Falling for Fall in The Big Easy

With the cool weather upon us and pumpkin spice and patches aplenty, it’s beginning to feel like fall in New Orleans. We’ve got our top picks for things to do (safely and socially distanced) during this glorious season!

• New Orleans Nightmare (Now through October 31st)

The city’s most intense and thrilling haunted attraction is back! The 25,000 square foot haunt features new additions for an even scarier experience this season, including Creature Feature and Deadly Reflections. With movie-quality sets and premier special effects, this is one Halloween experience not to miss. Limited capacity and social distance measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of guests. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (October 16th- 18th)

Presented by The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest celebrates 15 years virtually this year! As usual, this festival brings you three days of incredible music, food, and crafts. Popular performers from past Blues Fests, as well as new performances from Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Little Freddie King. There are two ways you can watch or listen to. WWOZ 90.7 FM will live from Lafayette Square and over the air. You can also catch the live stream on their Facebook and YouTube channel.

• Praise Fest (October 16th-18th)

Co-Sponsored By the Because I Can Foundation, this year’s Praise Fest moves online and features 3 days of local and national Christian/gospel music artists, entertainers, and world speakers that will minister to viewers at home.

• New Orleans Film Festival (November 6th-22nd)

Calling all movie fanatics! Check out the New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) which has gone to a hybrid model featuring virtual and open-air programming. Extended to 18 days, festival attendees are invited to participate in the fest’s Virtual Cinema or Lafitte Greenway Open Air Cinema.  Participants will have the opportunity to experience pre-recorded filmmaker Q&As, free streaming public keynotes, and panel discussions geared at filmmakers and those interested in learning about the craft.

Playing it safe or staying in? Try some of these fall activities at home!

• Customized Candy Apples
• Customized S’mores
• Everything Fall Chili
• Pumpkin Spice Desserts