What’s the most haunted city in the U.S.? Our bet’s on New Orleans which is gearing up for Halloween with special events and festivities to scare visitors of all ages. Travelers looking to get some southern hospitality on fright night and afterward won’t want to miss out on this year’s assortment of spooky-themed activities.
New Orleans is a hotbed of supernatural culture, a city rich with voodoo and it’s offering up haunted tours and ghost stories galore. New Orleans Psychic Medium Cari Roy referred to this city as “paranormal gumbo” with its religious and spiritual history. The city attracts all manner of people looking to get in touch with the paranormal. Tourists during the Halloween season are sure to find something ghoulish to trick or treat their friends in tow.
Here’s a round-up of our favorite Halloween happenings down in the Big Easy.
Haunted Tours – Year Round
Jump on a tour around the city with a local guide to check-out the hottest spots for ghostly activity. Some places either have a resident ghost or two or some gruesome history worth discovering, or both! Tours often take place at night for increased creepiness and can be too spooky for the toddlers so be sure to check on age restrictions. Also, most of them are on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable footgear.
Who it’s for: People who love walking tours and fans of ghost stories
Where to find them: Most of the tours offered cover the French Quarter, the Garden District and even the city’s cemeteries. Here’s our hit list:
Halloween New Orleans – October 29 – November 1
New Orleans reputation as a premier Halloween destination is unwavering. With much enthusiasm, the city prepares to welcome the 32nd annual Halloween New Orleans (HNO), October 29 – November 1. The weekend-long extravaganza, benefitting Project Lazarus, is the largest gay Halloween charity event in the country.
Dress to impress as far as costume goes so you can hold your own in the annual costume contest. You can purchase a one day pass or a pass for the whole weekend.
Events include the Lazarus Ball on Thursday, Oct. 29, an annual black tie preferred blast with proceeds going to Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans that provides direct services to those with AIDS. The Neon Underground will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, a disco party featuring DJ Grind. Saturday, Oct. 31, is the date of the main event where you’ll be transported back in time to an Ancient Egyptian era of mummies, scarabs, and hieroglyphics. To wrap things up, on Sunday Nov. 1, there will be a Paradise Brunch with Jazz and Gospel entertainment.
Who it’s for: the LGBT crowd and party animals looking to let loose this Halloween. Expect extravagant black and white costumes and drag queens wearing their tallest stilettos.
Where to get ticket info: Check the site’s event page to track event venues and ticket availability.
www.halloweenneworleans.com/events
www.projectlazarus.net
27th Annual Vampire Ball – October 30
It’s a ball, there are vampires (or people dressed as vampires) and it’s hosted by the official Anne Rice Vampire Lestat fan club. It already sounds like something Halloween-worthy especially for people who love gothic fashion and vampires in general. The ball will feature live entertainment and a Ball Bazaar for those looking to purchase some goodies. And the Queen of Vampires herself, author Anne Rice, will be attending this year.
Who it’s for: Anne Rice groupies, vampire fans, Gothic fashionistas
The Krewe of Boo – October 24
The official New Orleans Halloween Parade held in the French Quarter, a free event that’s guaranteed Halloween central. Be ready to rub elbows with the locals and view the Halloween floats. There’s also an after party, but you’ll have to purchase tickets to get in.
Who’s it for: Parade fans, people who don’t mind crowds, people looking to experience a local event.
For the Parade Route: Check these links for any updates on the parade.
Creepy Crawly Children’s Tea – October 24-25
Held in the Grill Room at The Windsor Court Hotel, The Audubon Zoo will bring in some guests of the creepy, crawly variety to visit Le Salon’s Halloween Tea. Children will have a three course tea with ghostly sandwiches, pumpkin shaped cookies and sparkling non-alcoholic beverages. Costumes are encouraged and it’s not just for the kids; accompanying adults can indulge in their seasonal assortment of teas and snacks.
Who it’s for: those looking for something a bit more laid back, parents with kids in tow, tea time lovers.
The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel
300 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 523-6000
