The fall months may not be what most people think of as the prime time to visit New Orleans, but with autumn comes a welcomed reprieve from the usual New Orleans heat. The result is pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring and adventuring in the city.
Looking for things to see and do in New Orleans this fall? Look no further! We have the top events and activities happening this fall for you and your family to enjoy while you are visiting New Orleans.
September Events In New Orleans
New Orleans Saints Football Game | Sept. 12th
The New Orleans Saints will kick off their regular football season against the Green Bay Packers in the Caesars Superdome on September 12th. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. but celebrations and pre-game parties will be taking place all day long. To purchase your ticket or to find more information about tailgating at the Superdome, visit the website.
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and an evening in September is the perfect time to tuck in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in September include Cody Jinks with Special Guest Whiskey Myers, Primus – A Tribute to Kings, Counting Crows: The Butter Miracle Tour 2021, Earth, Wind & Fire and more. Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
Oktoberfest | Sept. 24th & 25th
Kick-off Oktoberfest in New Orleans with a weekend full of German food, music and – of course – German beer. Enjoy a stein of Beck’s lager while chowing down on beef goulash with Spätzle noodles and jamming out to oompah music. This year’s event will take place at Deutsches Haus on Moss St. Event hours are 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. (See additional October dates below.)
Beignet Fest 2021 | Sept. 25th
Taste every kind of beignet imaginable at this year’s Beignet Fest held in the New Orleans City Park. The festival will feature more than 30 beignet flavors including cochon, crawfish, oreo, cheese and so many more. In addition to the savory and sweet beignets, there will be live music throughout the day. The festival is from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission is $20.
French Quarter Festival | Sept. 30th – Oct. 2nd
Since 1984, the French Quarter Festival has filled the streets of the historic French Quarter with locals and visitors celebrating the history, culture, food and music of this beloved neighborhood. From the Riverfront to Jackson Square, the streets are filled with delicious bites, live music, dancing, local art and more. This event is typically held in April but has been moved to the fall of 2021. Admission is FREE.
Things To Do In New Orleans In October
Oktoberfest | Oct. 1st – 30th (weekends only)
Every Friday & Saturday in October will be full of German food, music and – of course – German beer at this year’s Oktoberfest in New Orleans. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a lineup of impressive brews, including well-known Beck’s and Spaten, as well as less common varieties like Köstritzer’s Köstritzer gibt Momenten Seele – a centuries-old black beer, known for its unique taste and slightly sparkling character.
This year’s event will take place at Deutsches Haus on Moss St. Event hours are 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and 1:00 – 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The 2021 Oktoberfest stein is now available for pre-sale. This is the 5th edition of the Deutsches Haus’ .5 Liter German Salt Glaze Stein. Visit the website to reserve your commemorative stein for 2021 as quantities are limited.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | Oct. 8th – 17th
Originally known as “The Louisiana Heritage Festival” and commonly referred to as “Jazz Fest”, this annual festival is one of the largest music events in the southeast. Dive headfirst into the history and culture of New Orleans with two full weekends of live music, art, food and Cajun culture. Events will be held at the Fair Grounds Race Course Friday through Sunday each weekend. Headliners for the 2021 event include The Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, Demi Lovato and many more. Tickets are on sale now.
Bike & Walking Tours | Tours Offered Daily
With comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists milling about, there’s no better time to hop on two wheels or lace up your walking shoes for an educational jaunt through the city. Marvel at ancient architecture, discover culturally significant landmarks and learn about the history of New Orleans. Here are a few of the top tours in the city:
- Witches Brew Tours: Learn about the spooky history of New Orleans as guides lead you through the city discussing tales of voodoo, vampires, ghosts and witches.
- Southern Style Tours: “Experience New Orleans like a local.” Tours explore local breweries & plantations, the historic French Quarter and more.
- Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours: Explore the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, and discover the history of New Orleans that is accessible only by boat.
- Buzz Nola Bike Tours: Immerse yourself in the history of the old Creole French Quarter and the American Antebellum Garden District in one amazing tour!
- Flambeaux Bicycle Tours: Explore the center-city, uptown and all-around historical New Orleans on a small group bicycle tour.
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and on an evening in October, it’s the perfect time to tuck in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in October include Escape to Margaritaville, Trombone Shorty & New Orleans Avenue, Jim Jefferies: The Moist Tour, Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats and more. Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival | TBA
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be serving up a plateful of Blues & Jazz tunes with a heaping side of BBQ at this year’s Cresent City Blues & BBQ Festival. New Orleans hosts this perfectly paired festival each year, showcasing two stages of live entertainment, and of course, lots of barbecued creations to eat. This free event is held in New Orleans’ Lafayette Square. Check the Jazz & Heritage Foundation Facebook page for date announcements, live performance schedules and craft & food vendor lists.
Cooking Classes | Classes Offered Daily
While you’re here, you must indulge in authentic Creole and Cajun-style cuisine, or better yet, immerse yourself in a local cooking class and learn to create these dishes at home! The Mardis Gras School of Cooking offers classes with Chef Richard Bond teaching you how to create New Orleans classics like shrimp creole, gumbo, banana’s foster, corn & crab bisque, king cakes and more. All classes offer a hands-on experience. They even offer cooking classes for the kids!
The New Orleans School of Cooking offers both hands-on and demonstration classes where aspiring chefs will learn to create Cajun cuisine staples like chicken & andouille gumbo, seafood jambalaya, bread pudding, shrimp & grits, chocolate pecan pie and more. There are also virtual cooking class options available via Zoom. Grab your apron and get cooking!
National Fried Chicken Fest | Oct. 23rd & 24th
Live music and fried chicken on the New Orleans Lakefront – what could be better? Beyond local music and delicious fried bites, the National Fried Chicken Fest will host a Best Fried Chicken Contest judged by local and national food critics. Every style of fried chicken will be represented including double battered, deep-fried, spicy, mild, extra crispy, extra spicy and more! This outdoor festival is FREE to attend. Find more information online.
November Events In New Orleans
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and on an evening in November, it’s the perfect time to pop in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in November include John Mulaney – From Scratch, TOOTSIE, RENT: The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour and more. Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
New Orleans Film Festival | Nov. 5th – 21st
With a history spanning nearly 30 years, the New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest and most reputable film festivals in the Southeast bringing together more than 160 films and hosting nearly 500 emerging and established filmmakers. In recent years, the festival has welcomed more than 25,000 guests, including Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar nominees Patricia Clarkson, Alfre Woodard and Steve McQueen, and Golden Globe nominees Faith Ford and Sarah Paulson.
For the 32nd annual event, attendees will have the option of viewing this year’s films in person or virtually. The in-person event will be held Nov. 5th -14th at several viewing venues around the city. The Virtual Cinema will be accessible globally from Nov. 5th to 21st. Festival t-shirts and passes are on sale now with early bird pricing available until Sept. 22nd. Visit the website to purchase your all-access pass today.
Nola Cheese Fest! | Nov. 6th
Grilled cheese, sliced cheese, melted cheese, crumbled cheese — Find all these and more at the Fête des Fromages (the NOLA Cheese Fest). Sample more than 100 different cheeses and meet two dozen cheesemakers from around the world. The event takes place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Ticket pricing has not yet been announced.
Bayou Classic | Nov. 27th
The Bayou Classic is an annual event featuring a football showdown between the teams from Grambling State and Southern University. The rivalry between these universities dates back to the 1930s. Fans, alumni, locals and more will flock to the Superdome for a weekend full of fun. Beyond the big game, the weekend includes a parade, fan festival and Battle of the Bands. Tickets are on sale now.
Planning a trip to New Orleans this fall?
InTown Suites offers cost-effective accommodation options in the New Orleans Metro. Check out our affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates in Harvey and Metairie. Both properties boast apartment-style amenities for half the price. Each suite offers an in-room kitchen, smart HDTV, high-speed Wi-Fi and more. What are you waiting for? Book your stay today.
Weekly Rate Hotels in New Orleans
The fall months may not be what most people think of as the prime time to visit New Orleans, but with autumn comes a welcomed reprieve from the usual New Orleans heat. The result is pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring and adventuring in the city.
Looking for things to see and do in New Orleans this fall? Look no further! We have the top events and activities happening this fall for you and your family to enjoy while you are visiting New Orleans.
September Events In New Orleans
New Orleans Saints Football Game | Sept. 12th
The New Orleans Saints will kick off their regular football season against the Green Bay Packers in the Caesars Superdome on September 12th. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. but celebrations and pre-game parties will be taking place all day long.
To purchase your ticket or to find more information about tailgating at the Superdome, visit the website.
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and an evening in September is the perfect time to tuck in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in September include Cody Jinks with Special Guest Whiskey Myers, Primus - A Tribute to Kings, Counting Crows: The Butter Miracle Tour 2021, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.
Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
Oktoberfest | Sept. 24th & 25th
Kick-off
Oktoberfest in New Orleans with a weekend full of German food, music and - of course - German beer. Enjoy a stein of Beck’s lager while chowing down on beef goulash with Spätzle noodles and jamming out to oompah music. This year’s event will take place at Deutsches Haus on Moss St. Event hours are 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. (See additional October dates below.)
Beignet Fest 2021 | Sept. 25th
Taste every kind of beignet imaginable at this year’s Beignet Fest held in the New Orleans City Park. The festival will feature more than 30 beignet flavors including cochon, crawfish, oreo, cheese and so many more. In addition to the savory and sweet beignets, there will be live music throughout the day. The festival is from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission is $20.
French Quarter Festival | Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd
Since 1984, the French Quarter Festival has filled the streets of the historic French Quarter with locals and visitors celebrating the history, culture, food and music of this beloved neighborhood. From the Riverfront to Jackson Square, the streets are filled with delicious bites, live music, dancing, local art and more. This event is typically held in April but has been moved to the fall of 2021. Admission is FREE.
Things To Do In New Orleans In October
Oktoberfest | Oct. 1st - 30th (weekends only)
Every Friday & Saturday in October will be full of German food, music and – of course – German beer at this year’s
Oktoberfest in New Orleans. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a lineup of impressive brews, including well-known Beck’s and Spaten, as well as less common varieties like Köstritzer’s Köstritzer gibt Momenten Seele – a centuries-old black beer, known for its unique taste and slightly sparkling character.
This year’s event will take place at Deutsches Haus on Moss St. Event hours are 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and 1:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The 2021 Oktoberfest stein is now available for pre-sale. This is the 5th edition of the Deutsches Haus’ .5 Liter German Salt Glaze Stein.
Visit the website to reserve your commemorative stein for 2021 as quantities are limited.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | Oct. 8th - 17th
Originally known as “The Louisiana Heritage Festival” and commonly referred to as “Jazz Fest”, this annual festival is one of the largest music events in the southeast. Dive headfirst into the history and culture of New Orleans with two full weekends of live music, art, food and Cajun culture. Events will be held at the Fair Grounds Race Course Friday through Sunday each weekend. Headliners for the 2021 event include The Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, Demi Lovato and many more.
Tickets are on sale now.
Bike & Walking Tours | Tours Offered Daily
With comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists milling about, there’s no better time to hop on two wheels or lace up your walking shoes for an educational jaunt through the city. Marvel at ancient architecture, discover culturally significant landmarks and learn about the history of New Orleans. Here are a few of the top tours in the city:
- Witches Brew Tours: Learn about the spooky history of New Orleans as guides lead you through the city discussing tales of voodoo, vampires, ghosts and witches.
- Southern Style Tours: “Experience New Orleans like a local.” Tours explore local breweries & plantations, the historic French Quarter and more.
- Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours: Explore the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, and discover the history of New Orleans that is accessible only by boat.
- Buzz Nola Bike Tours: Immerse yourself in the history of the old Creole French Quarter and the American Antebellum Garden District in one amazing tour!
- Flambeaux Bicycle Tours: Explore the center-city, uptown and all-around historical New Orleans on a small group bicycle tour.
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and on an evening in October, it’s the perfect time to tuck in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in October include Escape to Margaritaville, Trombone Shorty & New Orleans Avenue, Jim Jefferies: The Moist Tour, Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats and more.
Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival | TBA
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be serving up a plateful of Blues & Jazz tunes with a heaping side of BBQ at this year’s Cresent City Blues & BBQ Festival. New Orleans hosts this perfectly paired festival each year, showcasing two stages of live entertainment, and of course, lots of barbecued creations to eat. This free event is held in New Orleans’ Lafayette Square.
Check the Jazz & Heritage Foundation Facebook page for date announcements, live performance schedules and craft & food vendor lists.
Cooking Classes | Classes Offered Daily
While you’re here, you must indulge in authentic Creole and Cajun-style cuisine, or better yet, immerse yourself in a local cooking class and learn to create these dishes at home!
The Mardis Gras School of Cooking offers classes with Chef Richard Bond teaching you how to create New Orleans classics like shrimp creole, gumbo, banana’s foster, corn & crab bisque, king cakes and more. All classes offer a hands-on experience. They even offer cooking classes for the kids!
The New Orleans School of Cooking offers both hands-on and demonstration classes where aspiring chefs will learn to create Cajun cuisine staples like chicken & andouille gumbo, seafood jambalaya, bread pudding, shrimp & grits, chocolate pecan pie and more. There are also virtual cooking class options available via Zoom. Grab your apron and get cooking!
National Fried Chicken Fest | Oct. 23rd & 24th
Live music and fried chicken on the New Orleans Lakefront - what could be better? Beyond local music and delicious fried bites, the National Fried Chicken Fest will host a Best Fried Chicken Contest judged by local and national food critics. Every style of fried chicken will be represented including double battered, deep-fried, spicy, mild, extra crispy, extra spicy and more! This outdoor festival is FREE to attend.
Find more information online.
November Events In New Orleans
Saenger Theatre | Dates Vary By Performance
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Saenger Theatre is a stunning place to visit – and on an evening in November, it’s the perfect time to pop in and enjoy a show. Take your pick from childhood and seasonal favorites, live musical performances, comedians and more. Scheduled shows in November include John Mulaney - From Scratch, TOOTSIE, RENT: The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour and more.
Visit the website to purchase your tickets today!
New Orleans Film Festival | Nov. 5th - 21st
With a history spanning nearly 30 years, the New Orleans Film Festival is one of the largest and most reputable film festivals in the Southeast bringing together more than 160 films and hosting nearly 500 emerging and established filmmakers. In recent years, the festival has welcomed more than 25,000 guests, including Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar nominees Patricia Clarkson, Alfre Woodard and Steve McQueen, and Golden Globe nominees Faith Ford and Sarah Paulson.
For the 32nd annual event, attendees will have the option of viewing this year’s films in person or virtually. The in-person event will be held Nov. 5th -14th at several viewing venues around the city. The Virtual Cinema will be accessible globally from Nov. 5th to 21st. Festival t-shirts and passes are on sale now with early bird pricing available until Sept. 22nd.
Visit the website to purchase your all-access pass today.
Nola Cheese Fest! | Nov. 6th
Grilled cheese, sliced cheese, melted cheese, crumbled cheese -- Find all these and more at the Fête des Fromages (the NOLA Cheese Fest). Sample more than 100 different cheeses and meet two dozen cheesemakers from around the world. The event takes place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Ticket pricing has not yet been announced.
Bayou Classic | Nov. 27th
The Bayou Classic is an annual event featuring a football showdown between the teams from Grambling State and Southern University. The rivalry between these universities dates back to the 1930s. Fans, alumni, locals and more will flock to the Superdome for a weekend full of fun. Beyond the big game, the weekend includes a parade, fan festival and Battle of the Bands.
Tickets are on sale now.
Planning a trip to New Orleans this fall?
InTown Suites offers cost-effective accommodation options in the New Orleans Metro. Check out our affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates in
Harvey and
Metairie. Both properties boast apartment-style amenities for half the price. Each suite offers an in-room kitchen, smart HDTV, high-speed Wi-Fi and more. What are you waiting for? Book your stay today.
