Halloween in New Orleans is like no other, combining rich history with a passion for the supernatural to make the Crescent City the perfect place to celebrate Halloween in style. New Orleans comes alive during Halloween weekend with unique events, from ghost tours and vampire haunts to colorful costume parades that fill the French Quarter and Bourbon Street with vibrant energy.
The city offers everything from the famous Krewe of Boo parade and live music on Frenchmen Street to family-friendly fun at Orleans City Park. With tens of thousands gathering in New Orleans, LA to explore paranormal history and enjoy the best Halloween costumes, the Big Easy is ready to host an unforgettable holiday full of hauntings, stories, and Halloween spirit!
Krewe of Boo
The Krewe of Boo parade is New Orleans’ iconic Halloween celebration, turning the city’s streets into a vibrant Halloween spectacle. This official Halloween parade starts in the French Quarter, continuing down Canal Street and Bourbon Street, where spooky floats and costumed performers bring the Halloween spirit to life. Themed throws, eerie costumes, and live music make Krewe of Boo a must-attend event, drawing tens of thousands to celebrate Halloween with a distinctly New Orleans twist.
Coffee Cocktail Creation Class
- Event Date: October 29, 2024 | Sign Up Here
This unique Coffee Cocktail Creation Class at Current Crop Roasting offers a creative start to Halloween weekend by combining coffee with festive cocktails. Participants learn to mix Halloween-inspired coffee drinks infused with seasonal flavors and spices. This relaxed event provides a fun prelude to the night’s festivities, perfect for coffee lovers looking to experience a new side of New Orleans before heading out for Halloween fun.
Famous Ghost Tours
Ghost tours are a Halloween staple in New Orleans, letting visitors explore the city’s haunted sites and uncover eerie tales from the past. Popular stops include Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, where Marie Laveau and other historical figures are rumored to haunt. Led by costumed guides, these tours delve into the city’s paranormal history and vampire lore, adding an extra layer of mystery to Halloween in the Crescent City.
Zombie Run
The annual Zombie Run in Orleans City Park is a lively Halloween event for participants of all ages. Runners dressed as zombies and other spooky characters make their way through the park, ending the race with a “Zombie Bash” featuring face painting, music, and refreshments. It’s a family-friendly way to kick off Halloween day with energy and costumes, celebrating the holiday with a unique New Orleans twist.
Live Music and Parades
Halloween in New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without live music on Frenchmen Street and parades across the city. Venues and street performers play Halloween classics and spooky jazz, creating a festive, immersive atmosphere. For an all-day festival experience, bring essentials like water, snacks, and comfy shoes – check out this Festival Essentials Guide to make the most of your time at these Halloween celebrations.
Unforgettable Haunted Houses and Museums
New Orleans’ haunted houses and eerie museums offer a deeper dive into the city’s spooky side. The Mortuary Haunted Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum are top stops, with rumored paranormal activity and immersive settings perfect for thrill-seekers. These attractions bring the hauntings and supernatural history of New Orleans to life, adding unforgettable chills to the Halloween experience.
French Quarter Halloween Costume Contest
One of the most exciting Halloween events in New Orleans, the French Quarter Costume Contest invites people from all over to showcase their best and boldest Halloween looks. Set in Jackson Square, this annual contest draws creative locals and visitors alike, with participants competing for prizes in categories like “best costume” and “most original.” Spectators enjoy an evening of live entertainment, food vendors, and spirited Halloween cheer as contestants parade through the square, showing off everything from spooky and gory looks to detailed historical and supernatural characters. This lively event celebrates the vibrant, inventive side of Halloween in New Orleans and is a favorite for anyone looking to experience the city’s love of costumes and creativity.
Halloween at New Orleans City Park
Halloween at New Orleans City Park offers family-friendly activities that make it the perfect spot for a fun, low-key celebration. With hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and spooky (but not too scary) haunted trails, the park’s events appeal to kids and adults alike. As evening falls, the park transforms into a Halloween wonderland with glowing lights, pumpkin displays, and eerie decorations that bring an enchanting, autumnal ambiance to the heart of the city. Whether you’re bringing kids for trick-or-treating or looking for a relaxed Halloween evening out, New Orleans City Park provides a welcoming atmosphere filled with treats, activities, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Haunted History Museum Tours
New Orleans’ rich history and mystique come to life with Haunted History Museum Tours, perfect for Halloween enthusiasts wanting a closer look at the city’s past. Historic sites like the Beauregard-Keyes House host Halloween-themed tours that explore New Orleans’ haunted heritage, with guides recounting spine-chilling stories of paranormal activity and legendary ghosts. These tours add depth to New Orleans’ eerie atmosphere, letting visitors experience the spooky side of the city’s history firsthand. Haunted museum tours are a must for history lovers looking to go beyond the usual Halloween thrills and delve into New Orleans’ mysterious and supernatural legacy.
Voodoo Shops and Tarot Readings
For those intrigued by New Orleans’ mystical side, the city’s voodoo shops and tarot readings are an iconic part of its Halloween experience. Visit renowned shops in the French Quarter to learn about Marie Laveau and the city’s deep-rooted voodoo culture, which has influenced New Orleans’ identity for centuries. Many shops offer tarot readings and spiritual insights, giving visitors a glimpse into the supernatural traditions that are still very much alive in New Orleans. Embrace the mystery surrounding Halloween by exploring this unique part of the city’s heritage, where spirituality, mystique, and tradition intertwine to create a truly memorable experience.
Halloween in New Orleans – The Ultimate Spooky Celebration
New Orleans provides an unmatched Halloween experience, blending the supernatural with its festive spirit through parades, ghost tours, costume contests, and family-friendly activities. Whether exploring haunted history in the French Quarter, dancing at the Krewe of Boo, or enjoying live music, Halloween in Orleans promises an unforgettable mix of thrills, culture, and creativity for locals and visitors alike.










