All Hallows Eve – Halloween – Samhain – whatever you call it, it’s coming soon and New Orleans will be ready! We can make a party out of anything, and how could we not for October 31st? Costumes, Treats, Tricks and Fun – what else could you ask for? Here are some wickedly fun things do around and on Halloween in New Orleans!
The famous opens in a new windowKrewe of Boo will be doing their thing this year on October 19 – starting with the opens in a new windowNew Orlean Zombie Run – dress up as you wish – zombie makeup, bio-hazard suit? Then go out to Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and get ready to race away from the Official Zombie Hunters, the Big Easy Roller Girls. opens in a new windowTickets start at $20.00, and include a race day T-shirt. Or, just go to watch the mayhem! Next, at 6:30, head out to the French Quarter for the Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade. The parade begins at Elysian Fields in the Marigny and progress through the French Quarter, passing through N. Peters and Decatur Streets, to Jackson Square and then towards the Warehouse District, all the way up to the Convention Center. The floats are amazing, and the costumes are cool – throws from this parade become collector’s items, so keep you eye out and your hands ready! After the parade, the party continues with Monster Mash at Generations Hall – dancing, music, drink specials and costume contests are part of the frightening festivities! Here’s a sneak peek:
Next on the list – opens in a new windowBernie Baxter’s Traveling Sideshow at 44 Vivian Ct. in Algiers – this is a most unique Halloween production. Free entry (though donations are gratefully accepted), held October 25-26 & 31st from 7-10pm, this neighborhood haunt will leave you screaming in terror and delight!
opens in a new windowHalloween New Orleans takes place over several days – for those 21 and over – starting the 25th with the Lazarus Ball, a black-tie event held at New Orleans Board of Trade from 7:30-10:30 pm, and including an open bar, music, food, silent auction and entertainment. On the 26th, the Main Event Costume Party runs from 10pm-3am at The Fillmore. Costumes are required, as you will parade them on-stage for judging, along with a midnight show and dancing. Finally, on Sunday the 27th, costume awards are handed out at the Sunday Pier Tea Dance at Crescent Park. The dance will feature games, food trucks, vendors, picnic tables, and music, and end with a Second-Line parade through the French Quarter. opens in a new windowTickets are required for all three events, and benefit opens in a new windowProject Lazarus, an assisted-living home for those with HIV/AIDS in New Orleans.
On Halloween night, conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto leads the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in a haunting program called Ancient Spirits at the Orpheum Theater from 7:30-9:30pm. Don’t wait too long to get opens in a new windowtickets, they sell out quickly!
So, if you’re ready for a freaky, fantastic, fun Halloween, head to NOLA for all these opens in a new windowevents and more, and stay with us at 1896 O’Malley House for a safe place to escape from the holiday mayhem!