Person wearing black gloves holding a loaded Po' Boy sandwich with meat, diced tomatoes, and green sauce

Best Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend

07:03 November 02, 2026
By: Daisy Stuart

[Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle]

Best NOLA Events for the Weekend

Sportsman's Paradise Exhibit at The Cabildo

louisianastatemuseum.org/exhibit/sportsmans-paradise

The Louisiana State Museum is opening its new Sportsman's Paradise exhibit at The Cabildo on Thursday, November 5 during its Founders Ball. The exhibit explores Louisiana's hunting traditions, outdoor heritage, and history of wildlife conservation. The exhibit will feature Audubon artwork, historic photographs, Louisiana-made hunting decoys, and other items that illustrate the state's relationship with nature. The exhibit will run through to September 2028. Be sure to check it out and take part in The Cabildo's Founders Ball, taking place November 5 at 7 p.m.

Anthony Jeselnik at Mahalia Jackson Theater

us.atgtickets.com/events/anthony-jeselnik/mahalia-jackson-theater

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik is coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on Thursday, November 5 at 7.30 p.m. as part of his Wrath of Man tour. He's the kind of comedian who's known for his dark humor and his razor-sharp wit. He's got a number of Netflix comedy specials to his name such as Bones and All and Fire in the Maternity Ward, to name a few. Tickets are available via ATGTickets.com.

[Courtesy of the Ozone Songwriter Festival]

Ozone Songwriter Fest

ozonemusic.org

The eighth annual Ozone Songwriter Festival is taking place from November 6 to 8 at the Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington, LA. As Louisiana's largest songwriter festival, the event will feature over 140 performers, as well as country musician Deana Carter serving as the showcase event on November 6. Showcase tickets vary by price and must be purchased via the festival's website. The festival will also present workshops on November 7, such as the Rhythm Workshop and Social Media for Music & Entertainment.

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience's Pour Decisions

nowfe.com/pour-decisions

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience will be hosting Pour Decisions on November 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Shop on the 3rd floor of the Contemporary Arts Center. It's a tasting of wines that have scored 90 points or above. You get to taste a range of wines with a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and other nibbles. It's a great opportunity for both seasoned wine drinkers and those looking to broaden their horizons and find new wines they might like, all in a relaxed setting. The event is $40 per person, and tickets are available via the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience's website.

Epilepsy Walk at Lafreniere Park

epilepsyaa.org

The Epilepsy Awareness Walk will take place at Shelter 2 in Metairie's Lafreniere Park on Saturday, November 7 at 8 a.m. The event consists of a special guest speaker, followed by the walk, and then food and gathering before the event ends at noon. Registration is $35 and covers the cost of a T-shirt, goodie bag, entertainment, lunch, and refreshments. After November 4, registration is $40 and does not guarantee a t-shirt.

[Courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection]

Historic New Orleans Collection Food Forum

hnoc.org/events/food-forum-2026

The Historic New Orleans Collection will be holding its annual Food Forum on Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. This year's theme is "Gumbo," and several speakers from the food history and culinary world will discuss the traditions and ingredients that have shaped gumbo over the years. The event will include keynote speaker Dr. Jessica B. Harris, who is a well-known culinary historian whose work examines the impact of African food traditions on the American diet. A separate Food Fête tasting will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., allowing attendees to sample the dishes discussed during the forum. Forum admission is $50, and Food Fête tickets are available separately at $35.

Beignet Fest

beignetfest.com

Beignet Fest is back and will be at City Park's Festival Grounds on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's a fun celebration of one of the city's most famous treats with a variety of beignets on offer—both the traditional powdered-sugar variety and some inventive sweet and savory ones. Live music and entertainment will be on throughout the day. The event also raises funds for the Beignet Fest Foundation, which supports the local autism community. General admission is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event, and kids 10 and under are free to enter.

Jonas Risin' Double Reunion Extravaganza

showpass.com/jonas-risin-reunion-show

Don't miss the Jonas Risin' Double Reunion Extravaganza at Blue Nile on Saturday, November 7. Presented by NOLAxNOLA, the lively night will consist of New Orleans funk, rock, and soul as Blue Nile hosts a stacked lineup of musicians including Cyril Neville, Ben Jaffe, and more. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $20, and day-of-show tickets are listed at $25. This event is for ages 21 and older.

[Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle]

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival

poboyfest.com

The 18th annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival will take place on Sunday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It celebrates one of New Orleans' most beloved sandwiches with over 100 sandwiches and more from 40 food and beverage vendors. Live music will play on multiple stages, along with an arts market and a kids' zone. A po-boy competition will also be judged by celebrity judges. The festival will be held along the 8100-8700 block of Oak Street.

Shattered Glass, Unbroken Voices at Temple Sinai

templesinainola.com/events/shattered-glass-unbroken-voices-a-kristallnacht-commemorative-concert

Temple Sinai will be hosting "Shattered Glass, Unbroken Voices," a Kristallnacht commemorative concert on Sunday, November 8 at 4 p.m. The concert will bring together the Greater New Orleans community to remember the Kristallnacht event that occurred in 1938 in Nazi Germany. It will be a concert of music and remembrance in which those in attendance will remember the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm the commitment to the preservation of memory and continued opposition to antisemitism. The program will include the Requiem Ebraico by Jewish composer Eric Zeisl. A reception will follow the concert. Admission is free, but be sure to RSVP in advance through Temple Sinai's website.

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