September in New Orleans

Planning your September visit to New Orleans

Extend your summer for a few more days with a September visit to New Orleans. September brings the resurgence of Who Dat Sundays with tailgates galore, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, cultural events and more. 

End summer and leap into fall the way New Orleanians do. Everything you need to plan a fun-filled September in NOLA can be found below. 

What to do in September in New Orleans?

Lose the back-to-school stress and the post-summer blues, because there's always something to do or enjoy in New Orleans come September. 

Southern Decadence

The multi-day event celebrating New Orleans’ LGBTQ+ community opens September with parties, parades, brunches and more.  Check their schedule for special events during Labor Day Weekend.

Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff with Garth Brooks

Come see Garth Brooks’ only show outside of Las Vegas at the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff! On September 2, 2023, the Louisiana Office of Tourism is set to present the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff, a music and entertainment event designed to welcome another exciting season of college football. Renowned artists Lainey Wilson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have been invited as special guests, leading up to the highly anticipated performance by headliner Garth Brooks at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. To commence the festivities, Tailgate Town at Champions Square, organized by New Orleans & Company, will offer an immersive football-themed experience, showcasing emerging artists and musicians while highlighting college football players and amateur athletes.

Saints Football

Cheer on the New Orleans Saints as they kick off the regular season in the Superdome on September 10, 2023. Watch as they take on the Tennessee Titans, 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in New Orleans from September 15-October 15. Enjoy dining at a Hispanic-owned restaurant or shopping at a Hispanic-owned business. Keep an eye on our event calendar for specific celebrations once the month begins. 

NOLAxNOLA

NOLAxNOLA is a celebration of New Orleans music, venues, and artists. The event is committed to supporting New Orleans music venues, musicians, the local music industry, and culture bearers of all disciplines. Enjoy a variety of live shows over two incredible weekends each fall, at performance spaces, music halls, and clubs all over town. This year, it kicks off on September 28 and goes through October 8.

Beignet Fest

September is the perfect time for beignet lovers to visit New Orleans, because on Saturday, September 23, Children’s Hospital New Orleans is hosting Beignet Fest! Enjoy them topped, stuffed, sweet, savory... you name it. Food vendor favorites include the crabmeat beignet, bacon cheddar beignets topped with chipotle crema, praline-stuffed beignet, blackberry and goat cheese beignets, and more.

What is the weather in September in New Orleans?

Don’t put away your shorts and t-shirts just yet - September in New Orleans calls for sunshine and warm weather a little longer than most. With an average high of 87℉ and a low of 70℉, you’ll be able to easily enjoy the outdoor fests and outings. Make sure to keep an umbrella and rain jacket nearby in case of quick showers. 

What foods should I try in September in New Orleans?

In honor of September’s festival scene, it’s only right to explore some of the city’s best beignet spots. Get ahead of the Oktoberfest season with a visit to one of the city’s many breweries and microbreweries. 

Additional September Resources

Looking for more vacation inspiration? Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NOLA with Rocio Mora’s itinerary for Hispanic travelers.