20 Things to Do this October in New Orleans

The music never stops in New Orleans, and this October, mark your calendars for two citywide celebrations of local musicians, music venues, and New Orleans culture. Catch your favorite artists and discover new ones at hundreds of live performances all over town from September 25-October 5 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA), which rolls perfectly into New Orleans Music Month. Music Month spans the entire month of October and features special concerts and performances, culminating in NOLA MusiCon–which brings artists, industry professionals, and thought leaders together for three days of informative panels, inspirational interviews, one-on-one mentor sessions, and unparalleled networking, all in the heart of the most musical city in the world.

New Orleans is a wonderful place to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans September 15-October 15. Learn about Hispanic heritage and culture by sampling authentic cuisine, exploring Hispanic history in the city, and supporting local Hispanic-owned businesses.

National Fried Chicken Festival is back this October 4-5 at the New Orleans Lakefront. Chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, chicken and waffles, and more will be available for your choosing. There will be live music and plenty of space to spread out and relax. Tickets for the fest are $10 daily; cost may rise as we get closer to the fest.  

Art for Art’s Sake returns on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 6-9 p.m. along Magazine Street. Enjoy browsing the more than 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries participating along the six-mile stretch. Enjoy complimentary wine samples, special deals, and extended hours at a variety of participating Magazine Street businesses as well as live music throughout the evening. This event is free to attend. 

Just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter lies Gretna Fest, returning this October 3-5. Gretna Fest returns with a lineup including Sam Hunt, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Natasha Bedingfield, Better Than Ezra, and several others. Tickets are $45-$55 for a single day, or $100 for a weekend pass. Children ages 12 and under are able to attend for free.

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.

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. 

Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus returns for three weekends this October: 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25. Dust off those lederhosen and stop by for traditional German fare, including sauerkraut, bratwurst sausage, and giant Bavarian pretzels with more than 20 German beers to wash it all down. Tickets are $10 cash daily; children 12 and under receive free admission.  

The Crescent City Chamber Music Festival 10th anniversary festival will feature seven concerts free and open to the public. From October 10-19, the concerts will take place across the city; see the schedule here.

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. 

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. 

New Orleans’ beloved Halloween parade, Krewe of BOO!, rolls through downtown and the French Quarter on October 25. Artists from Kern Studios design 3-D paper mâché and fiberglass props that mimic all of Halloween’s spooky creatures. Don’t miss this chance to dress up in costume and celebrate in the “Boo Carré.” The parade is free to attend.

The 36th annual New Orleans Film Festival returns this October 23-28. This Oscar®-qualifying event will showcase 100+ films at movie theaters around town over the festival dates. There’s everything from documentaries and shorts to feature films with world premieres, plus panels, workshops, parties, and a virtual cinema. South Pitch is the Film Society’s platform to showcase new projects from Southern artists and support them with cash awards and valuable feedback from leading industry voices.All access passes are available starting at $350 and single film tickets are $16.

Football is back, and so is basketball this October in New Orleans. Catch the boys in black & gold in three home games this month: October 5 against the NY Giants, October 12 against the New England Patriots, and October 26 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Pels kick off their regular season this month in the Smoothie King Center.

Fall theater is in full swing this October, with several productions to choose from. Enjoy Broadway’s “Kimberly Akimbo” from October 7-12. The New Orleans Ballet Association’s season kicks off with Dance Theater of Harlem on October 11.

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. 

***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.

Paul McCartney's “Got Back Tour” comes to New Orleans on October 29! He’ll take the stage of the Smoothie King Center singing hits from the Beatles and Wings, as well as his own songs. Find more information here.