Last Updated: Monday, July 1, 2024 1:13 PM by Lauren Saizan
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 fourth annual NOLAxNOLA, and more. So whether you’re planning a friend trip, enjoying that empty-nester freedom post-college drop-off, or just looking to experience everything the city has to offer, see our picks for September below.
Celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community, Southern Decadence is an annual Labor Day weekend tradition. From August 29 - September 2, enjoy parties, brunches, and events in the French Quarter. The 52nd Southern Decadence Walking Parade will be September 1 through the Quarter. Check out the lineup here and get ready to dance the night away during Southern Decadence.
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.
Take advantage of dining deals in New Orleans with COOLinary. Indulge in two-course lunch, or three-course dinner and brunch deals from August 1 to September 15. Over 65 restaurants (and counting) are participating. See here for more info, including participating restaurants and menus. Don’t miss your chance to try some of the best food in New Orleans for a steal.
The Saints take on the Carolina Panthers in the first home game of the regular season on Sunday, September 8. The Saints also play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 22. Both games are at noon. Throughout the season, cheer on the Black & Gold from the Caesars Superdome or from one of our many sports bars.
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.
On view at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art from May 29 - September 29, the 11th Annual HBCU Art Showcase Presented by The New Orleans Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, spotlights student artists at Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana. Featuring paintings, metal casting, ceramics, and mixed media, this exhibit provides a platform for young students of color to share their voice and offer commentary on the impactful times in which we all live.
From September 27-28, attend NOLA Coffee Fest, open to both coffee enthusiasts and industry experts. Enjoy seminars and demonstrations all relating to the coffee industry. General admission tickets are $20 for a single day or $30 for the weekend; VIP options are available.
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 26 - October 6 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA). You won’t want to miss this event—find more details here.
International Arts Festival NOLA 2024 is a global celebration of art, music, and spoken word at Armstrong Park on September 28-29. This multi-day event platform is designed to spotlight the incredible New Orleans musicians among a carefully curated list of global stars. Check back later for single day tickets.
There’s nothing quite like a cold sno-ball on a hot day. Enjoy this classic New Orleans treat of shaved ice with sweet syrup at Imperial Woodpecker, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, and these sno-ball shops around town. Having trouble deciding what flavor to get? Check out our “What Sno-Ball Are You?” quiz here.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.
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