Things to Do in New Orleans in October: Pirates, Ghosts, and French Quarter Adventures

October in New Orleans is one of the best times to explore the city. The weather finally cools after the long summer, festivals fill the calendar, and the streets of the French Quarter buzz with excitement. Between Halloween, festivals and endless parades, visitors can expect a month filled with energy, music, and a touch of mystery. But if you’re looking for something unique — a way to combine history, fun, and a little bit of the supernatural — the Pirates of the Quarter Tour and the Haunted Historic Tour should be at the top of your list.

If you’re planning your trip and searching for the top things to do in New Orleans, here’s why October is the perfect time to dive into pirates, ghosts, and bar crawls through the heart of the French Quarter.

Why October is Special in New Orleans

October transforms New Orleans into one big celebration. The weather is mild enough to stroll through Jackson Square, shop along Royal Street, and wander the historic streets without breaking a sweat. Festivals like Oktoberfest, Crescent City Blues & BBQ, and Halloween celebrations make the city feel alive both day and night.

And with Halloween right around the corner, the Haunted Historic Tour takes on a whole new atmosphere. Imagine standing in Pirates Alley, lanterns flickering in the night, while your guide reveals ghostly legends and tales of haunted houses. There’s no better month to explore New Orleans’ haunted side.

Discover the Pirates of the Quarter Tour

For anyone who’s ever been fascinated by tales of Jean and Pierre Laffite, cannon fire on the river, or the mysterious band of privateers who once ruled the Gulf, the Pirates of the Quarter Tour is a must. This isn’t just another history lecture — it’s an immersive walk through the French Quarter where pirates come alive.

• Pirates Alley: Step into one of the most legendary spots in New Orleans. Nestled between the Cathedral and the Cabildo, this historic alley has inspired pirate legends for centuries.

• Stories of Smugglers & Privateers: Learn how Lafitte’s pirates shaped the fate of the city, from smuggling to the Battle of New Orleans.

• Interactive Experience: Guides dressed as pirates bring history to life with humor, storytelling, and a deep knowledge of the French Quarter.

This regular day tour offers family-friendly fun for history buffs, adventurers, and anyone who wants to experience something beyond the typical sightseeing walk. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or solo, this tour ranks among the top things to do in New Orleans in October.

Explore the Haunted Historic Tour

When the sun sets, it’s time to dive into New Orleans’ darker history. The Haunted Historic Tour is not a gimmicky scare-fest, but a journey into real legends, chilling ghost stories, and documented hauntings of the French Quarter.

• Ghosts of the French Quarter: Walk past centuries-old buildings where residents still whisper about spirits that never left.

• True Stories & Urban Legends: Learn about mysterious disappearances, haunted mansions, and eerie encounters that blur the line between fact and folklore.

• Perfect for October Nights: With Halloween decorations lighting up the Quarter, October is the ultimate month to take this tour.

This tour blends real history with the supernatural, offering the perfect mix for visitors seeking thrills while exploring the top things to do in New Orleans at night.

Crawl New Orleans: Bar Crawls and Nightlife

October nights in the city aren’t just about ghosts and pirates — they’re about fun, music, and drinks. After your tours, the best way to keep the night going is by joining a French Quarter bar crawl.

• French Quarter Bar Crawl: Experience some of the most famous bars in the world, from Pat O’Brien’s hurricanes to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in the country.

• New Orleans Bar Crawl: With live music, craft cocktails, and energy on every corner, this is the best way to meet new people and experience New Orleans nightlife.

• Crawl New Orleans: Organized bar crawls make it easy to see multiple iconic spots in one night without worrying about planning your route.

Pairing a haunted or pirate-themed tour with a New Orleans bar crawl makes for the ultimate October evening: history, mystery, and a taste of the city’s legendary nightlife.

Other Top Things to Do in New Orleans in October

While pirates, ghosts, and bar crawls should definitely be on your list, October is also filled with other must-do activities:

• Visit Jackson Square: Grab a beignet from Café du Monde and watch artists display their work in the heart of the French Quarter.

• Halloween in the French Quarter: Costume parties, themed parades, and live music keep the city buzzing all month.

• Take a Riverboat Cruise: The cool October weather makes an evening cruise along the Mississippi unforgettable.

• Explore the Garden District: Stroll past historic mansions and oak-lined streets dressed in fall decorations.

These activities, combined with the Pirates of the Quarter Tour, Haunted Historic Tour, and a French Quarter bar crawl, make October the best time to fully experience New Orleans.

Why Choose These Tours in October?

1. Perfect Weather: Walking tours are far more enjoyable in the crisp October air compared to the heat of summer.

2. Halloween Atmosphere: Ghost stories feel more real when the city itself is dressed in cobwebs, costumes, and candlelight.

3. Nightlife Energy: October weekends are packed with visitors, festivals, and parties, making your New Orleans bar crawl even more exciting.

4. Unique Experiences: Anyone can visit Bourbon Street, but exploring Pirates Alley with a costumed guide or hearing true haunted tales in the Quarter gives you stories you’ll never forget.

Plan Your October Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans in October, skip the generic tourist traps and dive deeper into the heart of the city.

• Take a regular day tour with the Pirates of the Quarter and learn about smugglers, Lafitte, and pirate legends.

• At night, discover ghosts and legends with the Haunted Historic Tour.

• Cap it all off with a French Quarter bar crawl to experience nightlife like a local.

From Pirates Alley to haunted mansions, from hurricanes in hand to chilling ghost tales, October in New Orleans has something unforgettable for every visitor.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans is a city like no other, and October brings out its very best. Between pirate history, haunted tales, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll never run out of experiences. So if you’re looking for the top things to do in New Orleans, make sure your list includes:

• Pirates of the Quarter Tour (daytime adventure)

• Haunted Historic Tour (spooky nighttime exploration)

• Crawl New Orleans with a French Quarter bar crawl (legendary nightlife)

This October, let New Orleans show you its pirate past, haunted secrets, and unforgettable spirit.

📍 Book your spot today and make your trip to New Orleans in October one you’ll never forget!