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41+ New Orleans Fall Ideas: Make the Most of the Season

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Fall in New Orleans is one of the best times to visit. After the summer slump of fewer tourists and hurricane season, many businesses welcome people to visit New Orleans during the Fall.

Not only is the weather better – but football season begins. In New Orleans, Football is life, and all local businesses will sport their Black and Gold to cheer on the New Orleans Saints.

New Orleans during the Fall is my favorite time of year, which is a lot because I live here!

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Once the weather starts to cool down, the threat of hurricanes dissipates (yet they do not entirely go away!) I feel like I can finally relax and cool down. New Orleans might not have fall leaves, but there are so many things to do in the Fall that there is something for everyone while visiting.

a house in the frech quarter of new orleans decorated for fall and halloween
Fall in New Orleans basically means Halloween. At least to me it does – we might not have fall leaves but we sure do bring out skeletons and voodoo!

New Orleans Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are always a threat to the Gulf Coast, but once Fall begins, that threat lessens. You should be fine to travel to New Orleans without worrying too much about a major hurricane.

The peak of Hurricane season generally lasts from Mid-August to Mid September, even though it officially ends on November 30.

If New Orleans has suffered from a Major Hurricane, like Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, make sure to research to see if your fall trip is appropriate.

During the first few weeks after a hurricane, many locals still put the pieces back together, but local businesses depend on tourist foot traffic to survive.

New Orleans Fall Weather

Even though the weather in New Orleans starts cooling down in the Fall, October is one of the best times to visit New Orleans. The average temperatures can range from 60-80 degrees.

This drop in temperature allows locals to wear jeans comfortably finally!

When Is The Best Time To Visit New Orleans?

Visiting New Orleans depends on what you want to see and experience if you visit during Mardi Gras. French Quarter Festival, or during Jazz Fest, then you will want to visit during February through May. If you want to experience cooler weather, Halloween, and football season, Fall is the perfect time for you and your family to come and visit.

What to Pack for Fall in New Orleans?

Since the weather varies from day to evening, you will want to pack for warm weather during the day and change to some traditional fall clothes in the evening. Don’t forget to bring a pair of jeans!

For shoes, you will want to pack something functional yet breathable while walking around. I prefer to wear Saltwater Sandals and my Cole Haan Tennis Shoes wherever I go.

Almost everywhere in New Orleans has air conditioning, so a jean jacket or cotton sweater will be enough to warm you up if you become chilly. Even though up North they may be already rocking a chunky cable sweater, there are still a few more months until sweater weather will arrive.

Don’t forget to pack some black and gold – if you are in town during a Saints game, you will want to show off some team spirit. If you are going to a Saints game – don’t forget a clear plastic purse.

FALL IN NEW ORLEANS

Fall in the Big Easy is the best time to visit the city and Fall in love with everything. She has to offer. From all of the fantastic food to festivals to just fun things to do around the town – Fall is my favorite time of year.

Below is your perfect Fall Guide to New Orleans.

Things to do in New Orleans this Fall

If you are looking for things to do this Fall in New Orleans, look no further than this next section! This section will find fun things to do throughout September, October, and November. Add some of these activities to your upcoming trip or staycation!

1. Football in New Orleans

Football isn’t just something to do on the weekend, but New Orleanians eat, drink, and breathe Football during the Fall.

If you are a football fan, pack some Black and Gold because you might find yourself stumbling into a tailgate or exploring a downtown bar and wanting to become a fan!

But don’t get me wrong, Football does not just stop with the Saints. In New Orleans, we have people who travel to Baton Rouge for LSU football, Fans cheering Tulane Football – and don’t forget all the High school football games happening each weekend.

If you are pregaming before a Saint’s football game, check out Willa Jean for a delicious brunch or Champions Square to experience a full-on fan tailgating experience.

Of course, the best place to watch the Saints game is inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome in the Central Business District, but if you cannot swing that, almost every bar in the city will have the football game on and great drink specials.

Don’t forget. You must bring a clear plastic purse into the Superdome.

geaux sweatshirt
Cute Black and Gold GEAUX sweatshirt.

2. Explore the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Did you know New Orleans has its very own Pharmacy Museum? I didn’t either until I was looking for something unique and fun to do. I stumbled upon this small Museum!

For only $5, you can explore the Pharmacy Museum in the heart of the French Quarter inside the home of Louis J. Dufilho Jr’s, the first licensed pharmacist.

Walking around the exhibits takes about an hour, but you will learn a lot about Voodoo Potions, Living Quarters, and Architecture. Make sure you take some time to see the spectacles collection.

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a great way to spend an hour learning about prescription drug history.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a great way to spend a few hours inside learning about the history of prescription drugs.

3. Go Mural Seeking

My favorite thing about walking around town is finding the new murals on the sides of buildings.

Now I’m not talking about graffiti, but about beautiful masterpieces, you can see all over the city.

Mural seeking around New Orleans and seeing the fantastic works of art painted in our city’s memory is a fun outdoor activity to do this Fall.

You can also check out tons of Instagrammable Spots in New Orleans.

Murals in New Orleans this fall
Walking around New Orleans and seeing the amazing Murals painted in our city’s memory is a great outdoor activity to do this fall. Unfortunately, this Mural was destroyed in 2021 by Hurricane Ida.

4. Explore the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Head to New Orleans City Park and explore the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an 11-acre Sculpture Garden where you can walk around and explore some fantastic art intertwined with nature.

This free sculpture garden is one of my favorite cheap things in New Orleans.

Wanting a little more guidance while you are in exploring the garden? Guided tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at noon, and there is even an audio tour for you to do a DIY time.

Make sure to give yourself at least 1-3 hours to explore this vast garden.

Explore the Besthoff sculpture garden

5. Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden

While you are already in City Park, make a day of it by exploring the New Orleans Botanical Gardens!

New Orleans may not get fall foliage, but in the New Orleans Botanical Garden, you can see many beautiful plants and flowers.

If you visit in October, you may even have a chance to see many of the local butterflies feeding and laying eggs.

6. Catch a Broadway Show at the Saenger Theather

A great place to catch a broadway show is The Saenger Theater.

This stunning theater is listed on the national register of historic places and is one of the best places in New Orleans to catch a comedy show or a Broadway play.

You can even dine at one of the many New Orleans restaurants surrounding the Saenger.

After the show, you can walk over to The Roosevelt and drink in a Sazerac or two and let the rush die before calling an Uber to go home!

Mallory getting ready to see a show at the Saenger Theatre
Mallory getting ready to see a show at the Saenger Theatre

7. Freshen up your skills with a Cooking Class

New Orleans is a food-loving town, and one of the best ways is to take a Cooking Class to learn more about the local culture and cuisine of food.

One of my favorite places to take a cooking class or sit in on a cooking demonstration is the New Orleans School of Cooking.

You will learn something about local food from both activities and not walk away hungry.

8. Enjoy the outdoor weather

Fall in New Orleans does have some of the best weather.

With beautiful outdoor temperatures, you can aimlessly walk around Royal Street or hang out in Jackson Square while enjoying milder weather options.

9. Explore the Audubon Zoo

I love exploring the Audubon Zoo during the fall months because the animal seems more active, and the weather is nice.

The Audubon Zoo can easily take up a whole day, so pack comfortable walking shoes.

The New Orleans Audubon Zoo is perfect for those traveling with kids, teenagers, or just adults!

10. Visit the Music Box Village

The Music Box Village closes up shop every Summer but reopens every Fall, ready to entertain New Orleans.

The Music Box Villiage is the perfect place to stop if you want to hear live music in a unique setting. From making your music to actual concerts – Music Box Villiage is a great outdoor event to keep you going during the Fall.

Add some of these activities to your upcoming trip or staycation!

🚌 Take a 2-Hour City Sightseeing Bus Tour which is great way to learn about the history and romance of this magnificent city
🚢Experience Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with dinner while soaking in incredible views.
👻 Hear tales of vampires, voodoo, and witchcraft on this city walking tour of New Orleans’ French Quarter
🦸 Try Escape Room Adventure and test your problem-solving skills with fun and tactile challenges
⛰️ Go on a food tour and explore the history and culture of the area with an expert local guide while tasting regional specialties at some of the best restaurants around.

Halloween in New Orleans

Once October (sometimes even September) hits New Orleans – you know it is time for the spooky season.

Haunted Houses start setting up around mid-September, and people plan to come to New Orleans for Halloween. Like the recent House Floats of Mardi Gras, many houses will decorate their yards and houses to celebrate Halloween.

Check out the following list for all of the fun things to do to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans.

Mallory dressed as a scarecrow.
Need a quick costume for Halloween in New Orleans. Grab a plaid shirt, yoga pants, straw, and a hat and all of a sudden you are a scarecrow!

11. Visit a Haunted House

Haunted Houses were not my thing until I visited New Orleans Nightmare! Located under the Huey P Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish, New Orleans Nightmare is a fun option to get the living daylights scared out of you!

Not only do they have an incredible Haunted House – but they also have escape rooms for you to enjoy after the Haunt. They even have an escape room – called Phoebia – where you try to escape while blindfolded.

If you are of an adult drinking age, start your night off right with a Big Cup of Scream. This blue drink is just the liquid courage you need before entering the Haunted House!

haunted house in new orleans
New Orleans Nightmare is scary fun!

12. Watch the show at Ghost Manor.

Ghost Manor is located on the corner of Magazine Street.

Head to Magazine Street in the Garden District and check out Ghost Manor. Every night, this family home turns into a Halloween lover’s dream!

For about 10 minutes, the house puts an animatronic display on continuously repeats. Make sure you stick around and see the whole show.

13. Snap a few photos of Skeleton House on St Charles

The most New Orleans thing you can do around Halloween is to visit the Skelton House on the corner of St Charles and State Street.

Every Halloween, the Berger family puts out all the stops and decorates their house with the wittiest Skeletons.

Check out the Skeleton house while the sun sets so you can experience it during the day and the spookiness at night.

Visit the Skeleton House on St. Charles

14. Attend Voodoo Music Fest

Voodoo Music Fest is a large music festival in New Orleans that is always held during Halloween Weekend.

The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is a perfect experience for those who love festivals, Halloween, music, and food.

This three-day annual festival is held in City Park, and musical performances worldwide come here to play.

While you are at Voodoo, make sure you find the fried Oreos and bring me back some!

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What to do during the fall

15. Take a ghost tour

What is creepier than taking a Ghost Tour in New Orleans during October? Take some time out of your evening by planning to learn a little history and maybe even get spooked while taking a ghost tour in New Orleans.

16. Run as fast n the Zombie Run

If you are ready to practice escaping zombies, attend the only zombie apocalypse in New Orleans.

The Big Easy Roller Girls are Zombie killers and try to run the killers through this 2-mile zombie-infested race.

Stay in Costume to then enjoy Krewe of Boo.

17. Enjoy the Krewe of Boo

One of the best free things to do during Halloween is enjoying the Krewe of Boo parade!

You know Halloween is getting closer each year because the Krewe of Boo Parade is rolling. This is almost the next best thing if you can’t make it in the Winter for Mardi Gras.

18. Brews and Boo at City Park

Leave the kids at home, have fun in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, and have fun at Brews and Boo.

Adults can visit in their best costumes while sipping a beer, riding on amusement rides, and acting like a kid again!

Haunted Hotels to stay in during your New Orleans Trip!

👻Hotel Monteleone – If you want to bump into a ghost wandering the halls, Hotel Monteleone might be for you. the 14th floor offers a chance to see a young boy named Maurice. Click view photos.
👻👻Dauphine Orleans Hotel – There seems to be four main ghosts wandering around this location. Click to view photos of the hotel.
👻👻👻Lafitte Guest House – A young daughter, fell down the stairs and perished in the 1800s but her spirit still lives in the house. Click view photos of the hotel.

19. Sleepover at a Plantation

Just a short drive from New Orleans is the Myrtle’s Plantation in St Francisville – One of America’s Most Haunted Homes.

While at the Myrtles Plantation, take some time to learn why this place is haunted and if you might encounter a ghost.

Check to see if there are dates available for when you want to stay.

20. Bring the Kids to Boo at the Zoo

A family fun activity is bringing your kids to the Zoo and having fun trick or treating!

Over select weekends the Zoo will close at 3 to allow ghosts and goblins under the age of 12 to enjoy the fun spookiness of the Zoo.

21. Visit a Cemetery Tour

Fall is the perfect time to take a cemetery tour. Not only does the cooler weather help with outside tours, but touring cemeteries in the New Orleans area is something every local and tourist needs to do!

Walking around and learning about the history involved with the above-ground graves is genuinely awe-inspiring.

The best cemetery to tour is the St Louis Number One.

I enjoyed learning more about my own city’s unique graveyard. Fall is the best time to visit cemetery tours in New Orleans due to the spooky history surrounding Halloween and the cooler temperatures.

Cemetery Tour in New Orleans
Fall is the best time to visit a Cemetery tours in New Orleans due to the spooky history Surrounding Halloween and the cooler temperatures.

Eating at Drinking

New Orleans prides itself on eating and drinking.. The one thing you do not have to worry about is stumbling into a bad restaurant – because when those happen, they usually disappear quickly.

Most of the country has seasons based on whether – New Orleans has seasons based on food.

22. Drink Hot coffee with Chicory and Eat Beignets

After a hot summer of iced coffee – one of the most delicious treats is drinking a hot coffee with chicory with a large pile of beignets.

If you haven’t had coffee with chicory yet, I beg you that you order one the next time you are at a coffee shop in New Orleans.

It is hard to narrow it down to just one perfect beignet, so I suggest you try to eat as many as possible.

If needed, there is even a Beignet Fest that will help you tackle that chore.beignet flight

Fancy beignet flight from The Vintage

23. Check out local breweries

The New Orleans Brewery scene is blowing up. It seems like there is a new brewery opening up every few months.

The best thing about our brewery scene?

Most breweries are close to each other, so a quick Uber or Lyft ride will get you from brewery to brewery.

Some breweries to check out: are Port Orleans, Urban South, and Parleaux Beer Lab.

Two beer flights from Urban South
Two beer flights at Urban South – there are so many breweries in New Orleans that you can have a lot of fun!

24. Eating Oysters

Let’s face it, you can get Oysters all year round, but Fall is the best time to call and eat Oysters.

Even though I’m not a fan of raw oysters, they are technically the most in season during the Fall.

Now give me a Fried, Chargrilled, or Charbroiled Oysters, then I am a happy girl.

Oysters and Mallory
Oysters for Everyone! Oysters are commonly on Antoine’s weekly lunch special.

25. Celebrate National Gumbo Day Gumbo Season

Did you know National Gumbo day is October 12? A whole day dedicated to eating Gumbo.

Even though Gumbo is usually on the menu year-round, the cooler weather makes it easier to order this comfort food.

You can’t go wrong with a good Gumbo, but note you will need to decide if you want seafood or chicken gumbo. My favorite is Chicken Gumbo over potato salad.

Gumbo, Cornbread Salad
Trying Gumbo in all of the restaurants is a new hobby for me. This Gumbo is from HighHat

26. I did it for the Turkey Poboy.

Parkway Bakery makes delicious poboys year-round, but each November, their Thanksgiving Style poboys make an appearance.

The poboy is filled with roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce and prepares you for Thanksgiving dinner.

Add a side of sweet potato fries, and you are ready to eat!

I Did it for The Turkey Parkway Bakery-2

27. Enjoy outdoor dining

Outdoor dining is something no one wants or likes to do in the Summer, but it is perfect for doing in October.

One of the best places to do outdoor dining is a restaurant like Tujague’s, the second oldest New Orleans restaurant with a lovely outdoor courtyard.

Fall Festivals in New Orleans

Festival season beings in early Spring, but in all honesty, festival season is all year round!

Fall festivals are excellent because locals are ready to have a great time while outside!

If you are looking for the New Orleans Fall Food Celebration, look no further than all the Fall’s foodie festivals!

28. Eat all the Beignets – Beignet Fest
September

Each September, the Annual Beignet Fest descends on the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds, and patrons eat as many Beignets they can hold. But don’t worry –

At Beignet Fest, you have the opportunity to eat sweet beignets, savory beignets, and desserts you don’t even know if you should call a beignet!

Festival Supports The Beignet Fest Foundation that Supports New Orleans area programs for children with developmental delays.

29. Attend Scales and Ales
September

Do you enjoy partying? Do you enjoy drinking fish? Scales and Ales are all about that.

Admission gives you nighttime admittance to the Audubon Aquarium, one of the top 10 Aquariums in America. You also get unlimited food and drink while seeing the Sharks swim about.

This event is sure to have you sing about Mommy Shark…do do do do

30. National Fried Chicken Fest
September-October

The National Fried Chicken Fest at the New Orleans Lakefront will have you seeking out the best chicken in New Orleans and in the United States!

Thirty-five restaurants are participating in the coveted award for Best Fried Chicken. I was one of the judges for National Fried Chicken Fest and had a blast!

It is amazing some of the dishes that different restaurants create. The Fried Chicken Festival is free, but you can upgrade your festival experience.

Mallory judging at fried chicken fest
Doing what I do best – judging food and having a fun time!

31. Relax with Jazz in the Park
September-December

Free concerts in parks are one of my favorite things in New Orleans.

During the Fall, Armstrong park offers free concerts to locals and tourists.

The 14-week fall series starts at the end of September and lasts through December.

These concerts are a beautiful way to discover local artists, musicians, and food vendors.

32. Oktoberfest – a German Festival
October

Oktoberfest in New Orleans is one the best places to get German food yearly!

Located at the Deutsches Haus, you are bound to have fun embracing the German side of New Orleans.

Other than dancing the chicken dance, eating German sausage, and drinking German beer – you can expect to see Dachshund Races, Schnauzer Costume Contest and Parade, and Masskrustemmen – Beer Stein Holding Contests.

Oktoberfest is one of my favorite things, no matter what city I’m in! New Orleans Oktoberfest is a must-do this Fall! It costs $10 to get into Oktoberfest.

New Orleans is a fun city no matter the holiday! Check out our guide on What to do during Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween and Christmas! If you need more ideas on where to spend a long weekend in the United States check out this post!

33. Celebrate everything Taco at Top Taco
October

Top Taco is the perfect place for you to try some of the best tacos around the city.

This event used to be held in Orleans Parish but made its way to Jefferson Parish in recent years.

If you love Tacos – this is the perfect place to drink margaritas and eat tacos from New Orleans Chefs while enjoying the crisp fall air.

34. Crescent City Blues & BBQ fest
October 

With Free Admission – what is not to love at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest!

This three-day event is held in Lafayette Square Park and showcases the delicious BBQ and blues that runs throughout our city. Be ready to catch some local music.

Festival Supports the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation, inc.

35. New Orleans Film Festival
November 

Each Fall, New Orleans hosts the New Orleans Film Festival, where filmmakers from all over the globe share their love of film.

Take some time out of your week and enjoy movies from around the world!

36. Bayou Classic
November 

Since 1974 the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Grambling, and Southen have come together and battle it out.

From the battle of the bands to an intense football game – Bayou Classic is perfect for those College football lovers! 

37. Oak Street Poboy Fest
November

New Orleans loves a good poboy, and each year the Oak Street po-boy festival takes over Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood.

Bring your eatin’ pants because over 40 vendors are bringing out their best poboys for everyone to eat. There is no better time to eat a poboy.

This festival supports Son of a Saint, a non-profit helping Fatherless boys’ lives.

38. Treme Fall Fest
October

It is Fall, the annual Treme Fall Festival held near the Historic St. Augustine Church.

Known for its music, local food, and vibrant atmosphere – the Treme Fall Festival is not to miss.

Admission is free to the Treme Fall festival.

39. Gentilly Fest
October

Gentilly Fest is a festival with live music, delicious food from different local restaurants, and art from local vendors.

This festival happens each October to help support the area’s first responders, police, and fire department.

40. Boudin, Bourbon & Beer
November

From the brainchild of Emeril Lagasse Foundation came Boudin, Bourbon, and Beer. If you like any of those items, this festival is for you!

Over 60 chefs come up with their dish using boudin sausage each year for you to wash down with bourbon or beer.

41. Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Racecourse
November

After your Thanksgiving lunch is overhead, on down to the Fair Grounds for the annual Opening of the Racetrack.

Even though the racetrack technically opens earlier than Thanksgiving, it is a tradition for locals to come to the racetrack on Thanksgiving Day dressed in cocktail attire and head-turning hats.

42. Celebration in the Oaks
November – January 

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Celebration in the Oaks begins, and New Orleanians get ready to start their Winter, Christmas, and Holiday celebrations.

Celebration in the Oaks is a traditional Christmas Light Display that locals love. This yearly tradition has patrons from all over come to City Park and participate in walking or driving tours. 

VISIT NEW ORLEANS THIS FALL

There are so many things to do in the Fall – not wonder if it is my favorite time to be in New Orleans! If you want more things to do than just Bourbon Street, check out some of my other blog posts on New Orleans. 

 I hope you enjoyed my favorite things to do in the Fall! Want to know what to do in New Orleans during the Spring or Summer, click find out!

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