The Halloween spirit is already in the air here in New Orleans because Halloween is yet another holiday that we celebrate like champions. As locals, we know it, and it turns out that the travel experts over at Travelocity know it, too, as they have just named New Orleans the Top Halloween Destination in America. It’s no wonder we were first choice because our celebrating skills are top notch; we have an official New Orleans-style parade through the French Quarter, costume balls galore, a four-day LGBT Halloween festival, and we continue Halloween on into November with music and costumes at Voodoo Music + Arts Experience. We are well-practiced and proud to rock elaborate costumes, and our rich and diverse history has left us with hauntings all around our fabulous city (including Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, named one of America’s Most Haunted Places by Travel + Leisure).
Time for some serious Halloween celebrating. (photo from Little Zey on Flickr)
It’s good news for us that we are recognized as the Top Halloween Destination, because tourism is our number one industry and fuels our local economy, but Halloween is a local favorite holiday, as well. We have so many spook-tacular events going on around town over the next week or so, and it’s time to get your costume on and show our out-of-town guests how we do it in NOLA.
Krewe of Boo
New Orleans’ official Halloween parade this Saturday, October 26 starts at 6:30 p.m. on Elysian Fields and will roll through the French Quarter, making its way to Mardi Gras world for a rockin’ after-party. Instead of beads, Krewe of Boo throws will include candy corn necklaces, PJ’s Coffee Frac Packs, voodoo dolls and more.
Boo at the Zoo
With two dates left on October 25 and 26, get the whole family involved in Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo. Audubon Zoo is hosting this safe, fun event geared towards children up to 12 years of age. There will be trick-or-treat houses, a Ghost Train, games and prizes, and live entertainment.
Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club’s Undead Con
Anne Rice’s fictional character Vampire Lestat has his own fan club and they are throwing some epic Halloween celebrations for their Undead Con October 24 – 27, which features a Vampire Ball (Anne Rice herself will be there!), a Witches Ball, cocktail parties, and panel discussions with over 20 supernatural authors.
Halloween New Orleans
Halloween New Orleans is a four-day LGBT Halloween festival October 24 – 27 that starts with a lavish ball at the WWII Museum and ends with a jazz/gospel Sunday brunch at the House of Blues. In between will be a DJ dance party at the Civic Theatre and a huge costume party at Mardi Gras New Orleans. All are welcome.
The Krewe of Boo, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade. (photo from tonbabydc on Flickr)
Creepy Crawly Children’s Tea
Children are welcome to a fancy Halloween afternoon tea experience this Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, at Le Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel, featuring guests from the Audubon Zoo. At the Creepy Crawly Children’s Tea, kids can enjoy a three-course tea with “ghostly sandwiches” and pumpkin shaped cookies. Costumes are encouraged.
House of Shock
Recognized as one of the top haunted houses, House of Shock has made their extravagant haunted house experience into a full on festival with food, drinks, and live entertainment, as well as pyrotechnics, spooks, and scares. House of Shock runs through Halloween and ends November 1.
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
One of New Orleans’ largest and most popular music festivals is Voodoo Music + Arts Experience November 1 – 3. From local artists to big-name headliners, the music lineup is stacked. Costumes will abound at this festival, taking the Halloween fun on into next month.