There's a reason October is one of the best times of year to visit New Orleans. The worst of the summer heat is usually behind us, festival season is back in full swing, Saints football is underway and a city that already loves costumes gets very serious about Halloween.
From fried chicken and barbecue to art, movies, music and one very spooky parade, there's something happening almost every weekend. Here are some of the best things to do in New Orleans in October 2026.
National Fried Chicken Festival
October 2–4, 2026
UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds
Come hungry. The National Fried Chicken Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary October 2–4 with three days of food and live entertainment at its new home on the New Orleans Lakefront. More than 40 restaurants are expected to participate, serving everything from classic Southern fried chicken to creative variations from around the country. The weekend also includes multiple stages of music and the return of the Fried Chicken Festival 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning.
Art for Art's Sake
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Magazine Street
On Saturday, October 3, Art for Art's Sake turns Magazine Street into one long celebration of art, shopping, food and music. More than 100 galleries, boutiques, restaurants and other businesses along the six-mile stretch participate with special events, extended hours and live entertainment. It's a good excuse to explore one of New Orleans' favorite streets—and maybe bring home something you weren't planning to buy.
Saints vs. Falcons & Saints vs. Vikings
Saints vs. Falcons – October 5
Saints vs. Vikings – October 11
Caesars Superdome
October starts with back-to-back home games at the Caesars Superdome. The New Orleans Saints take on longtime rival Atlanta on Monday Night Football October 5, followed by a Sunday matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on October 11. Even without a ticket, you'll know when the Saints are playing. Put on some black and gold and join the crowd at one of these great restaurants.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
October 9–11, 2026
Lafayette Square
The free Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival takes over Lafayette Square with three days of music, barbecue, Southern food and local art. The 2026 lineup includes Samantha Fish, Booker T. Jones, Little Freddie King, George Porter Jr. and plenty more.
Gentilly Fest
October 9–11, 2026
Pontchartrain Park
Across town, Gentilly Fest celebrates the Gentilly neighborhood with live music, local food, arts and crafts and a Kids Village at Pontchartrain Park. Admission is free.
Oktoberfest New Orleans
October 9–10, 16–17 and 23–24, 2026
Deutsches Haus
New Orleans may be better known for Mardi Gras than Munich, but Oktoberfest has become one of the city's most popular fall traditions. Head to Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John for German food, music, dancing, beer, wine and schnapps. The celebration takes place over three weekends—October 9–10, 16–17 and 23–24—and includes everything from traditional oompah music to a dachshund parade and costume contest.
NOLA Funk Fest
October 16–18, 2026
Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Park
It wouldn't be New Orleans without another music festival. NOLA Funk Fest returns October 16–18 at Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Park with three days devoted to the music that helped put New Orleans on the map. Expect a mix of funk, soul, brass, jam and zydeco along with local food, art and plenty of dancing.
New Orleans Film Festival
October 22–27, 2026
Locations throughout New Orleans
Film fans can catch the 37th Annual New Orleans Film Festival October 22–27. The Oscar-qualifying festival will showcase approximately 175 films at venues throughout New Orleans, including the Contemporary Arts Center, Prytania Theatre Uptown and The Broad Theater. This year's opening-night selection is Victory, a documentary about New Orleans' own Soul Queen, Irma Thomas. Beyond the screenings, the festival offers panels, parties and opportunities to hear from filmmakers, making it a great way to experience New Orleans' thriving film culture.
Tremé Fall Festival
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Tremé
On Saturday, October 24, head to one of America's most culturally significant neighborhoods for the Tremé Fall Festival. Centered around historic St. Augustine Catholic Church, the free neighborhood festival celebrates Tremé with local musicians, New Orleans food, arts and culture—and, naturally, a second line.
Krewe of BOO!
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
French Quarter and Warehouse District
Leave it to New Orleans to turn Halloween into something resembling Mardi Gras. On Saturday, October 24, Krewe of BOO! rolls through the French Quarter and Warehouse District with elaborate floats filled with ghosts, monsters and other creatures of the night. More than 1,000 riders, marching groups and performers take part, tossing candy, toys, beads and Halloween-themed throws to the crowds. The parade is free and family-friendly, and costumes are encouraged.
Get Into the Spirit of Halloween
Of course, Halloween in New Orleans doesn't begin and end with one parade. A city famous for ghosts, above-ground cemeteries, voodoo legends and centuries-old buildings is pretty much made for October. Take a haunted-history or ghost tour through the French Quarter, visit one of the city's historic cemeteries or simply stroll through the Quarter after dark.
Families can also look for seasonal events including Ghosts in the Oaks in City Park and Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo, both of which begin their 2026 celebrations in mid-October.
And when Halloween night itself arrives, expect costumes everywhere—especially around the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street. In New Orleans, dressing up isn't just for kids.
Just Enjoy Being Outside Again
One of the best October activities in New Orleans doesn't require a ticket. This is the time of year to stroll through the Garden District, ride the St. Charles streetcar, explore the French Quarter, browse Magazine Street or spend an afternoon in City Park without planning your day around the nearest air-conditioned building.
Grab a table outside. Take a riverboat ride. Listen to music on Frenchmen Street. Wander until you find someplace that looks interesting. October is a good month to leave a little room in the itinerary for whatever happens next.
Witches Lunches in New Orleans
Photo credit: Deutsches Haus
Posted: October 16 2026 | Blog