Festing is a year-round pastime in New Orleans and throughout the state. But fall is arguably the start of the festival season, which extends into winter. Whether you’re into grooving to your favorite bands, tucking into delectable Louisiana staples (it’s gumbo weather, y’all) or celebrating your culture—or someone else’s—there’s a fest for that. While this list doesn’t include every single festival in the region—we’d need a lot more space—we’re confident that if you are a fest lover, you’ll be well-occupied between now and the new year.
For Music Lovers
NOLAxNOLA
From Sept. 26-Oct. 6, jam out to the music of your favorite regional bands during NOLAxNOLA. Brassaholics, Kermit Ruffins, Preservation Allstars and Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers are a few of the notable names performing at iconic New Orleans venues such as D.B.A., Chickie Wah Wah and The Orpheum, as well as breweries and bars throughout the city. Fans of early iterations of Austin’s South by Southwest won’t want to miss this one. nolaxnola.com
Gretna Fest
If the chance to see 60 acts in three days from Oct, 4-6, isn’t enough of a draw, the food, arts and crafts at Gretna Fest might grab your attention. This year, the fest turns 30 and organizers are turning it up with local favorites like Galactic and The Revivalists, plus national acts, including Morris Day & The Time, Foghat, Dierks Bentley and the Steve Miller Band. gretnafest.com
Gentilly Fest
Oct. 11, celebrate all things Gentilly and help raise money for the community and its first responders during Gentilly Fest. Groove all day at the main stage, emceed by the always energetic WWLTV “Great Day Louisiana” host Malik Mingo, get your soul nourished at the Gospel Tent, sample good eats from your favorite local restaurants and have fun with your littles in the Kid’s Village. Admission is free. gentillyfestival.com
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Devotees of the free, Oct. 11-13, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival held at Lafayette Square Park have been treated to three days of music, art and ‘cue for nearly two decades. For this year’s installment, Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials and Irma Thomas & the Professionals headline the event presented by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, with heavy hitters like Marcia Ball and Little Freddie King rounding out the talented lineup. This year sees the return of the oral history stage at Gallier Hall. crescentcitybluesfest.com
The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience’s NOLA Funk Fest
The Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience’s NOLA Funk Fest, held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on the edge of the French Quarter and the Frenchman live music corridor, lives up to its name with a down-and-dirty lineup you won’t want to miss. From Oct. 18-20, your favorite local funk bands, such as Dumpstaphunk, the Soul Rebels and the Bucktown Allstars, are layin’ it down. Big Freedia closes out Friday night, Saturday ends with Geo Leo (featuring George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli playing the music of the Meters with Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore) and Sunday, turn it out with Tank and the Bangas. Two oral history symposiums with musical performances, tell the story of Blues and Jazz and its evolution into R&B, Rock and Roll, and Funk. nolafunkfest.com
NOLA Zydeco Fest
On Nov. 2, cha cha your way down to Crescent Park for NOLA Zydeco Fest to dance to the tunes of Dwayne Dopsie, Harold Guillory and more, find your favorite roux at the gumbo cookoff and try your turn on the mechanical bull. This free, one-day festival has your Saturday unlocked. nolazydecofest.com
Sober Fest
For its second annual installment on Nov. 18, Sober Fest, brings its alcohol-free music festival downtown to the Sugar Mill. Listen to live performances, purchase local eats and enjoy games for the kids during this free event benefitting Bridge House Grace House and its recovery programs. Attendees can also buy and try a variety of non-alcoholic beverages during the fest. bridgehouse.org/events/soberfest
For Food Lovers
National Fried Chicken Festival
Ranked one of the Best Specialty Food Festivals in America in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards the Oct. 5-6, National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Cane’s features nearly 40 restaurants from across the country and is a fried chicken lovers fever dream. Now in its seventh year, the fest features a heavy contingent of local establishments known for their delectable takes on the southern staple, including Willie Mae’s and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. The festival is held at the New Orleans Lakefront behind the UNO Lakefront Arena and is free to children under 12. friedchickenfestival.com
Oak Street Po-boy Fest
Does it get any better than a day devoted to po-boys and music? If that sounds like your favorite way to pass a good time, the Oct. 27, Oak Street Po-boy Fest is the place for you. With five stages and the piano truck, po-boys of every kind from your favorite local restaurants as far as the eye can see, an opening parade, contest, activities for the kids and a Saints game-watching VIP area, there’s no reason not to make this event your Sunday hang. poboyfest.com
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
There is no better location in all of New Orleans than Louis Armstrong Park for the Nov. 9-10, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. Sampling the many variations of gumbo while listening to brass bands and shopping the arts market featuring hand-crafted art, crafts and furnishings is the recipe for a perfect day in the Crescent City. jazzandheritage.org
Beignet Fest
New Orleans’ iconic pastry, beignets, come in sweet and savory versions and during Beignet Fest on Nov. 16, you can try your fill of both. The family-friendly event at City Park Conservancy’s festival grounds features live music, great food, kid’s activities and, of course, beignets. Proceeds benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which serves autistic youth and their families. beignetfest.com
For Arts Lovers
Art for Art’s Sake
See and be seen while taking in fabulous art (and architecture) during the Oct. 5, Art for Art’s Sake event on Magazine Street. Businesses stay open late during this annual event so you can dip in and out of the galleries, boutiques, coffees shops, restaurants and bars, while sipping wine and strolling down one of the city’s most beautiful and bustling avenues. magazinestreet.com/event/art-for-art-sake
Prospect.6
For its 2024 installment of what’s touted as the longest-running, citywide contemporary art triennial, the Nov. 2-Feb. 2, Prospect.6: The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home, features 49 artists in 20 venues and spaces across New Orleans. This year, the event explores the themes of climate change, colonialism and belonging. prospectneworleans.org
New Orleans Film Festival
At the Oct. 17-27 New Orleans Film Festival, movie buffs and aspiring filmmakers alike can get their film fix during screenings; rub elbows with industry pros at the parties and receptions; catch panels, workshops and talks and even pitch their own films during the conference. neworleansfilmsociety.org
For Spooky Season
Ghosts in the Oaks
Kids of all ages will thrill at the Oct. 17, Ghosts in the Oaks festivities at City Park Conservancy. Don costumes for Halloween trick-or-treating in Storyland then roast hot dogs, do crafts and enjoy the rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. neworleanscitypark.org
Krewe of BOO
Since 2007, Krewe of BOO has taken to the streets to delight and fright paradegoers who dare come out after dark. On Oct. 19, the krewe will roll in floats by Kern Studios and with some of New Orleans’ favorite marching and dancing krewes reimagined for Halloween zombie walking in their wake. kreweofboo.com
For Culture
Oktoberfest
The Deutsch Haus in Bayou St. John flings open its doors to the public for not one, not two but three weekends for Oktoberfest beginning Oct. 11. Don your lederhosen and use the words schnitzel and weisswurst with abandon while quaffing some of the 20 German beers and local German-style beers by Urban South and Faubourg Brewing. A dog parade and the requisite Chicken Dance (performed daily) make for a fun family event. oktoberfestnola.com
Tremé Fall Festival
Tremé comes alive on Oct. 25 for the 9th Annual Tremé Fall Festival. Gates open at 11 a.m. as the James Rivers Movement gets the show started. The fest (and the Patron Party on Friday night) is thrown by the Friends of Tremé Culture. Get there early on Saturday for the second line kick-off, featuring the Southern Belle Baby Dolls. The fest wraps up with a performance by the TBC Brass Band featuring Ha Sizzle and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, a show guaranteed to bring the house down. tremefest.org
51st Annual Bayou Classic
To say the 51st Annual Bayou Classic is just a football game is like saying Mardi Gras is just a street party. Once again, throw the records out the window as the Grambling State Tigers battle the Southern University Jaguars on Nov. 30 at the Caesars Superdome. The ultimate “if you know you know” weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29, with the Battle of the Bands and Greek Show. If you haven’t seen the show, drop everything you’re doing, get those tickets and plan your week of events. mybayouclassic.com.
Bayou Bacchanal
Grab your friends and see what’s shakin’ at the 22nd annual Bayou Bacchanal on Nov 1-2. Go hungry and wear your dancing shoes to enjoy the tastes and sounds of Caribbean culture. It’s a weekend of festivities. The Wear White Dance at the Ashé Powerhouse Theatre on Friday night is a must. friendsofculture.org
For the Holidays
LUNA Fête
Take a trip downtown to get lit and light up the night at the 11th Annual LUNA Fête. This free festival goes from Nov. 14-17 and is a mind-blowing mashup of light and art. Bring the kids, bring your buds. The weather should be perfect for taking a nighttime stroll around this light fantastic. lunafete.com
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park Conservancy is one of the crown jewels of New Orleans and is decorated with thousands of lights during the annual Celebration in the Oaks. The holiday celebration goes from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30 and has been a local family tradition since the 1980s. To this day it still captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike. Driving and walking tours are offered and don’t forget Bike Nights. You may want to reserve your tickets ahead of time as some evenings sell out. Have your cameras ready for a Mr. Bingle sighting. neworleanscitypark.org
Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds
If you’re not gambling on a Thursday afternoon, have you even celebrated Thanksgiving in New Orleans? Thanksgiving at the Fairgrounds, Nov. 28, is the unofficial opening day of the Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots’ biggest day of the winter season (the track actually opens its doors on Nov. 22.) Wear a costume, don vintage style or your Derby best, bet longshots, eat a turkey dinner and enjoy the people watching along the rail. fairgroundsracecourse.com
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
It’s all about family fun as the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade rolls through the French Quarter into the CBD on Dec. 7. Kids delight in the magic of the season watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and the Ginger Bread Man float by. The older set smile right along as the legendary Mr. Bingle makes the scene. It’s all good tidings and vibes. nolaholidayparade.com
Algiers Holiday Bonfires & Concert
As the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans, the Dec. 7, Algiers Holiday Bonfires & Concert is a must. This local tribute to the Louisiana parish holiday bonfires tradition is free and includes music, food and a holiday artisan market. algierseconomic.com/algiersbonfire
Krewe of Krampus’ NOLAuf Parade
On Dec. 7, after two years as a stationary parade, Krewe of Krampus’ NOLAuf Parade makes its return as a walking parade. According to central European legend, Krampus is a half-man, half-demon sent to punish naughty children before the Feast of Saint Nicolas. Billed as “the largest Krampus parade in America” attendees can expect to view larger-than-life, other-worldly beasts created by performers from all over the world. kreweofkrampus.com
Christmasfest
Step into a winter wonderland Dec. 20-30, at NOLA Christmasfest. Carnival rides, an ice-skating rink, gingerbread village and giant wreath are a few of the highlights of this family-friendly event. Don’t forget to plan time for a visit with Santa. nolachristmasfest.com
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, the sky over the Mississippi River bursts to life during the New Orleans New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show. Start your day-of festivities early with the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, which rolls at 2:30 p.m. crescentcitycountdown.com
Nearby
Abbeville
Oct. 4-6
74th Louisiana Cattle Festival
louisianacattlefestival.org
Raceland
Oct. 4-6
La Fête Des Vieux Temps
lacajunbayou.com
Abita Springs
Oct. 11-12
Abita Fall Fest
abitafallfest.com
Lafayette
Oct. 11 – 13
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
festivalsacadiens.com
New Iberia
Oct. 12-13
World Championship Gumbo Cookoff
iberiachamber.org/gumbo-cookoff
Baton Rouge
Oct. 17, 19 and 20
8th Annual A Taste of the Deep South Festival
htjday.com
Houma
Oct 18-20
Rougarou Fest
rougaroufest.org
Lafayette
Oct. 19
Gulf Brew
acadianacenterforthearts.org/events/gulf-brew-2024
Lake Charles
Oct. 19
Chuck Fest
chuckfest.org
Thibodaux
Oct. 19
Acadia Music Fest
acadiamusicfest.net
Madisonville
Oct. 19-20
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival
maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/woodenboatfestival
New Iberia
Oct. 20
Beneath the Balconies
explorelouisiana.com
Lafayette
Oct. 25-26
Black Pot Festival
blackpotfestival.com
Monroe
Oct. 25-27
Chennault Festival
chennaultfest.com
Shreveport
Oct. 30-Nov. 17
State Fair of Louisiana
statefairoflouisiana.com
Thibodaux
Nov. 2
2nd Annual Barbecue and Bourbon on the Bayou Fest
facebook.com/BBQBourbonBluesFestival
Hammond
Nov. 2
Brews Arts Festival
hammondarts.org/brews-arts-festival
Port Barre
Nov. 7-10
37th Annual Cracklin Festival
cracklinfest.com
Lake Charles
Nov. 16
Smoke & Barrel
smokeandbarrel.org/smoke-barrel
Natchitoches
Nov. 23-Jan. 6
98th Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Lutcher
Dec. 13-15
Christmas Eve
Bonfires on the Levee
festivalofthebonfires.org
Down the Road
Florida
Sandestin
Oct. 11 and 12
Baytowne Beer Festival
baytownebeerfestival.com
South Walton
Oct. 12
The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival
themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival
Pensacola
Nov. 9
The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival Night Moves Fest Returns to Pensacola for Second Year as Part of the Eleventh Annual Pensacola Foo Foo Festival
Nov. 11
Featuring Silversun Pickups, Alvvays & Beach Fossils
nightmovesfest.com, foofoofest.com
Mississippi
Natchez
Oct.18-19
Natchez Balloon Festival
natchezballoonfestival.com
Bay Saint Louis
Oct. 26
10th Witches Walk
baystlouis-ms.gov/special-events/page/witchs-walk
Ocean Springs
Nov. 2-3
46th Peter Anderson Festival
peterandersonfestival.com
Gulfport
Nov. 9-10
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival
mshighlandsandislands.com
Alabama
Gulf Shores
Oct. 10-13
51st National Shrimp Festival
myshrimpfest.com
Theodore
Nov. 29-Jan.5
Bellingrath Gardens and Home’s 29th Magic Christmas In Lights
bellingrath.org
Mobile
Dec. 31
Moonpie Over Mobile
moonpieovermobile.com
