18 Things to Do this October in New Orleans

The music never stops in New Orleans, and this October, mark your calendars for a 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 24-October 4 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA). Stay tuned here for the latest details.

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 2-4 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. Ticket prices vary.

Art for Art’s Sake returns on Saturday, Oct. 3 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. 

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 9-11. This fest is free to attend.

This October 9-11, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest returns with three days of music, food, and art. Performers include Samantha Fish, Little Freddie King, Mia Borders, Erica Falls & Vintage Soul, 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 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24. 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 is a community event that features seven concerts free and open to the public. From October 15-25, the concerts will take place across the city at locations like Trinity Episcopal Church, Urban South Brewery, Tulane’s Dixon Hall, and more.

WWE Money in the Bank comes to New Orleans on Saturday, October. 10. Money In The Bank features WWE’s biggest superstars as they compete in a multi-person ladder match to earn a briefcase containing a contract for a championship match at a time and place of their choosing anytime within the next year. Tickets are yet to go on sale.

Every year, Bayou St. John comes alive with Gospel music at Praise Fest. From October 16-18 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 16-18. NOLA Funk Fest is a celebration of Louisiana’s rich music history. Held at Woldenberg Park, performers include George Porter, Jr. and  Runnin' Pardners, Galactic ft. Jelly Joseph, Lost Bayou Ramblers with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more! Ticket prices vary.

New Orleans’ beloved Halloween parade, Krewe of BOO!, rolls through downtown and the French Quarter on October 24. 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 22-27. 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. All access passes are available starting at $350 and single film tickets go on sale October 2.

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 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons and October 11 versus the Minnesota Vikings. 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 Disney's "The Lion King" from October 21 to November 8. The New Orleans Ballet Association’s season kicks off with Pilobolus on October 17. Le Petite's season kicks off with Laughter on the 23rd Floor from October 2-18.

Returning this October (date TBA), 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.