Fall in Love with the French Market - Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

August 23, 2023
If you’re a fan of all things español, then a visit to the French Market on Saturday, Sept. 16 to pay homage to Hispanic Heritage Month is a must! This fun-filled fête is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Farmers and Flea Markets with daylong, Latin-inspired live music and Spanish-influenced cultural activities. Sway your hips to the beat of authentic Spanish music, performed live by top local bands. Sip creative cocktails crafted by El Gato Negro while indulging in classic cuisine served up by some of the area's top Hispanic and Latino eateries. Wind down from the fiesta with a shopping spree at Latin’s Hand, where you’ll discover specially curated, authentic goods from Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.

Get ready to let the ghoul times roll! On Saturday, Oct. 21, you’re in for a real treat (no tricks here) at the French Market’s thrilling Boo Carré Halloween Haunt, an annual spooktacular soirée that’s sure to cast a spell on you! Enter if you dare, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., to enjoy this fang-tastic family-friendly event, witch features music by Johnette Downing and Bamzy Baby Live, supernatural arts and crafts activities, a live petting zoo, and trick-or-treating throughout the French Market district. Toss on your vampire cape or witch's hat and jump into the Spooky Second Line, a spirited costume parade that creeps throughout Dutch Alley. Make no bones about it—digging up the perfect pumpkin to create an eerie-sistible jack-o’-lantern is frighteningly easy, as the Farmers Market will have gourds of all shapes and sizes available for purchase.

You’re sure to fall for the French Market’s newest celebration, Fall Harvest Festival, created in partnership with the Crescent City Farmers Market. On Saturday, Nov. 4, enjoy a feast for your senses with live music, festive activities, and of course a cornucopia of locally grown produce and artisan goods. Now that's a great way to spice things up!

While visiting the Big Easy this Fall, leave your cares behind by spending a laid-back afternoon shopping and dining al fresco in the French Market. Kick off your day with a hearty, New Orleans-style breakfast at Market Café with signature dishes like Nola Shrimp & Grits—sautéed shrimp in etouffee sauce over creamy grits—and Café French Toast served with fruit compote. Or opt for their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet featuring all the eye-opening classics. Pop by The Gazebo Café to grab one of their luscious ice cream daiquiris, such as the Mocha Almond Freeze (vodka, amaretto, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup, and ice cream) or the Nutty Irishman (Irish cream, hazelnut liqueur, and ice cream). Next, enjoy the crisp weather with a stroll through the open-air market to pick up unique souvenirs, original artwork, jewelry, gourmet goodies and more. Complete your French Market experience with a visit to Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, which has been tempting sugar lovers for more than 35 years with their famous pralines (from original to rum) and house-baked cookies (praline chocolate chip cookies, yes, please!) Watch the candy-making experts in action and grab a box of pralines to bring home—if you can resist the temptation, that is!