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.
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 itinerary.
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, 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! Ghosts in the Oaks is another great family-friendly event, held in New Orleans City Park. Or bring the family to see the spook-tacular spectacle that is Krewe of Boo, the city’s premier Halloween parade.
New Orleans Haunted Houses
For those looking for an extra thrill, New Orleans also has its share of haunted houses open for Halloween, such as the Mortuary and New Orleans Nightmare. These haunted houses are known for providing lots of thrills and typically open up in September, so you can enjoy it more than once during spooky season!
Looking for even more ways to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans? Check out our top picks for spooky things to do in October.