Image may be subject to copyright

10 Best Things To Do in New Orleans this October

Celebrate Autumn in Charming New Orleans

What's better than autumn in the city? Pretty much nothing. It's the best time of the year to visit New Orleans; all you need is a light jacket! October in New Orleans means perfect crisp weather, haunted adventures, and a plethora of live music and entertainment. Whether you live in New Orleans year-round or are just here to visit, we have the perfect activities for you to do. It's time to make October the best month yet!

Image may be subject to copyright

#1 - Celebrate German History at New Orleans Oktoberfest

Enjoy the annual German history festival, Oktoberfest! The festival is full of German food and drinks vendors featuring iconic German foods such as brats, sauerkraut, and beers. Be prepared for lots of dancing and a German costume contest. Don't miss Oktoberfest 2022!

New Orleans Oktoberfest Dates:

October 7, 2022 - October 8, 2022
October 14, 2022 - October 15, 2022
October 21, 2022 - October 22, 2022

New Orleans Oktoberfest Cost:

$10 (cash) at the gate only

Image may be subject to copyright

New Orleans Crescent City Blue & BBQ Festival

#2 - Attend the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

You will not want to miss this free New Orleans festival! This three-day event is full of live performances and delicious BBQs from local vendors. This event is family-friendly and perfect for all ages. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some great Blues music at this iconic event!

Crescent City Blue & BBQ Festival Dates:

October 14, 2022 - October 16, 2022

Crescent City Blue & BBQ Festival Cost:

Free admission

Image may be subject to copyright

#3 - Visit One of the Largest Beer Festivals: NOLA on Tap

NOLA on Tap is one of the largest beer festivals in the southern United States. The festival mixes live music with local food vendors and 400+ local, national, and homebrewed beers. The event is free to attend, but tickets are required for beer tasting. You must show proof of ID that you are over 21 in order to purchase a ticket.

NOLA on Tap Dates :

Date TBD

NOLA on Tap Cost :

Free admission for all ages. Additional cost for beer tasting tickets.

Image may be subject to copyright

#4 - Enjoy Live Music at the Gretna Heritage Festival

The Gretna Heritage Festival started as just a small local festival in New Orleans years ago, however, over the years, it has grown into one of the biggest festivals in the city each year! The festival features local, regional, national, and international talent, artwork, food, and crafts. More than 50 food vendors will be present this year, along with numerous live musical performances. It is a family-friendly event that is perfect for all ages!

Gretna Heritage Festival Dates:

October 7, 2022 - October 9, 2022

Gretna Heritage Festival Cost:

Pricing starts at $189/night
Children until 12 - Free
Single day pass - $20
Weekend pass - $45

Get your tickets here!

Image may be subject to copyright

#5 - Attend Rosie Tran's Internationally Touring Comedy Special at Comedy House NOLA

Rosie Tran has been touring internationally with her half-an-hour comedy special. Her hilarious stories and sharp wit has been a fan favorite across the world! She will be in New Orleans for just one evening with TWO showings at the Comedy House NOLA. You don't want to miss her performance! You can purchase tickets for her 7 pm or 9 pm showings on October 14, 2022.

Rosie Tran at Comedy House NOLA Date:

October 14, 2022

Rosie Tran at Comedy House NOLA Cost:

$15-$25/person. Get your tickets here!

Image may be subject to copyright

#6 - Invite Spooky Season in by Attending the New Orleans Voodoo Music & Arts Experience

The Voodoo Music and Arts Experience is the perfect way to start your Halloween weekend in New Orleans! It is a weekend full of spookiness, music, art, community, food, and mystery. Each year the festival is headlined by top musical performers and draws millions worldwide. More updates regarding the festival lineup will be released soon. Follow along on their website here!

New Orleans Voodoo Music & Arts Experience Dates:

October 28, 2022 - October 30, 2022

New Orleans Voodoo Music & Arts Experience Cost:

Tickets are not yet for sale. Check out their website to be notified when tickets are available!

Image may be subject to copyright

New Orleans National Fried Chicken Festival

#7 - Try Fried Chicken from Over 15 Restaurants at the National Fried Chicken Fest

These days there's a festival for almost everything! If you love fried chicken, this is the event for you! On October 1st and 2nd at the New Orleans Lakefront sponsored by the only Raising Cane's. You're in for the best-fried chicken at this festival. You'll be able to try over 15 different fried chicken recipes from varying restaurants and rank them based on deliciousness.

New Orleans National Fried Chicken Fest Dates:

October 1, 2022 - October 2, 2022

New Orleans National Fried Chicken Fest Cost:

Free admission with optional add-ons. Check out more information on the festival here!

Image may be subject to copyright

#8 - Awaken Your Inner Child at the New Orleans Halloween Parade

You're never too old to enjoy a parade! The New Orleans Halloween Parade is one of the biggest in the nation. Enjoy beautifully horrific floats from local businesses around New Orleans. It's an event you won't want to miss. The best part is that it is completely free and family-friendly!

New Orleans Halloween Parade Date:

October 22, 2022 at 6:30pm

New Orleans Halloween Parade Cost:

Completely free!

Image may be subject to copyright

#9 - Celebrate Caribbean History with the NOLA Caribbean Experience

Enjoy Caribbean food, music, and dancing at the annual NOLA Caribbean Festival! The festival is located in the central city BBQ in New Orleans. Public transportation is available to the event venue. You don't want to miss this festival! Get your tickets today.

NOLA Caribbean Experience Dates:

October 12, 2022 - October 23, 2022

NOLA Caribbean Experience Cost:

$10-15/person. Check out their Instagram for updates on the event!

Image may be subject to copyright

#10 - Run for Charity at the NOLA Dogs "Race to the Rescue" 5k Run/Walk

So many fun and exciting events are happening throughout New Orleans in October, but don't forget to give back! Run through the beautiful Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans and raise money for animal rescue organizations throughout Southern Louisiana. You can attend the live or virtual event, run/walk, or donate to a great cause.

NOLA Dogs "Race to the Rescue" 5k Run/Walk Date:

Sunday, October 16, 2022

NOLA Dogs "Race to the Rescue" 5k Run/Walk Cost:

$25/person for admission. Register here today!