Halloween in the Big Easy
As the crescent moon hangs over the Mississippi River, the Crescent City transforms for the spooky season. From haunted history to bewitching parades and wickedly delicious cuisine, New Orleans has something spectacular for all Halloween enthusiasts. So get your costumes ready and prepare for a Halloween you won't soon forget.
1. Mortuary Haunted House
4800 Canal St., themortuary.net
This 150-year-old Victorian Mansion doubled as a funeral home and crematorium from 1930 until 2002, holding more than 20,000 funerals on site.
Pop the question to your one and only, and head on down to the end Canal Street this Halloween and attend this year's Mortuary haunted house: Blood Wedding, Till Death Do Us Part. For the 2023 Halloween season, attendants have the opportunity to get married at the Mortuary on Friday the Thirteenth. General admission starts at $25.
2. Krewe of Boo + The Monster Mash Krewe of Boo After Party
kreweofboo.com
The 2023 Krewe of Boo Parade will be held the Saturday before Halloween on October 21, with a Monster Mash Krewe of Boo After Party set to follow at Generations Hall.
In 2007, the Krewe of Boo became New Orleans' official Halloween parade and has been evolving ever since. Floats are made by Kern Studios, the premier float building organization in America, out of papier-maché or fiberglass and become more captivating every year. Throws from this parade are all consumables or collectibles, which reduces waste during the parade season.
3. Boo at The Zoo
6500 Magazine St., audubonnatureinstitute.org
Enjoy three days of spooky family fun at the Audubon Zoo's Boo at the Zoo from October 20-23 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event is for children up to 12 years old and hosts trick-o-treating, crafts, animal experiences, a maze, food trucks, and even an extinct species graveyard.
General admission tickets are $38 for children/adults, and for members, tickets are only $10. Boo at the Zoo benefits the Children's Hospital New Orleans and the Audubon Zoo.
4. Dine at the Haunted Napoleon House
500 Chartres St., napoleonhouse.com
This beloved restaurant is known for serving authentic New Orleans fare with a haunted flair. Legend has it, that the establishment is haunted by Mayor Girod and a Civil War soldier.
Nowadays, this eatery is known for classic Cajun offerings especially the muffulettas, gumbo, and red beans and rice. Additionally, guests rave over the specialty NOLA cocktail selection, particularly the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup.
5. Boos and Brews
7 Victory Ave., neworleanscitypark.org
Enjoy adults-only access to City Park this October 27 and 28 from 8-11 p.m. for Boos and Brews. Guests are granted unlimited rides, beer, treats, and the opportunity to participate in a costume contest.
Admission starts at $35 per person, and guys and ghouls in attendance must be 21 years of age or older. VIP admission includes access to a full, open bar.
6. Boo Carré
916 N. Peters St., frenchmarket.org
The French Market is hosting Boo Carré this year on October 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family friendly event will include live music and kids' activities, trick-o-treating in the French Quarter and a Spooky Second Line. If you stay after the event, you'll catch the Krewe of Boo! Halloween Parade at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free, but don't forget a costume for the chance to win free prizes.
7. Howl-o-Weenie: The Dog Costume Contest of the Season
3336 Magazine St., datdog.com
This four-legged costume contest benefits Zeus' Rescues. The runway show starts at 3:30 p.m., but the donation drive will run all day. Consider donating food, old towels, leashes, toys, or anything else that could help out their rescues.
Awards will be given for the following categories: Best Couple, Best Family, Best Group, Best Solo, and Best in Show.
8. Pick a Pumpkin at St. Paul's Pumpkin Patch
6249 Canal Blvd., stpauls-lakeview.org/support/pumpkin-patch.cfm
Pick out the perfect pumpkin and take festive fall photos at Lakeview's premier pumpkin patch. The patch is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. They kick off the spooky season on October 3, wrap up October 30, and are credit-card only.
9. Book a Night at The Haunted Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St., hotelmonteleone.com
If you love hunting paranormal activity and want to support one of the only surviving family-owned hotels in the country, look no further than the Hotel Monteleone. Originally opened in 1886, it now has over 600 guest rooms, a rooftop view of the New Orleans skyline, and a carousel bar and lounge.
According to urban legend, the 13th floor is frequented by the ghost child of Maurice Begere and a few others. Thankfully though, none are aggressive.
10. The Pharmacy Museum
514 Chartres St., pharmacymuseum.org
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is sure to send a chill down your spine this Halloween. This historic apothecary is in the French Quarter and recounts the history of modern medicine and chilling medical procedures. The museum is open for guests from Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 pm.
