Looking for a local’s perspective on the best things to do in New Orleans in the Fall?
Continue reading for my top choices for NOLA activities in October.
Fall in New Orleans is a whole vibe. It’s filled with Halloween festivities, football games, music, festivals, tasty food, and more!
As a local who has lived in New Orleans for 10+ years, I can say that fall is one of the best times to visit. Not only is the weather becoming more mild, but there are so many things to do during fall in New Orleans.
From fun fall festivals like Oktoberfest, family-friendly Halloween events like Ghosts in the Oaks, or downright spooky things to do like visiting a haunted house or taking a ghost tour – New Orleans has it all during the fall season.
So if you are planning a fall trip to the Big Easy, check out the list below of all the top things to do in New Orleans in October!
29 Best Things to Do in New Orleans in October
Family-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans in the Fall
1. National Fried Chicken Festival
New Orleans is well known for its food scene, and one of the southern city’s specialties is fried chicken. One of the best places to try some of this delicious fried chicken is at the National Fried Chicken Food Festival, held each October in New Orleans.
However, there is a lot more to do at this festival than fried chicken – other fun activities include live music, family-friendly games, a beer garden, and food stands from 45 different local restaurants.
This year, the National Fried Chicken Festival is on October 5-6, 2024.
2. Gretna Fest
Gretna is a small town, just outside of New Orleans (on the West Bank). Each October the town puts on a huge 3-day festival: Gretna Fest. This family-friendly festival features live music, food vendors, craft beer, arts & crafts, kids’ games, and more.
The festival also has an impressive music lineup, with 6 stages and over 60 bands performing. Recent headliners include Dierks Bentley, Steve Miller Band, and The Revivalists.
In 2024, Gretna Fest will be held on October 4-6. It’s a great family-friendly event to check out in New Orleans in October.
3. New Orleans Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is an event celebrating German culture & heritage. The festival features traditional German music, attire, and more. There are also plenty of authentic foods to try such as German-style pretzels, bratwurst, and of course – large steins of beer!
Oktoberfest in New Orleans is such a fun event that mixes New Orleans’ festive energy with German traditions. From beer stein holding competitions to traditional Bavarian music & dancing, this is a festival worth checking out.
In 2024, New Orleans Oktoberfest will be held over 3 different weekends: October 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26.
4. New Orleans Saints Game
For football fans, attending a Saints Game at the iconic Caesars Superdome is one of the best things to do in New Orleans in the fall.
As someone who is from Wisconsin (Go Pack Go) and has lived in New Orleans for over a decade, I can attest that there is no party like a Saints football game. A party will be had. You can check out the New Orleans Saints website for information on tickets and schedules.
Even if you aren’t big into football, it’s worth checking out as these games are high energy and have a fun atmosphere. Plus you can enjoy some game day traditions like tailgating.
5. Krewe of BOO Parade
Krewe of Boo is a fun, family-friendly parade that mixes Mardi Gras energy with Halloween festivities. The parade includes unique, Halloween-themed floats, dance troupes, marching bands, and more. The best part is everyone is decked out in Halloween costumes which adds to the festive atmosphere.
If you are visiting New Orleans in October with kids, the Krewe of Boo Parade is a perfect Halloween event to attend. Just make sure to bring the Halloween costumes!
The Krewe of Boo Parade is held each year towards the end of October. In 2024, it will be on Saturday, October 19th.
6. Ghosts in the Oaks
Ghosts in the Oaks is a family-friendly Halloween event held each year towards the end of October. The event features tons of festive fall activities including a pumpkin patch, amusement park rides, Halloween-themed arts & crafts, and hot dog roasting around a campfire.
A highlight of the festival is the trick-or-treating event, which is perfect for anyone traveling to New Orleans with kids in October.
Ghosts in the Oaks will be held from October 17th-24th in 2024.
7. Explore the French Quarter
The French Quarter is one of the most iconic areas of New Orleans. It’s the most historic part of the city and features stunning Creole and French Colonial-style architecture.
One of the highlights of the French Quarter is Jackson Square, which has beautiful gardens, architecture, and frequent street performers.
Another fun place to visit here is Bourbon Street, which is a lively street that is great for people-watching.
While the French Quarter is very popular (and NOLA is completely safe to visit), I’d recommend going during the daytime with kids. At night the area can get lively, especially around Bourbon Street.
If you are interested in the history of New Orleans, make sure to take a French Quarter Walking Tour. This tour will take you around to the most famous landmarks while your guide tells you fascinating stories about New Orleans. It’s a great way to experience the French Quarter and is also a great thing to do in New Orleans in the summer.
8. Take a Swamp Tour
Taking a swamp tour is a great way to get out of the city and see some of the natural surroundings near New Orleans. Plus, in the fall the heat starts to subside a bit, which makes being outside more enjoyable.
This swamp tour will not only take you through the swampy wetlands, but you’ll also see cultural sites like a Cajun cemetery, an Indian burial mound, and a traditional fishing village.
You’ll also want to keep a lookout for some of the wildlife that lives in the swamp, including snakes and alligators.
9. See the Spooky Decor on St. Charles Avenue
Every October, homes around the city of New Orleans go all out on decorating for Halloween.
One of the best places to see some spooky decor is Uptown, on St. Charles Avenue. Here you will find historic homes and mansions decked up for Halloween – from scary to satirical decor.
One of the must-see homes is called the Skeleton House (located at 6000 St. Charles Ave.) This home is well-known for its creative & fun take on Halloween decor and is worth checking out in New Orleans.
10. Visit the Le Musee de F.P.C
Le Musee de F.P.C, also known as the Museum of Free People of Color, is a historic house museum that showcases the rich history and contributions of African Americans in New Orleans and beyond.
This is a unique museum to check out in New Orleans especially since it is one of the only museums exclusively dedicated to preserving artifacts and telling the story of free people of color.
To visit Le Musee de F.P.C, you must have a tour, which has to be reserved in advance. Currently, tours are offered on Fridays at 1 pm & Saturdays at 11 am.
11. New Orleans Hop On Hop Off Tour
Taking a Hop On Hop Off bus tour is an easy way to see the best sites of New Orleans without having to worry about too much planning or transportation. Simply hop on the bus and hop off at the stops that are of interest to you.
Some of the highlights of the New Orleans Hop On Hop Off tour include the French Market, Jackson Square, the Garden District, and more.
I really like the Hop On Hop Off tours when traveling with kids, because it’s such an easy way to get around and see things.
12. Steamboat Evening Cruise
This steamboat dinner cruise is a great way to experience some local culture while enjoying an evening out in New Orleans. The cruise will sail down the Mississippi River, and you’ll have plenty of scenic views, including the New Orleans skyline.
Onboard you’ll listen to live jazz music, which is a staple of New Orleans culture. You can also opt to enjoy a tasty Creole-inspired dinner.
13. Take a Day Trip to a Plantation
New Orleans is one of the most historic cities in the country. As a result, there are 6 plantations within an hour’s drive of New Orleans. I highly recommend that a plantation tour be added to your New Orleans fall itinerary.
If your itinerary allows, this tour takes you to two plantations that will give you different experiences. Both will give you insight into that time of history. For those with more limited time, my personal favorite is the Whitney Plantation– it presents the history from the perspective of the enslaved. Learn more about the 6 plantations near New Orleans.
15. NolaxNola Music Fest
NolaxNola is a music festival that celebrates New Orleans’ vibrant music scene and rich culture. The event is held at several different iconic venues across the city and features local & national artists from a variety of genres.
If you love a night out with live music, then this is a perfect time to visit New Orleans. In 2024, NolaxNola will be held from September 26th to October 6th.
14. Take a Local Food Tour
Taking a food tour is a must-do when visiting New Orleans- especially in the fall as the weather is perfect for restaurant hopping. This food tour will take you through the French Quarter where you will stop at some of the best restaurants in the city.
On the tour, your guide will explain more about the history of food in New Orleans. Of course, you’ll get to try some of the most famous Louisiana foods such as seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, and beignets- just like a local.
16. Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is another music festival that happens in New Orleans in October. However, this music festival focuses specifically on traditional Southern blues music.
This is the perfect event to sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the soul-filled melodies of blues music. Of course, no Southern-style festival is complete without some mouthwatering BBQ to go along with it!
17. Oak Street Po’Boy Festival
Oak Street Po’Boy Festival celebrates the famous Louisiana specialty: Po’boy sandwiches. These tasty sandwiches consist of meat or fried seafood and are served on some New Orleans French Bread.
The Oak Street Po’Boy Festival takes place each year on Oak Street and consists of several food vendors attempting to make the best Po’boy in town. There are also other foods and live music to enjoy at the festival! The festival is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2024, from 10 AM – 6 PM.
18. Boo at the Zoo
Traveling to New Orleans in the fall with kids? Boo in the Zoo is the perfect event to celebrate the spooky season in New Orleans. This 3-day event, October 18-20, 2024 takes place at Audubon Zoo.
Here you will get to hang out with families dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes, trick or treating, watching the animals, and venturing through a haunted house. Truly, fun for all!
19. Mrs. Heather’s Farm
Mrs. Heather’s Farm is a must-do New Orleans fall activity for my family as there is so much to do here! From various outdoor activities, wagon rides, pumpkin painting and so much more! We literally spend hours there every time we go.
Do note, that it’s about an hour’s ride from New Orleans. Therefore, you will need a rental car.
👉Check rental car availability and prices 👈
20. Visit the World War II Museum
There’s a reason the World War II Museum is the number 1 attraction in New Orleans. It’s extremely well done with over 5 buildings of interactive exhibits that take us through the history of World War II.
Some of the features we loved the most were the life-size airplane suspended in the air as soon as you walk into the museum, the train that takes you on the journey of the soldiers who fought in the war, and the 4D Beyond All Boundaries Film, just to name a few.
Be sure to block off a few hours on your New Orleans fall itinerary as there’s so much to do and see. If you’re anything like us, you won’t be able to do it all in a single visit (we fit our first visit into our 48-hour staycation in NOLA).
21. Treme Fest
Treme is the first African-American neighborhood in the United States. The festival embodies the rich culture of the neighborhood with food, music, and activities for the entire family.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11 AM – 6 PM.
22. Have fun with Illusions at Jamnola
Is there a better time of year to have fun with illusions that immerse you in New Orleans culture than in October, the spooky season? Jamnola stands for joy, art, and music and consists of 17 exhibits where the entire family can have fun learning and experiencing the city’s unique and rich culture- from some of the city’s well-known food and brands to popular festivals and celebrities.
23. Vue Orleans Museum
Experience the 360-degree views of New Orleans from the 34th floor of one of the tallest buildings in the city, Vue Orleans Museum. Not only does the museum expose you to the city’s unique culture, food, and music, but it also does a great job detailing the various neighborhoods that makeup New Orleans.
And before you leave, be sure to stop at the rooftop cafe & bar and take in the beautiful New Orleans fall weather. To be most comfortable, go earlier in the day, or closer to sunset as midday is normally the hottest and most humid.
Things to Do in New Orleans in the Fall- For Adults/Older Children
24. The Mortuary Haunted House
If you are looking for the scariest haunted house in New Orleans, look no further than the Mortuary Haunted House!
This spooky haunted house pulls out all the stops when it comes to a haunted house, and it’s sure to give even the bravest people a scare.
The Mortuary isn’t just your typical haunted house – according to ghost hunters from across the US it is actually haunted. The mansion was even featured on paranormal shows on the Travel Channel & Discovery Channel.
The Mortuary Haunted House is open Thursday-Sunday in October and every day during the week of Halloween. It’s best to purchase tickets online in advance because lines can be long. Lastly, since the haunted house is pretty scary, it isn’t recommended for kids under the age of 11.
25. Join a Ghost Tour
New Orleans is one of America’s most haunted cities, so taking a ghost tour during October is a must-do.
This Ghost Tour takes you through the streets of the historic French Quarter. Along the way, your guide will entertain you with tales of ghosts and vampires while showing you some of the most haunted places in New Orleans.
If you are looking for a more frightening tour to take during the Halloween season, you can also check out this ghost tour which will take you out of the French Quarter and into one of the most haunted cemeteries in New Orleans.
26. Haunted Pub Crawl
If you are headed to New Orleans without kids, joining this haunted pub crawl is the perfect way to experience the city’s nightlife.
The haunted pub crawl will take you on a tour of some of the most haunted bars, including places like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and the Lalaurie Mansion. You’ll also get to enjoy some drinks (the first one is included) while hearing tales of ghosts and more from your local guide.
This experience is only for adults (21+), but it is a fun way to spend a night out during the Halloween season.
27. Take a Voodoo Tour
Voodoo is a cultural practice in New Orleans that has deep historical roots. There are a lot of common misconceptions about Voodoo today. So, by taking a tour you will get to learn more about the religion including its African roots and Creole influence, and how that shaped the modern-day Voodoo practice in New Orleans.
This Voodoo tour will take you to some of the important sites in the city, including places where ceremonies and rituals were performed by prominent Voodoo practitioners like Marie Laveau.
28. Enjoy Unlimited Tacos & Tequila
Top Taco is where taco and tequila fanatics experience heaven on earth here in New Orleans in October. The festival brings some of the top restaurants in the city into one location to compete for the top taco.
Not only do the festgoers get to enjoy unlimited tacos and tequila but also enjoy musical performances and other activities. This event takes place in Metairie (a neighboring New Orleans neighborhood) on the evening of Thursday, October 24th.
29. Sazerac House
New Orleans in the fall is a magical time to explore the city’s unique history, culture, and flavors. One of the must-visit stops during this season is the Sazerac House, located on the edge of the French Quarter. The complimentary tour at Sazerac House dives into the rich history of both the company and the iconic cocktail that bears its name.
Not only is the tour is interactive, but it also includes free samples of some of the company’s signature spirits and cocktails. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the flavors that have defined New Orleans for centuries.
New Orleans Weather in the Fall
When you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in the fall, one of the first things to consider is the weather, as many of the fall activities are outdoors. In general, fall in New Orleans is a beautiful time to visit with cooler temperatures compared to the hot and humid summer months.
Do note that fall is also hurricane season in the Gulf Coast, with the peak usually wrapping up by late October (although it’s not officially over in November). While it’s still something to keep an eye on, the chances of a major storm drop significantly as the season progresses.
Rain is also something to consider, as the city does experience some showers during this time, but it’s not part of the heaviest rainy season. Packing a light rain jacket or umbrella can help you stay prepared without disrupting your plans.
September Weather in New Orleans
September in New Orleans is still quite warm, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s Fahrenheit. While it’s not as scorching as the peak summer months, the humidity remains high, making the air feel thick and sticky at times. If you’re planning to be outdoors, be prepared for some muggy conditions, especially during the day.
Rain is more common in September, as it’s still within hurricane season. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, so having an umbrella or rain gear handy is a good idea. Despite the occasional rain, early mornings and late evenings can be more comfortable, offering a reprieve from the heat and humidity, making it a decent time to enjoy outdoor dining or a stroll through the French Quarter.
New Orleans Weather in October
October brings a noticeable shift in New Orleans’ weather, offering cooler temperatures and more comfortable conditions compared to the summer months. Average temperatures typically range from the mid-60s during the mornings and evenings, to mid-80s Fahrenheit during the day. This makes it a pleasant time to explore the city and enjoy walking tours and outdoor events without the intense heat.
Rainfall is possible but less frequent, with occasional showers that don’t usually last long. The combination of cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain makes October one of the best times of the year to experience the city comfortably.
November Weather in New Orleans
As fall wraps up in November, the weather becomes even more pleasant as the average temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit and the humidity levels drop significantly. With hurricane season officially coming to an end by the middle of November, rainfall is relatively low.
The combination of crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons provides an excellent backdrop for visitors looking to experience New Orleans in the fall.
FAQ: Fall in New Orleans
October is a perfect time to visit New Orleans! It’s a great time for outdoor activities because the weather is wonderful compared to the hot and humid summers. Plus, New Orleans has many fun festivals and events in October, especially related to Halloween.
New Orleans is typically warm and sunny in October. Average temperatures range from 62° to 81° F, which is ideal for outdoor festivals and events. It can still be fairly humid in October, which can add to how hot it feels outside.
In general, you’ll want to wear lightweight clothing during the day but definitely pack a light jacket for nighttime.
New Orleans is very festive in the fall, with lots of fun events from Oktoberfest, football games, music festivals, and more. There are also plenty of Halloween-themed activities to enjoy, like joining in on a ghost tour in the French Quarter, going trick or treating, or visiting a haunted house.
Conclusion: Fall in New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city, filled with history, music, and culture. Fall in New Orleans is one of the best times to visit as there are so many festivals, events, and things to do. Whether you are visiting New Orleans with kids or going on a fall weekend getaway, there are sure to be plenty of things to do in New Orleans in October.
