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 this haunted New Orleans itinerary.

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. Read more...

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. Read more...

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

Email louisiana@deep-south-usa.com for further details.