21 Things to Do this October in New Orleans

October in New Orleans is nothing short of jam-packed. There’s National Fried Chicken Fest and NOLAxNOLA to kick off New Orleans Music Month, then Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and Halloween celebrations to close it all out. Fall brings cool weather alongside a slew of festivals, including Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, Gentilly Fest, Tremé Fall Fest, Praise Fest, Reggae Fest, and more. Don’t miss your chance to visit New Orleans this October. 

Jam out at NOLAxNOLA   and New Orleans Music Month

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 26-October 6 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.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month   

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.

Come hungry for National Fried Chicken Fest  

National Fried Chicken Festival is back this October 5-6 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. 

Enjoy Art for Art's Sake 

Art for Art’s Sake returns on Saturday, Oct. 5 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. 

Swim with the fishes at Scales & Ales  

Scales and Ales is an adults-only, 21+ fundraising event featuring delectable cuisine, beer and wine, specialty cocktails, and live music at Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium. General admission tickets are $100 and the event is October 4. 

Revel on the river at Gretna Fest   

Just across the Mississippi River from downtown New Orleans lies Gretna, and this October 4-6 a lot of folks will be headed that way. Gretna Fest returns with a lineup including Dierks Bentley, Natasha Bedingfield, The Revivalists, and several others. Tickets are $40 for a single day or $90 for a weekend pass.

Relax at 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 11-13. This fest is free to attend. 

Sample beer at Oktoberfest  

Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus returns for three weekends this October: 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26. 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 11 and under receive free admission. 

Tap your toes at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest 

This October 11-13, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest returns with three days of music, food, and art. Performers include Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Irma Thomas & the Professionals, Sierra Green & The Giants, 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. 

Enjoy Gospel music at Praise Fest  

Every year, Bayou St. John comes alive with Gospel music. From October 18-20, enjoy three days of handclapping, foot-stomping, and soul-touching Gospel music and praise. The festival is free to attend. 

Enjoy world premieres at New Orleans Film Festival  

The 35th annual New Orleans Film Festival returns this October 16-27. 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. Tickets to see films in person are $16; virtual cinema tickets are $11.

Get spooky with Krewe of Boo  

New Orleans’ beloved Halloween parade rolls through downtown and the French Quarter on October 19. 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. 

Jam out at NOLA Funk Fest  

Get ready to groove to the beats of the funkiest musicians in New Orleans this October 18-20. NOLA Funk Fest is a celebration of Louisiana’s rich music history. Held at the Jazz Museum, performers include Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, Geo Leo, The Soul Rebels, and several others. Tickets start at $40. 

Cheer on the Saints and Pelicans 

Football is back, and so is basketball this October in New Orleans. Catch the boys in black & gold in two home games this month: October 13 against the Buccaneers and October 17 against the Broncos. If you didn’t already know, New Orleans is the host of Super Bowl LIX; see our ultimate guide here. The Pels kick off their regular season with a game on October 23 against the Chicago Bulls in the Smoothie King Center.

See a play, musical, or ballet 

Fall theater is in full swing this October, with several productions to choose from. Enjoy Broadway’s “Girl from the North Country,” which follows a group of travelers whose paths cross in a guesthouse filled with the music of Bob Dylan, this October 15-20. On October 19, the Houston Ballet presents a one-night-only performance at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Meanwhile, New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents “Dracula” from October 26-30. Check out our Fall Theater Guide here for more. 

Enjoy tacos and tequila at Top Taco   

Each year, some of New Orleans’ best restaurants, taquerias, and bars head to Top Taco to battle it out for the title of Top Taco Champion while festgoers reap the rewards of their labor. In addition to the unlimited taco and tequila tastings from some of your favorite eateries across the Crescent City, Top Taco also features live music performances, special guest appearances, interactive activities, and more. Top Taco is October 24 at Lafreniere Park in neighboring NOLA suburb Metairie and tickets start at $85 for unlimited tacos and drinks. 

Celebrate community at Tremé Fall Fest

Returning on October 26, 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. 

Jam out at Nola Reggae Fest    

Enjoy three days of music, food, and vibes in Congo Square this October 25-27 at Nola Reggae Fest. Both international headliners and local musicians take the stage in this celebration of Caribbean culture. Rebirth Brass Band, DJ Megatron, Ha Sizzle, and many more are scheduled to perform. Entry is $25 for a one-day pass and $30 for a three-day pass. Children tickets are $5. Friday is locals’ day and tickets are $10 with a LA ID.

Stuff your face at Oak Street Po-boy Fest 

On Sunday, October 27, several blocks of Uptown New Orleans will transform into a foodie’s paradise. Enjoy fresh seafood, roast beef, and vegetarian versions of the classic sandwich, plus live music and more. The festival is free to attend; wristbands must be purchased to order po-boys. They are $10 in advance.

Experience the Eras Tour 

Taylor Swift is no stranger to New Orleans, and she’s scheduled to bring The Eras Tour to Caesars Superdome on October 25-27, 2024. This epic concert is a journey spanning 17 years and 10 albums, with 44 songs divided into 10 distinct acts. You won’t want to miss it, but in the meantime, check out our Taylor Swift-Inspired Guide to New Orleans here. Find lots of Taylor and Eras Tour-inspired events throughout the month of October here.

Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans  

New Orleans is a Halloween destination all October long, so don’t wait to partake in your share of spooky activities. Haunted houses, including The Mortuary and New Orleans Nightmare, return this fall. Take a ghost tour, visit a spooky attraction or stay at a haunted hotel. The French Market hosts Boo Carré, a family-friendly festival, and City Park hosts both Ghosts in the Oaks and Brews & Boos in October. Halloween New Orleans is an LGBTQ+ celebration of Halloween, with events throughout Halloween weekend. Check out our guide for more on Halloween in New Orleans.

Enjoy gumbo, pumpkin spice, and pecan pie 

Fall brings out some of the best foods in New Orleans, with gumbo taking the top spot. Whether or not there’s a chill in the air, find your cup of gumbo at these spots. Keep an eye out at restaurants for seasonal menu changes, some of which may or may not include pumpkin. Indulge in a slice of pie for a sweet treat.