October is Music Month in New Orleans, and it all kicks off with NOLAxNOLA, our citywide celebration of local musicians, music venues, and New Orleans culture. Catch your favorite artists and discover new ones at hundreds of live performances from September 25-October 5, 2025. After NOLAxNOLA ends, keep enjoying live music at one of our many fall festivals. Read below for our music picks of the month.

NOLAxNOLA Shows

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NOLAxNOLA: Jenna McSwain at The Elysian Bar 

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, head to Hotel Peter and Paul for a performance from songwriter and pianist Jenna McSwain. This performance is free and open to the public, and held in their church building from 7-9 p.m. 

George Porter, Jr. at Double Dealer

Catch George Porter, Jr. on October 2 at Double Dealer. This performance is free and open to the public (ages 21+). It begins at 9:30 p.m.

Louis Michot & Swamp Magic at Chickie Wah Wah

On Saturday, Oct. 4, head to Chickie Wah Wah for Louis Michot & Swamp Magic. The show starts at 9 p.m. (doors 8 p.m.) and advance tickets are $20, plus fees. 

John Boutté & Friends at Bywater Bakery 

Catch John Boutté & Friends at Bywater Bakery on October 5. The show is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event is free and open to the public. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg! For even more NOLAxNOLA shows, see here. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Live Music

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Hispanic Heritage Month at the New Orleans Jazz Museum 

The New Orleans Jazz Museum in partnership with NOLAxNOLA, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with free live shows from September 16 through October 25. The concerts take place every Friday at 2 p.m. in the museum’s third-floor Performance Center. There will be two special balcony shows from the courtyard on Tuesday, Sept. 16 and Tuesday, Oct.21, starting at 5 p.m. Performers include Muevelo, Patrice Fisher & Arpa, and Ritmeaux Krewe with a special Caribbean tribute. All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Hispanic Heritage Month at the French Market 

Enjoy the Hispanic Heritage Series weekly outdoor lunchtime concerts at the French Market. Visiting musicians perform on Fridays from September 19 – October 10 at the French Market Farmers Market from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

West Bank Hispanic Heritage Festival  

Held at the University of Holy Cross (UHC) campus in Algiers on October 18, this free festival is open to the public. Come out and enjoy live music, food vendors, community resources, and shopping. 

Fall Music Festivals

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Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest
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Crescent City Blues & BBQ
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Treme Fall Festival
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Gretna Fest 

Just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter lies Gretna Fest. Gretna Fest returns this October 3-5 with a lineup including Sam Hunt, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Natasha Bedingfield, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Better Than Ezra, and several others. Enjoy delicious food, art, and community at the fest. Fun fact: there are shuttles available for you to park and ride. The Gretna-Canal Street Ferry will also be operating, meaning you can catch the ferry from the French Quarter to get to Gretna Fest! Tickets are $45-$55 for a single day, or $100 for a weekend pass. Children ages 12 and under attend for free. 

Gentilly Fest 

Music, food, and community are all the focus of Gentilly Fest, a neighborhood festival held in Pontchartrain Park. Enjoy various vendors, plus live music, and activities for the kids on the weekend of October 10-12. This fest is free to attend. 

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival 

This October 10-12, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest returns with three days of music, food, and art. Performers include Sierra Green & The Giants, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, and dozens of others. Let’s not forget the food—it’s equal parts music and barbecue festival! Enjoy free admission to the festival all weekend long, which takes place at Lafayette Square Park. 

NOLA Funk Fest 

Get ready to groove to the beats of the funkiest musicians in New Orleans this October 17-19. NOLA Funk Fest is a celebration of Louisiana’s rich music history. Held at Spanish Plaza, performers include Dumpstaphunk, Master P ft. The Soul Rebels, Erica Falls, Jon Cleary, and many more! Tickets start at $56+ for single day general admission. 

Praise Fest 

Every year, Bayou St. John comes alive with Gospel music at Praise Fest. From October 17-19 enjoy three days of handclapping, foot-stomping, and soul-touching Gospel music and praise. The festival is free to attend.  

Tremé Fall Fest 

Returning on October 25, Tremé Fall Fest is a celebration of community with food, live music, art, and performances. Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the country. This free-to-attend festival serves as a fundraiser for St. Augustine Church and various community non-profits. Performers at this year’s fest include Indys Blue, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Herlin Riley and Kermit Ruffins, and more! 

NOLA Reggae Fest 

***Editor's Note: NOLA Reggae Fest has been postponed to November 14-16, 2025***

Enjoy three days of music, food, and vibes in Congo Square this October 24-26 at Nola Reggae Fest. Both international headliners and local musicians take the stage in this celebration of Caribbean culture. Entry is $25 for a one-day pass and $35 for a three-day pass. 

For even more live music in New Orleans, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar.