Fall Festival Guide 2026
International Arts Festival
Sept. 24-27 | Public Market at South Shore Harbor
internationalartsfest.com
Rooted in the African diaspora, the International Arts Festival in New Orleans is a global cultural experience that brings music, culture, business, and community to the city. This festival aims to create, utilize, and maintain cultural bridges to allow others to understand culture and history. International musicians and local artists such as Donald Harrison and Irvin Mayfield will be performing.
NOLAxNOLA
Sept. 24 - Oct. 4 | Multiple Locations
neworleans.com/nolaxnola
Spanding across two weekends at dozens of music venues across the Big Easy, NOLAxNOLA celebrates live music, culture, and entertainment, featuring a diverse lineup of local and national artists and performers. During the event's sixth annual celebration, music enthusiasts will be immersed in transformative performances in nearly every genre and NOLA neighborhood during this 11-day event.
BlackAmericana Fest
Sept. 25 & 26 | The Broadside
blackamericanafest.com
BlackAmericana Fest is a two-day long celebration of the musical heritage, legacy, and contributions of Black artists in the New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta region who have produced music in the Americana and folk genres. This year's lineup consists of talents Tray Wellington, Seratones, Joy Clark, the Kentucky Gentlemen, and many more artists.
Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival
Sept. 25 & 26 | Cassidy Park, Bogalusa
bogalusablues.com/info
Known as one of the best festivals in the Gulf Coast region, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival will showcase Mr. Sipp, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, and many more. The festival will also feature a 5K run, a kid zone, food, and more. Passes for both RV camping and tent city camping are available.
DomCon
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 | Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel
domcon.com
DomCon is the premiere professional and lifestyle BDSM convention that welcomes the curious with a variety of alluring classes. DomCon offers educational classes, workshops, social events, spicy parties, and a showcase of the latest kinky products and couture. This festival, which also showcases in Los Angeles, aims to bring a better understanding of BDSM in the adult alternative lifestyle.
Tangipahoa Parish Fair
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 | 12614 Arena Dr., Amite City
tangifair.org
Don't miss this year's Tangipahoa Parish Fair, which holds the distinction of being Louisiana's oldest fair. Around since 1888, this fair is rooted in tradition and will offer plenty to enjoy. There will be live entertainment, pageants, amusement rides, a livestock show, a youth rodeo, the "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" event, and so much more.
Abita Fall Fest
Oct. 2 | Abita Springs Trailhead
abitafallfest.com
The Abita Fall Festival is a special celebration that is rooted in live music, great food, Abita Brewing Company beer, and local art. The evening will feature a full night of music by Todd Lemoine, Beach Bums, Paul Faith, and more. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the festival will run until 11 p.m.
National Fried Chicken Festival
Oct. 2-4 | New Orleans Lakefront
friedchickenfestival.com
Since 2016, the National Friend Chicken Festival has cooked up and served nearly 2.5 million pounds of fried chicken each year. This festival not only has great eats but also a 5K run/walk and great live music. This year will feature Nelly, 2 Chainz, Ying Yang Twins, Big Freedia with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
Gem and Mineral Show
Oct. 2-4 | Alario Center, Westwego
gmsofla.org
The 54th Annual Gem and Mineral Show will display precious gemstones, minerals, fossils, beads, and jewelry on the Westbank. There will be live demonstrations of jewelry making and cabochon cutting, geode cracking, gem mining, and more. This show is presented by the Gem and Mineral Society of Louisiana, which educates Louisianians on the beauty of Earth sciences.
Gretna Festin'
Oct. 3, 10, 17, & 24 | Gretna Riverfront
gretnafest.com
While Gretna Fest will not be taking place this year, you can still head to Historic Old Gretna for some festin' fun. Gretna Festin' is a concert series that will take place almost every Saturday in October and will feature well-known acts including Third Eye Blind and Gretchen Wilson. Each concert will take place at 5 p.m.
Blues, Brews, + BBQ
Oct. 3 | Docville Farm, Violet
facebook.com/bluesbrewsla
Great blues music, refreshing brews, and delicious BBQ will be served in Violet for St. Bernard's annual Blues, Brews, + BBQ festival. This free, family friendly event allows the community to support St. Bernard's programs such as the Food Pantry, the Backpack Program, and the Hygiene Program. Live music will be provided by Tullie Band, Audrey LeCrone, T-Marie, and more.
Fiesta Filipina
Oct. 3 | Los Isleños Museum Complex, St. Bernard
visitstbernard.com/fiesta-filipina
The Fiesta Filipina festival is a free annual event that will have food, music, dance, and cultural exhibits honoring Filipino culture and traditions at St. Bernard's Los Isleños Museum Complex on Bayou Road. This celebration is in honor of Filipino American History Month, recognizing the history, culture, and achievements of Filipino Americans in the United States.
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
Oct. 8-11 | Girard Park, Lafayette
festivalsacadiens.com
Since 2007, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles has focused on accurately reflecting Cajun and Creole heritage through thoughtful preservation and daring innovation. This festival features over 25 food vendors, all serving the best and authentic Louisiana food. The three-day festival will showcase a lineup of fantastic musicians including Jourdan Thibodeaux, Jimmy Breaux, Blake Miller, and many more.
Carla Pesono's Taste of Italy
Oct. 8 | Fulton Street by Caesars New Orleans
eventbrite.com
Presented by the Italian Barrel, Carla Pesono's Taste of Italy will serve as an authentic Italian experience in the heart of downtown New Orleans. This event will even attempt to break the world record for world's largest antipasti board. This event will bring together more than a dozen incredible local Italian restaurants for an all-inclusive celebration.
Oktoberfest New Orleans
Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, & 24 | Deutsches Haus
deutscheshaus.org/oktoberfest
Oktoberfest New Orleans at the Deutsches Haus spans across three weekends featuring German food, drinks, and culture for all to experience. From large Bavarian-style pretzels to many different German beers, Oktoberfest brings family, friends, and strangers together during this annual celebration. There's also a 5K race from the Fair Grounds, a beer stein holding contest, souvenirs, and live music.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Oct. 9-11 | Lafayette Square Park
jazzandheritage.org/events/2026-crescent-city-blues-bbq-festival
Established in 2006, the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival continues the city's role in presenting blues and delicious food to the rest of the world. Performers such as Booker T. Jones and Samantha Fish will showcase their talents during this three-day event, and there will be delicious BBQ food vendors and local, unique visual art on display.
Festival of the Lake
Oct. 9-11 | Our Lake of the Lake Church, Mandeville
festivalofthelake.com
Since 1982, the Festival of the Lake in Mandeville has drawn in crowds from southern Louisiana to enjoy a weekend of live music, food, and fun with free admission. There will be many things to do for folks of all ages. The 2026 musical lineup will feature Four Unplugged, Christian Serpas and Ghost Town, Marc Broussard, and Flow Tribe.
Gentilly Festival
Oct. 9-11 | Pontchartrain Park
gentillyfestival.com
Gentilly Festival is an annual festival that celebrates all things "Gentilly." There will be lots of live music on multiple stages, food from local restaurants and caterers, and arts and crafts from local vendors. This festival aims to provide a safe, festive environment to build closer relationships with police and fire departments, elected officials, and the community.
Mempho Music Festival
Oct. 9-11 | Radians Amphitheater, Memphis Botanic Garden
memphofest.com
The Mempho Music Festival is an annual three-day music event that is held at the Radians Amphitheater in Memphis, TN. Currently in its ninth year, this festival blends rock, electronic, and soul across multiple stages. This year's lineup includes Spook, Gary Clark Jr., and more. There will also be local food trucks, interactive activities, and a silent disco.
The Gumbo Festival
Oct. 9-11 | Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Westwego
thegumbofestival.com
Louisiana loves its gumbo, and one of the best places to try some is at the Gumbo Festival in Westwego. In addition to great tasting food, this three-day festival will feature plenty of live entertainment by acts such as NOLA Rouge, Nashville South, the Revamped Band, and more. There will also be a gumbo competition and carnival rides.
Venice Marina's Jambalaya Cook-Off
Oct. 10 | Venice Marina
facebook.com
If you want to taste some Louisiana tradition, head down to the Venice Marina for their first annual Jambalaya Cook-Off. Serving as a fundraiser for the community of Venice, LA, the cook-off will feature teams competing for bragging rights and fun awards. In addition to great tasting food, the event will also have live music, cold drinks, and more.
Old Arabi Sugar Fest
Oct. 10 | Aycock Barn, Arabi
oldarabi.org/sugarfest
Take a trip out to Arabi for this year's Old Arabi Sugar Fest. This free admission festival has been going on since 2009 and will offer plenty of music, food, and beverages to enjoy. In addition, there will be plenty of arts and crafts available. This event is fun for the whole family and should not be missed.
World Championship Gumbo Cookoff
Oct. 10 & 11 | Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia
iberiachamber.org/gumbocookoff
The World Championship Gumbo Cookoff, a two-day event that takes place in New Iberia, is also known as the "Superbowl of Gumbo." Dozens of cooking teams will compete to take home trophies for each category and earn ultimate bragging rights. This event has been put on for over 30 years by the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce.
Northshore Beer Festival
Oct. 11 | Mandeville Trailhead
northshorebeerfestival.com
Driven by purpose and pouring with love, the Northshore Beer Festival celebrates the best of Louisiana craft beer while uniting the community to support a local cause. This event supports the Miracle League Northshore, which helps provide inclusive sports opportunities for children of all abilities. Many local breweries including Abita, Port Orleans, Urban South, and Gnarley Barley will be featured.
