Ah, Summer 2023—you were good to us. From endless ice creams to new festivals, there were so many ways to beat the heat this summer.
As vacation activities ramp down and the back-to-school season begins, it may seem that summer's end brings a halt to all the fun. But in New Orleans, September is anything but slow.
Don't fret about missing spring festivals or summer restaurant deals if you're visiting New Orleans in September. While you navigate how to spend your time in the Big Easy, try these 10 can't-miss events and activities special to New Orleans.
10 Best September Activities in New Orleans
1. Go to the First Saints Game of the Season
What's fall without football season? The Saints are back and better than ever (hopefully) for the first game of the regular season on September 10. The boys in black and gold will take on the Tennessee Titans at noon at the Caesar's Superdome. Don't miss the start of something new this September.
Get your tickets for the first game now.
2. Spend Labor Day Weekend at Southern Decadence
Pride Month may be in June, but LGBTQ+ celebration and advocacy lives on in New Orleans. From August 31 to September 4, parties, extravaganzas, and exclusive deals will surround the city, culminating in the Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 3. From Beer Bust at the Phoenix to the Bourbon Street Extravaganza, endless fun awaits on Labor Day Weekend at Southern Decadence.
For more information on events, go to the Southern Decadence website.
3. See Your Favorite Rapper at the Smoothie King Center
While you may not be able to see the Pelicans play this month, a slew of famous rappers are bringing their talents to the Smoothie King Center. See New Orleans-based hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ on September 1, watch Lil Baby and friends take the stage on September 19, or see Drake's glorious return to NOLA on September 20. Great things are in store this September at the Smoothie King Center.
Check out the full concert schedule here.
4. See Garth Brooks at the Superdome
If country is more your style than rap, watch as country legend Garth Brooks headlines the Louisiana Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff. Celebrate the start of college football season on September 2 with Brooks, Louisiana native Lainey Wilson, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Gather your "Friends in Low Places" for this unmissable night of country music.
Get your tickets online here.
5. Try Hispanic Restaurants for Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15, and there's so many ways to learn about and explore Hispanic history and culture in New Orleans. One of the best ways is to support a local Hispanic restaurant. Try Colombian specialties at Mais Arepas, or experience Peruvian flavors at Tito's Ceviche & Pisco.
Explore more Hispanic cuisine with Where Y'at's list of the best Latin restaurants in New Orleans.
6. Shop for Art at The New Orleans Art Fest
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and appreciate art at an all-new festival coming to Louis Armstrong Park. On the weekend of September 16, over 100 local and national artists will showcase their work at the New Orleans Art Fest. Shop for a new art piece to brighten up your living room, or simply explore the best of the nation's artists. There will also be great food and opportunities to paint something of your own.
Get your free GA tickets or upgrade to GA+ or VIP online today.
7. Check Out a New NOLA Restaurant
Keep New Orleans' reputation for fantastic food alive by supporting a new restaurant. Feast on frozen drinks and never-frozen fried fish and chicken at Wonderland and Sea, or try modern twists on authentic Thai flavors at Dahla. With so many great options, you might even find your next favorite restaurant.
Check out Where Y'at's picks for Best New Restaurant for the 2023 Best of the Big Easy awards.
8. Try Some Delicious Treats at Beignet Fest
Beignet Fest, a festival supporting children on the spectrum, will return to the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds on September 23. Enjoy a day of unique and classic beignets, live music, and local art. Take the kids to the Kids Village, relax in the beer garden, and explore some fantastic food trucks all for a good cause.
Buy your tickets now on the Beignet Fest website.
9. Watch Beyonce's Iconic Renaissance Tour at the Superdome
Move out the way—Queen Bey is taking the Renaissance Tour to the Superdome on September 27. Sing along to decades of hits while watching phenomenal dancing and visuals and listening to Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" voice. This concert is the perfect evening getaway for Beyhive members old and new.
Get your tickets now while they're still available.
10. Close Out the Month at National Fried Chicken Festival
Beignets aren't the only fried food being celebrated this September. On September 30 and October 1, get your fix of fried chicken at the National Fried Chicken Festival on the New Orleans Lakefront. Live music, activities, and, of course, fried chicken vendors await at this festival presented by Raising Cane's.
Get your tickets now so that you don't miss out on a weekend of fried chicken and fun.
Top 10 Things to Do While Visiting New Orleans in September
Summer may be gone, but fun (and the sun) still linger. Don't miss out on a month filled with concerts, festivals, and food.
Gearing up for Saints season? Learn more about the unique experience of Saints tailgating here.
