Your Local Guide to Labor Day & September Events in New Orleans, Baton Rouge & the Northshore

by Rêve Team

From the French Quarter in New Orleans to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, and across the charming towns of the Northshore, South Louisiana is packed with energy this September. Whether you’re after food festivals, football games, family outings, or community fundraisers, there’s something happening every weekend.

Here’s your local guide to the best events for Labor Day Weekend and the rest of September.

Major Festivals

New Orleans & Company. (n.d.). Southern Decadence Parade. [Photograph] https://www.neworleans.com/event/southern-decadence/3316/

Southern Decadence Festival

August 29 – September 1 | New Orleans

Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans means Southern Decadence, the city’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration. Expect parades, block parties, drag shows, and lively street energy all weekend. Most events are free, and it all wraps with a colorful parade through the French Quarter.

NOLA x NOLA Music Festival

September 25 – October 5 | New Orleans

The city’s venues come together for nearly two weeks of live music celebrating New Orleans’ deep cultural roots. From jazz and funk to brass bands and singer-songwriters, expect club shows and block parties that remind you why this is the birthplace of live music.

Northshore Louisiana Food Truck Festival

September 6 | Slidell

A foodie’s dream! Over 20 food trucks will serve up Louisiana flavors (and more) alongside live music from 11 AM–6 PM. A free, family-friendly festival where you can eat, dance, and enjoy local energy.

Folsom Fall Festival

September 27 | Folsom

Celebrate fall Northshore-style with live activities, seasonal vendors, and the ever-popular chili cook-off (registration is free if you want to compete!). Bring the family, taste some classics, and enjoy autumn in a small-town setting.

Football Season

New Orleans Saints Season Kickoff

September 1 | New Orleans

Who Dat Nation, it’s game time! The Saints open their season on Sunday, September 1. Local bars like Walk-On’s and Manning’s will be packed with watch parties, so grab some friends and cheer on the Black & Gold!

Full schedule: New Orleans Saints

Oliver, J. (n.d.). Caesars Superdome. [Photograph]. New Orleans & Company. https://www.neworleans.com/event/saints-vs-arizona-cardinals-game/167145/

LSU & Southern University Football

Season begins September 6 | Baton Rouge

There’s nothing like football season in Baton Rouge. Get ready to tailgate, cheer, and fill the stands with purple, gold, and Jaguar blue.

LSU Tigers vs. Louisiana Tech – Sept 6
Southern University vs. Alabama State – Sept 6
LSU vs. Southeastern Louisiana – Sept 20
Southern vs. Jackson State – Sept 20

Pro Tip: mark your calendar, traffic and parking get intense on game days, so plan ahead.

Family-Friendly Events

5K Run & Walk for Kids’ Growth

September 7 | New Orleans

Join the 13th annual 5K Run & Walk raising awareness for children’s growth disorders. Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and open to all ages.

🎟️ Tickets: $5 children (10 & under), $15 adults.

Never Forget 5K Run/Walk

September 13 | Covington (Northshore)

This event supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring first responders and helping families of fallen heroes. Walk or run, all while bringing the community together.

Farm Fête

September 25 | Baton Rouge

Celebrate local food at this fundraiser for the Red Stick Farmers Market. Enjoy live music, local bites, and Saturday market vibes while supporting healthy food programs.

Fundraisers & Community Causes

Cooking for a Cause

September 10 | New Orleans

This annual fundraiser celebrates food while supporting affordable and accessible culinary education for locals pursuing culinary careers.

Brew at the Zoo

September 26 | Baton Rouge

Raise a glass for wildlife! Baton Rouge Zoo’s biggest fall fundraiser features beer tastings, food samples, and live music. 21+ only.

Ultimate Tailgate Party

September 27 | Covington (Northshore)

BBQ, live music, and community spirit! This Northshore favorite raises funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House and CASA. Come for the food, stay for the cause, and bid at the live and silent auctions.

Gelato Love for Dogs: CAAWS Fundraiser

September 28 | Baton Rouge

Celebrate National Dog Week at La Divina with your pup. Donate $5 and get a free gelato, with 25% of sales going to CAAWS. Bonus: some adoptable furry friends will be there waiting for a forever home!

Final Thoughts

From Southern Decadence in the French Quarter, to football fever in Baton Rouge, to small-town charm on the Northshore, South Louisiana is alive this September.

Whether you’re here for festivals, food, sports, or family, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories. Just remember: parking can be tricky, so plan ahead, carpool when possible, and support the local businesses that make these events possible.