Mortuary
Thursdays through Sundays in October
4800 Canal St.
If you think you’re brave enough to take on New Orleans’ most authentic Haunted House, step into the Mortuary. The legend is told that seven deadly serial killers reside in the Mortuary, each with their own particular tastes. All are widely believed to have a direct link to the Dark Master Ravencroft, and thus possess certain “supernatural abilities.” These killers are attracted to the weak and sinful, so step into the danger with a clear conscience or enter the Mortuary at your own risk…
House of Shock
Weekends in October
319 Butterworth St.
Houseofshock.com
After a one-year hiatus, the House of Shock is back in full force, producing not one but two haunts in one location! The first, rightfully titled, is The Resurrection, and the second and more unique is Seampin Skungy’s Bordello of Freaks. Since the House of Shock has had some downtime, these haunted houses will be nothing less than horrifying and unique, so make sure visit them one weekend. The last two weekends in October have extended dates, the weekend of Oct 23 will run Thursday to Sunday and the following weekend will run Wednesday to Saturday.
Boo at the Zoo
October 16, 17, 23, and 24, 5–9 pm
Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St.
Auduboninstitute.org/zoo/events/boo-at-the-zoo
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Boo at the Zoo Presented by Bryan Subaru! This annual Audubon Zoo extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children up to age 12, featuring trick-or-treat houses with candy, a Ghost Train (which can be scary for children and adults), a haunted house (scary and non-scary), games, entertainment and more. All games and treats, except concessions, are free with admission. Admission is $17 per person, with children under 1 year old admitted free.
Anba Dlo Halloween Festival
October 17, 5:30 pm–Midnight
New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave.
Anbadlofestival.org
The New Orleans spirit has always survived by celebrating life, whatever the situation may be. That spirit is the basis for Anba Dlo, a celebration of New Orleans’ important and changing relationship with water while educating and inspiring on important issues. Anba Dlo (pronounced “Ahnbah Dlo”) is Haitian Kreyol for “Beneath the Waters,” and is meant to acknowledge and honor the importance of water to our lives. Also look for tarot readings, acrobats, food and drinks, auction bidding, water altars, costume contests and more during the festival!
Ghosts in the Oaks
October 23–24
New Orleans City Park
Friendsofcitypark.com
This spook-tacular two-night Halloween fundraising event hosted by the Friends of City Park offers non-scary fun for the whole family, including unlimited rides in Carousel Gardens, trick-or-treating in Storyland, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, airbrushed tattoos, balloon animals, music and more! All proceeds from Ghosts in the Oaks go toward capital improvements in Carousel Gardens and Storyland. Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 for members of Friends of City Park.
Krewe of BOO!
October 24, 6:30 pm
Starts at Elysian Fields; ends at Mardi Gras World
Since 2007, the Krewe of Boo has been scaring and exciting the people of New Orleans with top-notch floats and festivities every Halloween. Under the supervision of Brian Kern, the floats come to life with 3D fiberglass and papier-mâché props that excite and frighten parade-goers with their imaginative artistic style. Don’t forget that the party doesn’t stop at the parade; the Monster Mash after-party starts at Mardi Gras World as soon as the parade is over (costume required). GA tickets are $30 while VIP tickets are $100, which includes an open bar and private seating. Visit www.kreweofboo.com to get yours.
The Lazarus Ball
October 29, 7:30–10:30 pm
Il Mercato, 1911 Magazine St.
Halloweenneworleans.com/events/
If you need a break from the spooky or just can’t hang with Halloween’s grotesque theme, this black tie event is just for you, and for a good cause. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, great food and a silent auction with items from many local businesses, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues. All proceeds from the event and auction will be donated to Project Lazarus, a foundation that helps people who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in many ways.
The Gathering of the Ancients
October 30, Doors 8 pm, Show 9 pm
Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr.
This year’s Lestat Fan Club Gathering of the Ancients Ball will be graced by the Queen of Vampire Fiction herself, Anne Rice. With a slew of entertainment and music, and appearances by Anne Rice and Naomi Grossman of American Horror Story, there’s vampire fun for everyone! If you’re a big fan of Anne Rice, a Q&A will be held with her and her son, also a novelist, before the ball. Tickets are $65. GA tickets to the ball are $65 as well, and VIP tickets are $125. All tickets can be purchased at www.eventbee.com/v/arvlfc
Jim Monaghan’s 19th Annual Halloween Parade
October 31, 6 pm
Begins at 1107 Decatur St.
Gathering at Molly’s at the Market at 6 pm and departing at 6:30, the parade will proceed through the French Quarter to The Erin Rose at 811 Conti Street, via Decatur, Bienville, and Burgundy. The parade will pause at The Erin Rose to refill drinks and conduct a no-holds-barred costume contest. From there, it’s a straight shot through the heart of the French Quarter’s world-famous Bourbon Street and back to home base at Molly’s.
The Vampire Ball
October 31
House of Blues, 224 Decatur St.
Neworleansvampireball.com
The Endless Night Vampire Ball events are a series of masquerade ball–themed soirees produced by Father Sebastiaan that began in New York City in 1996 with the “Vampyre Ball of New York” and the “Main Gala Event,” the New Orleans Vampire Ball, over Halloween weekend. The name Endless Night comes from the William Blake poem “Auguries of Innocence,” in which Blake states: “Some are born to Sweet Delight, Others are born to Endless Night.” Costumes are a must. Visit the event’s website for tips and ideas on how to dress up.
