Top Things to Do in September

Take advantage of dining deals starting this July in New Orleans with COOLinary. Indulge in two-course lunch, or three-course dinner and brunch deals from July 14-September 5, 2021. Participants include Antoine’s Restaurant, Brigtsen’s Restaurant, Tujague’s Restaurant and Café Degas, among more than 70 others.

Labor Day weekend is the final long weekend to take advantage of the summer season, and it’s a perfect time to head to New Orleans for a few days. Enjoy a visit to a museum or attraction, outdoor dining, icy summer treats and more during the final sunset of summer.

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 small Hispanic-owned businesses.

New Orleans is known for its classic cocktails, from the Sazerac to the Hurricane and more. In true New Orleans fashion, it’s only right that they have their own celebration. Tales of the Cocktail is an event geared toward celebrating and educating attendees on craft cocktails and bartending. The seminars, workshops and panels are designed to appeal to both industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Tales of the Cocktail will return for its 19th year in a hybrid digital and in-person format from September 20-23.

Enjoy all-you-can-eat tacos at this festival on September 23. Each year, some of the region’s best restaurants, taquerias and bars head to Top Taco to battle it out for the title of Top Taco Champion while fest goers indulge in unlimited tacos and tequila tastings. Live music and special guests round out the fest, held this year at Metairie’s Lafreniere Park. Proceeds from this year's festival will benefit the PLEASE Foundation, a non-profit that provides mentoring, leadership training and scholarships to at-risk students in New Orleans.

Cheer on the New Orleans Saints as they kick off the regular season on September 12. Watch as they take on the Green Bay Packers, and later in the month cheer from a watch party spot in town during the away games. Check out our guide to sports bars here that are perfect for catching the game.

Returning this September, Blue Bikes are a convenient and low-cost way to get around town. Numerous bikes are available in various neighborhoods for your use. Simply download the app to find the bike rack closest to you, set-up your Blue Bike account and payment, and start riding! Bikes can be dropped off at any rack nearest your final destination when finished. Check out our bike itinerary here for more inspiration. 

Enjoy a variety of beignets on September 25, the date of the would-be Beignet Festival which is now being celebrated at different locations around town. Visit the Vintage on Magazine Street for matcha beignets, cinnamon beignet bites and crawfish beignets, Loretta's Authentic Pralines for praline beignets and a beignet burger, plus a whole list of other sweet and savory options at vendors around town. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to make the rounds to try different beignet dishes and to make a donation to the Tres Doux Foundation.

Autumn officially kicks off on September 22, bringing a cool breeze and plenty of fall activities with it. Enjoy dining outdoors and visiting one of our many parks to make the most of the gorgeous weather.