Halloween in New Orleans is a citywide celebration where centuries-old traditions meet modern spectacle. Expect costumed parades through the French Quarter, haunted house tours, candlelit cemetery walks, and live music echoing from historic streets. The city’s blend of voodoo lore, gothic architecture, and festive spirit makes Halloween here unlike anywhere else
Costumed crowds fill Bourbon and Royal Streets, with themed floats, brass bands, and spontaneous dance parties from dusk till late.
Guided walks through historic mansions, voodoo temples, and infamous haunted sites, with stories of spirits and local legends.
Evening tours in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery, where guides share tales of the city’s most famous ghosts and voodoo queens.
City Park’s Ghosts in the Oaks, Audubon Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, and neighborhood trick-or-treat routes for all ages.
Halloween riverboat cruises on the Mississippi, with live jazz, costumes, and views of the city skyline at night.
Balconies draped in cobwebs, pumpkin displays, pop-up bars with themed cocktails, and local shops offering seasonal treats.
Massive, hand-crafted floats roll through the French Quarter, with costumed riders tossing beads and candy to the crowd.
| Event name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
Krewe of Boo Parade | French Quarter | The city’s signature Halloween parade with floats, costumes, and music. |
Ghosts in the Oaks | City Park | Family festival with trick-or-treating, rides, and crafts under the oaks. |
Boo at the Zoo | Audubon Zoo | Halloween fun for kids: treats, games, and animal encounters. |
The Mortuary Haunted House | Canal Street | Multi-story haunted house with actors and effects. |
Frenchmen Street Block Party | Frenchmen Street | Live music, costumes, and street dancing into the night. |
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience | City Park | Multi-day festival with music, art, and food. |
Cemetery Ghost Tours | St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 | Guided evening tours with ghost stories and local legends. |
Guided evening tours with ghost stories and local legends. |
Costumes are encouraged for all ages, especially in the French Quarter and at parades. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and dancing.
Guided Ghost Tours in New Orleans are a popular way to explore the city’s haunted mansions, cemeteries, and voodoo history. They’re especially atmospheric during Halloween, so booking early is recommended.
Yes, you can celebrate on board the Steamboat Natchez, which offers evening jazz cruises with live music and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Many guests dress in costume for Halloween weekend sailings.
Yes, the Krewe of Boo Parade and most street parties are free to watch and join along the route.
Yes, events like Ghosts in the Oaks and Boo at the Zoo in New Orleans are designed for families, and many neighborhoods organize safe trick-or-treating.
Some haunted houses have age restrictions or recommend parental guidance due to intense scares and effects.
Expect mild to warm days (70–80°F) and cooler evenings. Occasional rain is possible, so pack accordingly.
Yes, popular haunted tours, river cruises, and special events often sell out in advance, especially on Halloween weekend.
Policies vary by event and venue. Most parades and public spaces allow snacks, but alcohol is restricted to licensed areas.
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