So, the kids are finally back in school. Football games are filling your weekends and tv screens. Pumpkin spice flavored everything has returned. But, when was your last date night? You got so caught up in the changing of seasons you forgot you live in the most unique city in the country.
New Orleanians donât need to be told that there is always something to do here. Every season is chocked full of events and concerts. Fall in New Orleans is a particularly special time, though. While youâll find the typical pumpkin patches and haunted houses, there is so much more this city has to offer couples in desperate need of some alone time.
Friday, September 22nd ~ LOVE in the Garden 2017 (New Orleans Musuem of Art)
Spend a romantic evening under the stars in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in the New Orleans Museum of Art. Enjoy gourmet food and wonderful live music while admiring the beautiful grounds. There are three separate parties, all open to public. A ticket includes local cuisine and music as well as a chance to vote in the LOVE Cocktail Challenge. (7:00PM Patron Party, 8:00PM Garden Party, 9:00PM Late Night Party. Tickets starting at $50 for non-members. Click here for more information)
Saturday, September 23rd ~ Meek Mill (Saenger Theater, Central Business District)
Spend the evening with the comeback kid of hip-hop. Meek Mill recently released his album, Wins and Losses, which takes his music in a different direction. There are classic hip-hop elements combined with a newfound responsibility for the younger generation. For the couple that loves to dance and appreciates modern rap music, this is definitely the concert for you. (9:00PM. Tickets starting at $55. Click here for more information)
Saturday, September 23rd ~ Museum Day Live! (Ogden Musem of Southern Art)
The Smithsonian Magazine hosts this annual event where select musuems around the country allow free admission for two guests. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a participating institution! This is the perfect opportunity for parents to take the day for themselves and experience local art and culture. Enjoy a lunch date and spend the afternoon exploring one of the most interesting museums in the city. (10:00AM to 5:00PM. Must register on the Smithsonian magazine website prior to the event and to receive your printable tickets)
Saturday, September 23rd ~ DJ Soul Sister presents HUSTLE! @ the Ice Pit (The Orpheum Theater, Central Business District)
Join  the âqueen of rare grooveâ for a FREE show at the historic Orpheum Theater. If you like funky music and even funkier dance moves, this is the event for you. You can be sure your night will be filled with soul! This live DJ artist will definitely get you up on your feet and movinâ to the beat! (Doors 10:00PM, show at 11:00PM. Free admission. Click here for more info)
Saturday, September 23rd ~ Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers w/John Mooney and Bluesiana (Rock ânâ Bowl, Uptown)
This city is filled with fantastic music acts from every genre. So if youâre not into hip-hop, funk or jazz, this show can satisfy your brass and blues craving. Kermit Ruffins, a New Orleans native, is known for his fantastic trumpeter skills and compositions. He truly is a city staple. The venue is also home to one of the best bowling alleys in the city! So bowl while you enjoy music, dance while you bowl and visit the bar for some cocktails for a perfect night out! (9:00PM. Tickets are $12. Click here for more info)
Saturday, September 23rd-24th ~ National Fried Chicken Festival (Woldenberg Park, French Quarter)
This is the second year the highly acclaimed National Fried Chicken Festival will happen in New Orleans. For southern comfort food connoisseurs, this festival will not disappoint. It will feature 35 different vendors as well as celebrity chefs. For the couple who lives to eat, visit the scenic waterfront park and chow down on some finger-licking grub! (11:00AM-9:00PM. Free admission. Click here for more info)
Tuesday, September 26th ~ Arcade Fire (Lakefront Arena, Lakeview)
With so many fantastic musical acts coming to New Orleans this fall, do not pass on your opportunity to see your favorite bands. Arcade Fire joins the September line-up with their alternative sound. Visit the Lakefront Arena at the University of New Orleans for this indie rock night. Grab dinner at a lakefront spot before heading over to the arena. (7:30PM. Tickets starting at $19.50. Click here for more info)
Wednesday, September 27th ~ Artists of Deception: The Ghost Army of World War II by: Rick Beyer (New Orleans Museum of Art)
Are you a history buff? Do you and your partner frequent the World War II Museum or enjoy watching victory films? This is definitely the lecture for you. Many people do not know about the Ghost Army, a discreet division created to decieve Nazi soldiers. The filmmaker, Rick Beyer, who produced a documentary shedding light on this vital group, will speak about the film and answer historical questions. For the academic date goers, this oneâs for you! (6:00PM-7:00PM. Click here for more info)
Wednesday, September 27th (Every Wednesday night until October 18th) ~ Wednesdays on the Point presents Bag of Donuts (Algiers Point Ferry Landing)
A free concert at a waterfront venue with an eclectic cover band? What more do you want from a wild date night? Take the ferry to Algiers Point and dance the night away to funky renditions of your favorite songs. If you canât make it this week, donât worry! Wednesdays on the Point runs every Wednesday  until October 18th hosting plenty of different musical acts for every taste. (5:30PM-8:30PM. Free admission. Click here for more info)
Wednesday, September 27th ~ Mac DeMarco (Orpheum Theater, Central Business District)
Trying to keep up with the millenials? Perhaps you are a millenial couple who needs a break from your own tech-obsessed kids! Mac DeMarco, a Canadian songwriter and instrumentalist, will be taking the stage at the beautiful Orpheum Theater. You can expect some laidback pop/hip-hop music with notes of troubled youth and age-old romantic dilemmas. Donât miss this trendy performer! (8:00PM. Tickets starting at $29.50. Click here for more info)
Thursday, September 28th-October 1st ~ The New Orleans Swing Dance Festival (Ace Hotel, Warehouse District)
Are you ready to move and groove and learn to dance like a professional? The New Orleans Swing Dance Festival is truly for dance lovers. Learn to dance, watch professionals dance and experience the perfect environment to get creative. The event is over the course of a few days, so maybe you and your partner just book one class or if you can get away for longer, plan a staycation at the Ace Hotel! (For scheduling and ticket prices, visit their website)
Saturday, September 30th-October 1st ~ Treme Fall Festival (St. Augustine Church, Treme)
The Treme Fall Festival is truly a New Orleans original celebrating the beautiful Treme neighborhood and the culture it has fostered. It is a production of the Historic Faubourg Treme Association intended to preserve the oldest African American church in the country, St. Augustine Church. This event is filled with local music, food and art. It is a one of kind experience for the couple who appreciates the culture this city has to offer. (6:00PM-9:00PM Friday night. 11:00AM-7:00PM Saturday. 12:300PM-2:30PM Sunday. Free admission on Saturday. Click here for more info)
Saturday, September 30th & Saturday, October 28th ~ Arts Market New Orleans (Palmer Park, Uptown New Orleans)
The Arts Market returns for its monthly festival! Palmer Park hosts a monthly arts festival where it showcases the work of local New Orleans artists. Maybe late night events arenât your thing so take a date day for yourself. Come see some of the most beautifully handmade items for reasonable prices. The event also hosts musical talent and local food vendors. (10AM to 4PM . Free Admission . Click here for more information)
Friday, October 6th ~ The Comedy Get Down (Smoothie King Center)â
Who doesnât love to laugh? What better way to reconnect with your partner than by sharing a night of comedy together? The Comedy Get Down is a world tour featuring some of the best comedians of all time including Cedric âThe Entertainerâ, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez! Donât miss your opportunity to hear the best stand up in the country performed by comedy royalty. (8:00PM. Tickets starting at $46.75. Click here for more info)
October 6th-7th, 13th-14th, & 20th-21st ~ Oktoberfest (Deutsches Hausâ, Mid-City)
Oktoberfest is a German tradition held annually during the fall months. It typically hosts a selection of German beer, food, and culture! Oktoberfest was brought to New Orleans to honor the German population that has inhabited this city. Luckily, this festival runs for three consecutive weekends so there are plenty of opportunities to find a sitter and spend a day indulging yourself with German cuisine and beer! (4:00PM-11:00PM on Fridays, starting at 1:00PM on Saturdays. Tickets starting at $8. Click here for more info)
Saturday, October 7th ~ Art for Artsâ Sake (Julia Street & Magazine Street)â
This is the art loving coupleâs dream! This annual street festival is held in fall and showcases galleries in three separate art districts. Stroll down Julia Street in the Warehouse District to find beautiful photography, scultures and classic art. Check out the Contemporary Arts Center for a variety of unique exhibits. End on Magazine Street exploring the boutique galleries and shops there. (12:00PM-9:00PM. Free admission. Click here for more info)
Sunday, October 15th ~ Saints vs. Detroit Lions (Mercedes Benz Superdome, Downtown New Orleans)
Sunday, October 29th ~ Saints vs. Chicago Bears
Itâs that time of year again to start cheering on your favorite New Orleans football team, the Saints! There are two games in October which means there are two perfect date-night opportunities. For the die-hard football fans that want to see our Saints go marching in, snag your tickets now! (12:00PM. Tickets starting at $36. Click here for more info)
Friday, October 20th ~ Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors (Smoothie King Center)
Saturday, October 28th ~ Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Smoothie King Center)
Monday, October 30th ~ Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic (Smoothie King Center)
Maybe football isnât your go-to fall sport. Lucky for you, the New Orleans Pelicans, our local basketball team, are squaring up to challenge the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic this fall! These should be pretty exciting games so donât miss out. You and your partner can throw on your favorite jerseys and enjoy a beer or two cheering on your favorite team! (8:30PM & 5:00PM & 6:00PM. Tickets starting at $50. Click here for more info)
October 20th-October 28th ~ Escape to Margaritaville (Saenger Theater, Central Business District)
Can you smell that salty ocean breeze? Fall is the perfect time for an island escape and youâll find just that, with less hassle, at the Saenger Theater. This fall for a number of nights in October, the musical âEscape to Margaritavilleâ comes to New Orleans! Celebrating sun, sand, island music and tropical drinks, this musical is the perfect getaway without leaving the city! Set to Jimmy Buffetâs classics, this musical will bring you to paradise. (For showtimes and tickets, visit their website)
Activity for any date night ~ Ralphâs on the Park (City Park)
Are you in desperate need of a romantic dinner? Look no further than this local gem set in an 1860âs mansion right on City Park. Ralphâs on the Park offers eclectic Southern comfort food and tt is fine-dining with a view. After a scenic dinner on the historic balcony, walk through the beautiful City Park and experience the changing of seasons. (Click here for more info)
