New Orleans is a creative, artistic and soulful city that’s fun any time of year. Mardi Gras holds as the most festive time of year, but Halloween season is a close second! As one of the most haunted cities in the country, it’s no surprise New Orleans has many events around the city to celebrate Halloween throughout the month of October.
To enjoy the best of New Orleans at Halloween, here is a list of some of the things to do in New Orleans in October and Halloween night. If you are planning to visit during Halloween next year, save this list!
Things To Do In New Orleans during Halloween
Ghost Manor New Orleans
Ghost Manor NOLA puts on a show every year on Magazine and 2nd Street for absolutely free. The manor is not only decorated with countless carved pumpkins, but you can watch skeletons sing, waltz, boogie to the song thriller and Ghost Buster’s Slimer might even make an appearance.
The Ghost Manor is fun for kids and adults. Honestly, there were more adults there than kids when I went to visit on Halloween Day!
I thought the Ghost Manor was fantastic and I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a must-see if you are in NOLA during October. Get a sneak peek at Ghost Manor in the video below.
The Ghost Manor is alive all October from sundown to 10pm on the corner of 2nd and Magazine Street. You can find Ghost Manor NOLA on Facebook and Instagram at @ghostmanornola for updated info.
Skeleton House Nola
The Skeleton House NOLA on St Charles Avenue is a sight to see that just might tickle your funny bone.
I discovered the Skelton house as I looked out the window of the famous St Charles Street Car. As the streetcar passed by the lawn sprawling with skeletons, I knew I had to get it off and inspect a bit closer.
The Skeleton House ritually puts up its display of creatively dressed skeletons every October where you may find new skeleton characters from one year to the next.
You can find Skeleton House NOLA on Instagram @skeletonhousenola
Visit Frenchman Street for Halloween Shenanigans
Frenchman Street is the place to be on Halloween Night. Watch the ghouls and gals come to life and dress in their best Halloween attire! Frenchman turns into a big block party with a live DJ in the streets and ghoulish parties in the local music clubs.
Bourbon Street is also lively on Halloween. The party extends from Frenchman to Bourbon so take a stroll through the haunted French Quarter on Halloween night.
Quick note: People also come out and dress in Costumes on Frenchmen the weekend before Halloween. It’s also a great time to dress up and join the fun.
Stroll Through Historic Neighborhoods of New Orleans and the French Quarter
Take a stroll through the French Quarter and some of the neighborhoods of New Orleans to find your favorite “haunted house.”
In the historic Marigny neighborhood – just outside of the French Quarter – I enjoyed seeing many of the brightly painted shotgun homes decorated for Halloween. I recommend to start your walk on Marigny and Burgundy and walk your way towards the French Quarter where you can enjoy a fun walk while discovering creatively decorated homes like the ones in the pictures below.
Below is the haunted LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter on Royal and Gov Nicholls. Visible from the sidewalk, you may find a disturbing scene staged in one of the doorways that depict the horror that once took place in the mansion.
You will almost always find other visitors stopping to take photos of this famous building – any time of year – just as you can see happening in the photo below.
Visit the Cemeteries of New Orleans
Cemeteries in New Orleans are called Cities of the Dead. The cemeteries in New Orleans tell centuries of history, not only stories of horror.
So if you aren’t into scary stories, that’s ok because the cemeteries are beautiful to see beyond the interest in haunted stories.
The tombstones in the cemeteries are like works of art and when you see them, you can’t help but see the ironic beauty in the Cities of the Dead.
I would recommend going with a tour guide to learn more about New Orleans history, traditions, burial customs and the tales of lives who have past on to the other side.
Krewe of Boo
The Krewe of Boo is a parade that takes place one of the previous Saturdays before Halloween night. Consider it Mardi-Gras-O-Ween! Enjoy a parade of costumes and creatively unique props made to “frighten and excite parade goers.” (https://www.kreweofboo.com/)
Get info and dates of the next Krewe of Boo at https://www.kreweofboo.com/
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