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
New Orleans Halloween EventsHalloween 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
3 in 1 French Quarter, Cemetery & Voodoo Walking TourA 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
Halloween in New Orleans for KidsFamily-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!
Comments are closed.