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1. Bayou Bacchanal
November 1-2
https://www.bayoubacchanal.org/

Bayou Bacchanal, the original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans, will hold its 17th annual celebration on November 1-2. Presented by Friends of Culture, it will be a two-day celebration of delicious Caribbean cuisine, dancing, and music. The annual All White Affair will be held Friday evening at Cozie’s Sports Bar and Grill, located at 724 Franklin St in Gretna, LA. This is a late-night dance party starting at 11pm, featuring live DJs. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. This fee gives you access to the World Wide Dance Celebration. On Saturday, November 2, the Bayou Bacchanal Carnival will be held at Crescent Park. It’s a celebration of everything Caribbean. Come dressed in Caribbean carnival attire, dance the day away while feasting on good food and refreshing drinks. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The Bayou Bacchanal After Party will be held at Rendez-Vous Haitian Creole, Saturday night starting at 11pm. Close out Bayou Bacchanal listening to DJs spinning Caribbean music, snacking on Caribbean bites and dancing the night away.

2. Algiers Folk Art Festival
November 2
http://folkartzone.org/folk-art-fest/

Hosted by the Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum, the Algiers Folk Art Festival will celebrate its ninth year. The event will take place on the grounds of the Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum, located at 207 Lebouef, along the Mississippi River levee in Algiers. Folk artists will feature paintings, sculptures, collage, jewelry and other items available for purchase. In traditional New Orleans style, there will be live music and food trucks on hand for your enjoyment. According to the website, proceeds will be used for enhancement of the museum and to create initiatives for increased visibility to self-taught artists.

3. Wine on the River
November 2
https://www.wineontherivernola.com/

Presented by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Wine on the River will take place from 3-6pm at Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Audubon Aquarium Plaza. Enjoy wine-tastings from multiple regions around the globe, while listening to live music, feasting on fare provided by several restaurants, and enjoying the sights along the river. A Canal St and a Bienville St entrance will be available this year. VIP tickets are available. Proceeds will benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. 21+ only event.

4. The Bloody Mary Festival
November 2-3
https://www.thebloodymaryfest.com/new-orleans-11-2019

Get over to the Howlin’ Wolf, at 907 South Peters St., from 12pm-4:30pm to sample an array of Bloody Mary offerings. Tickets start at $35 and include Bloody Marys, local food and beverage samples, temporary tattoos, and more. The event will also feature live music by Andrew Block.

5. Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
November 3
https://www.poboyfest.com/

The 13th annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is an awesome event, featuring over 60 variations of classic sandwiches from various New Orleans restaurants. Live music will be featured all day on four stages. Admission to the festival is free, but in order to purchase po-boys from the venders, you must purchase a $5 wristband at the event. A fast Pass is also available for $20, which allows you access to a special lane to purchase food. November 3rd is National Sandwich Day, so what better way to spend it than celebrating at a Po-Boy Festival!

6. Boudin, Bourbon & Beer
November 8
https://boudinbourbonandbeer.com/

Come join us at Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s annual event at Champion’s Square. The event will feature food selections from over 70 chefs, open bars featuring craft beers, premium spirits, fine wines, premium cigar bar, dessert tasting stations, live music from Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Grace Potter, Fruition, and Motel Radio, merchandise station, and a silent auction. Proceeds go towards the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s mission of supporting youth in reaching their fullest potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. General Admission tickets are $135. See website for full details and ticket purchase.

7. Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
November 16-17
http://www.jazzandheritage.org/treme-gumbo/

This year’s 12 annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival will take place from 11am-7:30pm at Louis Armstrong Park. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation welcomes you to enjoy a couple of days of live brass band music while dining on delicious gumbo. Admission is free. This event will be happening in unison with the Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival (see below).

8. Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival
November 16-17
https://jazzandheritage.org/congo-square

Happening in unison with the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival at Louis Armstrong Park, the Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival offers live music, African drumming and dance, delicious food offerings such as crabmeat beignets, red beans and rice, jambalaya, poboys, and more. Art markets will feature crafts, jewelry, locally produced beauty products, and imported items from Latin American, the Caribbean, and Africa. Admission is free.

9. Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party
November 22
http://neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks/celebration-in-the-oaks-preview-party

Celebration in the Oaks is the annual Christmas lights display throughout City Park. The Preview Party offers you a first glimpse of the display, with exclusive access to the Botanical Gardens and the Train Route. Eventgoers will enjoy food, alcoholic beverages and live music throughout the evening. There will be a Culinary Competition among participating restaurants. It’s a 21+ event and holiday cocktail attire is required. Check website for ticket information.

10. Bayou Classic
November 30
http://www.mybayouclassic.com/

The Bayou Classic is an annual Thanksgiving Day weekend tradition, centered around a football matchup between Grambling State and Southern University. Leading up to the game, fans will enjoy the Big Clash, which encompasses a parade, career seminars, a fan festival, and Battle of the Bands. This rivalry began in the 1930s but became known as the Bayou Classic in 1974. See website for details and ticket information.

Beignet Festival

October 5
https://www.beignetfest.com/

A project for the Tres Doux Foundation, which supports nonprofits helping children with developmental delays, the Beignet Fest is guaranteed to be a wonderful and delicious event.  It’s held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds from 10am-6pm. The festival will feature over 30 beignet varieties in the sweet and savory categories from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and food trucks. The festival will also feature live music, a kid’s village, and art market. Tickets are $5 per person, with free admission for children 12 and under with a paying adult.

Algiers Fest

October 5

http://algiersdevelopment.com/2019-algiers-fest/

This year’s festival will focus on bringing awareness to Breast Cancer by honoring cancer survivors and those who lost their battle to this horrific disease. The 5^th anniversary of Algiers Fest will be held from 12pm-9pm at New Orleans Riverside at Federal City, located at 2500 General Meyer Ave. Come out and enjoy delicious food and live music, while celebrating the military and the community.

Fall Garden Fest

October 5-6

http://neworleanscitypark.com/events/fall-garden-festival

Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary, the Fall Garden festival is the place to be for all home and professional gardeners.  The event takes place at the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, located within City Park. It will feature plant and garden product exhibits, products/plants for purchase, educational seminars, a kid’s area, music, arts and crafts, and much more. Sponsors include the New Orleans Botanical Garden, New Orleans City Park, the New Orleans Botanical garden Foundation, and Friends of City Park. See website for ticket information and purchase. Friends of City Park members receive free admission.

Oktoberfest

October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

https://oktoberfestnola.com/

Oktoberfest will take place the first three weekends in October on Bayou St. John, across from Big Lake in City Park. The event will feature authentic German food, live music, dance performances, a German souvenir shop, contests and, of course, lots of German beer. Admission is $8, children 12 and under free.

Gentilly Fest

October 11-13

http://gentillyfest.com/

The location for Gentilly fest is Pontchartrain Park Playground, at 5701 Press Dr. It is a free festival, but donations are greatly appreciated, which help support New Orleans first responders, Children’s Music Camps, sports programs of Pontchartrain Park and Milne playgrounds and The Roots of Music. Celebrating all things New Orleans, the event will feature food, fine arts and crafts, live music and a Kid’s Village.  You can see a pattern here!  All New Orleans festivals feature food, live music, almost always alcohol, activities for kids and unique local arts and crafts.

NOLA Mac and Cheese Fest

October 12

https://www.nolamacncheesefest.com/

The 3^rd Annual NOLA Mac and Cheese Fest will take place from 11am-6pm in Louis Armstrong Park. Admission is free.  Food and drink tickets will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics, Louisiana. Come try some of the best mac and cheese in the city and see who’ll be awarded the Macaroni Trophy for the best mac and cheese in the city!

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival

October 18-20

https://jazzandheritage.org/blues-fest/

The Crescent Blues and BBQ Festival, presented by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, will hold its 14^th annual event in Lafayette Square. The event features live music on two stages and lots of incredibly delicious BBQ, served up by some of the best pit masters in the region. Admission is free. For a full line-up of events, see the attached website.

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

October 19

https://www.kreweofboo.com/

Presented by the Haunted History Tours, this parade has been the official New Orleans Halloween parade in New Orleans since 2007. New Orleans is the perfect city to celebrate Halloween in with its haunts, voodoo, and mysterious mix of cultures. Floats and props are created by the incredibly talented Kern family. The 3-dimensional fiberglass and papier mache props are sure to excite and frighten parade-goers as they make their way through the “Boo Carre” (Veaux Carre, otherwise known as the French Quarter). As a solution to the masses of waste produced by beads, Brian Kern came up with a useful alternative for parade throws—New Orleans-made food items and local collectible items that parade-goers would want to keep as mementos. Some of these items include Pralinettes from Aunt Sally’s, Chee Wees from Elmer’s Fine Foods, PJs Coffee Frac Packs, and Krewe of Boo Limited Edition T-shirts. Check out the website for various other fun events happening in correlation with the parade.

Voodoo Music and Arts Experience (Voodoo Fest)

October 25-27

https://www.voodoofestival.com/

Voodoo fest is a multi-day music and arts festival held in City Park.  The festival will feature over 65 bands, spread out over numerous stages throughout the festival grounds. People attend this festival dressed in some of the most “interesting” get-ups. It’s a people-watcher’s paradise, for sure! The Forked Up Food Court offers numerous selections of native New Orleanian cuisine. The crowds are bountiful, the traffic can be a nightmare, but the talent presented on stage is worth the hassle. The Festival is offering one day passes this year. Visit the official website for ticket info, featured bands, and much more.

Boo at the Zoo

October 25-27

https://events.audubonnatureinstitute.org/boo/

Venture out to the Audubon Zoo for three days of spooky family fun!  The event is held for children up to the age of 12. It features a trick-or-treat lane, ghost train, inflatables, haunted house, entertainment and much more. Dress up your little ones and enjoy an evening of safe, family-friendly entertainment, while supporting Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and the Audubon Zoo. Admission is $20 per person for adults and children.  Games and treats, except for concession items, are included in the ticket price.

Southern Decadence

August 29-September 2
http://www.southerndecadence.net/
What started as a small street party in 1972 among tenants of a worn-down cottage in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, is now a world-famous celebration of the gay community. Take a look at the attached website for a full rundown of the history of this event. In its 48th year, Southern Decadence is the largest gay event held in New Orleans. It is routinely held in the French Quarter every year during Labor Day weekend. The festivities begin on Thursday and run well into the day on Monday. The theme of this year’s event is “Fruit Salad: Come Toss a Good Time” and the colors are polka dots and pinstripes. Discounted rates are available at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, located on Orleans St in the French Quarter. This event features various contests, parties, concerts, etc. throughout the 4-day weekend. The Southern Decadence Walking Parade takes place at 2pm on Sunday, starting at the Golden Lantern, near Decatur St and Barracks St. See official website for full line-up of events.

Lil’ Weezyana Fest

September 7
https://www.arena.uno.edu/event/lil-weezyana-fest-2019/121/
Lil’ Wayne’s hosting his 5th annual Lil’ Weezyana Fest in his hometown at a new venue this year. The UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds will provide for a larger space in hopes to double the attendance from previous years. Performances by the likes of Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, and Trey Songz will be showcased on two separate stages. General Admission: $72.00. Parking available at the festival grounds: $20, cash only. Part of the proceeds from each ticket sale will go to supporting educational initiatives for the youth of New Orleans.

Restaurant Week

September 9-15
https://restaurantweekneworleans.com/
August was COOLinary month, September 9-15 is Restaurant Week in the city. Here’s another chance to try out some of your bucket list restaurants without breaking the bank. Many restaurants around the city are offering specially priced prix fixe menus, 3-course meals starting at $20. Check out the website for a list of participating restaurants.

New Orleans Burlesque Festival

September 13-14
http://neworleansburlesquefest.com/
The 11th annual New Orleans Burlesque Festival will once again crown the top classic striptease dancer as the “Queen of Burlesque.” This form of adult entertainment is what put Bourbon Street on the map. Burlesque dancers from around the world will descend on the House of Blues for two nights of sexy, sultry, glamorous, humorous, risqué entertainment. See website for event details and ticket purchase.

The Great American Bar Crawl: NOLA

September 14
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-american-bar-crawl-nola-2019-tickets-54273246742
Patriotic partying at its best! In the spirit of celebrating our great nation, come join this group of “Patriotic Party Animals” as they bar crawl around the French Quarter. Dress up in your most creative red, white and blue patriotic attire. Bring your American flags, Uncle Sam hats and any other items symbolic of your American pride. Tickets are $19, which include a Great American Bar Crawl cup, American flag, complimentary welcome shooter, no cover charges at participating bars, drink specials, ridiculous games and surprises along the way! This event begins at 4pm (registration 3pm-4pm) at the Chart House—rain or shine.

National Fried Chicken Festival

September 20-22
http://www.friedchickenfestival.com/
Come enjoy fried chicken, every which way but raw, during this three-day event along Woldenberg Park. Over 30 vendors will be on hand to showcase their favorite fried chicken creations. The menu will also include vegan options for those wanting to avoid the consumption of our fellow cluckers. Three outdoor stages will feature music and cooking demos. The event will also include cooking and eating contests, a kids’ pavilion, scavenger hunt, VIP Lounge, Chill Lounge and a Football Fan Zone. Bring the family, lawn chairs and umbrellas, but please leave the pets and coolers at home.

NOLA on Tap

September 21
https://nolaontap.org/
The Louisiana SPCA presents Louisiana’s largest beer festival at the City Park Festival Grounds, with proceeds benefitting homeless animals at their shelter. What could possibly be better than drinking beer while helping homeless four-legged furry friends? Come enjoy over 400 local, national, and home-brewed beers, while munching on delicious food and listening to local musicians strut their stuff. As one would assume, pets are always welcome at this event. Check out the website for ticket info and purchase.

L.O.C.A.L.S’ Fest

September 28
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/locals-fest-nola-tickets-65388058443
Raw Revolution Productions, LLC, in partnership with NOSACONN (a non-profit organization), will host the first annual L.O.C.A.L.S’ Fest (Loving Our Community As Louisiana) at Louis Armstrong Park from 11am-6pm. The main purpose of this event is to showcase businesses and musicians who haven’t gotten their big break yet, but have awesome products and talent just waiting to be discovered. Admission is free, but donations are much appreciated.