Prepping for the spooky season in New Orleans is unlike many other cities. With a rich supply of ghost and vampire stories (or tours), the spirit of Halloween blends well with the unique spirituality of the city. As the month of October kicks off, be sure to find your costume, bulk up on candy, and celebrate one of the most important and longstanding fall traditions—pumpkins!
Go out this Halloween and enjoy beautiful fall weather at the below locations in Greater New Orleans. Make lasting memories and take pictures as you revel in the season with pumpkins and even more fun activities for the whole family.
Grab Your Keys & Your Carving Kits
1. St. Augustine's Episcopal Church
3412 Haring Rd., Metairie, (504) 887-4801
staugustinesmet.com
This longstanding location in Metairie is renowned for its wide variety of pumpkins in many special shades and sizes: green, white, red, spotted, big, small, as well as their supply of several different gourds. The patch will be open through October 31 from noon to 8 p.m.
Besides pumpkins, St. Augustine's Episcopal also sells unique jewelry and gifts for the Halloween season. If you need a decorating kit for your pumpkin, just visit the checkout desk and see the many options for carving kits and stickers. If you're hungry for a snack, purchase a loaf of the pumpkin bread baked by parishioners.
2. First Presbyterian Church
5401 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 866-7409
fpcno.org/pumpkin-patch
Since 2001, First Presbyterian Church in New Orleans has held an annual pumpkin patch, bringing the community together and employing the volunteer efforts of many local New Orleans schools. Proceeds from First Presbyterian pumpkin patch benefit the Program of Hope, a homeless outreach program.
The patch will be open through October 31 with varying hours. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., visitors can reserve the patch for a fun school field trip. Reservations are also available (and perfect) for daycares, nursing homes, and private events.
3. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1031 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 866-0123
standrewsnola.com
Open in New Orleans until October 31, St. Andrew's Episcopal's pumpkin patch provides a perfect family outing and source for pumpkins. With plenty of photo ops available, this pumpkin patch can be a easy source for lifelong memories. Proceeds from the patch will also benefit St. Andrew's many programs.
At St. Andrew's pumpkin patch, families will also have the opportunity to play games, make crafts, and pick their favorite pumpkin (price determined by weight). So, go visit and kick off the Halloween season right!
4. St. Martin's Episcopal Church
2216 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 835-7357
stmepiscopal.com
St. Martin's Episcopal on Metairie Road gives guests the opportunity to benefit local ministries and enjoy a fun time out with the family. At St. Martin's, you can find a pumpkin of every size, in addition to a slew of specialty pumpkins and gourds. Before, after, or even during your pumpkin search, you can visit the fall-themed section of the patch for perfect pictures with the family.
For a special note concerning operating hours, the patch will open later on weekdays at 3 p.m.. On weekends, though, the patch opens at 10 a.m., offering a solid start to the day and more time for carving those pumpkins!
5. Woodland Church
5837 Berkley Dr., (504) 394-7877
wcnola.org
The Woodland Church, located in Algiers, will be open until October 31. Guests at Woodland Church's pumpkin patch will not only be treated to their supply of pumpkins, but also a slew of Halloween-themed games,
Every Saturday starting on the 12th, Woodland will a story time session, as well as multiple activities—all fall-themed and perfect for young kids.
6. St. Mark's Episcopal Church
3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 366-0123
stmarksharvey.com
If you live on the Westbank, check out the local patch at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The patch will be open from October 9 until Halloween's conclusion on the 31st. St. Mark's will also offer baked goods like pumpkin bread for a delicious snack while your picking pumpkins or afterwards as you carve them. You might be inspired to make your own loaf after trying a slice.
St. Mark's pumpkin patch will also feature a unique experience for the season on the 20th with a car show featured on site as well. A truly fun day out for the family: looking at cool cars and buying pumpkins.
7. St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church
910 Cross Gates Blvd., Slidell, (985) 641-6429
saintlukeslidell.org
Head up to Slidell and give St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church a visit. Prices and sizes vary for each pumpkin, but those not looking to purchase can also find a slew of available photo ops at the location.
St. Luke the Evangelist will also have their annual family bash on October 12 and 13, providing families a ton of fun for the fall (and Halloween) season. Activities include trick-or-treating, games, and even a 5k run for competitive patch-goers.
8. Clearview Plant & Garden
4511 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, (504) 888-7700
facebook.com/p/Clearview-Plant-Garden-61557260252708/?_rdr
A decidedly low-key spot for all your gardening needs, Clearview Plant & Garden in Metairie is now selling pumpkins for the spooky season. Head to the gardening and lawn depot to check out their incredible variety of beautiful pumpkins.
Not just a beautiful display of available pumpkins, the location also features additional fall accoutrements like hay and fall garden decor to spruce up your front lawn and garden. Now with pumpkins!
9. Sugar Roots Farm
10701 Willow Dr., (504) 239-8695
sugarrootsfarm.org
Sugar Root is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community organization intended to teach the basics of land stewardship and immerse the community in the beauty of nature. For this Halloween, Sugar Root Farm is holding its 4th annual Pumpkin Festival from October 20 to October 27.
Here, guests can pick pumpkins, go on a hay ride, pony ride, listen to live music, and visit one of the many available vendors. Tickets can be purchased here and are $20 for adults and $15 for children. Children will also get a small pumpkin included with their ticket, while pony rides and further activities are extra.
10. Ghost in the Oaks
1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888
neworleanscitypark.org/event/ghosts-in-the-oaks-3
City Park is throwing a Halloween celebration that's not to be missed. Guests going to the park on October 17 until October 20 will be treated to free amusement rides, arts & crafts, and trick-or-treating. This NOLA Halloween event is a perfect way for families to celebrate the season together, and it will also feature seasonally-specific displays.
Most importantly to this list though, City Park will have an on-site pumpkin patch display for the perfect family opportunity this Halloween. Amidst having a blast on the various rides, take a trip and enjoy a picturesque pumpkin arrangement for a classy picture with character.
A Perfect New Orleans Halloween
This year, make the most out of the season while in New Orleans. With such a wide assortment of pumpkin patches in and around the Greater New Orleans area, every family can have a place to visit and adore this holiday. Whether it's a colorful pumpkin you intend to carve and make your own, or a local celebration with those can't-miss photo-ops, your Halloween celebration is well-handled in the spooky South.
