Weekend Picks is your source for the best weekend activities in New Orleans. From live music to festivals, there’s plenty to do. 

This weekend in New Orleans, enjoy the return of National Fried Chicken Fest, plus Art for Art’s Sake, International Arts Festival: NOLA, and more. See our picks for the weekend below. 

Enjoy live music with NOLAxNOLA 

The music never stops in New Orleans. 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 at indoor and outdoor venues all over town from September 23-October 9 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA). You won’t want to miss this event—find more details here. And if you plan on visiting one or more venues, be sure to sign up for the NOLAxNOLA Check-In Challenge to unlock special prizes. 

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.  

Catch a free movie in the park 

Enjoy a screening of Black Panther this Friday at the Annunciation Park (800 Race St.). Movies are free and open to the public, and moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Movies begin at sunset, between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., and will be moved indoors if there is rain.  

Check out Friday Night Fights 

Hosted by Friday Night Fights Gym/HQ. and Freret Street Boxing Gym, this boxing match-turned-block party is a highly entertaining blend of athleticism and showmanship. Fighting enthusiasts and amateur spectators alike will enjoy this BYOB show featuring dancers, DJs, drag and burlesque performances, crowd contests, and much more. Tickets start at $20 if purchased online in advance and can be found here.  

Come hungry for National Fried Chicken Fest  

National Fried Chicken Festival is back this October 1-2 at a new location: the 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 $15 daily or $20 for the weekend. Buy tickets here.  

Experience International Arts Festival: NOLA 

A three-day event, International Arts Festival: NOLA is a celebration of global music, culture, and people. The festivities kick off Friday, Sept. 30 at the Orpheum Theater with the IAF: Celebration of Jazz Concert honoring newly appointed Jazz Master Big Chief Donald Harris Jr. Then on Saturday and Sunday, festgoers should head to Mandeville Wharf at Crescent Park for performances from brass bands, reggae artists, and Soca stars. Find more information and buy tickets here.  

Gallery hop at Art for Art’s Sake 

Art for Art’s Sake returns this Saturday, Oct. 1 from 6-9 p.m. along Magazine Street. Enjoy browsing the over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries participating along the six-mile stretch. Enjoy complimentary wine samples provided by Breaux Mart, special deals, and extended hours at a variety of participating Magazine Street businesses as well as live music throughout the evening. Find more information here.  

Enjoy a taste of Al Copeland’s cooking at this book signing 

On October 1 from 1-3 p.m., Al Copeland Jr. and Kit Wohl will be onsite signing books for the afternoon while the Copeland’s culinary team serves samples of two book recipes - Blackened Bayou Chicken and Pecan Crust No Bake Cheesecake - out of their food truck parked out front. This event at Garden District Book Shop is in celebration of the newly released cookbook, Secrets of a Tastemaker: The Al Copeland Cookbook. The book chronicles the impressive life of Al Copeland, the legendary founder of the Popeyes empire, in biographical stories sprinkled throughout the flavorful recipes and complemented by a heartfelt foreword from his son, Al Copeland Jr. alongside words from local legends Kit Wohl and Chris Rose. 

Dust off your lederhosen for Oktoberfest 

Oktoberfest at Faubourg Brewery continues this weekend. From October 1-2, the brewery will have new Oktoberfest beers, delicious food, games for the kids, and traditional German fare. Take a rideshare to/or from the brewery, show the bartender your receipt and receive $10 off your tab.