OffBeat’s guide to October festivals is listed in alphabetical order, these are some of the festivals you can attend in Louisiana. A complete list can be found here.

Why are so many festivals in October? October is generally the driest month of the year in New Orleans, and the weather is warm but pleasant with mild to cool nights. It’s lovely to be in the Crescent City in October. If you’re planning a visit to New Orleans, based on the variety and quantity of festivals, October looks perfect.

 

Abita Fall Fest

The annual Abita Fall Fest is a nonprofit event created to celebrate the art, music and culture of Abita Springs, Louisiana. The festival takes place at the Abita Springs Trailhead. Offering a selection of live music from local and national artists, the Fest’s mission is to promote a warm family environment with fun and games for all ages. And let’s not forget about the delicious local cuisine serving everything from sweet to savory.

Friday, October 20, 2023
After Dark
5:30 p.m. Julian Primeaux
6:30 p.m. Bon Bon Vivant
7:45 p.m. Mark Broussard

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Main Stage
11 a.m. Imagination Movers
12:30 p.m. Gal Holiday
1:45 p.m. Strange Roux
3 p.m. Tyler Kinchen & the Right Pieces
4:15 p.m. Lost Bayou Ramblers
5:30 p.m. Tyler Farr

Trail Stage
12 p.m. Tom Leggett
1:15 p.m. Lilli Lewis
2:30 p.m. Cactus Thief
3:45 p.m. The Stump Grinders
5 p.m. Christian Serpas & Ghost Town

Abita Fall Festival is located at The Abita Springs Trailhead, Holly Street, Abita Springs, Louisiana.

Tickets are $35.

 

Acadia Music Fest

Thibodaux’s biggest outdoor music festival features local musicians, artists and southern food. Located at Percy Brown Road in Thibodaux.

October 28, 2023
Marcus King
Better Than Ezra
Niko Moon
Tony Hall with Mahogany Blue
George Birge
Little John & the Dirty Clarks
Icarus Jones
The Runtz
MJ Dardar Band

Acadia Music Fest is located at Percy Brown Road in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Ticket prices: General Admission $50, VIP tickets will be available on October 1.

 

Ashe Rooftop Festival & Gala

A celebration of African Diaspora. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center.

October 7, 2023
GLBL Warming
Mac Phipps
Legatron Prime
Twerk NOLA
Watotos of Kumbuka
The Maroons Band
Casa Samba
DC Paul

October 8, 2023
Tank and the Bangas
Teedra Moses
Water Seed
Casme
Mykia Jovan
VicJcom
Kings of Brass
Mecca Notes
Sissy Nobby
AfroXotica Showgirls

Located at Ashé Cultural Arts Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans.

Ticket Prices are $75-$250.

 

Bluesberry Festival

The Northshore’s newest festival returns for its fourth year on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The festival was the winner of OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Awards, Best Festival Outside New Orleans in 2022. The festival includes music, art and food.

Main Stage
The Band of Heathens
Mike Zito
Ally Venable Band
Big 50
Kevin & the Blues Groovers

Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Located at Bogue Falaya Park at 213 Park Drive in Covington, Louisiana.

Tickets are $30 online; $40 at the gate.

 

Bridge City Gumbo Festival

Jefferson Parish’s oldest festival began as a small church fair in 1973. That is the year Gov. Edwin W. Edwards proclaimed Bridge City “The Gumbo Capital of the World” and the festival has continued to grow ever since.
Gumbo is cooked daily at the festival grounds, and over 2,000 gallons of both seafood and chicken and sausage gumbo will be prepared during the festival. Additionally, jambalaya, red beans and rice with sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried seafood, homemade cakes and candies, funnel cakes and many other foods will also be available.
The festival takes place October 13 thought October 15, 2023.

The music lineup was unavailable at press time.

Located at 1701 Bridge City Ave, Bridge City, Louisiana.

Tickets: $5 per day or $12 weekend pass.

 

Crescent City Chamber Music Festival

Festival Director and native New Orleanian Luke Fleming is on the faculty of the University of New Orleans’ School of the Arts. Taking place in several venues for seven nights, this is the eighth seasons of chamber music making in New Orleans. The festival is free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 12, 2023 – Opening Night Gala
Performing Antonio Vivaldi’s four concertos for Violin, Strings & Continuo known as “The Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s, The Seasons of Buenos Aires performed by the Manhattan Chamber Players.
Trinity Episcopal Church, at 6:30 p.m. located at 1329 Jackson Ave, New Orleans.

Friday, October 13, 2023 – Music Without End
The Manhattan Chamber Players perform songs by Richard Strauss (Morgen); Robert Schumann (Fairy Tale Pictures); Samuel Barber (Sure on this Shinning Night) and Ernest Chausson’s “Chanson Perpetuelle” and his Concerto for Violin, Piano & String Quartet.
Dixon Concert Hall, at 6:30 p.m. located at Tulane University, Newcomb Circle, New Orleans.

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Manhattan Chamber Players with soprano Faylotte Crayton perform Richard Strauss, Ning Kam and Chris Rogerson, closing with Ottorino Respighi’s “Il Tramonto” (“The Sunset”).
Felicity Church at 6:30 p.m. located at 1220 Felicity Street, New Orleans.

Monday, October 16, 2023
Manhattan Chamber Players with soprano Faylotte Crayton perform Johannes Brahms’ Two Songs for Contralto, Viola, and Piano and Frank Bridge’s Three Songs for Mezzo-Soprano, Viola, and Piano. The concert concludes with Johannes Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B minor.
Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m. located at 1545 State Street, New Orleans.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
The Delachaise Ensemble perform selections you won’t hear on any other programs.
Urban South Brewery at 6 p.m. located at 1645 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans.

Friday, October 20, 2023
Vocal chamber recital with David Fung and Daniel Moody.
Piano and harpsichord virtuoso David Fung with countertenor Daniel Moody perform a recital of baroque, classical, and contemporary arias and songs, as well as solo piano showpieces. They will be joined by members of the Manhattan Chamber Players.
UNO Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall at 6:30 p.m. located at St. Anthony Avenue, New Orleans.

Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Manhattan Chamber Players perform an all-Schubert program. Beginning with Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata and concluding with Schubert’s song “The Trout” followed by Piano Quintet in A major “The Trout.”
Sanctuary, Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. located at 3900 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans.

Admission is free.

 

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 16th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival features live music, a local art market and barbecue and other vendors.

Friday, October 13, 2023
St. Charles Ave. Stage
5:30 p.m. The Lilli Lewis Project
7 p.m. Tab Benoit

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Camp Street Stage
11 a.m. Honey Island Swamp Band
1 p.m. John Mooney & Bluesiana
3:15 p.m. Johnny Sansone
5:45 p.m. Lurrie Bell

St. Charles Ave. Stage
12 p.m. Ghalia Volt
2 p.m. Ernie Vincent
4:30 p.m. Selwyn Birchwood
7 p.m. Samantha Fish

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Camp Street Stage
11 a.m. Johnny Mastro & the MBs
1 p.m. Lil Jimmy Reed
3:15 p.m. Trudy Lynn
5:45 p.m. Little Freddie King

St. Charles Ave. Stage
12 p.m. D.K. Harrell
2 p.m. The Roadmasters with Special Guests
4:30 p.m. Cedric Burnside
7 p.m. Shemekia Copeland

Located at Lafayette Square, 602 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans.

Admission is free.

 

Federales Music Festival

Federales Fest is a brand-new music festival in Baton Rouge highlighting southern musical roots with national, regional, and local artists.

Music
North Mississippi Allstars
Duane Betts & Palmetto Hotel
The Texas Gentlemen
Neil Werries & Elsah
Hitchhiker
Thoughts of Mary

The Federales Music Festival is located at the Live Oak Arabians Horse Farm at Cedar Lodge at 6300 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Tickets: $75, $200 VIP, Kids under 12 years old are free (excluding VIP) – only 1,000 tickets will be sold.

 

Festival Acadiens et Creoles

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (October 13-15, 2023) is one of the largest free public events in the state of Louisiana and the largest Cajun and Creole celebrations in the continental United States.
The festival strives to present the current state of the culture through performances that can range from thoughtful preservation to daring innovation, from the oldest ballads to the latest in experimental Cajun music and zydeco, from traditional gumbos to crawfish eggrolls, from historical wooden boats to innovative multi-media folk art. And the Cajun and Creole musicians, cooks and craftsmen and women who participate in this annual event continue to invest themselves in what most rightly consider their own festivals, a self-celebration of Cajun and Creole culture.

Friday, October 13, 2023
Scène Ma Louisiane
5:00 pm The Official Cutting of the Boudin Festival Opening
5:30-6:45 Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars: Tribute to Clifton Chenier ft. Sonny Landreth
7:00-8:30 Corey Ledet Zydeco: Tribute to Clifton Chenier ft. Sonny Landreth & Sherelle Mouton-Sinegal

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Scène Ma Louisiane
10:30 a.m. Luke Huval Band
11:45 a.m. Chris Miller & Bayou Roots
1 p.m. The Daiquiri Queens
2:15 p.m. Hert LeBlanc (New Brunswick)
3:30 p.m. CJ Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band with special guest Sonny Landreth
5 p.m. Lafayette Rhythm Devils
6:15 p.m. Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys

Scène Mon Héritage
10:45 a.m. T’Monde
12 p.m. Balfa Toujours
1:15 p.m. Frank Family Band
2:30 p.m. Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie
3:45 p.m. Feufollet
5 p.m. Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush

Scène La Salle de Danse
10:30 a.m. Les Amis du Teche
11:45 a.m. Has Beans
1 p.m. Kyle Huval & the Dixie Club Ramblers
2:15 p.m. Savoy Family Band
3:30 p.m. Creole String Beans
4:45 p.m. Donny Broussard & the Louisiana Stars

Scène Atelier
11:30 a.m. Historic Creole Neighborhoods
12:45 p.m. Life & Legacy of Clifton Chenier: Hosted by Todd Mouton
2 p.m. Allons à Lafayette – The Hub City’s Musical Legacy: Hosted by Wade Falcon with Floyd Soileau, Johnnie Allan, Sid Williams & Christiaan Mader
3:30 p.m. The Magnolia Sisters
4:45 p.m. Creole Trio featuring Terry Domingue, Jeffery Broussard & Chuck Bush

Jam Ça!
11 a.m. John & Jane Vidrine
12:30 p.m. Luke Huval
2 p.m. Adeline Miller
3:15 p.m. Sheryl Cormier
4:30 p.m. Joe Hall

Sunday, October 15, 2023
Scène Ma Louisiane
10:30 a.m. Potluck Band
11:45 a.m. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
1 p.m. Jesse Legé & the Bayou Aces
2:15 p.m. Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys
3:30 p.m. Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs
4:45 p.m. Bonsoir, Catin
6 p.m. Wayne Toups & Zydecajun

Scène Mon Heritage
10:45 a.m. Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys
12 p.m. Kevin Naquin & Cajun Preservation
1:15 p.m. Alphonse Ardoin & the Zydeco Kingz
2:30 p.m. Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express
3:45 p.m. Pine Leaf Boys
5 p.m. Gerald Gruenig & Gentilly Zydeco

Scène La Salle de Danse
9 a.m. French Mass
10:45 a.m. Jambalaya Cajun Band
12 p.m. Cameron Dupuy & the Cajun Troubadours
1:15 p.m. Cedric Watson & Bijou Créole
2:30 p.m. Gregg Martinez & the Delta Kings with special guests Johnnie Allan & TK Hulin
3:45 p.m. Wayne & Same Ol’ 2 Step
5:15 p.m. The Revelers

Scène Atelier
11:30 a.m. Piano Accordion Workshop: Hosted by Chad Huval with CJ Chenier & Corey Ledet
12:45 p.m. Radio en français et créole: Ashleé Wilson Michot, Blake Miller, Melvin Caesar & John Broussard
2 p.m. Songs of Vermilion Parish with the Babineaux Sisters & Special Guests
3:15 p.m. Women Bandleaders in Cajun & Zydeco Music: Kristi Guillory, Sheryl Cormier, Christine Balfa & Donna Angelle
4:30 p.m. Cory McCauley & His Evangeline Aces

Jam Ça!
11 a.m. Jimmy Breaux
1 p.m. Drew Simon
3 p.m. Jesse Legé

Located in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Admission is free.

 

Gentilly Fest

The Gentilly Fest began in 2008 to uplift the neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The goal of Gentilly Festival, Inc. was to raise funds to help support first responders, promote small business, and raise awareness of the economic opportunities in the Gentilly area. Gentilly Fest this year is from October 6 through October 8, 2023. The festival is free and includes live music.

Friday, October 6, 2023 (Malik Mingo, host)
5:30 p.m. DJ Juane Jordan
6:15 p.m. Zahria Sims Collective
7 p.m. Cole Williams
8 p.m. Nayo Jones Experience

Saturday, October 7, 2023 (DJ Kristi Sugarcookie, host)

1 p.m. Vybe Into Our Reality
1:50 p.m. Rick David and the Funky 5
3:10 p.m. Letrainiump
4:15 p.m. Jamal Batiste Band
5:35 p.m. Flagboy Giz
6:25 p.m. James Andrews
7:45 p.m. HaSizzle

Sunday, October 8, 2023 (DC Paul, host)
12 p.m. DJ BSharp
1 p.m. MJ of NOLA
1:50 p.m. Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale’s Cherchez La Femme
2:40 p.m. Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans
4 p.m. New Orleans Mystics
5:20 p.m. Kermit Ruffins
6:40 p.m. Hip-Hop Tribute curated by Raj Smoove

Gentilly Fest is located at Pontchartrain Park Playground, 5701 Press Drive, New Orleans.

Admission is free.

 

Gretna Heritage Fest

Gretna Fest is a culture festival in Gretna, Louisiana, celebrating its 29th anniversary. The festival offers live music, food, arts and crafts, games, and more. The festival started in 1994 as a small community event. It has since grown to become one of the largest festivals in Louisiana.

Friday, October 6, 2023
Main Stage
4:45 p.m. Lost Bayou Ramblers
6:15 p.m. Trampled by the Turtles
8 p.m. Lukas Nelson + POTR
10 p.m. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Market Stage
4:30 p.m. MJ & The Redeemers
6:15 p.m. Bonerama
8 p.m. Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes
10 p.m. The Original Lakeside

Riverfront Stage
4 p.m. The Yat Pack
5:30 pm. Creole String Beans
7 p.m. Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters
8:45 p.m. Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone

Club Backstage
6:30 p.m. Naydja Cojoe & The Lagniappe Section With Tris Lear
8:15 p.m. Little Freddie King
10:15 p.m. Ka-Nection Band

Arch Stage
5:30 p.m. Bra’s Brass Band
8 p.m. Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band

Saturday, October 7, 2023
Main Stage
2 p.m. Karen Waldrup
3:45 p.m. ZZ Ward
5:45 p.m. JJ Grey & Mofro
8 p.m. Lee Brice

Market Stage
11:15 a.m. Zita
1 p.m. Them Ol’ Ghosts
2:45 p.m. New Orleans Mystics
4:30 p.m. J & The Causeways
6:15 p.m. LVVRS
8 p.m. Cowboy Mouth
10 p.m. Living Colour

Riverfront Stage
11 a.m. Louisiana Kids
1 p.m. Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra
3 p.m. La Tran-K Band
4:45 p.m. Water Seed
6:30 p.m. Dumpstaphunk
8:30 p.m. Los Lobos

Club Backstage
11 a.m. Justin McCoy & Destin Thibodeaux
5:30 p.m. Big Al & The Heavyweights
8 p.m. Da Rockits

Arch Stage
11:30 a.m. Young Audiences Charter School
3 p.m. Storyville Stompers

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Main Stage
12 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
1:30 p.m. Irma Thomas & the Professionals
3 p.m. Blues Traveler
5:15 p.m. The Temptations
7:15 p.m. Kool & the Gang

Market Stage
11:20 a.m. Andy Hymel School of Music
1:20 p.m. Treces del Sur
3:05 p.m. Mike Dillon & Punkadelick
4:50 p.m. Rockshow Nola: A Tribute to Journey
7 p.m. The Iceman Special

Riverfront Stage
11 a.m. Aaron Foret
12:45 p.m. Chase Tyler Band
2:30 p.m. Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys
4:15 p.m. Chapel Hart
6 p.m. Ashley McBryde

Club Backstage
11 a.m. Zion Harmonizers
3 p.m. Rachel Fleetwood & Perfect Love
4:30 p.m. Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers

Arch Stage
1:30 p.m. New Orleans Nightcrawlers
3:15 p.m. Treme Brass Band

Gretna Heritage Festival is located at 327 Huey P Long Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana

Tickets: Children (5-12 years old) (3 days pass) $5. Adults (13 and up) (3 days pass) $60. Single day admission is $30.

 

The Krewe of Boo

The Krewe of Boo is a Carnival-style parade, not a festival, that will roll through the French Quarter and the Central Business District on Saturday, October 21. The parade rolls at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free. For more info 501-669-7655.

 

L.O.C.A.L.S. Fest

L.O.C.A.L.S. Fest (Loving Our Community As Louisiana) was born out of a deep appreciation for the incredible talent that thrives within the community. Local artists, artisans, chefs, and entrepreneurs showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Raw Revolution
Jamal Batiste
Sporty Brass Band
Bobbi Rae
Daria And The Hip Drops
Brass-A-Holics
Vegas Cola
Crooked Vines
Ado Soul
The Afrodiziacs’s Jazz Band
Saint Amythest (DJ Set)

L.O.C.A.L.S. Fest is located at Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans.

Admission is free.

 

Louisiana Book Festival

The Louisiana Book Festival is back after being cancelled in 2020. The Louisiana Book Festival was established in 2002 and is a celebration of readers, writers, and their books that is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Located at the State Library of Louisiana at 701 N. 4th St. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival

Madisonville celebrates 32 years on the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The Wooden Boat Festival will be held October 14-15, 2023. The festival attracts over one hundred classic boats, hundreds of spectator boats and wooden boat and music enthusiasts for this two-day celebration, open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. A pre-festival gala at the Museum is held on the Friday evening before the festival.

The festival is located at 133 Mabel Drive (Mulberry and Water Streets along the Tchefuncte River), Madisonville, Louisiana.

Tickets: $10 for age 12+, free for age 11 and under.

 

National Fried Chicken Festival

The National Fried Chicken Festival is presented by Raising Cane’s. Featuring all sorts of fried chicken–crispy, extra crispy, double dipped, spicy, mild and extra spicy. Food from more than 50 local and out-of-state restaurants with all-day entertainment across three stages. Participating restaurants will have the chance to compete for the title in the “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish” contests.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Entergy Stage
11:30 a.m. DJ Keith Scott
1 p.m. Kings of Brass
2:15 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
3 p.m. Maurice
4 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
6 p.m. Red Sample
7 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
7:30 p.m. Big Freedia

Festival Stage
11 a.m. DJ Poppa
12:30 p.m. Trumpet Mafia
1:30 p.m. DJ Poppa
2:30 p.m. Khris Royal and Dark Matter
3:30 p.m. DJ Poppa
4 p.m. Big 6 Brass Band
5 p.m. DJ Poppa
5:30 p.m. Rockin Dopsie
6:30 p.m. DJ Poppa
7 p.m. Flow Tribe

Heinz Food is Culture Stage
11:40 a.m. Tre’Quan Nichols Cooking Demo
12:35 p.m. Interview with Chef Jeff Henderson
1:40 p.m. Chef Renzo Espada Cooking Demo
2:45 p.m. Carlena Davis Cooking Demo
3:35 p.m. Interview with local author
5:30 p.m. Heinz Chef Thomas Leo Cooking Demo

Sunday, October 1, 2023
Entergy Stage
11:30 a.m. DJ Keith Scott
1 p.m. Sporty’s Brass Band
2 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
3 p.m. Big Sam’s Funky Nation
4 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
4:30 p.m. Fresh X Reckless
4:45 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
5:30 p.m. Shamarr Allen
6:30 p.m. DJ Keith Scott
7 p.m. 50 Years of New Orleans Hip-Hop

Festival Stage
11 a.m. DJ Poppa
2:30 p.m. SaxKixAve
3:30 p.m. DJ Poppa
4 p.m. Parish County Line
5 p.m. DJ Poppa
5:30 p.m. Kermit Ruffins
6:30 p.m. DJ Poppa
7 p.m. The Soul Rebels

Heinz Food is Culture Stage
12:25 p.m. Ashley Merriweather Cooking Demo
1:20 p.m. Interview with Community Food Ambassadors
1:55 p.m. Cordarrius Green Cooking Demo
3:25 p.m. Interview with local author
4:05 p.m. Kimberly Nichols and Davin Gates Cooking Demo

Location at the New Orleans Lakefront – Lakeshore Drive at Franklin Avenue, New Orleans.

Ticket Prices: $15 – $120.

 

NOLA Funk Fest

Nola Funk Fest is the coming out party for The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, a museum of grand scale dedicated to the preservation of Louisiana’s rich musical history. The festival will feature programming to give a taste of what the museum will offer. The festival will feature an exhibit titled I Found My Thrill: The Music and Artistry of Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, which will be housed at the New Orleans Jazz Museum for six months before embarking on a state-wide tour. Festival programming will also include two symposiums where oral histories, flavored by musical performances, will highlight the evolution of Blues and Jazz into R&B, Rock and Roll, and Funk.

Friday, October 20, 2023
3 p.m. Funky Uncle Allstars
4 p.m. New Orleans Suspects featuring Maggie Koerner
5 p.m. Irma Thomas
6:15 p.m. Ghost-Note featuring Tony Hall
7:30 p.m. Experiencing the Meters with Leo Nocentelli

Saturday, October 21, 2023
12 p.m. David Batiste and the Gladiators
1 p.m. Mark Mullins and Friends
2 p.m. Boukou Groove
3 p.m. Omari Neville and the Fuel
4 p.m. Tribal Gold featuring Big Chief Juan Pardo
5 p.m. Ivan Neville
6 p.m. Krasno Moore Project
7:30 p.m. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Sunday, October 22, 2023
12 p.m. Jamal Batiste Band
1 p.m. Jason Neville Funky Soul Band
2 p.m. Eric’s Gonna Die
3 p.m. Russell Batiste
4 p.m. Big Sam’s Funky Nation
5 p.m. Erica Falls and Vintage Soul
6 p.m. George Porter, Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners
7:30 p.m. Bucktown Allstars

Sunday, October 22, 2023
12 p.m. Jamal Batiste Band
1 p.m. Jason Neville Funky Soul Band
2 p.m. Eric’s Gonna Die
3 p.m. Russell Batiste
4 p.m. Big Sam’s Funky Nation
5 p.m. Erica Falls and Vintage Soul
6 p.m. George Porter, Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners
7:30 p.m. Bucktown Allstars

Nola Funk Fest is located at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tickets: 1 day: General Admission $45, 3 days: General Admission $100; 1 day VIP $135, 3 days VIP $349.

Earl King symposium and Dave Bartholomew $30, Combo $50.

3 days VIP plus both symposiums $345.

 

Nola Reggae Fest

Nola Reggae Fest, 2023 will be back at Congo Square. From lively dance and music to captivating art and cultural demonstrations, the festival offers a blend of entertainment.

Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Music
Sister Nancy
The Meditations
Tanto Metro & Devonte
Warrior King
Etana
Jemere Morgan
HaSizzle
Nanado Boom
Human Rights
Kaylan Arnold
Claude Bryant All-Stars
Dubwise
Rtadax
Orland Majek Fingers

Nola Reggae Fest is located at Congo Square, 835 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans.

Tickets: $0-$125

 

NOLAxNOLA

A celebration of New Orleans music, venues, and artists, NOLAxNOLA showcases the city’s vibrant live entertainment scene over two incredible weekends each fall at performance spaces, music halls, and clubs all over town. Participating clubs can be found here.

September 28, through October 8, 2023

Location at Venues citywide

Tickets: Varies by venues.

 

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is held at the Deutschcs Haus. This community event features plenty of traditional German food, steins of beer, and Bavarian music that includes a chicken dance led by a costumed character.

Three weekends Friday & Saturday.

October 13-14; October 20-21; October 27-28
Friday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Saturday from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Located at Deutsches Haus (on Bayou St. John), 1700 Moss Street, New Orleans.

Tickets: $10 (cash only)

 

Praise Fest on the Bayou

The 13th annual Praise Fest is a free three-day gospel music event located on Bayou St. John. The music includes both local and national gospel music artists and speakers.

Friday, October 13, 2023 – Seniors Day
Saturday, October 14, 2023 – Career & Health
Sunday, October 15, 2023 – Finale

Praise Fest is located at Bayou St. John, 500 N. Norman Francis Parkway at the corner of Orleans Ave.

The festival is open three days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets: Free

 

Red River Revel Arts Festival

The Red River Revel Arts Festival began in 1976. The festival offers activities, entertainment, food, and local traditions.
The nine-day festival (September 30 through October 8, 2023) honors the history and culture of visual and performing arts. Over 16 food vendors featuring a wide array of dishes including Blackened Catfish with Dirty Rice, Natchitoches Meat Pie, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, BBQ Rib Plate & Turkey Leg Combo and much more.
In addition, there are many artist booths including jewelry, oil, acrylics and watercolor paintings, ceramics, pottery and more.

Music schedule highlights include
September 30 – Eric Gales
October 1 Trout Fishing in America
October 2 Buddy Flett
October 3 Marina Orchestra
October 4 Sophie B. Hawkins
October 5 Tribute to Tom Petty with special guests
October 6 Dee-1
October 7 Bonerama
October 8 J.D. Bailey

Red River Revel Arts Festival is located at Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett St Suite C, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Tickets: Admission is free before 5 p.m. on weekdays and $5.00 after 5 p.m. on weekends.

$15.00 Reveler Pass allows guests access into the festival any day or time.

 

Rougarou Fest

The Rougarou Fest is a free festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It showcases live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food and the Krewe Ga Rou parade.

Friday, October 20, 2023 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
6 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Community Band

Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
12 p.m. The Meg Rousseau Band
2 p.m. The Wolfe Johns Blues Band
4 p.m. Brittany Pool & The RugaRouxs

Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3 p.m. Jamie Lynn Vessels Band

Rougarou Fest is located at 86 Valhi Boulevard, Houma, Louisiana.

Tickets: Free

 

Top Taco

Top Taco is a taco competition that takes place at Lafreniere Park on October 26. This year’s event will include three stages of live music, lucha libre, the mezcal tent, and the Casamigos Costume Contest.

Music
Flow Tribe
Otra
Margie Perez & Muevelo
Future Cowboys
plus Trixie Minx Burlesque

Top Taco is located at Lafreniere Park, 300 Downs Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana.

Tickets: $60-$135

 

Treme Fall Fest

Tremé Fall Fest is located in the heart of the historic neighborhood and takes place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

11 a.m. Second Line Parade Through Tremé
12 p.m. TBC Brass Band
1:30 p.m. Nayo Jones Experience
3 p.m. James Rivers Movement
4:30 p.m. Partners-N-Crime
5:45 p.m. The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
plus DJ Captain Charles

Treme Fall Fest is located at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1210 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans.

Tickets: Free