# Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend

Romantic things to do in New Orleans this weekend, Oct 16–18: 2 dated events, date night ideas, romantic restaurants and hidden gems. Updated Oct 14.

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This weekend in New Orleans: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 2 dated events

Updated: Oct 14, 2026

Romantic things to do in New Orleans, LA include hidden gems and locals-know-this picks — the restaurant you won't see on a top-10 list, the late-night spot, and quick escapes worth a weekend.

## Date night ideas in New Orleans, LA

Looking for date night ideas in New Orleans, LA? These are pairings from what's actually on this week — the picks below are refreshed daily, so it's a live shortlist rather than an evergreen top-10 list. Take one as the anchor and keep the rest of the evening loose.

- **Dinner first** — Cochon and Compère Lapin are on this week's list, and the easiest date night here is one good table with nowhere to be after it. See the "Eat & Drink" section.
- **Make an evening of it** — Anchor the night on something that's actually scheduled, like Alicia Ynez at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, and put dinner on either side of it. See the "Happening Today" section.
- **A first date that isn't dinner** — A show, an exhibition or a gallery hour is lower-pressure than a two-hour table when you barely know each other; start here and keep it short. See the "New & Notable" section.
- **Turn it into a weekend** — When one night isn't enough, the quick escapes on this page, Mandeville & the Northshore among them, stretch a date night into a weekend. See the "Quick Escape" section.

## Happening Today

Live jazz, rock, and late-night sets across the city tonight

### Alicia Ynez at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Intimate early evening jazz performance in a legendary Marigny/Frenchmen-adjacent listening room.
- Venue: Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
- Location: Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-14 5:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Music Lovers
- Link: https://www.snugjazz.com/events/alicia-ynez/

### $uicideboy$ Present Grey Day Tour 2026
Massive arena homecoming performance featuring Destroy Lonely and heavy underground hip-hop acts.
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
- Location: Central Business District, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-14 6:30 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Fans
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/uicideboy-present-grey-day-tour-2026-new-orleans-louisiana-10-14-2026/event/1B0062CFE0AF5A4A

### The Uptown Jazz Orchestra with John Gray
Dynamic late-slot performance showcasing rich brass arrangements and high-energy local talent.
- Venue: Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
- Location: Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-14 19:30
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Jazz Enthusiasts
- Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-uptown-jazz-orchestra-with-snug-harbor-jazz-bistro-tickets/14340014

## This Weekend in New Orleans, LA

Cajun celebrations, college football, and album releases

### Rock The Rafters: A Cajun & Creole Celebration
An authentic celebration of Louisiana roots music inside the historic Uptown music institution.
- Venue: Tipitina's
- Location: Uptown, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-15 19:30
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Music Lovers
- Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rock-the-rafters-a-cajun-tipitinas-tickets/14910713

### Tulane Green Wave Football vs. Memphis Tigers
Under-the-lights college football action at the vibrant on-campus open-air stadium.
- Venue: Yulman Stadium
- Location: Uptown, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-16 6:30 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Sports Fans
- Link: https://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/2026/7/1/2026-football-schedule

### New Orleans Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards
Catch early-season NBA basketball action downtown at the Smoothie King Center.
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
- Location: Central Business District, New Orleans
- Date: 2026-10-16 19:00
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Basketball Fans
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1AAZs73

## Eat & Drink

Neighborhood spots for fall dining and classic local flavors

### Cochon
Renowned Warehouse District staple serving inventive, modern Cajun pork specialties and small plates in a rustic-chic space.
- Location: Warehouse District, New Orleans
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Foodies
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Cochon%20Warehouse%20District%2C%20New%20Orleans

### Compère Lapin
Chef Nina Compton's acclaimed spot inside the Old No. 77 Hotel blending Caribbean flavors with rich Louisiana ingredients.
- Location: Warehouse District, New Orleans
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Dinner & Drinks
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Comp%C3%A8re%20Lapin%20Warehouse%20District%2C%20New%20Orleans

## New & Notable

Seasonal cultural highlights and festival previews

### New Orleans Film Festival Screenings
Annual gathering celebrating independent cinema with screenings across historic local theaters and panel discussions with visiting filmmakers.
- Location: Various Venues, New Orleans
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Film Lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=New%20Orleans%20Film%20Festival%20Screenings%20Various%20Venues%2C%20New%20Orleans

### Historic Garden District Walking Tours
Take advantage of the cooler October air with a guided stroll past oak-canopied streets and 19th-century mansions.
- Location: Garden District, New Orleans
- Cost: $$
- Best for: History Buffs
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Historic%20Garden%20District%20Walking%20Tours%20Garden%20District%2C%20New%20Orleans

## Quick Escape

Easy weekend getaways within a short drive of the city

### Mandeville & the Northshore
Hop across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway for a quiet weekend of cycling the Tammany Trace, waterfront dining, and browsing local art galleries.
- Location: Mandeville, LA \(Northshore\)
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Couples & Families
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Mandeville%20%26%20the%20Northshore%20Mandeville%2C%20LA%20(Northshore)

### Lafayette & Acadiana Food Road Trip
A two-hour westward drive down I-10 lands you in the heart of Cajun Country for boudin trails, live zydeco music, and swamp explorations.
- Location: Lafayette, LA
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Roadtrippers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Lafayette%20%26%20Acadiana%20Food%20Road%20Trip%20Lafayette%2C%20LA

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