Fall for the French Market - A Cornucopia of Festivities, Food and Fun!

September 06, 2022
For over 200 years, the historic French Market has been a lively and engaging hub for community, commerce and culture. While many aspects of the world-renowned shopping and social district have been as fluid as the Mississippi River (on which the market sits), one thing remains true—this economic and entertainment engine continues to drive locals and visitors to the heart of the Crescent City, delighting them around every turn. And this autumn is no exception with a cornucopia of highly anticipated, exciting events, spectacular shopping and delectable dining options that are sure to get you all revved up!

Join the French Market as they pay homage to Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, Sep. 17 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. This jovial celebration will take place at the Farmers and Flea Markets with daylong, Latin-inspired live music and Spanish-influenced cultural activities. Wear your dancing shoes and salsa the day away to the sizzling sounds of Julio & Cesar Duo, Aquarela, Alexis Guevara and Son Mandão, Arpa with the Garifuna Connection and violinist Angel Rios, and Merengue 4, all in partnership with Ecos Latinos. Sip creative cocktails crafted by El Gato Negro while indulging in classic cuisine served up by some of the areas top Hispanic and Latino eateries. Take a break from the fiesta to shop specially curated, authentic arts and crafts at Latin’s Hand, where high quality products from Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia take canter stage. Need some gems and jewels to add a little sparkle to your style? A visit to Lalosh Silver is sure to bring the bling—where a master jeweler will design and handcraft a custom piece of wearable art right on the spot!

On Saturday, Oct. 15 gather your ghouls and goblins and head to the French Market’s enchanting Boo Carré Halloween Haunt, an annual spooktacular soiree that will certainly raise your spirits. Held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., this family-friendly event features music by Johnette Downing and Bamzy Baby Live, otherworldly arts and crafts activities, a live petting zoo and trick-or-treating throughout the French Market district. Crawl into the Spooky Second Line to partake in the hair-raising costumed parade that creeps through Dutch Alley. No hocus pocus need to find the perfect carve-worthy pumpkin … A simple stroll through the Farmers Market is sure to unearth the ideal jack-o’-lantern wannabe.

You’re sure to fall in love with the French Market’s newest fete, Fall Harvest Festival, which will breeze through the district in early November. Created in partnership with the Crescent City Farmers Market, enjoy a delightful day jam-packed with live music, festive activities and of course, a bounty of locally grown produce and artisan goodies.

Fall is the season to show your team spirit, so a trip to N’awlins Sports for some black and gold attire is right on point. Geaux Saints! All that sporty shopping is going to work up an appetite, so huddle up at one of the French Market’s eateries with a winning plate of fresh Gulf oysters. Belly up to J’s Seafood Dock for front-row bivalve shucking and slurping. Or, if you crave crispy and crunchy, then feast on a fried oyster platter, salad or po-boy at Corner Oyster House, Café Pontabla or Market Café. Either way, you’re sure to score big!

Tis’ nearly the season so be sure to mark your calendar for the French Market’s annual St. Nick Celebration, which dashes into the district on Saturday, Dec. 10 and is certain to have you jingling all the way! For more information on shopping and dining in the French Market District and upcoming events, visit frenchmarket.org.