new orleans halloween trip

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Company Stats & Facts
• Event Photos
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Halloween Events in New Orleans

How to celebrate the spookiest day of the year in new orleans.

Second only to Mardi Gras for its dazzling display of fun and finery, Halloween in New Orleans draws thousands to the Quarter for devilish fun while vampires, zombies, ghosts, goblins, and everything else parade up and down Frenchmen Street displaying the city’s legendary wit and creativity in their carefully crafted costumes. All Hallows’ Eve in New Orleans is an experience to remember for both the living – and undead.

“New Orleans named one of the 13 Best Places to Visit For Halloween Around the World” — Travel + Leisure, 2022

What to Do on Halloween in New Orleans

Start your Halloween adventure with one of the many  haunted tours  through the  French Quarter  or some other spooky part of the city. And then, of course, there are the world-famous  cemeteries  where the dearly departed are buried in tombs aboveground. Hundreds of stories abound in which the ghosts of these “Cities of the Dead” make their presence known.

While prowling around the French Quarter there are a number of  Voodoo shops to learn a little more about the history behind these centuries-old spiritual practices. The spirit of Marie Laveau, the High Priestess of 19th century New Orleans, can still be felt in the vibes that surround you in some of these shops. You might even learn a few spells and mystical incantations. Many of the shops have special Halloween events.

For even more ways to get in the Halloween spirit – even in the off-season – check out our haunted New Orleans itinerar y.

Where can I Buy a Halloween Costume in New Orleans?

One of the city’s many  costume shops  will be happy to fix you up for the occasion. You can get anything from cat ears, b at wings, and vampire fangs to the most over-the-top outfits you’ve ever seen, including feather boas, multicolored wigs, masks, and more.

LGBTQ Halloween in New Orleans

The city’s LGBTQ community is also out in full regalia for Halloween, and you can join in the fun at any time during the evening.  Halloween New Orleans  throws a weekend-long party every year and the benefits go to Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for people living with AIDS. You’ll find most of the action on Bourbon and St. Ann streets in the heart of the Quarter. Elaborate costumes, exciting galas, drinking, and dancing with friends are all hallmarks of this festive celebration.

Halloween in New Orleans for Kids

Between the costumes and candy, Halloween is the perfect holiday for both kids and the young at heart, and New Orleans has plenty of fun, family-friendly events celebrating the season. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, trick-or-treating in the French Market District, and a Spooky Second Line at Boo Carré ! Or bring the family to see the spook-tacular spectacle that is Krewe of Boo , the city’s premier Halloween parade. For even more harvest fun, check out the Long Vue Fall Fest on Halloween weekend!

New Orleans Haunted Houses

For those looking for an extra thrill, New Orleans also has its share of Haunted Houses open just for Halloween, such as  the Mortuary or Scout Island Scream Park. More kid-friendly options occur during the day, but for those who want a thrill, ghosts and goblins roam at night. See more haunted houses below. A word of caution though: some of these Haunted Houses may be too scary for the youngest children. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

Looking for even more ways to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans? Check out our top picks for spooky things to do in October .

• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.

New Orleans Activities

Halloween in new orleans (updated 2024).

• Text Message

• All New Orleans Activities
• Helicopter Tours
• Art Classes
• Craft Classes
• Dance Lessons
• Pottery Classes
• Airboat Tours
• Day Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Architecture Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• LGBTIQA+ Friendly Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Movie & TV Tours
• Private Day Trips
• Bar, Club & Pub Tours
• Beer & Brewery Tours
• Chocolate Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Dining Experiences
• Street Food Tours
• Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
• Kid Friendly Tours & Activities
• Luxury Tours
• Romantic Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Overnight Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Adrenaline & Extreme
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Horseback Riding
• Nature & Wildlife
• Running Tours
• Private Sightseeing Tours
• Shopping Passes & Offers
• Port Transfers
• Ports of Call Tours
• Adults-only Shows
• Light & Sound Shows
• Theater, Shows & Musicals
• Attraction Tickets
• Museum Tickets & Passes
• Sightseeing Passes
• Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
• Audio Guided Tours
• Bus & Minivan Tours
• Escape Games
• Full-day Tours
• Fun and Games
• Half-day Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Tours
• Night Tours
• Pedicab Tours
• Photography Tours
• Plantation Tours
• Segway Tours
• Self-guided Tours & Rentals
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Sustainable Tours
• Trolley Tours
• Volunteer Tours
• Airport & Ground Transfers
• Airport Services
• Bus Services
• Private Drivers
• Unique Experiences
• Exclusive Tours
• Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
• Walking Tours
• Jet Boats & Speed Boats
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Honeymoon Packages

Attractions

• Things to do in New Orleans
• French Quarter
• Jackson Square
• Garden District
• St. Louis Cathedral
• LaLaurie Mansion
• Bourbon Street
• French Market
• Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
• Louis Armstrong Park
• Best food & culinary tours in New Orleans
• Family-friendly things to do in New Orleans.
• New Orleans’ Most Famous Plantation Tours
• Rainy day activities in New Orleans
• Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in New Orleans
• The Best New Orleans Swamp Tour Experiences
• The Top 10 New Orleans Tours and Activities of 2024
• The best tours and activities for culture lovers in New Orleans
• Things to do in New Orleans this summer
• Top Day Trips from New Orleans
• New Orleans Event Calendar
• Good Friday in New Orleans
• Easter in New Orleans
• Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans
• Cinco De Mayo in New Orleans
• Juneteenth in New Orleans
• 4th of July in New Orleans
• Labor Day in New Orleans
• Halloween in New Orleans
• Thanksgiving in New Orleans
• Veteran's Day in New Orleans
• New Year’s Day long weekend in New Orleans
• Christmas Eve in New Orleans
• New Year’s Eve in New Orleans
• Hanukkah in New Orleans
• Christmas activities in New Orleans
• MLK Day in New Orleans
• President's Day in New Orleans
• Valentine's Day in New Orleans
• St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans

New Orleans Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Cruise

Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and... Read More

New Orleans Original Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire, and More Tour

New Orleans is considered "The Most Haunted City" in the United States with rich paranormal history like no other. Allow our master storytellers to walk... Read More

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland jazz band and a narration... Read More

City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

With our 1 day ticket, sightseers can discover New Orleans on this thoroughly enjoyable unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour. You'll enjoy access to 19 tour... Read More

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian... Read More

Three Hour City Tour of New Orleans

Go beyond the typical city tour experience and see New Orleans like a local. Relax in an enclosed air-conditioned minibus and get a great introduction... Read More

The National WWII Museum Admission Ticket New Orleans

Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located in downtown New Orleans on a six-acre... Read More

Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

Warning! This tour is only for the brave! NOLA Ghost Riders provides the original and finest night-time cemetery tour. This experience gives guests the opportunity... Read More

New Orleans City Tour: Katrina, Garden District, French Quarter & Cemetery

Spend an unforgettable 3 hours on our comfortable air conditioned Mini-bus and get an overview of New Orleans. Experience the history and culture of the... Read More

New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

The French Quarter is known as one of the most haunted places in America, and with so many ghost tours to choose from, the best... Read More

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

Take a New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure! See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the... Read More

New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

Take a romp through the haunted French Quarter on this famous New Orleans ghost tour. During your 2-hour evening walking tour, explore the grim and... Read More

New Orleans City and Cemetery 2- 2 1/2 Hour Bus Tour

For 2-2.5 hours, we’ll take you on an air conditioned ride throughout some of the most famous neighborhoods in New Orleans. We’ll show you the... Read More

Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

Do you believe there are things in this life that simply cannot be explained? Come take a walk through the haunted French Quarter stories that... Read More

New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour

Experience New Orleans with us on this 2.5-hour sightseeing bus tour. Venture out of the French Quarter to explore the beautiful Garden District, Treme, Marigny,... Read More

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

On this Sunday brunch cruise, travel along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music and savoring a lovely buffet brunch, if option selected. Otherwise,... Read More

New Orleans True Murder Tour: Sinister Criminal Intentions

On this adults-only murder tour you will learn of the sordid details behind New Orleans' dark history. Not for the faint of heart! We take you... Read More

New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

Find out what all the fuss is about on this half-day food tour of some of the best food in New Orleans' famous French Quarter!... Read More

New Orleans Voodoo, French Quarter, and Grave Culture Tour

Our master storytellers will walk you through the French Quarter where you'll discover its unique culture, architecture, and history. Hear stories of our Voodoo Queen... Read More

Dead of Night Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour

Escape into the darkness with your licensed guide on an air-conditioned bus to some of the most haunted locations in New Orleans outside of the... Read More

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Experience the grandeur of New Orleans’ antebellum south on a half‐day tour of Oak Alley Plantation. Take a journey through time to the manicured estate and... Read More

Popular New Orleans Searches

• Top Rated New Orleans Activities
• Kid-Friendly New Orleans Activities
• New Orleans Tours & Activities with Instant Confirmation
• New Orleans Activities with Hotel Pickup
• New Orleans Activities with Free Cancellation
• New Orleans Activities with Perfect 5-Star ratings
• New Orleans Activities up to 1 Hour
• New Orleans Activities 1-4 Hours
• New Orleans Activities 4 Hours to 1 Day
• New Orleans Activities with Over 100 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 250 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 500 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 1,000 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 2,500 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities with Over 5,000 Reviews
• New Orleans Activities Under $50
• New Orleans Activities $50 - $100
• New Orleans Activities $100 - $250
• New Orleans Activities Over $250
• New Orleans Activities Likely to Sell Out
• New to Our Site

Things To Do in New Orleans

• New Orleans Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
• New Orleans Classes & Workshops
• New Orleans Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
• New Orleans Cultural & Theme Tours
• New Orleans Day Trips & Excursions
• New Orleans Fishing
• New Orleans Food, Wine & Nightlife
• New Orleans Holiday & Seasonal Tours
• New Orleans Kid Friendly
• New Orleans Luxury & Special Occasions
• New Orleans Multi-day & Extended Tours
• New Orleans Outdoor Activities
• New Orleans Private & Custom Tours
• New Orleans Shopping & Fashion
• New Orleans Shore Excursions
• New Orleans Shows, Concerts & Sports
• New Orleans Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
• New Orleans Tours & Sightseeing
• New Orleans Transfers & Ground Transport
• New Orleans Unique Experiences
• New Orleans VIP & Exclusive Tours
• New Orleans Walking & Biking Tours
• New Orleans Water Sports
• New Orleans Weddings & Honeymoons
• View all Things To Do in New Orleans

Popular New Orleans Attractions

• Royal Street
• Old Ursuline Convent
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
• New Orleans City Park
• Oak Alley Plantation
• Mississippi River
• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
• Frenchmen Street
• Laura Plantation

New Orleans Calendar

New orleans guides, log in or sign up, welcome to cool new orleans.

Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device.

Let's try that again

By selecting Agree and continue , I agree to Cool Destinations’s Terms of Service , Payments Terms of Service , and Nondiscrimination Policy and acknowledge the Privacy Policy .

Cool Destinations will send you members-only deals, inspiration, marketing emails, and push notifications. You can opt out of receiving these at any time in your account settings or directly from the marketing notification.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Cool New Orleans wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New Orleans over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation, accessibility statement.

• www.coolneworleans.com
• April 21, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
• Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

Notes, comments, and feedback.

10 Spook-tacular Ways to Spend Halloween in New Orleans

How to spend Halloween in New Orleans? What to do on and around Halloween in the French Quarter?

Halloween in New Orleans is a truly special time. The city comes alive, and ghosts and ghouls lurk around every corner.

We visited New Orleans last year during Halloween to attend a wedding, which is one of the most fantastic experiences in the French Quarter . Not only did we partake in wedding celebrations and eat a ton of beignets , but we also got to experience what it is like in New Orleans for Halloween.

Usually, we are not big on Halloween Day, but Halloween is taken to another level in New Orleans. So, if you are looking to visit New Orleans in the fall season, consider traveling there during Halloween.

Our favorite part of being in the city during Halloween was the Halloween decorations and festivities, particularly around the French Quarter and the Garden District. Businesses and homes go the extra mile to make the holiday special. Locals and tourists get into the spirit of Halloween.

You can visit New Orleans during the Halloween season and experience various activities without having to partake in the wilder aspects of the holiday. You can also go all out, get dressed, and party with everyone else on Bourbon Street! Or attend the Krewe of Boo parade.

It is truly up to you how you want to spend Halloween in New Orleans.

There is already a spooky vibe to French Quarter with its history and ghostly tales that accentuates as we approach Halloween. It is said that the haunting in the Quarter is more active during this time. If you are feeling brave, go on a ghost tour and learn about the history and hauntings of some of these locations.

Many of these activities below are available year-round, but attending one of them during the Halloween season brings the experience and ignites your goosebumps to a new level.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

So, if you’re looking for a frightfully good time for Halloween, look no further than New Orleans! This city knows how to celebrate Halloween in style, with plenty of spooky events and activities to choose from. Here are 10 of the best ways to spend Halloween in New Orleans!

Any tours or activities you’d like to do on Halloween or the days surrounding it should be booked in advance. That goes for accommodations as well. Hotels in the French Quarter and other areas of New Orleans fill up fast during this time, so it’s best to have your accommodations booked as early as possible.

If you plan to attend the New Orleans’ official Halloween Parade, Krewe of Boo, check the official event date ahead of time. It usually takes place one week before the Halloween holiday, and you’ll want to make arrangements for that time.

Table of Contents

Halloween in New Orleans

Is New Orleans fun for Halloween?

Yes! New Orleans is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween. The city comes alive with music, costumes, and parties galore.

Is Halloween a big deal in New Orleans?

Halloween is a very big deal in New Orleans! The city goes all out with decorations and festivities. Krew of Boo, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, is one of the season’s highlights.

Is New Orleans busy during Halloween?

Yes, New Orleans is quite busy during Halloween. Hotels in the French Quarter and other areas of New Orleans fill up fast during this time, so it’s best to have your accommodations booked as early as possible. If you plan to attend New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, Krewe of Boo, check the event date ahead of time and make arrangements accordingly.

Is Halloween a good time to visit New Orleans?

We think so! The French Quarter and Garden District are particularly fun during Halloween, with businesses and homes going the extra mile to make the holiday special. Locals and tourists get into the spirit of Halloween by dressing up in costume and attending local festivities, parades, and parties.

Do people dress up for Halloween in New Orleans?

Yes, everyone of all ages dresses in all sorts of creative fun costumes for Halloween in New Orleans.

1. Stay at a Haunted Hotel

One of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by staying at a haunted hotel . The French Quarter is home to many haunted hotels, including the Hotel Monteleone, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in New Orleans.

We stayed at Place d’Armes Hotel , a haunted hotel right in the heart of New Orleans and close to Jackson Square. The site was once a French colonial school, and during the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, the structure burned down, taking many students and the headmaster.

A young girl in old clothing has been seen wandering the property.

During our stay, we did not see any ghostly children, but it could be they didn’t want to appear to us. However, just going to bed at night, knowing the hotel was haunted, was enough to make the hair on my arms stand up!

If you’re looking for a truly spooky experience, staying at a haunted hotel should be at the top of your list.

2. Take a Ghost Tour

A ghost tour is one of the top things to do during Halloween in New Orleans. It’s always a popular, year-round activity, but it becomes even more popular during Halloween.

There are a number of different ghost tours you can take, but our favorite was the French Quarter Ghost Tour. The tour takes you through the streets of the French Quarter, where you’ll learn about the history and hauntings of some of the most famous locations.

You’ll hear stories about real ghosts that are said to haunt the French Quarter, including Muriel’s resident ghosts.

The tour takes place at night at its spookiest time in the evening. But during Halloween, it’s even more so. We recommend taking a ghost tour while you’re in New Orleans for Halloween!

Tour Ideas New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour [ book here ] The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour [ book here ] New Orleans Ghosts and Spirits Walking Tour [ book here ]

Best Things to Do in the French Quarter

Visiting New Orleans and staying in the French Quarter? Don’t miss these things to do in this vibrant historic neighborhood. Eat beignets, visit Jackson Square, take a ghost tour, and more.

3. Plan to Attend Krewe of Boo

Krewe of Boo is New Orleans’ official Halloween parade. It takes place one week before Halloween and is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. The parade features floats, costumes, and plenty of foodie eats.

Everyone gets dressed up for Krewe of Boo, so make sure you wear a costume! The parade starts at Elysian Fields and rolls through the French Quarter.

We did not attend as we arrived a week later, but it’s something to look into during your Halloween in New Orleans planning stages.

4. Visit Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo

This is a particularly small shop located on Bourbon Street, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. You’re transported into a taste of Madame Laveau’s world.

The shop has voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, candles, and other items used in voodoo rituals.

You can even have your tarot cards read while you’re there. Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo is a must-visit, even if it’s just once.

No pictures are allowed inside.

5. Walk Around the Above-Ground Tombs at a Cemetary

One of the best things about New Orleans is that it’s home to some of the most interesting cemeteries in the country. And what could be more spooky than taking a tour of one of these cemeteries at night?

Now, you can’t just go to a cemetery and walk around. You must book an official tour allowing the guide to walk you into the cemetery. Not all cemeteries allow these tours. There are a couple of them open to tours.

We did a night cemetery tour during our time in New Orleans and got to walk the grounds at the cemetery, which was spooky and yet peaceful all at the same time.

The cemetery is filled with beautiful monuments, graveyards, and above-ground tombs. It’s a fascinating place to visit, especially at night. It is something spooky to do during Halloween in New Orleans. It’s a unique experience.

It’s also a great way to learn about the history of New Orleans and how they bury their dead. Some rituals and traditions are followed when burying someone in New Orleans.

Tour Ideas Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans [ book here ]

6. Learn About the Vampires of New Orleans

One of the most popular things to do during Halloween in New Orleans is to take a vampire tour. New Orleans has a long history with vampires, including famous shows like True Blood and The Originals.

You’ll visit some of the most famous vampire sites and the real vampires of New Orleans, and how they’ve influenced pop culture over the years. The tour is both educational and spooky, and it’s a great way to learn about the dark side of New Orleans.

It is said that these bloodthirsty creatures still walk among us today.

Tour Ideas New Orleans Vampire Tour [ book here ] Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour [ book here ]

Must Eats in New Orleans

The food in New Orleans is a delight for the taste buds. From gumbo and jambalaya to beignets, here are 15 dishes in Nola everyone needs to try while they are there.

7. Eat a New Orleans Vampire Cafe

After your vampire tour, you may want to head to New Orleans Vampire Cafe for a fun dinner amongst vampires. This is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional New Orleans cuisine with a vampire twist. The added touches throughout the restaurant give it a spooky vibe. You’ll want to go at night.

Our favorite part is the drinks that are served in a blood bag. Making it a fun and unique way to experience the vampire folklore in New Orleans.

If you get lucky, you may be chosen, and they might share a password with you to enter their secret vampire bar.

– Don’t Miss: Amazing Places to Eat in New Orleans –

8. Make a Stop at the LaLaurie Mansion

One of the most haunted mansions in New Orleans is the LaLaurie Mansion. The LaLaurie Mansion and its Madame Delphine were featured in American Horror Story.

The mansion is said to be haunted by the ghosts of slaves who Madame Delphine tortured. It’s a popular stop on many ghost tours in New Orleans, and it would be the best way to get the history behind Madame Delphine and her slaves.

You can’t go inside but can walk by and see the mansion from the outside. If you go at night, it’s creepy. You can feel the history and hauntings as you get near the property.

9. Check Out the Halloween Decorations

The Halloween decorations throughout the French Quarter and the Garden City are amazing. You’ll see Halloween decorations up all over the city.

Make an effort to Garden City to see the amazing Halloween displays. It’s something that the whole family can enjoy and do together for Halloween in New Orleans.

We especially enjoyed the Skeleton House . A quirky display of Skeletons in different positions and scenes with different social commentary was more funny than spooky.

The Skeleton House is located at 6000 St Charles Ave. You can take the Green St. Charles Streetcar to get there and then walk to see other decorated homes.

10. Dress Up in a Costume and Go Out on Halloween

One of the best things about Halloween in New Orleans is that people take it seriously. It’s common to see people in costume all day and night, especially on Halloween.

Bourbon Street is chaotic on Halloween night. The costumes are over-the-top, and the party is always going.

However, if that’s not your speed, you can always dress up for fun and steer clear of Bourbon by going to one of the many Halloween parties happening all over the city. If you decide to head to the bar or dinner in your costumes, that’s also acceptable. New Orleans takes Halloween seriously, and you should too!

There are costume contests, themed parties, activities, and more. You can even attend a fancy Vampire Masquerade Ball ! Just have to plan.

Not sure how to plan your trip to New Orleans? Check out our 3-Day in New Orleans Itinerary .

Halloween in New Orleans is a special time. It’s a time to celebrate the dead, dress up in costumes, and party all night long. If you’re looking for a spooktacular time, look no further than New Orleans. From vampire tours to haunted mansions, you’ll have a good time and get into the spirit of Halloween no matter what you do. So put on your costume and get ready to have a spooktacular time! Happy Halloween!

What are your favorite things to do during Halloween in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments!

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Halloween in New Orleans: 12 Spookiest Events

Mouthwatering Cajun flavor, breathtaking bayou vistas, and hundreds of top-tier bars and restaurants. From historically haunted tours to world-famous cemeteries, is it any wonder that the mecca of Mardi Gras delivers some unrivaled Halloween festivities?

Follow along as we outline all the best things to do for New Orleans Halloween.

From kid-friendly parades where tiny ones can collect their fill of beads, toys, and pralinettes, to all-out Alice and Wonderland-themed dance parties with live music, NOLA knows how to do Halloween right.

Admire elaborate costumes on Frenchman Street, or stretch those quads for a rousing run filled with very undead participants. Need a little history with your horror? Take part in a riveting voodoo-themed ghost tour. 

However you decide to do New Orleans this Halloween, you’re in for a real treat.

New Orleans Hotels

Spending Halloween in New Orleans? Besides stocking up on body glitter and to-go cups, we recommend securing your Big Easy accommodations early. Halloween is a popular time of year in NOLA, and it never hurts to have your New Orleans reservation ready to go.

Relax in luxury near Bourbon Street or sleep in theatrical-inspired opulence just steps away from the French Quarter. From fitness facilities to elegant on-site dining, our New Orleans Hotel options offer something for every type of traveler. As always, make your reservation stress-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online. 

Psst..searching for even more spooky savings? Combine your Big Easy attractions and accommodations for one low price with any of our New Orleans Vacation Packages . 

New Orleans Halloween Events

Halloween in new orleans for adults.

Dreaming of a Bourbon Street New Orleans Halloween? Those 21 and over will be in for a spooky good time when they hightail it to one of the most haunted cities in America. From immersive wonderland experiences to hair-raising ghost tours , NOLA All Hallows Eve is sure to impress every ghoul, goblin, and ghost.

Halloween New Orleans

Take a break from crushing Hurricanes and Sazeracs in the French Quarter to celebrate Halloween New Orleans with Project Lazarus. Escape down the rabbit hole with three whole days of Alice and Wonderland-themed festivities at this completely over-the-top bash.

Related Post: 15 Totally Free Things to Do in New Orleans

For exactly forty years, Halloween New Orleans has boasted one of the most anticipated gay party weekends of the year. Revelers from all over come together to take part in three amazing events, including the famous Lazarus Ball, the main costume contest on Saturday night, a Sunday brunch, and the French Quarter second line parade.

All proceeds from the silent auction and party benefit Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services. This year the merrymaking kicks off on October 27 to 29. 

New Orleans Zombie Run

An army of the living dead? Pull on those sneakers and prime yourself for the zombie apocalypse when you log some miles and good old-fashioned fun with the New Orleans Zombie Run . Rise bright and early on Saturday, October 21, and make your way to the Warehouse District for 2 miles of Zombie shenanigans.

Related Post: Tours in New Orleans: Which are the Best?

Try to circumvent the zombie outbreak and conquer mazes of zombies, monsters, and the Big Easy Rollergirls. Costumes are highly encouraged, and there will be plenty of biohazard suits, gas masks, and movie-worthy zombie makeup on display. Runners who complete the race should stay put until sundown, when they can enjoy the iconic Krewe of BOO! Halloween Parade in the French Quarter.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! After the parade, gear up for the ultimate Monster Mash costume party. Get ready to groove to live music, embrace the thrill of a costume contest, and indulge in irresistible drink specials. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of spine-tingling festivities with a night of dancing and Halloween revelry!

Can’t wait to dig into the harrowing history of the Paris of the South? Book a Historical Tour and brush up on the past and present of NOLA today!

Frenchmen Street Halloween Party

Need another excuse to show off that Big Easy costume? There’s nothing more New Orleans than a rousing block party, and the annual Frenchmen Street Halloween soiree is a massive street celebration like no other. Popular with tourists and locals alike, this party spills out from various bars and balconies into the crowded streets.

Related Post: How to Visit New Orleans on a Budget & Still Have Fun

Most Haunted Stories – Night Ghost Tour

Are you afraid of the dark? Get to know the French Quarter’s most famous ghosts and legends on this two-hour walking Night Ghost Tour . Cover about a mile of mysteries, stories, and locations as you follow your first-rate guide through their top paranormal sights.

From the  LaLaurie Mansion through Jackson Square and Royal Street, you’ll discover just why the Big Easy is considered America’s most haunted city. Learn about the mysterious deaths, unspeakable tragedy, and twisted history of this time-honored city as you stop for refreshments at New Orleans Creole Cookery and Harry’s Corner Bar.*

*Refreshments are not included in the tour price. 

Lewd Spirits Haunted Tour with Bar Stops

Nonstop gallivanting, ghost hunting, and generous pours. Those with an insatiable appetite for the macabre will lose their minds over this thoroughly unique NOLA ghost tour. The Lewd Spirits Haunted Tour with Bar Stops is a two-hour spooky sojourn best enjoyed with a cocktail.

Related Post: New Orleans Nightlife: Where to Go for a Good Time

Listen up as you learn all about the shady history of New Orleans’ most possessed locations. From decadent debauchery featuring adultery, prostitutes, and twisted doctors, to haunted bars, this one-mile walking tour covers it all. Sip your spirits as you soak in one depraved story after another. 

Need to get more steps in the Crescent City? Best your pedometer and take in the sights when you schedule any of the Best Walking Tours in New Orleans. 

4 in 1 Witches, Ghosts, Vampires & Walking Tour

Calling all fans of American Horror Story! Peel back the curtain on New Orleans’ voodoo and witchcraft-accented past when you spend an evening exploring the sinister underbelly of the French Quarter. The 4-in-1 Witches, Ghosts, Vampires & Walking Tour is a deep dive into the paranormal residents of various historic locations and structures that call Crescent City home.

Open up your ears and your mind as you are whisked away by the legends of your master storyteller guides. Scope out the city’s oldest buildings, uncover the truth about voodoo, and learn about the world’s oldest vampire. From the Roaring 20s to the real-life Madame Delphine LaLaurie, New Orleans has long been a hotbed of supernatural sightings and activity. 

3 in 1 French Quarter, Cemetery & Voodoo Walking Tour

A delicious gumbo of cemeteries, voodoo, and 19th-century French Quarter history awaits those brave enough to tour this thoroughly spooky town. The 3-in-1 French Quarter, Cemetery & Voodoo Walking Tour is a two-hour adventure highlighting the magic of New Orleans’ oldest, continuously operated above-ground Catholic cemetery.

Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and outstanding architecture of this famed landmark. Enjoy impressive photo opportunities at tombs of importance, learn about the unique interment process, burial practices, and more. From the final resting place of the famous Voodoo Queen to the significance of Congo Square, this tour is the perfect primer for all things Voodoo. 

Related Post: How to Save BIG with City Pass New Orleans

Looking high and low for that perfect po’boy? Stuff yourself silly with more than delicious sandwiches when you savor our amazing New Orleans deals . 

Halloween in New Orleans for Kids

Family-friendly animal adventures, not-so-scary parades, and pumpkin patches come together to make New Orleans at Halloween a real ball! Get your fill of candy corn and arts and crafts when you check out any of the dazzling kid-safe activities in the Crescent City:

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

Angling to experience a real New Orleans Halloween Parade? For 15 years, Krewe of BOO! Has been considered the official Halloween parade of New Orleans. This year’s New Orleans Halloween Parade promises even more spectacular displays of theatrics and frights.

The Krewe of BOO! will commence the madness on October 21 at 6:30 p.m. Grab that camera, as you’ll want to document the majesty of these mardi gras worthy props, sculptures, and floats. Designed by the world-renowned Kern Studios, the parade’s multi-colored visuals are renowned for their imaginative style and artistic creativity.

From creepy creatures to massive monsters, unsettling images made from fiberglass and papier-mâché come to life under the tutelage of the Krewe. 

Ghost in the Oaks

Pint-sized costumes in the historic City Park. Cruise on over to one of the largest urban parks in the United States for a Halloween night of trick or treating, arts and crafts, pumpkin patches, and more. Ghost in the Oaks is a thoroughly spooky event ideal for little ones looking for some wholesome fun.

Related Post: When is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans?

This October 19, costumed tots of all ages can devour candy, pose for photo ops, and even roast hot dogs around the campfire. Please note that this is a paid event, and tickets are required. All proceeds benefit the beautification, preservation, and care of City Park. 

Keen to spot the sights offshore? For a thoroughly unique experience, round up the kiddies and board an authentic paddle-wheeler for a New Orleans sightseeing cruise . 

Boo at the Zoo

Spooky spiders, seasonal crafts, and a species graveyard! The Audubon Zoo is pulling out all the stops for their annual Boo at the Zoo daytime event. Pay a visit to any number of scaly, slimy, or soft creatures when you purchase your ticket to this wonderfully wild Halloween celebration.

From October 20th-22nd, furry-loving families will be delighted by the festive tunes, food trucks, and awesome Halloween activities on deck at the zoo. Participants, young and old, are encouraged to come in Halloween costume and partake in trick or treating, unforgettable animal experiences, air tattoos, and tasty themed treats.

All benefits of this awesome animal Halloween weekend will benefit both the Audubon Zoo and the Children’s Hospital New Orleans.

Spooky Kid-Friendly Family Ghost Tour

Creepy skeletons, a mysterious brick wall, and the undead happenings of the Saint Louis Hotel. Dive into all things eerie on this guided Spooky Kid-Friendly Family Ghost Tour .

Perfect for families pursuing just a pinch of the paranormal, this two-hour walking tour is not too scary for little ones. Enjoy the city’s various landmarks, haunted tales, and unexplained incidents as you make your way through the scenic French Quarter. 

History & Haunts Carriage Tours

Explore the French Quarter like your ancestors when you traverse the cobblestone streets of this haunted neighborhood via horse-drawn carriage. History & Haunts Carriage Tours presents a charming way to tackle 300 years of history, frights, and sights. Watch in awe as you trot past haunted locations, learn about iconic ghosts, and admire the city’s renowned architecture.

This authentic mode of 1800s transportation will whisk you away to a bygone era where murder, fire, disease, and death marked these hallowed streets. 

Need even more bayou beauty? Check out our full array of New Orleans Things to Do .

Beignets, Bourbon street, and plenty of BOO! The Big Easy may be known for a certain winter celebration, but come October, New Orleans drums up just as much enthusiasm for all things pumpkin and paranormal.

Visit a thoroughly possessed Mortuary on the world-famous Canal Street, pay your respects to a real Voodoo Queen, or quell your thirst on a pub hopping poltergeist tour.

From Frenchman Street to Louis Armstrong Park, New Orlean’s love for all things morbid and macabre runs deep.

Eat your fill of Mars candy bars and pumpkin treats at Boo at the Zoo. Or get crazy with your very own Krewe at a high-spirited parade.

Whether you are after a full weekend affair or simply wish to ring in the spooky season for a day or two, there’s no beating the allure of NOLA Halloween. 

Tell us, How Will You Spend Halloween in New Orleans?

Did we miss any of your favorite New Orleans Halloween events?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...

Comments are closed.

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Book Your Trip

Tagged in this post, read more about.

KREWE OF BOO! IN THE BOO CARRÉ! presented by

Krewe of BOO! became New Orleans' Official Halloween Parade in 2007 and since then has grown to be a spooktacular weekend of Halloween-themed events, combining the magnitude of Mardi Gras with the macabre theatrics of All Hallow's Eve.

Featuring floats of world-renowned Kern Studios, the parade's beautifully horrific props and sculptures start with talented Kern artists, sketching creative images for the unique Krewe of BOO! Once approved by Chief Spookster Brian Kern’s discerning eye, the images “come to life” as 3-dimensional fiberglass or papier-mâché props that excite and frighten parade-goers with their imaginative artistic style.

Kern Studios is the premier float building organization in America, and the Kern quality rolls in celebrations throughout the world. The thrill of riding amongst the monsters and eerie creatures in Krewe of BOO! is an exhilarating experience you will always remember. Join the Krewe today!

Krewe of BOO! 2024 Parade Rolls Saturday, October 19th @ 6:30pm​

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

PARADE ROUTE

• Assemble at Elysian Fields Avenue • Parade Down Elysian Fields Avenue to North Peters Street • North Peters Street to Decatur Street • Decatur Street past Jackson Square to North Peters Street • North Peters Street to Canal Street • Up Canal to Burgundy then U-turn • Down Canal Street to Tchoupitoulas Street • Tchoupitoulas Street to Andrew Higgins Drive​​

BECOME A RIDER

In the movies, become a sponsor.

Become a part of New Orleans tradition as a krewe member and rider of the upcoming Krewe of BOO! Halloween parade.

Sign up online now!

New Orleans is known as Hollywood South, and it is proven by Krewe of BOO!'s cameo in the Tom Cruise film "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back." Check out the film stills of the parade!

Customized parade floats, unique throws, and private krewe access, become a float sponsor and get the VIP treatment!

Find out more information here.

PAST PARADES

Check out videos and photos from past Krewe of BOO! parades. Each year, the party rolls bigger and bigger and the crowds get wilder. Browse the gallery and watch videos!

POST-PARADE PARTY

The biggest Halloween parade afterparty happens just as the parade rolls through the Warehouse District. Dress in your best costume and join the krewe members in the annual Monster Mash!​

THE ZOMBIE RUN

The New Orleans Zombie Run kicks-off the parade morning with the costumed runners being chased by the Zombie Killers, a.k.a. Big Easy Rollergirls.

Register early and get perks!

Trending articles

Raising a glass to Portugal’s best wine regions

Whether it’s live jazz and Blues in cool downtown bars, or impromptu parties on the streets of the French Quarter, you’re never far from the action in New Orleans. This is also a city soaked in dark history, occult magic and bizarre legends – a “ paranormal gumbo ” – meaning New Orleans ranks among the top places in the world to spend Halloween.

From outlandish costume balls to paranormal parades, ancient cemeteries known as “Cities of the Dead” to seriously creepy haunted houses – forget about trick-or-treating around your neighborhood in an old bed sheet. In New Orleans, it’s go big or go home.

If this is your first time celebrating Halloween New Orleans-style, you naturally want to know the best bars to drink in, the best places to stay, and the events you can’t afford to miss. So drink a toast to the ghosts, and laissez les bon temps roulez, with our ultimate guide to Halloween 2016 in New Orleans!

Halloween events in New Orleans

Voodoo Festival is a musical gumbo featuring world-famous acts

It’s near-impossible not to have a good time in New Orleans at Halloween – you’re rarely more than a five-minute walk from some kind of spook-themed party. Dozens of exciting events across the city span several days and nights, but the ones that draw the biggest crowds have often been running for years and established a revolting reputation.

The Vampire Ball

This year sees the 28th annual  Vampire Ball dedicated to author Anne Rice, whose vampire novels have a loyal worldwide following. Their fan-club organized Gothic party is usually a sell-out, and the dress code is 18th century formal, with sumptuous ball gowns, lace cravats and extravagant headdresses de rigueur .

When: 28 October.

Where: The Republic, 828 South Peters Street

Voodoo Festival

Voodoo Festival is a New Orleans Halloween experience not to be missed

Probably the biggest Halloween event in New Orleans, the  Voodoo Festival is a musical gumbo with 65 acts, including Arcade Fire, Foals, Die Antwoord and Tool, on stage this year playing everything from EDM to metal. Thrill seekers dressed as skeletons, voodoo goddesses and psycho killers wander around dozens of pop-up foodie stalls – serving everything from shrimp po’boys to fried duck quesadillas – and many cool immersive art installations. An experience not to be missed.

When: 28-30 October.

Where: City Park, 1 Palm Dr

Endless Night

One of the most enduringly popular Halloween events in New Orleans is this vampire-themed burlesque masquerade, reminiscent of Venetian or Parisian costume balls. The dress code ranges from Lestat to Beetlejuice, with cyberpunk, pagan and drag outfits all showing up regularly.  Endless Night is held at the famous House of Blues, the perfect venue for such an elegantly sinister affair.

When : 28 – 30 October.

Where : House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.

Witches Ball

Witches prepare for Samhain – the Pagan equivalent of Halloween

Samhain, the Feast of the Dead, is the Pagan equivalent of Halloween, and the Witches Ball , held in support of the New Orleans Black Hat Society , is a hedonistic evening of music, dance and ritual held at a historic mansion in the Garden District. Get down in the Grand Ballroom, or get cozy on the secluded lawns, have your palm read or a special spell cast, and don’t miss the prize-giving for the best witch’s hat!

When : 29 October.

Where : Elms Mansion, 3029 St Charles Ave.

House of Shock

A little way out of the city, but definitely worth a visit, if you like your blood, guts and gore, the House of Shock has a solid reputation for its outrageous horror shows, where the intensity of the performances will chill you to the bone. Childhood fears and your worst nightmares come to life here, so it’s lucky there’s a well-stocked bar.

When : September 30 – Oktober 29

Where : 319 Butterworth St.

A haunted house on Magazine Street in New Orleans

The Mortuary

Located in an actual former mortuary for that extra air of authenticity, this haunted house has been terrifying visitors for 10 years now. Enter at your own risk, exit only if you can. Fear stalks you down every passageway, as you try to escape the bizarre inhabitants of the Mortuary .

When : September – November

Where : 4800 Canal St

Halloween New Orleans

The LGBT scene in New Orleans is huge, and one of the most popular dates on the social calendar is Halloween. A number of high-profile events, from black-tie balls to wild neon raves are on the schedule for Halloween 2016, all centered around the theme of legendary pirate Jean Lafitte. His booty was never found, but you can shake yours for a good cause, because proceeds from Halloween New Orleans go to Project Lazarus, a charity helping men and women in the city with HIV/Aids.

When: 27-30 October.

Where: various locations

Best New Orleans Bars for Halloween

Continue the Halloween celebrations in one of New Orleans’ legendary bars © Ola Doubravova

The spirits don’t just come in shot glasses at these haunted New Orleans bars. If you want atmosphere you’ll find plenty, just don’t be surprised if you encounter a headless horseman or a blood-soaked vamp in the restroom.

Once one of the famous Antoine’s Dining Rooms,  Hermes Bar is a cool and crowded venue lining up classic New Orleans cocktails alongside traditional bar food like Creole gumbo, crawfish bisque, po’boys and oysters Rockefeller. If you’re (un)lucky, your food may be brought by the “ghost server” who is said to haunt these premises after an unnatural demise.

Where : 725 St Louis St.

Bourbon “O”

While “Miss Charming”, the resident mixologist, will be happy to tell you what goes into her craft cocktails at the Bourbon “O” , this stylish, Bacchanalian bar has a few macabre secrets of its own. Built on the site of a former convent and girl’s school that was badly affected by an epidemic of yellow fever, it’s said that you can sometimes see a ghostly little girl rolling her ball down a corridor in the hotel above.

Where : 730 Bourbon St.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Don’t believe in ghost? Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop might change your mind

Once a dreaded pirate hangout,  Lafitte’s is a historic bar with a big reputation for spooky goings-on. Many photographs have been developed over the years that seem to show paranormal presences, and even the likeness of Jean Lafitte himself, smoking a cigar in the bar. Always crowded on Halloween night with folks getting their freak on.

Where : 941 Bourbon Street

Molly’s at the Market

A New Orleans institution, Molly’s is where you’ll find locals and tourists, fishermen, journalists and jazz trumpeters sitting side-by-side, throwing down frozen Irish coffees and Bloody Marys, often raising a toast to Jim Monaghan, the founder and an undisputed New Orleans icon. The annual parades that bear his name always depart from here. Halloween is always jumping at Molly’s , and while you’re not likely to be troubled by any bogeymen here, that don’t mean Jim’s not watching – so be sure you’re having fun.

Where : 1107 Decatur St.

Halloween Parades in New Orleans

New Orleans is all about Halloween: don’t miss the decorated streets and the paranormal parades

If you only do one thing in New Orleans this Halloween, make it a parade. These chilling carnivals feature local marching bands, dance troupes and musicians, and are followed by thousands of revellers dressed in their bloodcurdling Halloween finest. Toss back a few drinks, polish your fangs and get ready for a gruesomely good time.

Krewe of Boo

The spooktacular official New Orleans Halloween parade is a terrifying spectacle – floats carrying gigantic 3D sculptures crafted from papier-mache and fiberglass by the world-famous Kern Studios are accompanied by merrymakers throwing beads, candy and other Halloween treats into the crowds along the Boo Carre. The parade finishes up with a Monster Mash costume party at the Howlin’ Wolf concert hall.

When : October 22.

Where : departs 18.30, Elysian Fields

Jim Monaghan’s 20th Annual Halloween Parade

Named for a genuine New Orleans legend, the  Jim Monaghan’s Halloween Parade runs through the French Quarter, with costumed partygoers atop horse drawn carriages followed by jubilant crowds of spectators waving for a fistful of beads. Just watching costs nothing, but if you want to catch a ride on one of the carriages it will set you back $125.

When : October 31.

Where : departs 18.00, Molly’s at the Market

Where to stay for Halloween in New Orleans

The French Quarter is an ideal location for your Halloween accommodation in New Orleans

The Frenchmen Hotel

This lively hotel is conveniently located just on the edge of the French Quarter. Stay here and you’re just a few blocks from the action on Bourbon Street, with cool bars, great restaurants and swinging music venues right on your doorstep, but the streets aren’t thronged with too many tourists. Before heading out to sample the best Halloween parties in New Orleans, you can chill in the old-style courtyard, relax in a heated spa or even take a dip in the courtyard pool.

Where : 417 Frenchmen St

Tel :  +1 504-945-5453

Book your stay at The Fenchmen Hotel (rates start at $170 per room, per night)

International House Hotel

The past meets the present in this stylish historic hotel, where the latest technology and luxury amenities are combined with beautiful architectural features. All Souls’ Day, celebrating the victory of life over death, and its vigil, Halloween, are commemorated with decorations and artworks from local artists.

Where : 221 Camp St

Tel : +1 504-553-9550

Book your stay at International House Hotel (rates start at $212 per room, per night)

Soak up the southern-style architecture of homes and hotels in New Orleans – obviously decorated for Halloween

Dauphine Orleans Hotel

A boutique French Quarter hotel full of history (John James Audubon painted his famous Birds of America series here), the Dauphine also has the honor of being considered one of the most haunted hotels in New Orleans , making it the perfect base for a Halloween stay – that’s if you don’t mind things that go bump in the night. An infamous bordello was once sited here, and it’s said some of the 18th century characters that gave the place its reputation still walk the corridors at night.

Where : 415 Dauphine St

Tel :  +1 504-586-1800

Book your stay at Dauphine Orleans Hotel (rates start at $212 per room, per night)

While we’ve tried to give you the lowdown on the best activities in New Orleans for Halloween 2016, this guide is by no means exhaustive – from family events to ghost walks and live music, the fang-tastic fun never stops in the Big Easy.

Looking for an excuse to extend your travels? Discover the canyon country of the American Southwest , or get inspired by these 15 natural wonders on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Conscious travel: your complete guide for a sustainable trip to London

Hop aboard: a guide to the world of Eurail

Dawn of the undead: where in the world were Halloween’s most hideous horrors born?

Frommer’s deems momondo best airfare search site for 2024

10 eco travel trends to look out for in 2020

Halloween in New Orleans French Quarter: Events/Activities

Table of Content

New Orleans is a city renowned for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and deep-rooted history that includes a touch of the supernatural. With Halloween just around the corner, the French Quarter transforms into one of the most exciting and eerie destinations to celebrate this spooky holiday. In this blog, we’ll delve into the history, events, and tips for making the most of your Halloween in the French Quarter experience.

Experience many fun moments like the Krewe of Boo Parade, and Frenchmen Street Block Party as well as visiting the city ghost spots for a tour that unveils the haunted tales. Uncover those special dresses of the city’s culture – Voodoo priestesses or vampires, for example.

The Haunting History of Halloween in New Orleans French Quarter

Halloween in New Orleans is no ordinary affair; it’s steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural influences. The French and Spanish heritage of the city has shaped its Halloween traditions, drawing from Voodoo practices, Day of the Dead celebrations, and All Saints’ Day.

• Voodoo: This spiritual practice, originating in West Africa, found its way to New Orleans through enslaved people. Halloween becomes an occasion for Voodoo practitioners to connect with spirits and ancestors.
• Day of the Dead: A Mexican holiday honoring the deceased, Day of the Dead celebrations often kick off in New Orleans on Halloween. Activities include creating altars, decorating graves, and enjoying traditional foods like pan de muerto and sugar skulls.
• All Saints’ Day: A Catholic holiday that venerates saints, it’s followed by All Souls’ Day, which honors the departed. In New Orleans, this can involve church services and cemetery visits.

Halloween Events in the French Quarter

The French Quarter comes alive with an array of Halloween events and activities:

• Krewe of Boo Parade: This family-friendly Halloween parade, with floats, marching bands, and elaborate costumes, marches through the French Quarter on the Saturday before Halloween.
• Frenchmen Street Block Party: For a livelier celebration, head to Frenchmen Street. On Halloween night, it transforms into a massive block party with live music, food vendors, and costumed revelers.
• Haunted Tours: New Orleans is renowned for its haunted history. Join a guided tour to explore some of the city’s spookiest locations.
• Voodoo Shops and Tours: Immerse yourself in New Orleans’ Voodoo culture by visiting Voodoo shops and booking Voodoo tours. Learn about the city’s fascinating Voodoo history and culture.
• Haunted Bars and Restaurants: Enjoy a drink or meal at haunted establishments like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, Muriel’s Jackson Square, or the Old Absinthe House.

Halloween Costume Ideas

New Orleans takes Halloween costumes seriously. Here are some unique costume ideas inspired by the city’s culture:

• Voodoo Priestess or Priest: Embrace the mystique of Voodoo with flowing robes, a headscarf, and jewelry adorned with Voodoo symbols.
• Marie Laveau: Channel the famous Voodoo priestess with a long black dress, a headscarf, a Voodoo symbol necklace, and a snake staff.
• Vampire: Pay homage to New Orleans’ vampire lore with a long black coat, pale makeup, fangs, and accessories like a coffin or a stake.
• Zombie: Join the undead with tattered clothing, gruesome makeup, and eerie props like a severed head or limb.
• Ghost: Keep it classic with a white sheet featuring eye and mouth holes, and don’t forget the ghostly accessories like a chain or a candle.

Tips for a Memorable Halloween in the French Quarter

To make the most of your Halloween celebration in the French Quarter, consider these tips:

• Dress Up: Embrace the spirit of Halloween by going all out with your costume. New Orleans is known for creativity and extravagance when it comes to dressing up.
• Prepare for Crowds: The French Quarter can get crowded, especially on Halloween night. Be patient and expect lines at bars, restaurants, and attractions.
• Stay Safe: While the French Quarter is generally safe, be mindful of your surroundings. Take precautions to avoid pickpockets and stay aware of your environment.
• Plan Transportation: The French Quarter can be congested on Halloween night. Plan your transportation in advance. Consider parking away from the Quarter and walking or using a taxi or ride-sharing service.
• Purchase Tickets Early: Many Halloween events sell out quickly, so buy your tickets in advance to secure your spot.
• Take Breaks: It’s a lot to take in, so take breaks to rest and recharge. Find peaceful spots like Jackson Square or the Mississippi River banks.
• Have Fun: Halloween in the French Quarter is a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and let loose.

Haunted Bars and Restaurants in the French Quarter

If you’re looking for a haunted dining or drinking experience, here are some notable establishments to check out:

• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
• Muriel’s Jackson Square
• The Old Absinthe House
• Carousel Bar & Lounge
• The Spotted Cat Music Club
• The Dungeon Restaurant
• The Voodoo Lounge
• Tujague’s
• The Court of Two Sisters
• Napoleon House
• Preservation Hall
• The Carousel Bar & Lounge

Don’t miss these popular Halloween events in the French Quarter:

• Krewe of Boo Parade
• Frenchmen Street Block Party
• Haunted Ghost Tour of the French Quarter
• Voodoo Tour of the French Quarter
• Annual Halloween Party at Carousel Bar & Lounge
• Halloween Masquerade Ball at the House of Blues
• Halloween Séance at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo
• Halloween Zombie Parade
• Halloween Voodoo Crawl
• Halloween Haunted Pub Crawl

Also Read What to do in New Orleans in January

Halloween in the French Quarter is a one-of-a-kind experience, blending spooky history, a lively atmosphere, and a diverse range of events and activities. With this guide, you’re well-prepared to immerse yourself in the magic and mystique of Halloween in one of America’s most captivating cities.

Pro Tip: While we’ve suggested an itinerary, remember to explore and discover new experiences in the French Quarter. The city is brimming with surprises, especially during Halloween.

Whether you’re visiting haunted cemeteries, taking a cooking class, attending a séance, or shopping for Voodoo supplies, Halloween in the French Quarter promises an unforgettable and spine-tingling adventure.

Now, go forth and enjoy your New Orleans Halloween!

Hi there! My name is Sarah Gautam, a travel blogger, and digital nomad, currently living in the United States. I believe life is all about experiences, and what better way to gain them than by seeing the world that's exactly why I left my office job in England and escaped to the national parks of Utah, working remotely as I go, to earn my income. It's a fantastic lifestyle choice and I want to inspire others who are looking to do something similar as well. These are my free resources for future nomads.

Similar Posts

What to do in Old Town San Diego: Best Places (In 2024)

Old Town San Diego is a vibrant destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Immerse yourself in the past by exploring the numerous historic sites,…

Kauai Hawaii Best Things To Do For Free, Top Towns & Resorts

Kauai is the ultimate island getaway. With its lush, tropical landscape and beautiful beaches, it’s hard to believe that this island was once inhabited by Native Hawaiians. Kauai, Hawaii is…

Best Seafood Restaurants in New Orleans (Must Visit in 2024)

Spice is the soul of New Orleans, and hospitality is its heart. But there is no better way to feel its vital spirit than through that legendary seafood. Whether it’s from the…

Best Pop Up Tent for Backpacking: Cheap and Pleasant in 2024

No one wants to waste their time setting up a tent, So if you’re looking for a comfortable tent that’s budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and portable — look no farther than, We…

Solo Trip To Alaska In 2024: Things To Do, Best Places, Cost

Traveling to Alaska can be a unique and exciting experience. Alaska is the largest state in the United States, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. If you’re doing…

Best plastic compression bags for travel: Vacuum-Free (2024)

Have you ever been packing and thought to yourself, “God, if I could just compress all my stuff in this one bag that would be a big help”? If you…

Halloween in New Orleans is a magical, otherworldly experience

From voodoo ceremonies to witchy gatherings, this time of the year the city comes alive with the dead

By Beth Demmon & Roadtrippers

As I pass below the soot-streaked highway overpasses that mark the entrance to New Orleans, it’s easy to see how thoroughly the ghosts of New Orleans haunt the city. Here, the dead outnumber the living at least ten to one, and the devastating scars of Hurricane Katrina’s wrath are still festering like a slowly healing wound aching to return to its original splendor.

Some areas still exist as modern day Potemkin Villages; for every occupied home spilling opulent chandelier light and jazz music onto the cobblestone streets there’s one with a crumbling facade, long abandoned and marred with graffiti.

New Orleans is a place where death flourishes but life struggles to survive—yet survived and thrived it has. These two presences coexist here on a level I’ve never seen anywhere else—and I’ve lived in an apartment building that was originally hospital barracks during the Civil War. But here, the already flimsy veil between the worlds is virtually nonexistent on one specific night: Halloween.

Dukes and devils alike prowl the lamplight alleys 365 days a year, but especially during this spirit-laden season. As I stroll around the French Quarter below iron-wrought balconies, I can nearly hear the raucous beckoning of women of the night, hanging high above the gilded grime of the masses. The smell of shrimp and electricity is heavy in the air as an oncoming storm blows in from the bayou, causing the oil lamps to eerily flicker. Every few feet, I nearly trip over broken brick walkways. Maybe it’s the city’s way of bringing the already awestruck to their knees.

Voodoo’s mark on New Orleans

Night’s ecstasies are rivaled only by danger, though. I avoid the prodigious opportunities to have my fortune read or tarot told; there are some mysteries I’d rather leave in the hands of the spirits. However, there are those who specifically seek out liaisons with the spirit world: those who practice Vodou.

NOLA is one of the few places in the United States where Vodou—Americanized and more commonly known as “voodoo”—is practiced. The mostly misunderstood and miscategorized movement is a historical patchwork of Haitian Vodou, Roman Catholicism, and African magical rites with an emphasis on interacting with the spirit world through daily ceremony, offerings, music, and dance. For the uninitiated, Haitian Vodou differs from the Louisiana Voodoo movement in the same way that Episcopalian and Lutheran dogmas vary.

Witnesses to voodoo ceremonies could be excused for mistaking the century. The ancient, primal scenes they paint seem more likely to be taking place in a long-lost time and world than in modern day America. However, it’s the far-flung history that fuels the practice.

Practitioners don’t consider voodoo a religion; rather it’s a way of cultivating a personal relationship with spirits in service to a supreme creator. This movement has left tangible marks all over New Orleans—from  triple crosses  scrawled across voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s grave to lovingly tended sacred altars that pay homage to the spirits.

PRACTITIONERS DON’T CONSIDER VOODOO A RELIGION; RATHER IT’S A WAY OF CULTIVATING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH SPIRITS IN SERVICE TO A SUPREME CREATOR.

Some of the spirits, known as the Gede, are considered the patrons of the dead. Sallie Ann Glassman, initiated Haitian Vodou priestess based in New Orleans and owner of  Island of Salvation Botanica , explains how the Gede is inextricably intertwined with the city.

“Many people feel that the Gede are the patron spirits of New Orleans,” says Glassman. The festival paid in homage to them is known as “Fet Gede,” and coincides with the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations during the month of November. The invocation is specifically timed to take advantage of “when the veil separating the Living and the Dead is most diffuse,” according to Glassman. The first of November (also called All Saints’ Day) is the most important day of the ritual, and as many voodoo celebrations are, remain open to the public.

Each ceremony is unique, but all honor those who are not of this world. Clad in white, Vodouists ululate in tempo with pounding drums at private ceremonies as well as Voodoo Authentica’s 20th annual public Voodoo Fest in the Quarter. As the sun sets, the shadows grow longer in flickering candlelight and it’s easy to feel carried away by the spirit realm. Perhaps it’s the spirit realm that becomes indistinguishable from our own; it’s impossible to tell. Crickets shriek from foliage as chants grow louder and portraits of the dead gaze silently from the walls. The atmosphere is welcoming, but foreign to most—a familiar feeling in this city of the dead.

Cemeteries are for the living and the dead

Voodoo isn’t the only practice to haunt New Orleans during the Halloween season. As Celtic fall festival Samhain approaches, mystical happenings increase exponentially around the city, most notably near the “Gates of Guinee.” These seven gateways to the voodoo netherworld—believed to be physically present throughout the city—are often mistakenly called “The Gates of Hell,” but the concept is closer to Catholic purgatory.

Considered to be a place where the deceased temporarily reside before entering the final spirit realm, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are highly active times for the Gates. Though their locations are not readily disclosed, exercise caution when seeking them out, lest you get dragged from this world unwillingly.

But if you do find yourself in need of a final resting place, New Orleans’ cemeteries aren’t a bad place to spend the afterlife. Their famous monolithic mausoleums loom in the gloom of both day and night. Their accursed beauty makes barons and beggars equals in death; even the pauper’s graves of  Holt Cemetery  inextricably draw crowds like a moth to flame.

Here, “people still leave offerings for the dead and have typewriters, telephones, keyboards on the graves for ongoing communication with the dead,” according to Glassman. Offerings of this nature are commonplace in NOLA;  Saint Roch Chapel  is littered with prosthetic limbs and other artificial body parts, left by pilgrims praying for healing.

New Orleans’ oldest and most famous cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery #1, is bustling with both the living and the dead on Halloween. Crowds of tour groups squeeze between grave sites that are stuffed to the brim with human remains. The city is currently celebrating its 300th anniversary, so that’s a lot of dead bodies. Marie Laveau is famously interned here, as is civil rights activist Homer Plessy and (eventually) actor Nicholas Cage. Costumed partygoers pre-gaming with a trip to the cemetery dull the solemn air that permeates most consecrated ground, but hey, that’s New Orleans for you.  

THERE’S ONE THING THE DEAD LIKE, AND THAT’S THE EXCITEMENT OF LIVING.

“There’s one thing the dead like, and that’s the excitement of living,” explains Jonathan Weiss, independent tour guide and historian. Halloween night in New Orleans is a whirlwind of masquerades, vampire bacchanals, and witchy gatherings that draw on the city’s energy during the witching hour. You’re as likely to witness a Satanic nun as you are innocent devil; this time of year, it’s difficult to distinguish good from evil.

Some places, however, are saturated with unmistakable evil. Places like the Jean Baptiste LePrete House, where a “human salad” was found by police in the mid-1800s Places like the Hotel Andrew Jackson, a hotel haunted by the spirits of several boys burned alive in 1794. But one place is unmistakably saturated in complete evil—the cursed Lalaurie Mansion.

I knew the story: A wealthy woman was discovered to have performed horrible mutilations and experiments on her slaves before escaping New Orleans and living her life in luxury abroad without consequence. To experience the corner “where light goes to die” (a direct quote from my tour guide) is a different experience altogether.

As the wind rises, there are unmistakable screams in the night—are they from the train or tortured apparitions? Honestly, as I absorb the hellish energy exuding from the lavish building, I’m unable to tell. A word of warning for those who seek the site: avoid walking below the balcony that wraps around Royal Street and Governor Nicholls Street. Nothing good can come of it.

Gloriously beautiful swamps

After a thorough drenching of nighttime horrors, I’m badly in need of some natural cleansing. I was told by  many  people that I couldn’t miss one of New Orlean’s famous swamp tours. It’s not just a tourist trap; the surrounding wetlands reflect the delicate balance between man and nature unlike anywhere else. “[Here], everything is being simultaneously born, reabsorbed into the muck and regenerated,” says Glassman. A 90-minute boat ride through Honey Island Swamp in nearby Slidell reveals this circle of decay and rebirth to be true.

This dichotomy of existence mirrors the contradictions of the city perfectly. New and old. Dead and alive. Passion and purity. God and the Devil. Everything lives, everything dies. This is especially true in the bogs of New Orleans, like Jean Lafitte Swamp and  Manchac Swamp .

THIS DICHOTOMY OF EXISTENCE MIRRORS THE CONTRADICTIONS OF THE CITY PERFECTLY. NEW AND OLD. DEAD AND ALIVE. PASSION AND PURITY. GOD AND THE DEVIL. EVERYTHING LIVES, EVERYTHING DIES.

Jean Lafitte Swamp in particular “is gloriously beautiful, magical, and otherworldly,” in Glassman’s words. Manchac Swamp is said to be haunted by numerous apparitions, including voodoo priestess Julia Brown and a Cajun werewolf known as the Rougarou. Honey Island Swamp is a journey into the heart of the bayou, where residents live according to the whims of nature.

These lush landscapes requires forethought and effort; in short, a road trip outside the city. Weiss implores visitors to take road trips to “old, forgotten Louisiana” for more bone-chilling discovery.

It’s easy to stroll down Piety or detour through Desire, but to me, the true New Orleans is anything but accessible. The labyrinth of intensified magic encompassing this city of vices during Halloween gives me a false sense of acceptance, but I realize now that it’s simply a hunger—a never-ending hunger for souls that can never be filled. Don’t get lost in its web … or do.

• Related Articles
• Latest Articles

There’s a paradise for vintage vehicle lovers hidden in a gritty Denver neighborhood

Why we should all care about protecting Bears Ears National Monument

An interactive art exhibit has taken over the California desert, and you might not even notice it’s there

New Hampshire’s Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region

New Hampshire’s Great North Woods

New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region

Get the most inspiring stories from the road sent directly to your inbox..

• Trip guides
• Trip Planner
• Sign up Log in Sign out
• Log in Sign out
• ROADTRIPPERS MEMBERSHIP
• RV RESOURCES

Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app.

We couldn't find an existing Roadtrippers account using that service. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass.

We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Halloween in New Orleans

This post covers several fun things to see and do for Halloween in New Orleans. Most of these events and activities take place annually. 

As local tour guides, including Andy in the video below, we love Halloween and we know that this is a special city to celebrate it in.

We are members of various krewes, we attend the events, simply put, we help put on Halloween in New Orleans.

And, we have taken these experiences to help forge this guide so that you know how to best prepare yourself for this time of year.

We also asked some of the roughly 40k members of our popular New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook group for their tips.

Our group consists of locals, such as our tour guides, veteran vistors, as well as newbies to New Orleans.

You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and suggestions.

So, visit our group after you have read this post and get some more planning tips for your visit to New Orleans.

Sightseeing Tours

Single-day activities, multi-day activities, voodoo activities, family-friendly activities.

• Weather Averages by Month
• Things to Do in October

There are several tours available in New Orleans that cover the haunted and often creepy history of the city.

We actually offer several pay-what-you-want tours you might want to consider for Halloween.

We currently provide a French Quarter Ghost Tour which is available twice a night at 7:30 pm and 8:15 pm. 

Alternatively, you may also want to consider our tours of St. Louis Cemetery #1 or the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery #1 .

We also offer a tour covering the history of Voodoo in New Orleans . This outing is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 pm.

In addition to these pay-what-you-wish walking tours, you may also want to consider one of the following paid options:

• Haunted Pub Crawl
• Vampire Walking Tour
• Ghost and Cemetery Bus Tour
• Kid-friendly New Orleans Ghost Tour
• St. Joseph Plantation Creole Mourning Tour

There are also some paid ghost walking tours , voodoo walking tours , and all-in-one tours which cover all of the various supernatural or mysterious topics surrounding New Orleans culture and history.

This section covers each of the activities that take place on one day either following up to Halloween or falling on the date of October 31st.

Some activities are family-friendly, and others are intended for adult audiences.

See the Krewe of Boo

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, or you just want to celebrate the holiday in a big way, consider going to this festive Halloween parade.

The Krewe of Boo has been a New Orleans staple since 2007.

Kern Studios participates in this parade, contributing floats for the event every year. This is the studio behind some of the most notable floats in Mardi Gras parades.

If you’re interested, you might actually want to visit their studios at Mardi Gras World .

Tickets are included with most New Orleans tourist passes .

This event typically happens the weekend before Halloween.

In 2023, the Krewe of Boo will roll on October 21st at 6:30 PM.

Celebrate With the Krewe of Krampus

This krewe holds another parade that takes place in New Orleans every year, but it’s more of a Christmas event than a Halloween activity.

The NOLAuf parade takes place in December, but they hold special events in October as well.

The October events are called Halloween with Swampus, and they include a pumpkin carving contest, a scavenger hunt, and a night at the drive-in.

Find out more about all the Swampus events on the Krewe of Krampus website .

Attend the New Orleans Zombie Run

Whether you choose to participate or you just want to watch the event and cheer on the runners, this is a fun marathon event featuring the Big Easy Rollergirls as the zombies!

Best of all, this race starts before the Krewe of Boo parade on the same day, giving you two fun and spooky things to do in celebration of Halloween.

The zombie crawl will take place on Oct 21, 2023, at 9 AM. Race will take place on a 2-mile zombie-infested track which will run through the Warehouse district.

Learn more about the New Orleans Zombie Run .

Go to the Big Easy Halloween Half Marathon

If you can’t get enough spook-filled exercise, head to this marathon on Halloween Day at Louis Armstrong Park.

The race itself will take contestants along the New Orleans lakefront. 

At the end of the race, there will be an after-party with entertainment, food, and drinks.

The race will take place on Oct 29th, 2023. Half Marathon & 5K run will start at 7:30 AM, Kids one-mile run will start from 9:00 AM.

This year's venue will be The Beach at The University of New Orleans.

Learn more about the Big Easy Halloween Half Marathon here .

Attend the New Orleans Vampire Ball

Also known as the Endless Night Vampire Ball, this event takes place at the House of Blues, and it includes a lot of great music, dancing, and even a cirque activity.

There is actually a strict dress code for this event, and it’s always based on a central theme. This ball always takes place on or around Halloween night.

This year, the ball will take place on Sep 9th, 2023.

Find out more about the New Orleans Vampire Ball .

Find the Perfect Costume

Being that New Orleans is the home of Mardi Gras, there are a lot of shops that specialize in selling and/or renting costumes.

Whether you want to buy or rent, there are a lot of great places where you can find full costumes, masks, and other materials to help make the best Halloween costume on the block.

Check this list of the best costume shops in New Orleans to find a store near you.

Attend the Halloween LGBTQ Party

New Orleans has a pretty amazing LGBTQ community, and they hold their own annual Halloween party to celebrate the season.

This Halloween party has been held for over 39 years now, and all proceeds from the events go to Project Lazarus, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people who live with HIV/AIDS.

Events will take place from Oct 27th - Oct 29th, 2023. Each day will host a different event.

For more details, check the Halloween New Orleans website .

Party on Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street always celebrates Halloween in style, from individual parties in the bars to brass bands playing in the street.

If you’re looking for somewhere to party, but you can’t pick just one place to visit, Frenchmen Street is one of the best places to visit on Halloween night.

These events typically take place over multiple days, and sometimes even more than one week leading up to Halloween. Most of these activities are family-friendly.

Take the Kids to Boo at the Zoo

Audubon Zoo typically holds this event annually, and it’s often held over multiple days and weeks.

Activities include trick-or-treating for younger visitors, arts & crafts activities for older kids, and of course plenty of fun and festive decorations.

The event will take place from Oct 21st - 23rd from 10 AM - 5 PM.

• Members: Children $8, Adults $5
• Non Members: $30 for both

Learn more about Boo at the Zoo .

• Ghosts in the Oaks

City Park hosts this family-friendly celebration of Halloween at Carousel Gardens and Storyland. There are usually a lot of fun things to see and do at this event.

In addition to trick-or-treating, you can also expect plenty of arts & crafts activities and even a pumpkin patch!

If you want to make it a full day at the park, make sure to check our guide to City Park for even more family fun.

Learn more about Ghosts in the Oaks .

Go to the Mortuary Haunted Mansion

There are a lot of houses in New Orleans that are reportedly haunted, but this is one location you can definitely count on to provide a good scare!

The Mortuary is more of a traditional haunted house, the type that is carefully curated and filled with spooky sights, odd experiences, and well-dressed actors.

This year, The Mortuary is celebrating its 151st Anniversary.

You can get tickets from Sep 16th, 2023 to Oct 31st, 2023 (Not all days host events). To learn more about dates, timings & tickets, click here .

If you’re a fan of this type of entertainment and can’t imagine Halloween without it, head to The Mortuary .

Take the Family to a Pumpkin Patch

There are a lot of farms within driving distance of New Orleans, and many of them offer pumpkin patches during the Halloween season.

Of course, one of the closest will be at City Park as part of their Ghosts in the Oaks event!

That said, if you’re looking for even more options, check this list of pumpkin patches near New Orleans .

Go to the Cajun Country Corn Maze

Note: Information about 2023 event not available as of Aug 2023.

In addition to pumpkin patches, you might also want to consider going to a corn maze. One of the best in Louisiana is the Cajun Country Corn Maze .

But unfortunately, due to heavy rains, corn was not planted last year and the event was postponed.

This attraction has been a community staple for over 40 years, and it’s a great family activity to enjoy with your kids.

Check Out Halloween Decorations

The Garden District loves to decorate for almost every holiday -- including Halloween!

You can expect to see a lot of spooky decorations on the beautiful houses in this area.

The French Quarter also loves to celebrate Halloween with plenty of great decorations, so you might also want to walk around this area to see some spooky decor.

Aside from our own pay-what-you-wish voodoo walking tours , there are a few other voodoo attractions and activities you can enjoy in New Orleans.

Go to the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Every October, New Orleans gets into the festive Halloween spirit at the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, also known as Voodoo Fest.

In addition to concerts featuring some of the best musical artists in the world, this event also celebrates local artists, community, and food. 

Learn more about Voodoo Music + Arts Experience .

Visit the Voodoo Museum

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Voodoo Museum is home to several interesting artifacts, allowing visitors to learn all about the history and culture of voodoo.

They currently offer both self-guided tours of the museum and a cemetery tour covering the museum, Congo Square, Marie Laveau’s house, and St. Louis Cemetery #1.

Learn more about the Voodoo Museum .

Check Out a Voodoo Shop

There are quite a few voodoo shops in New Orleans that sell a variety of different items related to the subject. 

Some locations like Voodoo Authentica double as both a cultural center with their own collection of artifacts and a shop where you can buy items like a voodoo doll, gris-gris bags, potion oils, and more.

Check this list of Voodoo Shops in New Orleans to find a location near you.

Many of the activities and events we have already mentioned in this post are very family-friendly and perfect for children of all ages. Here are a few of the best examples:

• Boo at the Zoo
• New Orleans Pumpkin Patches
• Cajun Country Corn Maze
• Halloween Decorations
• Krewe of Krampus
• Krewe of Boo

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Sarah Hester

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Where to Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans in 2023

Festive pop-ups, prix fixe dinners, spooky drinks, and more

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Where to Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans in 2023

No city celebrates Halloween better than New Orleans, and that’s thanks in (small) part to the city’s restaurants, bars, and hotels. This year, pop-ups, special brunches and dinners, and costume parties abound to complement the revelry, which in this town can be as simple as the excellent people-watching opportunities. Below, check out a roundup of spots celebrating all things Halloween for 2023 — with good food and drinks in mind. If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit with a haunted bar crawl, check out Eater’s guide to New Orleans’s haunted bars and restaurants .

Did we miss a restaurant or bar celebrating Halloween or Dia de los Muertos this year? Let us know.

2601 Royal Street

For the month of October, beloved Marigny dive bar Anna’s is teaming up with The Black Lagoon to create a full-on Halloween-themed pop-up, New Orleans style. Expect cocktails, mocktails, and a totally immersive tropigoth experience, along with special events scattered throughout the month in the lead-up to Halloween. This is sure to be one of the very best Halloween pop-ups in town this year (and one of just 18 pop-ups worldwide), so stop by ASAP.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna’s NOLA (@annasnola)

Ayu Bakehouse

801 Frenchmen Street

On Halloween night, the wonderful Ayu Bakehouse will be open on a rare evening: From 6 to 11 p.m., the bakehouse’s side door will be open to sling punny wares following the theme Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned. Try a Lorena Babka (cylindrically shaped chocolate babka), Marie Ladough (sourdough loaves), Booooodin Boys, and a witchy cauldron of their Hot ‘Mallow cocoa.

Bar Marilou

544 Carondelet Street

It’s easy to get in the Halloween spirit at the sexy and dramatic Bar Marilou, which is hosting a Resurrection party until midnight on Halloween night. In addition to specialty drinks like the Blind Serpent and Santa Sangre, Sasha Masakowski will play a late-night DJ set from 9 p.m. to midnight for revelers.

Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29

321 N. Peters Street

Now through Halloween Eve, Latitude 29 is celebrating “New Orleans’s second favorite dress-up holiday” with Beachbum Berry’s Haunted Hut. A special spooky cocktail menu includes season drinks like The Pumpkin King (rums, Grand Marnier, autumnal spices), Applejack Skellington (dark rum, bourbon, Laird’s Applejack) and a returning favorite, the Skeleton Crew (a secret recipe).

Eliza Jane Hotel

315 Magazine Street

The Eliza Jane Hotel is transforming its courtyard into The Ghost Yard this month, where guests can wander through an eerily decorated courtyard featuring two larger-than-life skeletons who are affectionately named “Eliza” and “Jane.” There will be live music every Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. throughout October, and the hotel’s onsite bar, The Press Room, will be mixing up hauntingly delicious cocktails like the Feu Follet with cognac, drambuie, allspice dram, and grapefruit and apple bitters and the Rougarou with pumpkin infused gin, carpano antica, campari, and chocolate walnut bitters.

Hungry Eyes

4206 Magazine Street

This Sunday, October 22, the good-vibes-only dinner spot from the Turkey and the Wolf Team is throwing an ’80s-themed horror dinner, with a special multi-course menu featuring hearts, tongues, tentacles, and “general spookiness.” Special dinners are the only time to snag a reservation at Hungry Eyes, so call 504-766-0054 to save your spot. Photo opps are expected, so wear your costume.

Peacock Room

501 Tchoupitoulas Street

The chic and playful bar/restaurant in the Kimpton Hotel is hosting a Halloween costume contest and party on Saturday, October 28 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a performance by Kookie Baker & Friends. The winner of the costume contest, to be announced at 10 p.m., will receive a complimentary one-night stay at the hotel. Reservations are encouraged.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

550 Baronne Street

The ever-festivr Virgin Hotel New Orleans is hosting two weekends of parties in the leadup to Halloween, from a burlesque brunch to themed bashes. Events include a Krewe of Boo kick-off costume party with DJ Otto at The Pool Club on Saturday, October 21, a spooky burlesque brunch with Trixie Minx at Commons Club on Sunday, October 22, and two Scream-themed parties with live entertainment on Saturday, October 28. For a full list of Halloween-themed events at the hotel, see here .

W New Orleans French Quarter

316 Chartres Street

On Saturday, October 28, the W New Orleans is hosting a full day of Halloween-themed festivities. There’s a Veuve Clicquot Yelloween Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at 6 p.m., the hotel welcomes Kyle Crosby of Louisiana Dread, a cultural project that shares and preserves stories of Louisiana history, culture and folklore. Tickets to the storytelling and movie night event are just $10 (cocktails and small bites are available for purchase).

Bayou Saint Cake Is Sunsetting Its Bakery Operations

How to eat your way through jazz fest 2024, hurray for the riff raff’s guide to dining in new orleans.

Stay in touch!

NOLA Halloween: A Local’s Guide to the Best Events and Activities

• October 18, 2023

Table of Contents

Welcome to the enchanting world of New Orleans during Halloween, where the spooky spirit of the Crescent City truly comes alive. In this local guide, we’ll uncover the best events and activities that make NOLA-style Halloween a one-of-a-kind experience. From lively parades to eerie tours and attractions, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and unique celebrations that make Halloween in New Orleans truly unique. 

NOLA Halloween Events: Halloween New Orleans 

Halloween New Orleans, taking place from October 27-29, 2023, stands out as one of the nation’s premier LGBTQ+ celebrations. This spectacular event offers a vibrant mix of dance parties, live DJ performances, midnight shows, and a fierce costume contest. For those seeking an extra dose of extravagance, the Lazarus Ball “40 Years of XLence,” Saturday Night’s “XLR8,” and Sunday’s “Supersize Tea Dance” promise unforgettable moments. To top it all off, an open bar is on hand throughout the festivities, making it an irresistible destination for those looking to revel in the magic of Halloween in a uniquely inclusive and exuberant atmosphere. 

NOLA Halloween Parade: Krewe of BOO! 

For an authentic New Orleans-style Halloween experience this year, don’t miss the Krewe of BOO! parade. Established as the city’s Official Halloween Parade in 2007, it’s evolved into a spellbinding weekend of Halloween-themed festivities, blending the grandeur of Mardi Gras with the eerie allure of the October holiday. 

On October 21st at 6:30 pm, the Krewe of BOO! 2023 Parade sets off from the Marigny neighborhood, wending its way through the French Quarter, and coming to a stop in the Warehouse District. Join the throngs of revelers for a spooktacular night, filled with floats, costumes, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans! 

Take a Ghost Tour

This Halloween, dive into the supernatural side of New Orleans by embarking on a captivating ghost tour through its historic streets. Luckily some tour companies, such as New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours , offer an array of incredible ghost walking tours suitable for all thrill-seekers. 

Explore the city’s haunted history, from eerie tales of restless spirits to mysterious legends that shroud the French Quarter. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll traverse ancient alleyways and iconic landmarks, discovering the enchanting and eerie stories that have woven their way into the fabric of this bewitching city. Don’t miss the chance to experience Halloween with a spine-tingling twist. 

Book a Room at a Haunted Hotel 

Elevate your New Orleans Halloween adventure by booking a room at a haunted hotel. Staying at places like the Andrew Jackson Hotel or Hotel Monteleone adds an eerie, immersive layer to your experience. These historic lodgings are rumored to host restless spirits, making for a spine-tingling and unforgettable stay. Imagine sharing your night with the supernatural, enhancing the allure of the Crescent City’s mystical charm as you find yourself in its haunted history. 

For a Truly Unique Experience, Venture on a Pearl River Swamp Tour 

Experience an unforgettable adventure this Halloween season with a Pearl River swamp tour . With near-perfect weather in New Orleans during this time, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore the mystique of the bayou. These Pearl River swamp tours offer thrilling encounters with wildlife and captivating tales of the swamp’s history, making them suitable for all ages (and maybe even an inspiration for your costume idea)! Don’t miss the chance to add a touch of the wild to your Halloween festivities—book your Honey Island tour now and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Louisiana swamps. Get ready for an adventure like no other! 

Pearl River Swamp Tours Honey Island Swamp Tours  | VIP Swamp Tours

Related Posts

The cajun people of louisiana:..., new orleans events: overlook film..., northshore events: olde towne slidell..., festivals in new orleans: congo....

31+ Things to do in New Orleans Halloween Weekend

Posted on Published: September 15, 2022

If you love - share with a friend!

If you are thinking about what you should do for Halloween this year – you need to start planning your trip to New Orleans! New Orleans is the perfect destination for history lovers, families, and those who love spooky nonsense.

The best thing about Halloween New Orleans is that you do not have to stay in the French Quarter. There are so many different activities going on in different neighborhoods.

Halloween is personally my favorite time of year.

This post contains affiliate links, advertisements, and links to the Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my Disclosure page .

Where should I go for Halloween in New Orleans?

There are plenty of Halloween events in New Orleans , La, during Halloween, but the main areas of action include the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Frenchman Street. You can Celebrate Halloween all weekend long with parades, parties, and costumes.

Is Halloween a good time to visit New Orleans?

Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, New Orleans is the perfect long weekend to visit. New Orleans has tons of family-friendly Halloween and spooky events for those 21+. Enjoy music, parades, trick-or-treating, and more when visiting New Orleans for Halloween

Does New Orleans have a Halloween parade?

New Orleans’s Offical Halloween Parade is the Krewe of Boo! This parade does not happen Halloween weekend but is typically the weekend before. Krewe of Boo is a family-friendly Halloween-themed parade.

What is the weather like in New Orleans around Halloween?

The Weather in New Orleans around Halloween is generally good. Almost every year, the weather drops a few degrees so that Locals can feel like fall. The daily high temperature is 76°F, and the daily low is 62°F.

Family-Friendly events during Halloween Weekend

New Orleans during Halloween can be incredibly Family Friendly! You and the family can do so many spooky activities that make this weekend extra weird without too many screams. 

1. Go on a Cemetery Tour

Going on a Cemetery Tour during Halloween is the perfect time to learn why New Orleanians bury their dead above ground. Bring the family to the cemetery during a day tour and see all of the different graves and famous burials. Visit St. Louis cemetery no. 1 to get a glimpse of the famous tomb of Marie Laveau.

2. Take a Ghost Tour

New Orleans is full of spirits ad ghosts, so why not go on a ghost tour of the most haunted city in America? Ghost tours typically start around 8 pm, so you can grab a bite to eat at one of New Orleans’s haunted restaurants before exploring the Town. 

3. Visit a Voodoo Shop

New Orleans has a handful of voodoo shops you can visit in the Quarter, but the Haus of Hoodoo has to be one of the best spiritual shops to visit. You can find herbs, burners, books, and more at this location. You can even get a Spiritual Consultation done. 

4. Get a Tarot Card Reading

If you have any questions about your destiny or want to find out anything about your future, visit Hex Old World Witchery for a tarot card reading 

5. Jim Monaghan’s Halloween Parade

It is not a celebration in New Orleans without having a parade or two. Jim Monaghan’s Annual Halloween parade takes place on Halloween night! 

Haunted Hotels to stay in during your New Orleans Trip!

👻 Hotel Monteleone – If you want to bump into a ghost wandering the halls, Hotel Monteleone might be for you. the 14th floor offers a chance to see a young boy named Maurice. Click view photos . 👻👻 Dauphine Orleans Hotel – There seems to be four main ghosts wandering around this location. Click to view photos of the hotel . 👻👻👻Lafitte Guest House – A young daughter, fell down the stairs and perished in the 1800s but her spirit still lives in the house. Click view photos of the hotel .

6. Sneak a Peek at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Want to explore a museum that is not too spooky or expensive? The Pharmacy Museum is perfect! At Only $5, this small museum allows you to learn everything about pharmaceuticals. Just watch out. Dr. Dupas, the former owner, haunts the Pharmacy Museum. 

7. Take Carriage Rides and Haunted Tours

If walking tours are not your type of Halloween fun, the New Orlean History & Haunts Carriage Tour might be something you want to do while exploring New Orleans.

You will learn about Ghosts, Pirates, Voodoo, Death, Haunter Restaurants, and Hotels! You might be too scared to walk around after this great tour.

8. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

There is something about carving a pumpkin that makes Halloween, well, Halloween! The New Orleans area has a few pumpkin patches throughout the city, but Sugar Roots farm has to be one of the best Pumpkin Patches in New Orleans. Not only will you get a pumpkin, but you can ride horses, paint your face, and buy baked goods! 

9. Watch the Thriller Flash Mob

I didn’t realize Flash Mobs were still a thing until I saw the Thriller Flash Mob a few years ago. For weeks, locals will practice their dance routines and skills to become the perfect Zombie for the Flash Mob’s premiere on Halloween Day.

10. Annual Music Box Scare Faire

Explore the Music Box during their Annual Music Box Scare Faire! Explore the sculpture garden and get musical while enjoying the sounds of the musical instruments. 

11. Attend the Longue Vue Fall Fest

It’s Fall, Y’all, and there is nothing more fun for the family than attending Longue Vue’s Fall Fest. Kids can enjoy lawn games, trick or treating, and family costume contests! 

Halloween for the Brave ones

Even thorough these events and tours are still considered family-friendly – I will let you use your judgment on if you want to bring the Kiddos or not. Some of these events might not be age appropriate for all kids! 

12. Scout Island Scream Park

On the outskirts of New Orleans City Park is Scout Island, Scream Park. Even though you think the kiddos will be scared the whole time, there is a scare-free Kid zone where you can calm down between frights. Scout Island is 160 acres filled with scary activities for the entire krewe. 

13. Get Scared at New Orleans Nightmare

The New Orleans Nightmare haunted house is located right under the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish! This haunted house is full of ghouls and goblins ready to scare you. Start your evening with some liquid courage at the bar. Then stay to compete in some of the escape rooms. 

14. Explore the Mortuary Haunted House

The Mortuary Haunted House is a Halloween Classic. This Haunted Mansion is located on canal street inside a mansion that operated as a Mortuary for over 80 years.

Each year – the haunted house changes, so you will have a new experience. There is also an opportunity to give blood to the Blood Center, you can get a Free Vip Admission that night! 

15. Trunk or Treat

Growing up in the 90s, we didn’t have such thing as Trunk or Treat – you got one night to get all the candy you could, and that was it.

But starting sometime in the 2000s, parents decided that decorating a trunk and handing out candy in a parking lot is a lot of fun – So Trunk or Treat was born! I am a fan of more candy, so make sure to add this to your to-do list while in Town for Halloween Weekend.

16. Halloween on Magazine

If you are looking for a safe place to trick or treat, or you are visiting from out of Town, walk up and down Magazine Street for Halloween on Magazine! Trick or Treating is from Henry Clay to Jefferson. The kids can Trick or Treat while the adults do some shopping! 

Private Homes Haunted Decorations

If you have ever seen New Orleans Decorated for Mardi Gras or Christmas, many private residents love dressing up their houses. A few private residents push the envelope when it comes to Halloween Decorations

17. Visit the Berger Residence

The Berger Residents, fondly known as the Skeleton house, is located on the corner of St Charles and State Street. This house decorates dozens of skeletons in local, political, and entertaining humor. You need to catch the Skeleton house right when the sun is setting to see the spookiness of the skeletons come alive.

18. Visit Ghost Manor

Suppose Ghosts are more of your thing, head to the corner of Magazine Street and Second Street to catch a show. You know those TV shows where the Christmas lights are in sync to music, well, ghost manor does that but with a spooky Halloween Twist. 

19. Find the Spider House

If you are looking for a beautiful instagrammable house, you need to check out this house on Nashville street. Each holiday season the owners dress up the house for a different holiday, but the gigantic spider is by far one of my favorites.

Adult Friendly (21+) Halloween Activities in New Orleans

If you are traveling without the kiddos, there are many Adult Friendly events in New Orleans during Halloween. From late-night horror movies to haunted Pub Crawls, get ready to put your Costume on and party the weekend away.

20. Drinks at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29

Do you know what makes a Tiki drink even better? A Halloween Tiki Drink! Latitude 29 adds delicious Halloween cocktails to its extensive, well-crafted menu. 

21. Boozy Halloween Luncheon

One of the best things about Halloween in New Orleans is that the celebration lasts much longer than October 31. Many New Orlean restaurants host boozy Halloween Luncheons for the few days before Halloween. Come dressed as a ghost or goblin, and get ready to eat! 

22. After Dark: Creole Death and Mourning Tour at the Hermann-Grima House 

A seasonal favorite, the Creole Death and Mourning tour teaches guests all about the Gallier house after dark. Start your weekend with a little bit of history. 

23. Costume Party Lazarus Ball

Project Lazarus hosts a four-day event in New Orleans, with the Lazarus Ball kicking off Halloween Weekend. The weekend is to raise money and awareness for those living with AIDS. It is considered one of the year’s most celebrated gay party weekends. 

24. New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl

Not sure what to do but want to explore a bunch of bars in New Orleans? Sign up for the Haunted Pub Crawl. Learn about Lalaurie Mansion – New Orleans’s most haunted location, and grab a drink at America’s oldest bar. 

Like this post? Pin for later!

25. Endless Night Vampire Ball

Spend all night with Vampires, witches, and Sorcerers when you attend the Grane Gala festival at the house of Blues. You must be in full Costume or black attire – Vampires and Witches rule this party.

26. Kill-o-Rama at the Prytania

Throughout October, catch old-time Classics that will scare the beejeezus out of you. During Halloween weekend, get ready for your Rocky Horror Best to watch one of the best movies made. 

27. Watch the New Orleans Saints Game at the Bar

Halloween is in the middle of football season – and if that is important to you, you may want to catch a game or two.

If you didn’t get tickets to the Saints Game (or LSU) Halloween weekend, grab a spot at these great bars to watch the game. There are so many places where you can watch the Saints game and still be in the Halloween Spirit! 

28. Lil’ Weezyana Fest

30. With Voodoo Music fest’s postponement (cancelation) being a disappointment, you can still catch live local music by attending Lil Weezyana Fest. Head to Champions Square and spend the afternoon with some New Orleans Favorites. 

29. Stroll down Frenchmen Street

Of course, Frenchmen Street is the place to be on Halloween. Locals (and tourists) descend on Frenchmen Street for one of the biggest Halloween parties in the country.

With everyone in elaborate costumes, plenty of bars and places to see musical performances – why wouldn’t you want to be on Frenchmen?  

30. Explore the St Claude Corridor

If Frenchmen Street and Bourbon Street are not your things, walk down to the St Claude Corridor, where you can party at the Hi-Ho Lounge and Kajuns Pub. 

Visiting during the Halloween Season

Halloween is much more than just October 31 or the weekend before in New Orleans. If you are traveling to New Orleans during October, there are a few Halloween events that you can attend. 

31. Escape the Zombie Run

If you like to eat brains for breakfast or need to get away from zombies – join the New Orleans Zombie run! This run starts at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar, and the Big Easy Rollergirls are there to kill the zombies. 

32. Krewe of Boo

Krewe of Boo is New Orleans’s Official Halloween parade. This family-friendly parade happens the weekend before Halloween and goes throughout the Marigny, French Quarter , and Warehouse district. 

33. Party for Monster Mash

The Monster Mash is an all out party at Generations Hall after Krewe of Boo. It is the Halloween costume party of the year and you may even win a prince from the costume contest

34. Boo Carre Halloween Hunt

The French Market hosts Boo Carre in Dutch Alley – a fun Halloween-filled weekend with live music, trick or treating, and a spooky second line! 

35. Ghosts in Oaks

Ghosts in the Oaks is a family-friendly event at City Park where the family can trick or treat, enjoy arts and crafts, explore the pumpkin patch, and roast hotdogs on a campfire. 

36. Brews and Boos

Brews and Boos is an adult-only event at City Park where adults act like children and run around the Carousel Gardens amusement park while sipping on an unlimited beer and jamming out to a DJ.

37. Celebrate German culture with Oktoberfest

Even though Oktoberfest has very little to do with Halloween – if you are coming to New Orleans during October , you need to attend Oktoberfest! This beer-filled adventure will have you eating all the delicious German food you can get your hands on. 

Halloween in New Orleans

Halloween in New Orleans is one of the best times to be in the city. Whether you attend one of the specialty planned events, luncheons, or plan to party in New Orleans.

Halloween will not be a disappointment. Just remember, New Orleans loves to costume, so be prepared to bring your A-game regarding costuming. 

Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants Favorite French Quarter Hotels

Hotel Monteleone -Scratch off riding the Carousel Bar off of your list after staying at the Hotel Monteleone. Enjoy a heated rooftop pool, fitness center or massage. . Click view photos . W New Orleans – French Quarter – The W Hotel is located at 316 Chartres Street and has an excellent location, stunning pool, and updated rooms – Click to view photos Holiday Inn French Quarter Chateau – Located at 301 Dauphine Street, the Holiday Inn Hotel French Quarter Chateau Lemoyne will allow you to stay in the heart of the quarter without breaking the bank – Click to view photos

Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Popular Posts

10 good & cheap italian restaurants in nyc, is lamothe house haunted let me tell …, plan a romantic getaway in puerto rico | …, best things to do in el yunque, …, 13 best romantic getaways in southern california (local …, halloween in new orleans: 8 thrilling events and festivals 2023.

There are many reasons why spending Halloween in New Orleans is always a great idea. Not only because of the city’s captivating culture and history but also because Halloween celebrations in New Orleans are taken to a whole new level! This already vibrant destination comes fully alive with decorations, parades, and wild events all month. 

So, even though we’re too old for trick-or-treating ( are we? ), I promise there are still countless ways to have an incredibly fun, spooky time.

What to Do on Halloween in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most mysterious and exciting places in the world, no matter the time of the year you visit. However, the fall season gets especially interesting and packed with traditions, events, and festivals that you’ll love if you’re a Halloween enthusiast or a thrill-seeker traveler.

The purpose of many of these events is to give you a good time, scares and even laughs. However, if you want to soak up in the history and culture of the city but still experience that spooky feeling, I recommend checking out these seven hidden gems in New Orleans.

Interested in haunted locations? Discover Salem and its dark history.

Looking for something specific? Head over to it!

1. Krewe of Boo Parade

Krewe of Boo is considered New Orleans’ official Halloween parade since 2007. It takes place on October 21st at 6:30 pm , making its route from Elysian Fields Avenue to Andrew Higgins Drive ?.

Every year, the streets fill with a lively atmosphere, welcoming everyone to join over a thousand participants marching with eerie giant props and incredible papier-maché floats created by Kern Studios. You’ll see marching bands, dance troupes, and people showcasing their creativity through their costumes.

The parade is completely free and very family-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring the kids!

2. Zombie Paintball

If you’re looking for fun things to do during your trip, Zombie Paintball Hunt at NOLA is sure to make your Halloween in New Orleans an epic experience. Spend the afternoon shooting at zombies from a battle bus driven through a Zombie Apocalypse.

In addition, you can enjoy other activities like karting, axe throwing, food trucks and live music, a pumpkin crafting station, and so much more. I suggest buying your tickets online in advance since there are limited spots each night – get your tickets here!

Need Somewhere To Stay In New Orleans? Check out the top haunted hotels here!

And why not eat with ghosts at a haunted restaurant , too?!

3. Brews And Boos

Brews and Boos is a popular Halloween celebration for adults that takes place in New Orleans City Park on October 27 and 28 . It’s a true party full of terrific decorations, lights, and a DJ playing music throughout the park. There’s even a costume contest, so this is your best chance to show off your spookiest self.

At Brews and Boos, no one’s too old to enjoy Halloween!

For an admission fee of $35, you get unlimited access to the amusement park, free treats, and lots of beer! And for some extra fun, you can buy a VIP ticket that features full open bar, seating, and special treats. Get tickets here!

4. New Orleans Nightmare

New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House is the ultimate event for those seeking a night of fright and horror during Halloween in New Orleans. Named one of the top 13 haunted houses in America , this annual attraction offers an immersive and interactive experience that will keep you on edge as you wind your way through multiple mazes and escape rooms – and encounter some scary creatures…

To provide visitors with a fresh experience every time, New Orleans Nightmare often changes its themes or rooms annually. Some past themes were “ Clowns ,” “ Rise of the Dead ,” and “ Hatchet High .”

Finally, after a wild night full of tension and jumpscares, stop by the food trucks and on-site bar to recover with some wicked delicious food!

Note: Keep in mind that this attraction might be too intense for children under 12 years old.

Buy your presale tickets to get a discount.

5. Halloween Balcony Party

Looking for the best parties to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans? The Halloween Balcony Party at Cornet is one you won’t regret! This bar hosts 150 guests on October 28th and October 31st to have the most amazing time on its balcony overlooking the bustling crowds on the famous Bourbon Street. You’re also encouraged to wear your costume!

The entrance ticket is $150 and includes 3 hours of bead tossing, dancing, and Open Premium Bar with unlimited mixed drinks, beer, and wine. In addition, you can come and go from the party all you please.

Spots on the balcony are limited, so I advise you to purchase your tickets in advance to get early bird discounts! 

6. Haunted Pub Crawl

Time for drinks and scary stories!

The Haunted Pub Crawl is essentially a ghost tour among haunted bars and restaurants. You get to experience the spooky side of New Orleans while getting wasted with the best local drinks. It’s a fun way of learning about the history behind some of the most iconic spots in the city, such as the Lalaurie Mansion and the French Quarter. A guide will be there to show you around and to tell the darkest murder stories that will send shivers down your spine.

Definitely not an activity for the whole family if you have kids, but it’s an absolute must if you’re traveling with friends, your partner, or even on your own to make new friends – get tickets here!

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight if you take the tour at night 🙂

Not a fan of alcohol? Maybe a New Orleans food tour will be more appealing!

7. The Mortuary Haunted Mansion

Without a doubt, The Mortuary is a must-visit when it comes to spending Halloween in New Orleans. What was once an actual funeral home built in 1872 on Canal Street, is once one of the top haunted attractions in the US , praised for its high production and for offering its visitors a genuinely scary experience.

Each, year, The Mortuary has a different  theme or storyline to keep it fresh for returning visitors ( this year’s theme: Blood Wedding! ), so there’s no way to know what’s awaiting you inside! However, you can expect a truly terrifying journey full of high-quality special effects, terrific decorations, animatronics, and actors that are sure to give you the creeps.

Fun Fact: Many people believe that the mansion might actually be haunted due to its 80 years  serving as a mortuary and its proximity to cemeteries – makes sense right? This is why the building has hosted multiple paranormal investigations over time and even appeared on ghost hunting TV shows.

Get your tickets here! And make sure to arrive early, since this is a very popular attraction in the city and waiting lines can be quite long, especially during Halloween season.

Other Haunted Tours You Might Like

• Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire and Mystery Tour
• Adults-Only Ghost Tour
• Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark
• Family-Friendly Ghost Tour

8. Oktoberfest

While New Orleans is mostly associated with Mardi Gras, it also celebrates other cultural events, including Oktoberfest . If you’re sensitive and think the attractions I listed above might be too intense for you ( or you simply need a break from Halloween-themed activities ), this event might be exactly what you need!

Oktoberfest is a world-famous folk festival originated in Germany and it usually runs from late September through early October. As one could expect from a city like New Orleans, Oktoberfest celebrations are huge and offer numerous forms of entertainment, from live music, folk dancing and chanting, to traditional games, decorations, and vendors selling crafts – not to mention, lots of beer and delicious German cuisine!

Note: While the event has an emphasis on beer, many Oktoberfest celebrations in New Orleans are family-friendly, with many activities that kids can enjoy.

Check out dates and ticket prices here!

Halloween Events In New Orleans Calendar

Now, let’s recap. Here I’ve listed all the events by date for you 🙂

• All year round — Haunted Pub Crawl
• Sept 16-Oct 31 — The Mortuary
• Sept 22-Nov 4 — New Orleans Nightmare
• Sept 28-Oct 30 — Zombie Paintball
• Oct 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28 — Oktoberfest
• Oct 21 — Krewe of Boo
• Oct 27-28 — Brews and Boos
• Oct 28 & Oct 31 — Halloween Balcony Party at Cornet

Last Thoughts

As you can see, Halloween in New Orleans is taken very seriously and there’s nothing better than being surrounded by that enthusiastic, festive spirit, especially when travelling. 

Remember to explore as much as you can beyond these top attractions and events. New Orleans has an immense variety of entertainment to offer its visitors, including museums like the The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum , haunted restaurants , interesting shops, and so many hidden gems – I’m sure you won’t regret any of them!

Safe travels and happy Halloween!

P.S. Do you struggle to recover from trips? Here’s the ultimate guide to overcome post-holiday exhaustion that will help you get back on track.

Related posts:

• The 10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans for Halloween
• 6 Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem (& Bonus History!)
• New Orleans Haunted Hotels | Your Travel Guide to Spooky Stays in the City
• 10 Unique Things To Do This Fall In New Orleans

Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

The 10 best things to do in orlando, plan your weekend getaway in orlando, fl, 10 best date spots in queens nyc for …, best romantic getaways on the west coast, …, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

I agree to these terms (required).

Shop all your amazon travel necessities?

Where to next, complete old san juan …, the historic new orleans …, best things to do …, 5 amazing reasons to visit …, plan a romantic getaway …, best things to do …, ultimate guide to panajachel …, 13 best romantic getaways in …, 10 good & cheap italian restaurants …, top 5 most haunted hotels …, things to do in …, halloween in new orleans: 8 …, san juan itinerary: plan …, best greek islands for …, 15 best clubs in nyc ….