Wondering when is the best time to visit New Orleans? Ask any local and you’ll get the same answer: The fall season is when New Orleans really hits its stride.
Fall is the welcome relief from a tropical city summer. The sunshine goes from exhausting to exhilarating. The humidity finally goes into hibernation. The Mississippi breeze starts to pay you a daily visit. It’s when New Orleans rises and shines.
With such great weather, it’s no wonder than some of New Orleans’ biggest events happen in autumn. It’s a time for annual celebrations, music festivals, sports games, and so much more.
Need some ideas for what to do during your fall trip to the Crescent City? Here’s a few of the exciting attractions to enjoy when you visit New Orleans in the fall.
Fall Sports
New Orleans takes its home teams seriously. We’re those fans that dress head to toe in our team’s colors, with plenty of face paint for good measure.
A game is more than a spectacle here – it’s an all-day affair that everyone can enjoy, even if you’re not a die-hard fan.
Seeing a New Orleans Saints game is a special event that everyone should experience at least once. Be sure to get to the Superdome early – the city’s biggest pregame party happens right outside the stadium at Champions Square, where fans can enjoy live music, tailgating activities, and plenty of home team pride.
Saints fans come in all costumes and personas. Photo by Crystal LoGiudice via USA TODAY Sports
For all you college football fans, the Bayou Classic is one game you won’t want to miss. The Grambling State University Tigers take on the Southern University Jaguars in this annual rivalry matchup. The game is held in the Superdome over Thanksgiving weekend, making it a high-stakes showdown that’s thrilling to watch.
Halloween in New Orleans
It’s only natural that New Orleans loves Halloween. The whole city jumps at the chance to dress up in costume. Our funerals come with a second line celebration, complete with a jazz band. And with 300 years of history under its belt, there’s no shortage of ghost stories and haunted corners in New Orleans.
And like all things, New Orleans does Halloween a little bit differently.
The VooDoo Music + Arts Experience comes to New Orleans every Halloween weekend. Photo by @thedogwhistler via Instagram
The VooDoo Music + Arts Experience is a three-day music festival (October 26th – 28th) in City Park, one of New Orleans’ most gorgeous public spaces. Big name artists and interactive installations make it a must-see event for your Halloween plans.
Saturday, October 20th, the Krewe of Boo parade rolls through the city with spooky floats, outrageous costumes, and plenty of treats to pass out to parade-goers. It’s New Orleans’ official Halloween parade that starts in the Marigny neighborhood, runs through the French Quarter, and ends in the Warehouse District.
Endless Fall Festivals
There’s so many events that take place in the fall, and we’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg.
Want to immerse yourself in one of New Orleans’ oldest and most creative neighborhoods? Treme Fall Fest, an annual celebration of the Treme’s rich cultural heritage, is worth checking out on October 5th – 7th.
Explore the art, music, and vibrant cultural at the Treme Fall Fest. Photo by Paul Broussard via Flickr.com
Are you a country music fan? Country Smooth Fest comes to Jefferson Parish for a two-day, star-studded showcase on October 20th and 21st – and it’s just a short car ride away from New Orleans.
Looking for some authentic New Orleans flavor? Autumn is packed with delicious food festivals. Don’t miss Fried Chicken Fest, a weekend event honoring the South’s favorite dish on September 22nd and 23rd. Just make sure you save room for Mac’N’Cheese Fest on October 20th. And you haven’t lived until you eat your fill at the Oak Street Po Boy Festival, which takes place on November 11th.
Fall in Love with New Orleans this Fall
No matter what you’re looking for in a fun-filled trip to New Orleans, there’s enough autumn events to fill up any itinerary.
Want to make the most of your NOLA vacation? Book your stay at Bienville House, a boutique hotel in the heart of the French Quarter that puts you right in the center of all the excitement.
Plan your trip to NOLA today and discover all that Fall has to offer!