Halloween in New Orleans: Your Guide to the Spookiest Party in America

New Orleans doesn't just celebrate Halloween – it transforms into a gothic wonderland that rivals Mardi Gras for sheer spectacle. When October hits, the city's already mysterious streets fill with costumed revelers, haunted tours wind through centuries-old cemeteries, and every bar seems to have its own ghost story. From spine-tingling voodoo history to family-friendly festivals, Halloween here offers something for every kind of thrill-seeker.

The French Quarter becomes the epicenter of it all, where elaborate costumes aren't just encouraged – they're practically mandatory. Street musicians play eerie tunes on every corner while ghost tours guide wide-eyed visitors past legendary haunted spots. Whether you're here for the legendary parties or the genuinely spooky experiences, you'll want a comfortable place to retreat after all the supernatural excitement. Hotel Perle's spacious suites on St. Charles Avenue offer the perfect sanctuary, just a streetcar ride away from the French Quarter's Halloween chaos.

The Atmosphere of Halloween in New Orleans

Walking through the French Quarter during Halloween feels like stepping into a Tim Burton movie. Gothic architecture draped in Spanish moss provides the perfect backdrop for elaborate decorations, while live jazz bands soundtrack the supernatural celebrations. The whole city embraces the spooky season with an enthusiasm that's uniquely New Orleans – part theatrical performance, part genuine reverence for the supernatural.

Costumes here aren't afterthoughts thrown together last minute. Locals and visitors alike go all out with intricate vampire getups, voodoo-inspired ensembles, and creative takes on the city's legendary characters. You'll see Marie Laveau impersonators, pirate crews, and elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations mixing with traditional Halloween fare. The energy is infectious, and you'll quickly realize that not wearing a costume makes you stand out more than wearing one.

Can't-Miss Halloween Events

Krewe of Boo Parade

The Krewe of Boo Parade typically rolls the Saturday before Halloween, starting around 6:30 PM from the Marigny through the French Quarter to Canal Street. This family-friendly parade features elaborately decorated floats with Halloween themes, throwing special Halloween beads, doubloons, and candy to eager crowds lining the streets.

What makes this parade special is its interactive nature – riders encourage spectators to show off their costumes, often throwing extra throws to the best-dressed. The parade includes local marching bands, dance crews, and themed walking groups, creating a true community celebration. Arrive early to claim a good spot along Royal Street or near Jackson Square, and bring bags for all the throws you'll catch.

Frenchmen Street Halloween Celebration

Frenchmen Street transforms into Halloween headquarters throughout October, but especially on Halloween night. Every venue from The Spotted Cat to d.b.a. hosts costume contests with cash prizes, themed drink specials, and live music that runs until dawn.

The street becomes one massive block party where costumed crowds spill from venue to venue. Expect to see brass bands in skeleton costumes, jazz musicians dressed as vampires, and street performers adding to the supernatural atmosphere. Cover charges are typically minimal (around $5-10), but the real entertainment happens on the street itself where elaborate costumes become performance art.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience takes over City Park during Halloween weekend, featuring multiple stages with major headliners, local acts, and art installations. This three-day festival attracts around 100,000 people who come for the music but stay for the Halloween atmosphere.

The festival encourages costumes and features a dedicated costume contest with prizes up to $1,000. Food vendors offer everything from traditional New Orleans cuisine to festival favorites, while local artisans sell Halloween-themed crafts. Weekend passes typically run $200-300, with single-day options available. The festival provides shuttle service from downtown hotels, making it easy to get to and from your accommodations.

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo runs select weekends in October, transforming the zoo into a Halloween wonderland perfect for families. Kids can trick-or-treat at decorated stations throughout the zoo while meeting costumed characters and enjoying special Halloween-themed animal presentations.

The event features a haunted train ride (not too scary), pumpkin decorating stations, face painting, and interactive games. Many animal exhibits get special Halloween enrichment – you might see tigers playing with pumpkins or elephants enjoying Halloween treats. Tickets cost around $25-35 for adults and $20-25 for children, and often sell out, so book early through the zoo's website.

Brews & Boos

Brews & Boos at the Audubon Aquarium offers an adults-only Halloween experience combining craft beer tastings with spooky aquarium atmosphere. The after-hours event lets you explore the aquarium's exhibits while sampling beers from local breweries and enjoying Halloween-themed appetizers.

The aquarium dims its lighting and adds special effects to create an underwater haunted house feel. Live music, costume contests, and themed cocktails round out the experience. Tickets typically cost $40-60 and include all beer samples and appetizers. This 21+ event usually sells out quickly due to limited capacity.

Halloween Night in the French Quarter

Halloween night itself turns the entire French Quarter into one massive costume party. Bourbon Street becomes wall-to-wall costumed revelers, while Royal Street offers a slightly more manageable crowd with better costume viewing opportunities. 

The famous Bourbon Street balconies fill with party-goers throwing beads to the best costumes below.

Most bars extend their hours and offer Halloween specials, while street performers and musicians create an incredible atmosphere. The celebration typically peaks between 9 PM and 1 AM, when the costume parade reaches its most elaborate. Police close several streets to vehicle traffic, making it safer for pedestrians but also creating intense crowd conditions.

Haunted Tours and Ghost Experiences

Cemetery Tours

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 tours offer the most authentic haunted experience in New Orleans. These above-ground "Cities of the Dead" house famous residents like Marie Laveau and provide genuine supernatural atmosphere. Historic New Orleans Tours offers daily cemetery walks that explain burial traditions, tomb architecture, and the legends surrounding famous residents.

Tours typically last 1-2 hours and cost around $20-25 per person. The cemetery's crumbling tombs, narrow pathways, and centuries-old history create an authentically eerie experience. During Halloween season, evening tours add extra supernatural storytelling and often include visits to multiple cemeteries.

French Quarter Ghost Walks

French Quarter Ghost Tours stop at the city's most famously haunted locations, including the LaLaurie Mansion, Sultan's Palace, and various haunted hotels and restaurants. Companies like Haunted History Tours and New Orleans Spirit Tours offer nightly walks lasting 1.5-2 hours.

These tours cost $15-30 per person and often allow you to bring alcoholic beverages along. Guides share documented ghost encounters, historical tragedies, and local legends while stopping at locations where you can actually enter haunted bars or restaurants. The combination of history, supernatural stories, and social drinking makes these tours incredibly popular during Halloween season.

Haunted Carriage Tours

Horse-drawn carriage tours offer a romantic way to hear ghost stories while clip-clopping through the Quarter's narrow streets. New Orleans Carriage Company and similar operators offer special Halloween tours that focus on supernatural stories rather than general history.

These tours typically cost $20-35 per person and last about an hour. The slow pace allows for detailed storytelling, while the carriage creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples or small groups. Many tours pass by haunted locations lit dramatically for Halloween, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Haunted Houses and Themed Attractions

The Mortuary Haunted House

The Mortuary Haunted House operates from a genuine former funeral home, using the building's authentic history to create one of America's scariest haunted attractions. The multi-level experience includes the embalming room, viewing parlors, and crematorium, all enhanced with professional-grade special effects and live actors.

Tickets range from $25-45 depending on the night and package options. The attraction typically operates Thursday through Sunday during October, with extended hours on Halloween weekend. They offer "fast pass" options to skip lines and VIP packages that include behind-the-scenes tours. The experience lasts 30-45 minutes and is genuinely terrifying – not recommended for children or those with heart conditions.

New Orleans Nightmare

New Orleans Nightmare features multiple haunted attractions under one roof, including traditional haunted houses, escape rooms, and interactive horror experiences. Located in a warehouse district, the facility can accommodate large groups and offers different fear levels for various audiences.

General admission costs $20-35, with combo packages available for multiple attractions. They offer group rates for parties of 10 or more and special VIP experiences that include expedited entry and exclusive access to certain areas. The facility typically operates weekends in October with daily operations during Halloween week.

Neighborhood Halloween Displays

Ghost Manor in the Bywater and the famous Skeleton House in the Marigny create elaborate neighborhood displays that attract visitors from across the city. These private residences go all-out with professional-level decorations, animatronics, and themed displays that change yearly.

The Skeleton House features hundreds of skeletons arranged in elaborate scenes that tell stories and reference local culture. Ghost Manor focuses on traditional horror themes with graveyard scenes and haunted mansion effects. Both locations welcome visitors for photos and typically accept donations for local charities. They're usually open for viewing from early October through Halloween night.

Voodoo, Vampires, and Legends

Marie Laveau and Voodoo Culture

The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum on Dumaine Street houses authentic artifacts, altars, and historical information about actual voodoo practice versus Hollywood portrayals. The museum includes Marie Laveau's hair, authentic gris-gris bags, and ceremonial items used in local voodoo traditions.

Admission costs $7 for adults and $5 for students/seniors. The small museum takes about 30-45 minutes to explore thoroughly, and staff members often share personal stories about local voodoo practitioners. During Halloween season, they offer extended hours and special exhibits focusing on voodoo's role in New Orleans' supernatural reputation.

Anne Rice's Vampire Legacy

Vampire tours visit locations featured in Anne Rice's novels, including the Gallier House where Louis lived in "Interview with the Vampire" and various French Quarter mansions described in the books. New Orleans Vampire Tours offers themed walks that blend fiction with local vampire folklore.

Casket Girls and Local Legends

The Casket Girls legend centers around the Ursuline Convent, where young French women arrived in the 1700s with mysterious casket-shaped luggage. Local tours stop at the convent to share the legend and point out the third-floor windows that are supposedly nailed shut to prevent the vampires inside from escaping.

This story combines historical fact with supernatural folklore – the women were real, but the vampire connection developed over centuries of storytelling. During Halloween tours, guides often embellish the tale with dramatic details about mysterious disappearances and unexplained phenomena around the convent.

Haunted Bars and Restaurants

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop operates in a building dating to the 1720s, making it one of the oldest structures in the Mississippi Valley. The candlelit interior features exposed brick walls, low ceilings, and a piano bar where patrons often report supernatural encounters.

The bar serves traditional New Orleans cocktails and offers a limited food menu. During Halloween season, they host special events including costume contests and themed drink specials. The building's history as a alleged smuggling front for pirate Jean Lafitte adds authenticity to its haunted reputation. Piano music plays nightly, creating an atmospheric backdrop for ghost stories shared by bartenders and regulars.

Muriel's Jackson Square

Muriel's Jackson Square fine dining restaurant maintains a table set for their resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who allegedly committed suicide in the building during a poker game. The restaurant serves upscale Creole cuisine in elegant dining rooms where staff members often report supernatural activity.

Dinner reservations are recommended, especially during Halloween season when they offer special themed menus and ghost story dinners. The restaurant's location directly across from St. Louis Cathedral adds to its atmospheric appeal. Their ghost table tradition has been featured on numerous paranormal television shows and adds an authentic supernatural element to the dining experience.

The Old Absinthe House

The Old Absinthe House claims to be the birthplace of the famous Sazerac cocktail and maintains its historical reputation as a gathering place for famous writers, artists, and bohemians. The bar serves authentic absinthe prepared in the traditional French style with sugar cubes and special spoons.

The building houses multiple bars on different floors, each with its own character and supernatural stories. Business cards and photographs from visitors cover the walls and ceiling, creating a unique atmospheric display. During Halloween, they offer special absinthe tastings and themed cocktails while sharing stories about famous patrons and supernatural encounters.

Commander's Palace

Commander's Palace in the Garden District has served New Orleans families for over 130 years in a Victorian mansion that staff and diners report is actively haunted. The upscale restaurant requires proper attire (jackets for men) and offers award-winning Creole cuisine in an elegant setting.

Their famous turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé are local legends, while their jazz brunch creates a festive atmosphere perfect for Halloween weekend visits. The restaurant's longevity, combined with its historic building and formal service, creates an old-world atmosphere where ghost stories feel entirely plausible. Reservations are essential, especially during Halloween season.

Where to Stay?

Hotel Perle offers a peaceful option for visitors seeking to experience the Halloween atmosphere. After nights filled with ghost tours and supernatural encounters, you’ll appreciate returning to comfortable, modern suites where the only spirits are the ones you choose to enjoy on the rooftop terrace. The hotel’s location on St. Charles Avenue puts you just a streetcar ride away from all the Halloween action while offering a tranquil retreat when you need to recharge.

Family-Friendly Halloween in New Orleans

Boo Carre

Boo Care transforms Jackson Square into a kid-friendly Halloween wonderland, typically held the Saturday before Halloween from 10 AM to 2 PM. This free event features trick-or-treating stations set up around the square, with local businesses and organizations handing out candy and small prizes to costumed children.

The event includes face painting stations, pumpkin decorating activities, and a costume contest with age-appropriate categories. Local musicians perform family-friendly versions of spooky songs, while storytellers share kid-friendly versions of New Orleans legends. The event attracts hundreds of families and provides a safe, controlled environment for children to experience Halloween fun without the intense atmosphere of evening celebrations.

Ghosts in the Oaks

Ghosts in the Oaks at City Park creates a magical drive-through experience perfect for families with young children. The event typically runs select nights in October from 6:30-9:30 PM, featuring elaborate light displays, animated characters, and spooky but not scary decorations throughout the park's oak tree canopy.

Tickets cost around $20-25 per vehicle (regardless of passengers), making it an affordable family outing. The drive-through format allows families to control their experience – you can drive slowly to take in details or move quickly past anything too scary for younger children. The route takes about 30-45 minutes and includes several photo opportunity stops where families can get out of their cars for pictures.

Magazine Street Halloween Shopping

Magazine Street becomes Halloween shopping headquarters during October, with costume shops, vintage stores, and boutiques offering everything from elaborate vampire costumes to kid-friendly superhero outfits. Shops like Funky Monkey and Trashy Diva create special Halloween sections with locally-inspired costumes including Marie Laveau, jazz musicians, and Mardi Gras royalty.

Many stores offer costume rental services, particularly helpful for visitors who don't want to travel with elaborate outfits. Local seamstresses and costume designers often set up temporary shops during October, creating custom pieces for serious Halloween enthusiasts. The street's walkable layout makes it easy to shop with children, and many stores offer kid-friendly activities during Halloween weekend.

Family-Friendly Ghost Tours

Several tour companies offer family-friendly ghost tours that focus on history and mild supernatural stories rather than genuinely scary content. These tours typically run 60-90 minutes and cost $15-20 for adults, $10-15 for children. They visit the same locations as adult tours but emphasize historical facts and local legends rather than terrifying ghost encounters.

Haunted History Tours offers a specific family tour that includes interactive elements like ghost detecting equipment for kids and simplified explanations of local legends. These tours help children learn about New Orleans history while experiencing just enough supernatural atmosphere to feel exciting without being traumatic.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Booking and Timing Strategy

Book accommodations and major events 2-3 months in advance for Halloween weekend. Popular hotels fill up quickly, while events like Voodoo Fest and The Mortuary Haunted House sell out weeks ahead. Restaurant reservations at places like Commander's Palace and Muriel's should be made as soon as they become available.

Arrive Wednesday or Thursday if possible to beat weekend crowds. Many events run throughout the week leading up to Halloween, and you'll have better access to tours, restaurants, and attractions before the weekend rush. Halloween night itself (October 31st) features the biggest crowds but also the most elaborate costumes and festive atmosphere.

Weather Preparation

October weather in New Orleans can be unpredictable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and nighttime lows around 60-70°F. Humidity remains high year-round, so breathable costume fabrics are essential. Pack layers since you might be comfortable in shorts during the day but want sleeves for evening ghost tours.

Rain is always possible, so pack a compact umbrella or rain poncho that you can carry during walking tours. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief. Choose costume accessories that can handle moisture, and consider backup options if your elaborate costume isn't weather-appropriate.

Safety and Navigation

Travel in groups, especially late at night in the French Quarter where Halloween crowds can become intense. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through less populated areas. Police presence increases significantly during Halloween weekend, with officers stationed throughout the French Quarter and at major events.

Bring cash for street performers, tips, and smaller bars that might not accept cards. ATMs can have long lines during peak times, so withdraw money during daylight hours. Keep cash in multiple locations and only carry what you need for each outing.

Transportation Tips

The streetcar system connects major Halloween areas, but expect longer wait times and crowded cars during peak hours. The St. Charles line runs from downtown through the Garden District, while the Riverfront line connects the French Quarter to other neighborhoods. Download the RTA app for real-time arrival information.

Ride-sharing services surge price during Halloween weekend, sometimes 3-4 times normal rates. Book rides well in advance when possible, or plan to walk between nearby attractions. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations – ask your concierge about availability.

Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do

Free Halloween Entertainment

Watch the Krewe of Boo parade for free along the route – arrive early to claim spots near Jackson Square or along Royal Street for the best viewing. The parade throws special Halloween beads and candy, giving you souvenirs without spending money.

Frenchmen Street offers incredible free entertainment with street musicians, brass bands, and impromptu costume contests. You can enjoy hours of live music by purchasing just one drink per venue, making it an affordable way to experience New Orleans nightlife. Street performers often put on elaborate shows, especially during Halloween when everyone embraces theatrical elements.

Budget-Friendly Attractions

Garden District walking tours cost $15-20 per person and showcase elaborate Halloween decorations on historic mansions. Many residents go all-out with professional-level displays, creating a free outdoor haunted attraction as you walk through the neighborhood. 

The Magazine Street area offers similar displays with the added bonus of window shopping.

Cemetery viewing from outside the gates is free, though you'll miss the detailed historical information provided by guided tours. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 both offer impressive views of above-ground tombs and gothic architecture without admission fees.

Money-Saving Strategies

Happy hour specials at haunted bars let you experience the atmosphere without full dinner prices. Many restaurants offer special Halloween cocktails during happy hour, typically 3-6 PM. Group discounts are available for most haunted tours and attractions – gather 6-8 people to save $5-10 per person.

Costume rental costs less than buying elaborate outfits you'll only wear once. Local shops rent everything from basic vampire costumes ($25-35) to elaborate historical outfits ($50-75), often including accessories and makeup advice.

FAQs | Halloween in New Orleans

Do people wear costumes in New Orleans for Halloween? 

Absolutely – costumes are practically mandatory throughout October, not just on Halloween night. Locals start wearing costumes to work and social events weeks before Halloween, and visitors who don't costume up will feel out of place. The more elaborate and creative, the better you'll fit in with the local celebration style.

Is Halloween safe in New Orleans? 

Yes, with proper precautions. The French Quarter sees increased police presence during Halloween weekend, and major events have security personnel. Stick to busy, well-lit areas, travel in groups, and use common sense about personal belongings. The biggest safety concern is crowd density – Halloween night on Bourbon Street can become uncomfortably packed.

Can kids join the celebrations? 

Many family-friendly events cater specifically to children, including Boo Carre, Boo at the Zoo, and Ghosts in the Oaks. Daytime activities focus on fun rather than scares, while evening ghost tours offer family-friendly versions. The key is choosing age-appropriate activities and avoiding late-night French Quarter crowds.

What's the weather like in October? 

Expect warm, humid weather with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s and nighttime lows in the 60s-70s. Pack breathable costume materials and layers for temperature changes. Rain showers are possible but usually brief. The humidity makes synthetic costume materials uncomfortable for extended wear.

What should I pack? 

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and long walking tours. Pack costume options, layers for temperature changes, a compact umbrella, cash for tips and small vendors, and a portable phone charger. Bring any special costume accessories you can't easily find locally.

Which haunted tours are best? 

Cemetery tours offer the most authentic supernatural atmosphere, while French Quarter ghost walks provide the best combination of history and entertainment. Carriage tours work well for couples or those with mobility concerns. Family-friendly tours focus on history over scares. Book with licensed guides and check recent reviews for current quality.

Conclusion

Halloween in New Orleans delivers an experience you can't find anywhere else in America. The city's genuine supernatural history, incredible party atmosphere, and embrace of all things spooky create a celebration that goes far beyond typical Halloween festivities. From elaborate parades and world-class haunted houses to family-friendly festivals and authentic ghost tours, New Orleans offers Halloween experiences for every interest level and age group.

Whether you're here for the legendary nightlife, spine-tingling supernatural encounters, or family-friendly costume fun, you'll discover why this city has earned its reputation as America's most haunted destination. The combination of documented paranormal activity, centuries-old legends, and over-the-top celebrations creates an atmosphere where the supernatural feels genuinely possible.

When the costumes come off and the last ghost tour ends, Hotel Perle's comfortable suites on historic St. Charles Avenue provide the perfect place to process all the supernatural excitement. With easy access to both the French Quarter's Halloween chaos and the peaceful Garden District, plus spacious accommodations ideal for groups planning their next day's adventures, you'll have an ideal home base for your own New Orleans Halloween adventure.