10 Things to Do in New Orleans in Fall
Tourists and locals alike consider autumn 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's always something to do in the city, somewhere to go or an event just around the corner.
Autumn, which takes place between late September and the months of October and November, is undoubtedly a fantastic time to enjoy the goodness of this city with lots of fun and great weather.
In this post I'll tell you everything you can't miss if you're spending an autumn in this idyllic southern paradise; from music and food festivals, open-air concerts, delicious gastronomic proposals and ghostly tours, you'll 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're in town this month and want to enjoy the start of autumn in style, don't miss the festival. The event takes place over several weekends in October; Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm.
In addition to the traditional beer tasting, the event includes an area dedicated to the sale of handicrafts, souvenir T-shirts and other gifts, as well as numerous children's activities. To find out more about the activities you can visit the Oktoberfest Nola website a few days before your trip.
Where it takes place
The Oktoberfest 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 town is to take the public bus, line 90 or line 91.
If you're driving, although it's not recommended for the sake of tasting the festival beer, you can park in the venue' s car park for about 20 euros.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the event's ticket office; they cost approximately 10 euros per participant, payable by credit card and cash. Minors are admitted when accompanied by an adult.
2. Spend an afternoon enjoying the NOLA Caribbean Experience
One of New Orleans' biggest and most fun-filled festivals takes place during the month of October in the city. It's a way to welcome autumn through great entertainment, colourful parades, live music and delicious food in a festive atmosphere like no other.
The tradition includes a carnival parade accompanied by the music and bright colours of the Caribbean carnival; it's as close to Brazil's Rio Carnival as you'll find in North America. The event is joined by the marching bands and caravans of Mardi Gras, another popular event that takes place in early spring in New Orleans.
If you're travelling with children, be aware that there are a number of children's activities on site, so don't 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 Central City BBQ 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 can get off at the "O C Haley + M L King" stop 4 minutes from the entrance.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are payable directly at the event's box office, and cost about £15 for an adult ticket and about £10 for a children's ticket.
3. Have a day of family fun at Gentilly Fest in New Orleans
Over a 3-day weekend in mid-October the New Orleans Gentilly Fest takes place in the city; an event that includes a number of exciting activities including: catering from numerous local restaurants, live music and gospel performances.
However, the festival stands out for offering a Kids Village throughout the weekend, which includes activities designed for children. If you're heading to New Orleans with kids for a holiday, don't hesitate to attend. You'll find everything from horseback riding, arts and crafts workshops, storytelling, activities with the fire service and much more!
Where it takes place
Usually held over 3 days at Pontchartrain Park in the Gentilly neighborhood 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 buy tickets
Tickets are not 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, featuring a variety of beignet dishes made by NOLA's best beignet restaurants, caterers and food stalls.
It's a family-friendly event where you can enjoy live music performances, a Kids Village with children's activities, an arts and crafts market and several beer booths.
Where it's held
In New Orleans City Park, the largest park in the city; you can get to this area of the city using NOLA's public bus service on numerous lines and by private transportation.
How to buy 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 New Orleans. The festival brings together some of the best Burlesque shows in the city and is presented continuously over a 3-day event.
The festival was born in 2009 and has been held every year since then to spectacular acclaim from both locals and tourists visiting the city and looking for things to do in New Orleans at night.
Where it takes place
Since its founding the event has been held at various locations with the most popular being the New Orleans Civic Theatre, Harrah's Casino and the New Orleans branch of the House of Blues. Check the website weeks before your trip to see where the event will be held on those dates.
How to buy tickets
The best way to purchase tickets is through the official website of the organisers New Orleans Burlesque, tickets range in price from as little as £33 per participant.
6. In November attend 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 almost uninterrupted tradition, thanks to the efforts of non-profit organisations 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 few weeks of good weather.
The festival lasts two days and you can enjoy numerous activities including Caribbean food, music, drink, dancers and costumed parades.
Where it's held
Bayou Bacchanal usually takes place in New Orleans' Crescent Park, a public park located in the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood. The best way to get there is to take the New Orleans Light Rail Line 49.
How to buy tickets
If you want to attend this event, it's best to keep an eye on the Friends of Culture website. Tickets usually cost around €15 or €20, but if you buy your ticket in advance you can get a discounted price. French Market Station is just a 6-minute 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 taken part 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 buy tickets
The best way to purchase tickets for the event is through the official Voodoo Festival website; historically, tickets for the 3-day event are 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 spooktacular and spooky floats. Celebrating Halloween is something you'll definitely want to do if you're in New Orleans in the autumn; you'll find plenty of fun parties and activities with a totally diverse focus to suit all tastes.
The Krewe of BOO began its activities in 2007 and due to the great reception from the public they were motivated to repeat the feat year after year as a way to bring closure to the Halloween festivities that take place all over the city.
After this first participation, the then mayor of the city urged the organisers 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 part of the city: the French Quarter of New Orleans and winds through several streets.
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 celebration.
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 favourites:
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 spooky fantasy for horror lovers with its carefully crafted and stunning decorations.
Combine this adventure with a ghost tour of New Orleans and you've got the full experience.
10. Enjoy Jazz in the Park with free concerts and food.
The fall concert series begins 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 favourite 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 varies depending on the location; however the most common locations are Armstrong Park and Lafayette Square.
Temperatures in New Orleans in autumn and what to pack.
Before visiting any city you should check the prevailing weather conditions and pack your bags in anticipation of the weather and temperature. When it comes to New Orleans, consider the following elements.
Temperature: The autumn season in New Orleans is characterised by transitional weather. September coincides with the end of summer, so temperatures can be hot for the first few weeks, then begin to drop to warm and comfortable until the end of November when it gets a little chilly.
What to pack: When packing, take into consideration that the weather during the autumn season in New Orleans varies between day and night; you'll want to pack light, warm-weather clothing during the day and switch to traditional autumn clothing at night.
New Orleans' Fall tourist crowds.
Traditionally the autumn season in New Orleans has a bad reputation for coinciding with hurricane season in the Caribbean. However, October and November are great months to walk the streets in good weather and enjoy the city atmosphere without suffering from the excessive heat.
By the end of September, the tourist flow slows down significantly making New Orleans ideal for a first time visitor. With students back in school and the weather a little cooler, the streets, parks and squares are free for all kinds of activities.