NOLAxNOLA: Live Music by Neighborhood
Where to See Live Music This October in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city known for live music, and this fall, we’re giving you the chance to experience the best shows in town with NOLAxNOLA. From September 25 to October 5, show some support to our local artists and live music venues by catching a show or two (or three!) while exploring the city by neighborhood. See below for our recommendations for each part of town, including where to dine before and after the show. Head to the NOLAxNOLA event page here.
Jump To: French Quarter | Bywater & Marigny | Downtown | Uptown | Tremé & Mid-City
French Quarter
Head to legendary Preservation Hall to hear jazz at its finest, with shows from the Preservation All-Stars featuring a variety of special guests. Nearby Toulouse Theater is also hosting several shows including performances from Cha Wa on Sept. 26 and the Frogs Gone Fishin' 20th Anniversary w/ Special Guests on Oct. 4.
At 2 p.m. on Sept. 26, catch a special show, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration ft. Muevelo at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Throughout NOLAxNOLA, enjoy a show from Eric Johnson at the House of Blues and many more shows in the French Quarter.
Where to eat: Indulge at Tujague’s before your shows in the Quarter, or Café du Monde if you have a sweet tooth. Step outside after a show and choose from dozens of bars and restaurants to visit next.
Bywater/ Marigny
Head to Frenchmen Street for a bevy of NOLAxNOLA venues and shows, including Blue Nile, Marigny Brasserie, and Snug Harbor.
Elsewhere in the Bywater, visit B.J.’s Lounge, the Domino, and Bywater Bakery, which has a bunch of free morning shows.
Where to eat: Frenchmen Street is surrounded by dining options, from Dat Dog to SukhoThai, and nearby Italian restaurant Paladar 511.
Downtown
Bounce music meets classical at Big Freedia with The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on Sept. 26 at the Orpheum Theater. You can also catch shows at the Joy Theater, Double Dealer, The Den, and Howlin’ Wolf.
Where to eat: When downtown, enjoy oysters at Seaworthy and tapas at plates. Gianna, Sofia, Pêche, and Meril are all popular restaurants in the Arts District.
Uptown
Get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown with a trip to Tipitina’s, located in Uptown New Orleans on Tchoupitoulas Street. A local’s favorite, Tip’s has a solid lineup of shows including The Roast of Jelly Joseph Official NOLAxNOLA Kickoff & Awards Show on Sept. 25.
Meanwhile in Central City, catch innovative performances at the Dew Drop Inn, like the Drop Inn Jam Session on Oct. 1 and Legends of the Dew Drop: Road to Rock & Roll on Oct. 4. Head to Maple Leaf Bar for Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes on Sept. 26. and George Porter Jr. Trio on Sept. 29.
Something fun at Atchafalaya, known for their Cajun fare, is their brunch-time NOLAxNOLA shows, which includes Honey Island Swamp Band Trio, Anna Moss, and others!
And mark your calendars for the NOLAxNOCOVER event, Bluegrass Night: Dead Magnolia String Band + The Spring Chickens at Carrollton Station on Oct.2. Admission is free!
Where to eat: Near Tip’s, indulge in street tacos and margaritas at Barracuda, or eclectic sharable dishes at Mister Mao. By Maple Leaf, treat yourself to dinner at Brigtsen’s or Barcelona Tapas.
Tremé/ Mid-City
The Tremé/Mid-City area is full of great local live music venues. Chickie Wah Wah has shows featuring local musicians Louis Michot & Swamp Magic on Oct. 4. Catch a variety of shows at the Broadside, but mark your calendars for BlackAmericana Fest on Sept. 26 and 27 with performances from Leyla McCalla, Dusky Waters, and more!
You’ll want to check out Kermit’s Tremé Mother-In-Law Lounge throughout NOLAxNOLA for performances from the namesake trumpeter.
Where to eat: Before heading to Chickie Wah Wah, visit Dooky Chase or Neyow’s Creole Café for New Orleans soul food. Check out Nikkei Izakaya at the Broadside for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.