PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

It’s officially time to raise our pumpkin-spiced lattes and bid a fond farewell to the sweltering heat as autumn sweeps into New Orleans. Nostalgia is in the air—the trees take on a golden sheen, and the city is covered in foliage, Halloween decorations, and the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot. When fall arrives in The Big Easy, aka New Orleans, the city comes alive with cool breezes and seasonal celebrations. And while there’s no bad time to visit New Orleans, autumn in the Crescent City is your place to be.

Whether you’re a foodie looking forward to the National Fried Chicken Festival or a football fan hoping to experience the spirit of a Saints game, New Orleans is an easygoing, jovial city where you’ll find incredible food, fantastic live music, and friendly locals any time of year. We’ve rounded up the best events and festivals you can visit in the city this fall.

Art and Music 

Image credit: Festivals by Zack Smith

NOLAxNOLA, September 28– October 8

In New Orleans, music is what makes this city truly special, and guess what? It’s all around you, especially this fall. You can catch your favourite artists and stumble upon some incredible new ones at numerous live performances happening at both indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. It’s all part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA), a citywide celebration of New Orleans music, venues, and artists. So, if you’re looking for a musical adventure, add NOLAxNOLA to your itinerary right away.

Art for Art’s Sake, October 7, 2023 

Art for Art’s Sake, organised by the Magazine Street Merchants Association, is known for its annual showcase of art, food, music, and fun on Magazine Street. Over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries participate along the six-mile stretch. You can revel in complimentary wine samples, special deals, extended hours at various participating Magazine Street businesses, and live music throughout the day.

Nola Funk FEST, October 20, 2023 – October 22, 2023 

NOLA Funk Fest is a celebration of Louisiana’s rich music history and marks the beginning of the public announcement of the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, a grand-scale museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the state’s musical heritage. NOLA Funk Fest aims to educate, inspire, and empower tourists and locals alike. Along with the funky tunes, food, and drinks, you can even purchase some artisanal crafts and commemorative merchandise as a souvenir.

Nola Reggae Fest, October 27, 2023 – October 29, 2023 

You’re in for an unforgettable experience where you’ll dive headfirst into the world of Jamaican-inspired fun at the New Orleans Summer Reggae Fest! Imagine yourself swaying to the rhythms of lively dance and music, feeling the music’s infectious energy coursing through you. But that’s not all; this festival isn’t just about the music—it’s a cultural extravaganza. The cultural demonstrations will transport you straight to the heart of Jamaica.

Sober Fest, November 18, 2023 

Music has always been at the heart of New Orleans, and Sober Fest provides an inclusive opportunity for people in recovery to have fun while also building community. Bridge House Grace House hosts an alcohol-free music festival where everyone can come together to enjoy amazing artists and have a great time in a sober-supportive environment.

Culture

Image credit: NOTMC

Gentilly Fest, October 6, 2023 – October 8, 2023 

Gentilly Fest is an annual event that brings together the vibrant culture of the Gentilly neighbourhood. The festival features live music on three stages, showcasing the talent of local musicians. You can savour a diverse range of culinary delights from various local restaurants and caterers. Additionally, the festival provides a platform for local artisans and vendors to sell their fine arts and crafts, contributing to the local economy. If you’re bringing the kids along, don’t forget to check out Kids’ Village. There, they can enjoy activities like face painting, pottery, and garden crafts, and even catch some entertainment on the kid’s stage.

Tremé Fall Fest, October 21, 2023 

As the oldest African-American neighbourhood, Tremé is a site of significant economic, cultural, political, social, and legal events that have shaped the course of events in Black America for the past two centuries. In October, the historic Tremé neighbourhood becomes home to the annual Tremé Fall Festival. You can spend the weekend enjoying the music and food of this cherished New Orleans neighbourhood. This is a donation-based event created to raise money for St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Krewe of Boo (Halloween), October 21, 2023 

Krewe of Boo became the official Halloween Parade in New Orleans in 2007, and it has grown every year since. With floats constructed by Kern Studios, America’s premier float-building organisation, the parade will frighten and excite you at the same time. Kern artists design 3D papier mâché and fibreglass props that mimic all of Halloween’s spooky creatures. The parade riders throw a myriad of items as they pass by, like candy, chee wees, pralinettes, light-up medallion beads, voodoo doll pins and magnets, doubloons, and children’s toys. Krewe of Boo’s throws are all collectable or consumable, which cuts back on waste.

Culinary

Image credit: Seafood gumbo by Todd Coleman

National Fried Chicken Festival, September 30, 2023 – October 1, 2023 

The National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF), born in 2016 in New Orleans and presented by Raising Cane’s, is a two-day outdoor extravaganza. This year, FCF boasts its largest food lineup yet, featuring 50+ restaurants competing for “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish” awards. Alongside two music stages with local and national artists, you can also experience the HEINZ® “Food is Culture” stage, offering cooking demos, TED talks, and panels with celebrity chefs and culinary experts.

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest, October 13–15, 2023

The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is a grand celebration of music, food, and art. This annual event continues the New Orleans tradition of blues, bringing together top performers from southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Musicians and vendors alike captivate audiences with soulful blues melodies and mouth-watering BBQs. Beyond the musical and culinary delights, the festival showcases unique visual art displays. The art market offers a multitude of handcrafted pieces, including artwork, home furnishings, jewellery, and other crafts, providing an opportunity to take home a special memento from the festival.

Top Taco, October 26, 2023 

Each year, some of New Orleans’ best restaurants, taquerias, and bars head to Top Taco to battle for the title of Top Taco Champion while you can reap the rewards of their labour. In addition to the unlimited taco and tequila tastings from some of your favourite eateries across the Crescent City, Top Taco also features live music performances, special guest appearances, interactive activities, and more.

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, November 19, 2023 

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival highlights not only the importance of the po-boy itself, but also the rebirth of a once-thriving shopping district with roots as deep as the neighbourhood it’s in. At Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, try dozens of varieties of po-boys in the Uptown Carrollton neighbourhood. It is a block party with multiple stages of live music, an arts market, and lots of other food for the taking.

Cover image credit: Bourbon Street by Zack Smith