Things to Do in Louisiana This September 2026: Events in New Orleans, Baton Rouge & the Northshore

September in South Louisiana is less about a dramatic change of season and more about noticing the little signs that fall is getting closer.

Football is back. Fall concert series start appearing on the calendar. Festival weekends return. And while the temperatures may still say summer, the energy around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Northshore definitely starts to shift.

If you're looking for things to do this Labor Day weekend or making plans for the rest of September, we've gathered a few festivals, concerts, cultural events, and local traditions worth having on your radar.

New Orleans: Music, Football & Festival Season Return

September is a good reminder that New Orleans doesn't need a special occasion to celebrate, but the month certainly gives us plenty of them. From Labor Day weekend in the French Quarter to the return of Saints football and 11 days of live music across the city, fall starts making itself known.

Southern Decadence | September 3–7

Labor Day weekend brings Southern Decadence back to the French Quarter for one of the country's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. The multi-day event fills the neighborhood with parties, live entertainment, special events, and the annual Sunday parade.

New Orleans Saints Football | September 13, 20 & 27

Who Dat season is officially back. The Saints open the regular season on the road against Detroit on September 13, followed by Baltimore on September 20. Then, on September 27, the Black and Gold return to Caesars Superdome for their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Whether you're headed to the Dome or watching from your favorite neighborhood spot, football Sundays are officially part of the New Orleans calendar again.

NOLAxNOLA | September 24–October 4

One of the best ways to rediscover New Orleans music is to experience it in the venues that help define it. NOLAxNOLA returns for 11 days of performances across dozens of music venues and neighborhoods, with local and national artists spanning an impressive range of genres.

It's part music festival, part excuse to revisit a favorite venue and maybe discover a new one.

BlackAmericana Fest | September 25–26

BlackAmericana Fest returns to The Broadside for two days celebrating Black artists in Americana, country, and folk music. The all-ages festival highlights musicians bringing new voices and perspectives to genres deeply rooted in American musical history.

Baton Rouge: Game Days, Local Flavor & a Night for the Arts

September feels unmistakably different in Baton Rouge for one major reason: football is back. But game day isn't the only thing on the calendar. Food, music, local agriculture, and the arts give you plenty of reasons to explore the Capital City beyond Tiger Stadium.

LSU Football Returns to Death Valley | September 5, 12 & 26

There are few Baton Rouge traditions bigger than a Saturday in Death Valley. LSU hosts Clemson on September 5, Louisiana Tech on September 12, and Texas A&M on September 26.

Even if you don't have a ticket, game day stretches well beyond Tiger Stadium, from tailgates and restaurants to the sea of purple and gold that takes over the city.

10th Annual A Taste of the Deep South Festival | September 19–20

Food, music, shopping, and a little friendly competition come together at this two-day celebration at the Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard.

Expect live performances, a vendor village, Southern festival favorites, and contests including the Henry Turner Jr. Look-A-Like and Watermelon Eating competitions.

Farm Fête | September 24

Farm Fête returns to Main Street Market for its eighth year, celebrating the farmers and fresh food behind Baton Rouge's local food community.

The evening brings together local flavors and the spirit of the Red Stick Farmers Market while supporting efforts to expand access to fresh, healthy food.

Louisiana Untamed: LASM's 41st Annual Gala | September 25

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum takes inspiration from the state's wild side for its 41st annual gala. Louisiana Untamed brings together food, cocktails, entertainment, auctions, and nature-inspired style for an evening benefiting LASM's educational mission.

The dress code? Think cocktail attire with a Louisiana twist: bold prints, botanical details, rich textures, and a little untamed personality.

Northshore: Live Music, Local Traditions & Fall's First Signs

On the Northshore, September brings back some of the traditions that make evenings out feel distinctly local. You can dance in Abita Springs, listen to music beside the Bogue Falaya, celebrate Hispanic culture in Mandeville, or step inside one of Louisiana's most historic music venues.

Northshore Cajun Dance at Abita Town Hall

If you've always wanted to learn a few Cajun dance steps, this recurring Northshore favorite makes it easy. Free lessons kick off the evening before live music takes over, welcoming experienced dancers and complete beginners alike.

And if you enjoy it, there's good news: the dances return monthly.

Abita Springs Opry | September 19

The fall season returns to Abita Springs Town Hall with another evening celebrating Louisiana roots music. The Opry's intimate setting and focus on traditional and regional sounds have made it a Northshore favorite for locals who appreciate music with a sense of place.

Lago Fest | September 20

Hispanic Heritage Month comes to the Mandeville Trailhead with Lago Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration of the Northshore's Hispanic community.

Expect live Latin music, folkloric dance, authentic food from local restaurants and vendors, artisan goods, and activities for children throughout the day.

Dew Drop Jazz Hall Concert | September 26

Few places connect you to the Northshore's musical history quite like the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall in Old Mandeville.

The fall season begins with Smoking Time Jazz Club celebrating the great blues queens of the 1920s, including the music and legacy of Ma Rainey, Clara Smith, and Bessie Smith. It's an intimate way to experience Louisiana music in a venue with a story all its own.

September Is Just the Beginning

September doesn't quite feel like fall in South Louisiana. Not yet, anyway.

But you can see it coming.

It's there in a packed Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, a Saints jersey coming out of the closet for Sunday, live music returning to familiar stages, and community events beginning to fill the weekends again.

And perhaps that's the best part of September here. You don't have to wait for the weather to change to start enjoying the season.

Whether you call New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or the Northshore home, there's plenty happening close by and plenty more to look forward to as fall gets underway.