Fall in New Orleans means the end of heat-induced hibernation and switching gears to enjoy the upcoming months of moderate weather, a calendar full of foodie-haven and music festivals, a unique take on Halloween, plus several parades and many other fun activities.
With the summer lull over, this is a great time to visit Crescent City. Here are a few highlights to give you an idea of just how much is going on in New Orleans in the fall.
SEPTEMBER
Southern Decadence
September 3-7, 2026
Traditionally held over the Labor Day weekend, this popular festival celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world. The festival’s annual hub, Bourbon Pub Parade, will be open as late as 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Just like in previous years, it serves as an epicenter of the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, a free show/block party happening on Saturday, and the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Parade on Sunday.
NOLAxNOLA
September 24-October 4, 2026
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. Supposed to be even bigger this year, NOLAxNOLA is not to be missed. For this year’s artist roster and participating venues list, check out the event’s website.
OCTOBER
National Fried Chicken Festival
October 2-4, 2026
The three-day fest features four outdoor stages and 40+ well-known fried chicken vendors coming from all over the region to represent different cooking styles of this classic Southern dish. The fest is held at the Lakefront. You can get tickets in advance online.
Art for Art’s Sake
October 3, 2026
The always well-attended Art for Art’s Sake is an opportunity to browse the shops and galleries along the commercial stretch of Magazine Street. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and beverage sampling.
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
October 9-11, 2026
This free fest happens every year in the CBD, in Lafayette Square. Join the fun for two stages of music, a dozen of the best barbecue vendors in the region, and a large art market.
Oktoberfest
October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2026
New Orleans throws its version of Oktoberfest over three Fridays and Saturdays in October at Deutsches Haus in Mid-City, to celebrate the city’s rich German history with all the usual trappings, including authentic food and live music.
NOLA FUNK FEST
October 16-18, 2026
Held at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park (near the Audubon Aquarium) along the Mississippi River, this three-day fest will feature the city and nation’s best funk acts, plus food vendors, cultural exhibits, and craft booths. Get your tickets here.
New Orleans Film Festival
October 22-27, 2026
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 (37 years in 2026). 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.
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. Venues include Broad, Orpheum, and Prytania theaters, and the festival’s hub, the Contemporary Arts Center.
Krewe of Boo
October 24, 2026
This lively affair became 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.
All the monsters on the floats are PG-13 and not too scary even for the youngest kids. Parade-goers are encouraged to come in costume. Expect plush toys, candy, and unique, eco-conscious throws. The parade starts in the Marigny and goes to the French Quarter.
Tremé Fall Festival
October 24, 2026
This local fave throws a serious party in the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé, and Gov. Nicholls Streets in one of the nation’s first African American neighborhoods during the first weekend of October, just as the weather is getting nice.
Most of the action is centered in front of the historic St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Expect entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty, a second line, and food trucks and vendors from some of New Orleans’ best eateries. The festival is donation-based.
Halloween
The second half of October; October 31, 2026
New Orleans puts its own spin on the Halloween fun with a slew of balls, costume parties, a parade, haunted tours, and a huge block party on Frenchmen Street. The city knows how to do Halloween in a family-friendly style too. We are thankful for the variety, and hope you’ll find plenty of entertainment in the two weeks leading up to the holiday as well as on the day of Halloween itself.
Freret Street Festival
October 31, 2026
From Napoleon to Valmont, Freret Street’s six blocks will once again host a one-day free festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fest will have several stages, live music, and tons of food and art. Check out this year’s music lineup on the event’s website.
NOVEMBER
Bayou Bacchanal
November 7, 2026
This fest will be held in Armstrong’s Park Congo Square and will celebrate the city’s Caribbean heritage, Carnival-style.
Beignet Festival
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
November 8, 2026
There’s a po-boy for every budget and palate in New Orleans, and at this festival dedicated to the beloved New Orleans staple you can sample over 50 varieties. Dozens of vendors also compete in several “Best of” categories.
LUNA Fête
November 13-15, 2026
LUNA Fête light show will illuminate Lafayette Square and will spread to Piazza d’Italia, located downtown. The annual large-scale light and sound installations are breathtaking, and the fest is free and family-friendly.
Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
November 26, 2026
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the track 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., and the racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse (reservations required).
Bayou Classic
November 27-28, 2026
Each November, the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans over the Thanksgiving weekend to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries.
Over the years, this 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.
Celebration in the Oaks
November 27, 2026 – January 1, 2027
This beloved New Orleans tradition is celebrating over three decades of existence, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of 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.
Cafe Conti, located inside the Prince Conti Hotel.
Looking for Hotels in New Orleans? Choose the Prince Conti Hotel
When it comes to hotels in New Orleans, location is key. The Prince Conti Hotel is located just blocks from the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and a quick walk to Frenchmen Street, where you will find tons of local bars and restaurants playing live music for all to enjoy.
The hotel is also located near the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, which can take you to New Orleans’ Uptown to visit famous places for music like Tipitina’s and Le Bon Temps Roule.
If you are planning a trip to New Orleans this fall, be sure to check out the city’s unique music scene and book your reservation at one of the best hotels in New Orleans with great low room rates: the Prince Conti Hotel!
