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Things to do in New Orleans in October are as vibrant and spirited as the city. New Orleans, often affectionately called “NOLA” or “The Big Easy,” is a captivating city in southeastern Louisiana, nestled along the mighty Mississippi River. The city’s lush parks, grand oaks, and scenic riverfront add natural wonder to its urban charm. October brings a unique, spooky-meets-celebratory atmosphere, with Halloween parades, ghost tours, food fests, and the cool embrace of autumn breezes, making it truly special.
Top 14 Things To Do In New Orleans In October
Discover the most unforgettable things to do in New Orleans in October, from haunted tours to food festivals and live music.
1. Groove At The Crescent City Blues & Bbq Festival
Photo: Lina Sali / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is a highlight among things to do in New Orleans in October, drawing music lovers and foodies alike to Lafayette Square. This free outdoor event features a stellar lineup of blues and jazz musicians, mouth-watering barbecue from local vendors, and an art market showcasing regional talent. Visitors can groove to soulful performances, savour smoky ribs and brisket, and mingle with locals under the autumn sky.
Location: Lafayette Square Park, 602 St. Charles Ave
Things To Do: Enjoy live music, sample BBQ, and explore art stalls; best in the afternoon or evening, mid-October
Must-Try Local Experiences: Savour brisket, ribs, and local blues acts
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In USA
2. Explore The French Quarter In Fall Glow
Exploring the French Quarter is one of the most enchanting things in New Orleans in October. The historic district comes alive with autumnal decorations, cooler weather, and fewer crowds. Stroll through Jackson Square, admire the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, and browse the vibrant art along Royal Street. The sound of jazz drifts through the air while street performers and open-air cafés invite you to linger.
Location: French Quarter, central New Orleans
Must-Try Local Experiences: Beignets at Café du Monde, live jazz on street corners
Top Attraction: Jackson Square’s artists and historic architecture
3. Join The Krewe Of Boo Parade
Photo: Suzanne C. Grim / Shutterstock
Joining the Krewe of Boo Parade is one of the most exciting things to do in New Orleans in October, especially for Halloween enthusiasts. This official Halloween parade dazzles with elaborate floats, costumed performers, and a spooky, family-friendly atmosphere. The parade winds from the French Quarter to Marigny, showering the crowds with beads and treats, the creative spirit of New Orleans in autumn.
Location: French Quarter to Marigny
Things To Do: Watch the parade, catch throws, and join after-parties, typically mid-October evening
Top Attraction: Themed floats and lively street celebrations
Suggested Read: Coachella Music Festival
4. Visit The Garden District’s Fall Foliage
Photo: Keizers / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Garden District in October is one of the most picturesque things to do in New Orleans in October. The neighbourhood’s grand mansions and leafy avenues are golden, with autumn foliage adding to the district’s timeless beauty. Take a leisurely walk along Magazine Street, popping into chic boutiques and cosy cafés. The peaceful atmosphere and the district’s historic charm offer a welcome escape from the city’s bustle.
Location: Garden District, Magazine Street
Things To Do: Stroll, shop at boutiques, dine at cafés; mornings or late afternoons are ideal
Must-Try Local Experiences: Snap photos of antebellum mansions and enjoy a local brunch
5. Get Chills On A Ghost Tour
Photo: Miguel Discart (Photos Vrac) / Wikimedia Commons
Getting chills on a ghost tour is an absolute must among things to do in New Orleans in October. As dusk falls, expert guides lead you through the French Quarter’s shadowy streets, sharing spine-tingling tales of haunted mansions, voodoo legends, and unsolved mysteries. The city’s eerie history comes alive, especially in October when the supernatural seems closer. Visitors love the thrill of exploring hidden courtyards and candlelit alleyways.
Location: French Quarter and surrounding areas
How to Get There: Central location, accessible on foot or by public transport
Things To Do: Join evening walking or bus tours; book in advance for October weekends
Must-Try Local Experiences: Visit haunted mansions and hear true crime stories
Suggested Read: Harvest Festivals Of New York
6. Eat Your Way Through The Crescent City, Food Festivals & Local Joints
Photo: Stephanie / Wikimedia Commons
Eating your way through the city is one of the tastiest things to do in New Orleans in October. The month is packed with food festivals, from the Fried Chicken Festival to seafood extravaganzas, where you can sample po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, and more. Local joints and pop-up stalls serve authentic flavours while live music and friendly crowds set the mood.
Location: Citywide (various festival locations)
Things To Do: Attend food fests, try street food, dine at classic restaurants; weekends are busiest
Top Attraction: Fried Chicken Festival (Oct 4–5, 2025)
7. Dance At Oktoberfest, Deutsches Haus New Orleans
Photo: Ulrich Knoll / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Dancing and enjoying at Oktoberfest is one of the best things to do in New Orleans in October. This festival, hosted by Deutsches Haus, brings German culture to the city with live bands, traditional dances, and plenty of bratwurst and beer. The event runs over three weekends and offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can join the chicken dance, sample schnitzel, and enjoy the festive beer garden.
Location: Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss Street, Bayou St. John
Must-Try Local Experiences: Sample schnitzel join the chicken dance
Top Attraction: Authentic beer garden atmosphere
Suggested Read: Historical Places In New Orleans
8. Cruise The Mississippi On A Steamboat
Photo: Justin Wilkens / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cruising the Mississippi River is a classic among things to do in New Orleans in October. Board the historic Steamboat Natchez or Creole Queen for a jazz brunch, dinner cruise, or sunset sail. The cool autumn air and stunning river views set the scene for a relaxing journey past the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy live jazz, local cuisine, and the thrill of riding a paddlewheel steamboat.
Location: Riverfront, near French Quarter
Things To Do: Book a brunch or dinner cruise; sunset cruises are especially popular in October
Must-Try Local Experiences: Sip a cocktail on the deck and listen to live jazz
9. Celebrate Art For Art’s Sake
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Celebrating Art for Art’s Sake is a creative highlight among things to do in New Orleans in October. This citywide event sees galleries open late, with special exhibits, live music, and street parties along Magazine and Julia Streets. The festive atmosphere, unique installations, and bustling crowds make it a must for culture lovers and anyone seeking inspiration during their autumn visit.
Location: Magazine Street & Julia Street, Arts/Warehouse District
Things To Do: Gallery hop, attend artist talks, enjoy live music; first Saturday in October
Top Attraction: Contemporary art galleries and installations
Suggested Read: Art Galleries In USA
10. Attend The Voodoo Music And Arts Experience
Photo: hex1848 / Wikimedia Commons
Attending the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is one of the most electrifying things in New Orleans in October. This multi-day festival in City Park features big-name bands, immersive art installations, and a vibrant, costumed crowd. Visitors can dance to headline acts, explore creative exhibits, and sample festival fare under the autumn sky. The event’s high-energy vibe and diverse lineup make it a standout for music fans and festival-goers.
Location: City Park, 1 Palm Drive
Things To Do: Catch headline acts, explore art, sample festival food, and check dates for late October
Must-Try Local Experiences: Join the costume contest and dance to live sets
11. Attend The New Orleans Film Festival
Photo: Zaferhany / Wikimedia Commons
Attend the New Orleans Film Festival and immerse yourself in independent cinema against the city’s vibrant backdrop. Held each October, the festival screens over 150 films from local, national and international filmmakers across historic venues and modern theatres. Guests can take part in post-screening Q&A sessions, network at the Filmmakers Conference and enjoy a Second Line parade following opening night. With both in-person and virtual editions, the event draws thousands of cinephiles eager to discover new voices, celebrate diverse stories and enjoy late-night receptions in the heart of New Orleans’s arts district.
Location: Held at various venues in Downtown New Orleans
Things To Do: Enjoy film screenings, panels, and filmmaker meetups
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In USA
12. Visit The National WWII Museum
Photo: ironypoisioning / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the National WWII Museum to explore the American experience of the Second World War through immersive exhibits and personal stories. This award-winning institution charts the conflict from Everyman’s perspective, tracing key battles, home-front efforts and post-war impacts. Visitors move through soaring pavilions filled with restored vehicles, interactive displays and oral histories. Special guided tours highlight rare artefacts such as a Sherman tank and a B-26 bomber. The museum also hosts monthly sound-and-light shows and themed events, making it one of the top historical places in New Orleans.
Location: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans
Things To Do: Explore immersive WWII exhibits and historic artefacts
13. Attend The New Orleans Seafood & Caribbean Music Festival
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans / Wikimedia Commons
Attend the New Orleans Seafood & Caribbean Music Festival for a weekend of lively rhythms and coastal flavours. Set along Woldenberg Park on the riverfront every October, the festival features live DJs and steel-pan bands playing reggae, soca and zydeco. Food stalls offer an array of seafood dishes, from jambalaya and gumbo to grilled shrimp and free crawfish served midday. General admission grants access to open-air stages and artisan markets, while VIP passes include shaded seating and lawn-chair spots. As the sun sets over the Mississippi, the party atmosphere captures the city’s festive spirit.
Location: City Park, New Orleans
Things To Do: Enjoy seafood dishes, live Caribbean music, and cultural shows
Suggested Read: July Music Festivals USA
14. Explore The Mortuary Haunted Mansion
Photo: Ladymiel67 / Wikimedia Commons
Explore The Mortuary Haunted Mansion to experience one of America’s top haunted attractions this Halloween season. Housed in an 1872 building on Canal Street, the site functioned as a funeral home for eighty years before becoming a theatrical maze of scares. Guests navigate five levels of dark halls, catacombs and themed rooms populated by actors, special effects and detailed sets. Open daily throughout October, the mansion offers themed nights and live shows inspired by local folklore. With its authentic period architecture and spine-tingling atmosphere, a visit here brings New Orleans’s eerie side to life.
Location: 4800 Canal St, New Orleans
Things To Do: Experience thrilling haunted house tours and spooky attractions
Things to do in New Orleans in October create a tapestry of unforgettable moments, blending music, food, art, and a touch of the supernatural. New Orleans moves to its own rhythm, offering a laid-back, welcoming vibe that feels worlds apart from anywhere else. Every day, from lively festivals to haunted tours and culinary delights, brings new adventures and lasting memories. Book with TripXL for expert support, curated experiences, and unforgettable journeys!
Cover Photo: Steve Lussier / Unsplash
