New Orleans, October 10, 2025
New Orleans is buzzing with excitement this weekend as it welcomes a variety of fall events, including parades, festivals, and family shows. Residents and visitors can enjoy vibrant activities like the Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day March, Gleason Gras, Oktoberfest, and more. This guide provides essential details on each event, helping you navigate the festivities seamlessly. Whether you’re seeking family fun, food, or thrilling experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to arrive early and make the most of the city’s lively atmosphere this season.
New Orleans on Friday, October 10, 2025: Your One-Day Cheat Sheet to This Weekend’s Biggest Fall Events
If you live in New Orleans or are planning to visit, listen up. The city is roaring into fall with a pile-up of parades, festivals, family shows, and offbeat thrills that could keep anyone busy through the weekend. This guide cuts through the noise with a no-nonsense run-down of what’s happening, where to go, and smart tips so you don’t get stuck in the crowd or miss what matters.
What’s happening today and this weekend
Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day March — A bright, noisy stroll through the French Quarter at noon celebrating Irish culture with music and traditional dress. If you love a second-line vibe with a Celtic twist, this is a must-see.
Gleason Gras — An evening fundraiser at Generations Hall starting at 6:00 PM. Expect live music, a community-minded atmosphere, and a chance to catch local acts in an indoor venue.
Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus — Kicking off at 4:00 PM and running all weekend, this is the spot for hearty German eats, classic beer selections, and oom-pah sounds. Great for group outings and anyone craving something different from the usual festival fare.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival — Lafayette Square Park lights up with two stages of music, a lineup of barbecue vendors, and an arts market. Tonight from 5:30–8:30 PM and ongoing through the weekend, it’s a prime place to mix tunes and food under the trees.
Gentilly Fest — At Pontchartrain Park, starting at 6:00 PM with live music, food, and a Kids’ Village offering face painting and pottery. If you want a neighborhood festival vibe that’s easy to get to, this is it.
Abita Fall Fest — Over at Abita Springs Trailhead Park, expect a wine garden, kids’ inflatables, and an art market. A short drive from the city and worth it for families and folks who like their festivals with a relaxed pace.
Zombie Paintball at NOLA Motorsports — New this weekend for thrill-seekers: a spooky, high-energy experience pairing paintball and live-action scares. Not the quietest date night, but perfect for groups that like adrenaline.
World Oddities Expo — A curiosity-driven showcase at the convention center for the weird and wonderful. Great for visitors and locals looking for something utterly different.
Sesame Street Live — Elmo and friends bring a family-friendly show to the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Ideal for small children who still believe in glitter and storybook characters.
Art for Art’s Sake — The 45th annual stretch along Magazine Street that opens doors to more than 20 galleries and museums. Walk, sip, and pop into exhibits — arts lovers will be in heaven.
National Fried Chicken Festival — At the Lakefront Arena with live performers and an all-you-can-sample fried-chicken vibe. Bring your appetite and a comfortable pair of shoes.
Krewe of Krampus’ Swampus Parade — A new Halloween parade in the French Quarter at 7:30 PM featuring eco-friendly handmade throws. A spooky, creative twist on parade culture that’s family-friendly in spirit.
Krewe of Boo! Parade — Family-oriented Halloween parade crossing from the Marigny into the French Quarter with floats, bands, and plenty of candy-throwing.
Ghosts in the Oaks — City Park’s family Halloween event with trick-or-treating, amusement rides, and activities for kids of all ages.
Others within easy reach this weekend include major regional festivals celebrating Hispanic heritage, seafood, and Americana music — perfect for making a day trip out of your weekend plans.
Top picks depending on your vibe
Family fun
- Sesame Street Live for little kids
- Ghosts in the Oaks and Carousel Gardens for rides and trick-or-treating
- Gentilly Fest and Abita Fall Fest for kid zones and easy parking
Food and music lovers
- Crescent City Blues & BBQ for classic combos
- National Fried Chicken Festival for serious fried comfort food
- Oktoberfest for hearty eats and live music
Nightlife and thrills
- Zombie Paintball for an adrenalin kick
- Gleason Gras for live evening music in a packed room
- Parades like Krewe of Krampus’ Swampus and Krewe of Boo! for theatrical street energy
Local survival tips
- Arrive early if you want a good spot for street parades or free festivals.
- Pack cash for food vendors; some still don’t take cards.
- Bring a refillable water bottle — staying hydrated beats waiting in lines for expensive bottled water.
- Use public transit, bike, or rideshare to avoid parking headaches in busy areas like the French Quarter and City Park.
- If attending nighttime events, plan a clear meeting spot with your group since crowds can get thick.
Final word before you go
New Orleans throws a lot at you this time of year, and that’s the whole point. Whether you’re in it for the music, the food, the family moments, or the spooky thrills, pick a couple of events and enjoy them fully. Don’t try to do everything — pick the ones that match your energy and plan how you’ll get there and back.
FAQ
Is today a good day to attend outdoor events?
Yes — the lineup includes several outdoor festivals and parades. Check local weather before you head out and bring sun protection or a light rain layer depending on the forecast.
Which events are best for kids?
Sesame Street Live, Ghosts in the Oaks, Carousel Gardens, and Gentilly Fest’s Kids’ Village are top choices for families with young children.
Are there any big-ticket shows or are most events free?
Many neighborhood festivals and park events are free or low-cost, though large shows and specialized festivals may charge admission. Expect ticketed concerts and some festival stages to have fees.
What should I bring to outdoor festivals?
Comfortable shoes, cash, sunscreen, water bottle, a portable charger, and a small umbrella if rain is in the forecast.
How early should I arrive for parades?
For prime viewing spots at popular parades, plan to arrive at least one hour early. For smaller neighborhood parades, 30 minutes can be enough during less busy times.
Quick at-a-glance chart
| Event | Type | Location | Time (starts) | Family-Friendly | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day March | Parade | French Quarter | Noon | Yes | Free |
| Gleason Gras | Concert/Fundraiser | Generations Hall | 6:00 PM | Mixed | Varies |
| Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus | Festival | Deutsches Haus | 4:00 PM | Yes | Varies |
| Crescent City Blues & BBQ | Music & Food | Lafayette Square Park | 5:30 PM | Yes | Free |
| Sesame Street Live | Kids Show | Jefferson Performing Arts Center | Varies | Yes | Ticketed |
| Zombies Paintball | Interactive | NOLA Motorsports | Weekend | No (best for older kids/teens) | Ticketed |
See you out there — bring a sense of adventure and leave plenty of time to soak up the music, food, and street theater that make New Orleans a perfect fall playground.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
