September is the perfect time to travel to New Orleans. Between the end of summer and the start of fall, signature festivals and can’t-miss events make the month a special one. Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the return of Southern Decadence, the start of Saints football season, the third annual NOLAxNOLA, and more. Check out our picks for September below.  

Experience Southern Decadence 

Celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community, Southern Decadence is an annual Labor Day weekend tradition. From August 31 - September 4, enjoy parties, brunches, and events in the French Quarter. Check out the lineup here and get ready to dance the night away during Southern Decadence. 

Royal Sonesta
There's a New Orleans hotel for every traveler's needs. Take advantage of deals and offers from hotels all around the city.

Spend Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans  

There’s plenty of reasons to visit New Orleans for Labor Day Weekend. Attend Southern Decadence, take a dip in a hotel pool, dine outdoors, or have an icy summer treat—discover New Orleans on Labor Day weekend here.    

Attend the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff

The inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism is a can't-miss music and entertainment event to celebrate the start of the 2023 college football season. On September 2, Caesars Superdome will host Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in concert. Tickets are $98.95 all inclusive.

Cheer on the Saints in their first home game 

The Saints take on the Tennessee Titans in the first home game of the regular season on Sunday, September 10. Cheer on the Black & Gold from the Caesars Superdome or from one of our many sports bars. It’s a game you won’t want to miss; kickoff is at noon.

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.

Welcome fall with Oktoberfest at Faubourg Brewery 

Dust off those lederhosen and head to Faubourg Brewery for Oktoberfest. The festival is September 23-24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. The brewery will have new Oktoberfest beers, delicious food, games for the kids, and traditional German fare. If you take a rideshare to/or from the brewery, show the bartender your receipt and you’ll receive $10 off your tab. 

Eat beignets for a good cause at Beignet Fest  

Beignet Fest is back on September 23 in City Park with all the sweet and savory beignet options you could dream of. From classic powdered-sugar dusted to drool-worthy crawfish options, the signature New Orleans treat takes center stage at Beignet Fest. The family-friendly festival has a musical lineup including Imagination Movers, Flow Tribe, and Mia Borders. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which supports children with developmental delays and disabilities.   

Catch your favorite artist in concert 

September is a big month for New Orleans fans of nationally touring artists. At the Smoothie King Center, catch Odesza with Bonobo, Tokimonsta, Olan & QRTR (Sept. 16) and Lil Baby with The Kid LAROI, GloRilla, Gloss Up & More (Sept. 19), and catch Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour at Caesars Superdome (Sept. 27). 

Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.

Jam out at NOLAxNOLA  

The music never stops in New Orleans, and this September and October, mark your calendars for a citywide celebration of local musicians, music venues, and New Orleans culture. Catch your favorite artists and discover new ones at dozens of live performances all over town from September 28-October 8 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA). You won’t want to miss this event—find more details here.  

Come hungry for National Fried Chicken Fest  

National Fried Chicken Festival is back this September 30 - October 1 at the New Orleans Lakefront. Chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, chicken and waffles, and more will be available for your enjoyment. There will be live music and plenty of space to spread out and relax, as well as prizes awarded for the best chicken.