Louisiana in Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Louisiana, when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller, but the events calendar is still packed. Wander historic streets, along scenic paths and through charming towns surrounded by colorful foliage. Whether you’re drawn to the food, the culture or the natural beauty, fall in Louisiana is inviting to all travelers.

Family-Fun Festivals 

With the summer heat fading, Louisiana hosts a smorgasbord of outdoor festivals highlighting every local interest. Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is a three-day celebration of the diverse heritage and culture found in Lafayette. In Shreveport, the State Fair of Louisiana offers carnival rides, live music, livestock shows and classic fair food, while the Red River Revel transforms the city’s downtown into a premier arts festival.

The Roberts Cove Germanfest honors the small town’s German heritage with traditional music, dancing, food and family traditions. Enjoy blues performances and local art at the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival, or fresh seafood and maritime masterpieces at Madisonville’s Wooden Boat Festival. 

Food & Brew Spots 

Fall in Louisiana is a season of flavor. Visit Monroe-West Monroe during MWM Restaurant Week in September for fixed-price menu items at top area restaurants. Two can’t-miss foodie celebrations in New Orleans take place during fall — the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival Uptown and the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. Enjoy Parisian-inspired treats as the quaint town of Larose puts on the annual French Food Festival.

Fall also brings events highlighting the underrated beer scene of Louisiana. Sample tasty pints at Brewtober Fest in Shreveport, Brews Arts Festival in Hammond and Boo & Brew in New Roads. If you want a refreshing beverage without the crowds, head out on the Louisiana Libations Trail for tastings and tours at top breweries, wineries and distilleries in the state.

Live Music Destinations 

For listening to smooth jazz in New Orleans, Preservation Hall in the French Quarter and the Spotted Cat Music Hall along Frenchmen Street are widely known as must-visit spots in the Crescent City, while the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall can’t be missed on the Northshore. For live jazz elsewhere in the state, head to Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette, Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, Panorama Music House in Lake Charles, Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary and Bootlegger’s Bar in Alexandria. 

Check calendars to see when the world’s largest acts play packed arenas like the Caesars Superdome and adjacent Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge. Smaller, intimate venues statewide also offer live performances from current touring acts. 

Outdoors Pursuits 

Exploring the scenic beauty of Louisiana becomes even more enjoyable as the summer humidity is replaced with a fall breeze. From paved trails to off-road paths, find epic biking treks throughout the state that cruise through bayous, lush forests and city parks. Fall trails are also used for tranquil horseback riding trips; find horse-friendly trails in the Kisatchie National Forest and Chemin-A-Haut State Park, or through local outfitters like the BREC Farr Park Equestrian Center in Baton Rouge or Sweetwater RV Ranch and Stables in Loranger. 

Birdwatchers flock to the state's wildlife refuges to catch a glimpse as thousands of migratory birds start making their way to Louisiana to stay for the winter.

Fall Harvest Activities 

Louisiana’s agricultural heritage brings the community and visitors together to enjoy the local produce of the Bayou State. If you're seeking fresh ingredients for your own culinary masterpieces, visit one of numerous farmers markets. Crescent City Farmers Market is the biggest in the state, but Natchitoches, Lafayette and Baton Rouge also host can’t-miss markets.

Festivals celebrating the harvest pop up, including the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival and Crowley’s International Rice Festival. 

Spooky-Season Delights 

Halloween is something Louisiana does well, with historic sites coming alive at night with ghost tours, costume parades and not-so spooky celebrations. Learn about New Orleans' haunted history on nightly walking tours of its French Quarter and Garden District. Some seeking more of a fright can sign up for cemetery tours, with some established in the late 1700s and whose notable burials include voodoo queens.

Cajun folklore and elaborate costumes are the star of Rougarou Fest, honoring the mythical werewolf-like creature of southern Louisiana. For kid-friendly spooks, check online to find trunk-or-treats, boo at the zoos, or costume parades like the beloved Krewe of Boo! — New Orleans' official Halloween parade. Bring the kids to any of the pumpkin patches statewide to select the perfect gourd for jack-o'-lanterns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall in Louisiana

What is the weather like in Louisiana during the fall? 

Fall in Louisiana brings a break for the heat, with cooler temperatures, lower humidity, but with plenty of sunny days. It starts to become chilly at night, but far from the cooler temperatures found in other parts of the country at this time. 

What should I pack for a vacation to Louisiana in fall? 

A fall vacation to Louisiana calls for a mix of short sleeves for warm afternoons and light sweaters or jackets for breezy evenings.

What are the top fall festivals in Louisiana? 

Louisiana enjoys mild, pleasant fall weather that makes it one of the best times of year for outdoor festivals showcasing its Cajun and Creole heritage, as well as celebrating the harvest and spooky season.