Everything You Need To Know About New Orleans' Fall Festivals
By Shayne Benowitz
With the opening of Virgin Hotels New Orleans, we can’t wait to let the good times roll! And while the Crescent City has had a rough go with Hurricane Ida, we’re thrilled to join the neighborhood and be a part of this resilient city’s recovery. One of the best ways to support the local economy is through tourism and there are a slew of fun fall festivals on the horizons that we can’t wait to get involved with.
Safe fun is a top priority right now and visitors should know that proof of vaccination for all eligible individuals 12 years and older (or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours) is required at most indoor venues, including bars, restaurants, and music halls, as well as outdoor events where more than 500 people are in attendance. Additionally, Louisiana remains under a statewide mask mandate. It’s also a good idea to check with event organizers before heading out the door to ensure everything is on as planned.
With that in mind, here are the festivals we can’t wait to check out.
Tales of the Cocktail, Sept 20-23
New Orleans has been the gathering place for the global spirits industry since 2002 with the now legendary Tales of the Cocktail. A celebration of craft cocktails, bartenders, bars and all things hospitality, the festivities return for the 19th year in a free hybrid digital and in-person format, including more than 60 online seminars and in-person events spread out in cities around the world, including host city, New Orleans.
Oktoberfest New Orleans, Oct 22-23 & 29-30, Nov 5-6 & 12-13
If it’s October in New Orleans, that means Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus. Come out for a celebration of beers, brats and all things German heritage. Don your lederhosen, grab your beer stein, and join in the fun with traditional German music, folk dancing, shopping, contests and activities for kids.
Krewe of Boo, Oct 23
Leave it to the Krewe of Boo to throw a fun and spooky Halloween parade through the French Quarter with floats and performers decked out as skeletons, vampires and witches. You’ll enjoy live music from brass bands and DJs, while you vie for treats like candy and beads flung from floats into the crowd.
Abita Fall Fest, Nov 6
Held outside in the glory of the Abita Springs Trailhead, this daylong music festival with two stages is sure to delight anyone starved for live music and community. With headlining acts including country star Drake White, Abita Stumps and New Orleans’ own Sweet Crude amongst many others, Abita Fall Fest is a family-friendly event that promises a fun time.
Fête des Fromages, Nov 6
If indulging in gourmet cheese is more your thing, then make a beeline to the New Orleans Jazz Museum for the Fête des Fromages, aka the NOLa Cheese Fest. Presented by the French American Chamber of Commerce, dozens of cheesemakers will present their selections of cheese from around the world, complete with tastings, demonstrations, cheese and wine pairings and live music.
Hurricane Ida has significantly disrupted the city of New Orleans and our priority is our teammates. From now until October 8, purchase a gift card to enjoy at Virgin Hotels New Orleans; 50% of all gift card purchases will go to a fund to support the hotel teammates in New Orleans affected by the hurricane. Purchase here.