10 Things to Do in New Orleans in Fall
Tourists and locals alike consider fall in New Orleans one of the best times for a first trip to the city. Want to know why? Here's everything you need to know.
Autumn in New Orleans | Adria
New Orleans is one of the most fun places to visit; there is always something to do in the city, somewhere to go or an event just around the corner.
Fall, which takes place between the end of September and the months of October and November, is without a doubt a fantastic season to enjoy the goodness of this city accompanied by lots of fun and ideal weather.
In this post I tell you everything you can't miss if you spend an autumn in this idyllic southern paradise; from music and food festivals, outdoor concerts, delicious gastronomic proposals and ghostly tours, you will find activities for all tastes and styles!
1. Celebrate Oktoberfest in NOLA
The classic German beer festival, the event known as Oktoberfest takes place in New Orleans throughout the month of October. If you are going to the city this month and want to enjoy the beginning of autumn in style, don't miss the festival. The event takes place during several weekends in October; Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 pm.
In addition to the traditional beer tasting, the event includes an area dedicated to the sale of handicrafts, souvenir t-shirts and other gifts; and also numerous children's activities. To know in detail the activities you can visit the Oktoberfest Nola website days before your trip.
Where the Oktoberfest takes place
It is held every year at the Deutsches Haus (German House) of New Orleans, a social club located on Moss Street in Downtown NOLA. The easiest way to get to this part of the city is to take the public bus, line 90 or line 91.
If you go by car, although it is not recommended for the sake of tasting the festival beer, you can park in the parking lot of the venue for about 20 euros.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at the event's box office; they cost approximately 10 euros per participant with card and cash payments. Minors are admitted when accompanied by an adult.
2. Spend an afternoon enjoying the NOLA Caribbean Experience
One of the main and most fun festivals in New Orleans takes place during the month of October in the city. It's a way to welcome autumn through great entertainment, colorful parades, live music and delicious food in a festive atmosphere like no other.
The tradition includes a carnival parade accompanied by the music and vivid colors of the Caribbean carnival; it's as close to Brazil's Rio Carnival as you'll find in all of North America. The event is joined by the marching bands and caravans of Mardi Gras, another popular event that takes place at the beginning of spring in New Orleans.
If you are traveling with children, be aware that there are numerous activities focused on children, so do not hesitate to ask about them when you arrive. The event lasts approximately 10 days or more, so it's easy to schedule a day of fun at the Caribbean Experience, even on a short trip.
Where it takes place
The event takes place at the Central City BBQ located in the Garden District of New Orleans. The best way to get to this part of the city is to take the city bus, specifically the 15 or 91 bus. You will be able to get off at the "O C Haley + M L King" stop 4 minutes from the entrance.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are paid directly at the box office of the event, they cost about 15€ the adult ticket and about 10€ the children's ticket.
3. Have a day of family fun at the Gentilly Fest in New Orleans
During a 3-day weekend in mid-October, the New Orleans Gentilly Fest takes place in the city; an event that includes several interesting activities, including: catering services from numerous local restaurants, live music and gospel performances.
However, the festival stands out for offering a Kids Village throughout the weekend that includes activities designed for children. If you're going to New Orleans with kids for a vacation, don't hesitate to attend. You will find everything from horseback riding, craft workshops, storytelling, activities with the fire department and much more!
Where it takes place
It usually takes place over 3 days at Pontchartrain Park located in the Gentilly neighborhood in the city of New Orleans, a beautiful area with amazing views of Lake Pontchartrain. You can get to this area of the city by taking the 51 bus, 52 bus and 55 bus. The University Of New Orleans station is just a few minutes walk away.
How to purchase tickets
No tickets are required, the event is free to the public.
4. Go for a sweet treat at NOLA's Beignet Fest.
For a day of fun usually on the last Saturday in September, Beignet Fest takes place in the city; an event dedicated to the popular dessert native to New Orleans and a must-try on your trip.
The festival revolves around this delicious and creative dish, characterized by the participation of different beignet dishes made by the best beignet restaurants in NOLA, catering companies and food stands in New Orleans.
It is a family-friendly event where you can enjoy live music performances, a Kids Village with children's activities, a craft market and several beer booths.
Where it takes place
In New Orleans City Park, the most important park; you can reach this area of the city using the NOLA public bus service in numerous lines and by private transportation.
How to purchase tickets
You can purchase tickets in advance directly from the Beignet Fest website days before the event.
5. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind show at the Burlesque Festival.
The New Orleans Burlesque Festival is an annual event that takes place in mid to late September in the city. The festival brings together some of the best Burlesque shows in the city and they are presented continuously in a 3-day event.
The festival was born in 2009 and since then it has been held every year with a spectacular reception by both locals and tourists visiting the city and looking for activities to do in New Orleans at night.
Where it is held
Since its founding the event has been held in different locations with the most popular being the New Orleans Civic Theater, Harrah's Casino and the New Orleans branch of House of Blues. Check the website weeks before your trip to see where the event will be held during those dates.
How to purchase tickets
The best way to purchase tickets is through the official website of the organizers New Orleans Burlesque, tickets range in price from $33 per participant.
6. In November attend the Bayou Bacchanal
During the first days of November, the Bayou Bacchanal takes place in New Orleans, a great celebration that seeks to strengthen the ties that unite the Caribbean and the New Orleans region since the time of the conquest.
The celebration has more than 20 years of practically uninterrupted tradition, thanks to the efforts of non-profit organizations such as Friends of Culture. Attending this celebration is one of the best things to do in New Orleans in November and enjoy the last weeks of good weather.
The festival lasts two days and you can enjoy numerous activities, the most outstanding of which are: the presence of Caribbean food, music, drinks, dancers and parades with flashy costumes.
Where it is held
The Bayou Bacchanal usually takes place in New Orleans' Crescent Park, a public park located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. The best way to get there is to take the New Orleans Light Rail Line 49.
How to buy tickets
If you want to participate in this event it is best to keep an eye on the Friends of Culture website. The ticket usually costs about 15€ or 20€ approximately, but if you buy the ticket in advance you can get it at a discounted price. The French Market Station is only 6 minutes walk away.
7. Enjoy the music at the Voodoo Music Fest.
Voodoo Fest is a festival that takes place in NOLA in mid to late October. The celebration brings together talented local and national artists for an overflow of talent that spans 3 days.
It is an event that attracts a large number of visitors to the city. Between 2015 and 2018, it recorded an off-the-charts turnout with numbers exceeding 150,000 and 180,000 participants. In terms of talent, influential figures such as Travis Scott, Janelle Monáe and Arctic Monkeys have participated in Voodoo Fest over the years.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in New Orleans' City Park, the venue of choice for numerous activities of this nature. Due to its central location you can get there using the NOLA public bus.
How to purchase tickets
The best way to purchase tickets for the event is through the official Voodoo Festival website; historically, 3-day passes for the event are usually priced from $99 to over $200.
8. Don't miss the Krewe of BOO! The official Halloween parade.
During Halloween in New Orleans I recommend attending the Krewe of BOO! a Halloween themed parade featuring spectacular and spooky floats. Celebrating Halloween is something you'll definitely want to do if you go to New Orleans in the Fall; you'll find numerous fun parties and activities with totally diverse focuses for all tastes.
The Krewe of BOO started its activities in 2007 and due to the great reception of the public they were motivated to repeat the feat year after year as a way to give closure to the Halloween parties that take place all over the city.
After this first participation, the then mayor of the city urged the organizers to move the parade to Old Town New Orleans to encourage the participation of tourists.
Where it takes place
The parade starts in the oldest and most central area of the city: the French Quarter of New Orleans and goes through several streets of the city.
How to buy tickets
The parade is free and open to the public. You don't need tickets to watch the float parade, just secure a good spot on the route.
9. Visit the best haunted houses in New Orleans
The best part of visiting New Orleans in October is, besides the fantastic weather, the Halloween festivities that take place all over the city. Unlike other states and cities around the world Halloween in NOLA is not a one-day or one-weekend party but rather a month-long one.
At this particular time of the year, many people join the festive atmosphere and decorate their houses as graveyards or haunted places some are already very famous and the decorations are really amazing. Here are my particular favorites:
The Skeleton House
Possibly the most famous and popular is The Skeleton House located on the corner of Charles Street and State Street. Every Halloween the owners, the Berger family, go to great lengths to decorate the house and garden with the most ingenious skeletons.
If you want the full experience, go to the Skeleton House at dusk to see the decorations in the sunlight but also with the night lights.
Ghost Manor
To see the Ghost Manor, head to Magazine Street in the Garden District of New Orleans. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, this family home becomes a fantasy for horror lovers due to its carefully crafted and amazing decorations.
Combine this adventure with a ghost tour of New Orleans and you'll get the full experience.
10. Enjoy Jazz in the Park with free concerts and food.
The fall concert series kicks off in late September and runs through the first weeks of winter in New Orleans. The season is highly anticipated by local artists and musicians but also by the rest of the citizens who love music and are always looking to discover new talent.
Concerts in the park during the fall are one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans; I recommend it if you are in town for a few days and are looking for free activities that allow you to experience local music, culture, art and food. Complement this activity with a guided tour of New Orleans.
Where to go
It changes depending on the location; however the most common locations are Armstrong Park and Lafayette Square.
Temperatures in New Orleans in the fall and what to bring in your suitcase.
Before visiting any city you should make sure of the prevailing weather conditions and pack your bags in anticipation of the weather and temperature of the place. About New Orleans take into account the following elements.
Temperature: The autumn season in New Orleans is characterized by the presence of a transitional weather. The month of September coincides with the end of summer so temperatures can be hot during the first weeks, then it starts to drop to a warm and comfortable climate until the end of November when it gets a little cold.
What to Pack: When packing, take into consideration that the weather during the fall season in New Orleans varies between day and night; you will want to pack light, warm weather clothing during the day and switch to traditional fall clothing at night.
New Orleans' Fall tourist influx.
Traditionally the fall season in New Orleans has a bad reputation for coinciding with hurricane season in the Caribbean. However, October and November are fabulous months to walk the streets with good weather and enjoy the city atmosphere without suffering the excessive heat.
By the end of September, the number of tourists decreases significantly, making the city of New Orleans ideal for a first visit. With students back in school and the weather a little cooler the streets, parks and squares are free for all kinds of activities.