages of live music, an arts market, a kids’ zone, history panels, and a juried po-boy competition. The 18th annual festival is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; admission is free, although visitors need a wristband to purchase food.
LUNA Fête
Friday-Sunday, November 13-15, 2026
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. It’s interactive, kid-friendly, and full of light-based art.
Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m. The racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse (reservations required).
Bayou Classic
Friday-Saturday, November 27-28, 2026
Each November, the 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. Over the years, the event 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 at the Superdome starting at 1 p.m. (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 27, 2026, is an unforgettable extravaganza. The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Parade on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., from the Marigny to the CBD. 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.
Celebration in the Oaks
Friday, November 27, 2026 – Friday, January 1, 2027
This beloved New Orleans tradition has been celebrated for over three decades, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of New Orleans City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.
Coming to New Orleans in the fall? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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Fall in the French Quarter and Beyond
New Orleans is always enchanting, but when the first cool front finally arrives, banishing the subtropical heat and ushering in six months of moderate weather, the Crescent City really feels too good to be true. Fall also heralds the start of high tourist season, which runs from October through May and coincides with a bevy of fun activities.
In short, fall is a time when New Orleans awakens from its heat-induced hibernation — and emerges ready to play. Here are a few reasons why fall is the best time to visit New Orleans.
The weather is perfect: sunny and cool
In October, the average high drops to a pleasant 80 degrees, meaning the temperatures linger in the 70s most days. With lows hovering in the 60s, it’s just cool enough to slip on a hoodie at night — which is great, because nothing says fall like cozy layers.
Fall months are also the driest months in New Orleans, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain. So you won’t need to cover up your costume in a plastic poncho when you hit the Quarter for Halloween. And speaking of…
Halloween in New Orleans is a not-to-be-missed spectacle
Trick-or-treating is a nationwide tradition, but in the home of Mardi Gras, costuming isn’t just for kids (although of course there are annual kid-friendly Halloween activities) — it’s a citywide pastime. New Orleanians seize on any opportunity to dress up, and they go all-out for Halloween. You’ll see costumes on the days leading up to All Hallows’ Eve, and on October 31, creatively costumed revelers hit Frenchmen Street en masse for a brass-band and go-cup-fueled block party that rages all night.
There’s a fest for every foodie and music lover
Do you love fried chicken? Po-boys? Beignets? Whatever your nosh of choice, there’s a fest for that in October. Because nothing’s better than catching some local music and chowing down on delicious food in a park on a sunny afternoon.
You can catch a Carnival-caliber parade
Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is definitely a bucket-list item, but what most people don’t know is that you can catch a Carnival-caliber parade in October, when the crowds aren’t quite as intense. The renowned Kern family, who build floats for some of the city’s most prominent Mardi Gras krewes, is also behind the spooky Krewe of BOO!
Starting in the Marigny and winding its way through the French Quarter before ending in the Arts District, this Halloween parade features 3D fiberglass and papier-mache floats. Best of all, many of the throws are edible: candy corn, pralinettes, coffee packs, and Chee-Wees make the Krewe of Boo a real treat. It rolls at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, from Elysian Fields and Chartres St.
Fall event highlights
While we didn’t include every single one in this list, here’s a fall roster that we recommend you consider attending (between September and November):
NOLAxNOLA – September 24-October 4, 2026
National Fried Chicken Festival – October 2-4, 2026
Art for Art’s Sake – October 3, 2026
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival – October 9-11, 2026
Oktoberfest – October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2026
NOLA Funk Fest – October 16-18, 2026
37th New Orleans Film Festival – October 22-27, 2026
Krewe of BOO! – October 24, 2026
Treme Fall Fest – October 24, 2026
Halloween – October 31, 2026
Freret Street Festival – October 31, 2026
Bayou Bacchanal – November 7, 2026
Beignet Fest – November 7, 2026
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – November 8, 2026
LUNA Fete – November 13-15, 2026
Thanksgiving – November 26, 2026
Bayou Classic – November 27-28, 2026
Celebration in the Oaks – November 27, 2026 – January 1, 2027
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans in the fall, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
