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New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more 

Learn about Joan of Arc and Filipino culture at free events.

Things to Do

October is here, bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed calendar of festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="b2dcc758-2267-4229-9c51-6cdeeec990bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">packed calendar of festivals</a>, live music and a parade if the weather cooperates.The big picture: The forecasted rain in New Orleans has already changed some events this weekend.

HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition

The exhibition is included with free museum admission.

Culture

A new museum exhibition and book explore the life and work of Bunny Matthews, the artist behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="98905084-c83c-41d7-ba1a-ca3a5f5dcd5a" data-vars-headline="HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; locally iconic Vic and Nat&#x27;ly cartoons.Why it matters: The retrospective offers a gentle reminder that, for Matthews especially, sometimes loving New Orleans means recognizing its many faults, too.

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans 

We've got parades, vampire balls, witches brunches and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> doesn&#x27;t need much encouragement to get spooky, but the city really embraces its supernatural side in October.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> isn&#x27;t just one night here. We get a whole month of vampire balls, witches brunches, parades, haunted houses and over-the-top decorations.

Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough

New research shows what works for protecting the coastline.

Climate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana&#x27;s coastal restoration efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/24/climate-migration-sea-level-change-louisiana-relocating" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/24/climate-migration-sea-level-change-louisiana-relocating" target="_self">Louisiana&#x27;s coastal restoration efforts</a> from 1984 to 2025 built or saved about 153 square miles of land, according to new research cited by The Times-Picayune.Why it matters: It&#x27;s proof the state&#x27;s mitigation efforts are working, even if the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rate of land loss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/03/louisiana-map-shrinking-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/03/louisiana-map-shrinking-climate-change" target="_self">rate of land loss</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="only getting faster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/15/new-sea-level-rise-forecast-warns-increasing-flooding" data-vars-content-id="da5bffb5-5f78-4ebe-8874-bcbe568de890" data-vars-headline="Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/15/new-sea-level-rise-forecast-warns-increasing-flooding" target="_self">only getting faster</a>.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to New Orleans

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="3ca0926c-1ecb-4996-bd15-05ad795b739d" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in New Orleans&#x27; Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Saints, Sazeracs and festivals this weekend in New Orleans

It&#x27;s a busy weekend in New Orleans, with festivals, live music and the Saints&#x27; home opener.<ul><li>Here are some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="80865986-d7f3-4ac5-a890-195336991a87" data-vars-headline="Saints, Sazeracs and festivals this weekend in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">events</a> to add to your calendar.</li></ul>

How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day

A memorial parade will begin at 5pm in the French Quarter.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="aea9160c-4a98-4f7c-9d20-780cca77c58c" data-vars-headline="How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> sends Dolly Parton off in style on Friday, which her fans know as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9-to-5 Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" data-vars-content-id="aea9160c-4a98-4f7c-9d20-780cca77c58c" data-vars-headline="How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" target="_self">9-to-5 Day</a>, with a full slate of memorial events.Why it matters: The world is full of reasons to disagree with our neighbors, but respecting Dolly Parton remains universal.

SoFAB estate sale and more things to do in New Orleans 

The food and beverage museum closed last week.

Fall is creeping into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans calendar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="f02cd560-392c-41bc-94a0-08aa03ed917c" data-vars-headline="SoFAB estate sale and more things to do in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">New Orleans calendar</a> this weekend, bringing football, festivals and a glimmer of spooky season.🥺 SoFAB&#x27;s estate sale is Thursday. Some pieces are being returned to donors, but everything else must go. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="museum closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/sofab-southern-food-and-beverage-museum" data-vars-content-id="f02cd560-392c-41bc-94a0-08aa03ed917c" data-vars-headline="SoFAB estate sale and more things to do in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/sofab-southern-food-and-beverage-museum" target="_self">museum closed</a> last week. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Photos and details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.estatesales.net/LA/New-Orleans/70113/5075448?srsltid=AU7gw4VmV-LcGaTfpyuw8jMOgjHgxeNhhCLwlqIXfMnr7Yfrl13Yknmw" data-vars-content-id="f02cd560-392c-41bc-94a0-08aa03ed917c" data-vars-headline="SoFAB estate sale and more things to do in New Orleans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.estatesales.net/LA/New-Orleans/70113/5075448?srsltid=AU7gw4VmV-LcGaTfpyuw8jMOgjHgxeNhhCLwlqIXfMnr7Yfrl13Yknmw" target="_blank">Photos and details</a>)

How the New Orleans Saints will start their 60th year

It's a big year for New Orleans' biggest team.

Sports

The New Orleans Saints kick off their 60th season Sunday.Why it matters: The team will mark the anniversary with fan experiences all season long.

New Orleans weekend picks: Festivals, football and true crime

The Krewe of Alla has a new community event, too.

This weekend brings festivals, football, live music and a little true crime to New Orleans. Here are some of our suggestions for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="20a2e355-dbdf-414c-9a5e-8c61bf1109c9" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend picks: Festivals, football and true crime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a>.

Southern Decadence, mermaid parade and more things to do this Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and New Orleans has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plenty of ways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="dc84db39-6ed0-4834-b3f2-29fff80f58e1" data-vars-headline="Southern Decadence, mermaid parade and more things to do this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">plenty of ways</a> to fill your holiday.🌈 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southern Decadence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/SouthernDecadenceNOLA/" data-vars-content-id="dc84db39-6ed0-4834-b3f2-29fff80f58e1" data-vars-headline="Southern Decadence, mermaid parade and more things to do this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/SouthernDecadenceNOLA/" target="_blank">Southern Decadence</a>, the city&#x27;s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, starts Thursday with events around town. The parade rolls at 2pm Sunday from the Golden Lantern.

Things to Do 🗓

HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition

New Orleans weekend guide: Swampus parade, live music and more

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to New Orleans

Saints, Sazeracs and festivals this weekend in New Orleans