If you love costumes, music, and a dash of spooky charm, New Orleans Halloween events 2025 are your perfect getaway. I’ve been to many festivals, but nothing comes close to the energy of this city in October.
The streets light up with floats, jazz bands, and a sea of characters some adorable, some terrifying. This year’s lineup is already shaping up to be unforgettable, and I’ve gathered all the essential details so you can plan without missing a thing.
Why New Orleans is Perfect for Halloween
New Orleans isn’t just about Mardi Gras it’s also one of the best cities in the US for Halloween. The mix of French Quarter history, voodoo legends, and live music creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re into parades, haunted attractions, and street parties that go all night, you’re in the right place. The weather in late October is usually pleasant cool evenings with just enough breeze to keep your vampire cape flowing dramatically. And trust me, the locals go all in on costumes, so bring your best effort.
New Orleans Halloween 2025
| Event | Date & Time | Location/Route | Entry Fee | Crowd Size | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krewe of BOO! Parade | Sat, Oct 25, 6:30 pm | Elysian Fields → Canal → Tchoupitoulas | Free | Thousands | Floats, marching bands, throws |
| Zombie Run | Sat, Oct 25, 9:00 am | Warehouse District loop | Paid registration | Hundreds | Costumed runners, “zombie” chasers |
| Ghosts in the Oaks | Oct 16–19 | City Park | Paid entry | Families & kids | Trick-or-treat trail, rides |
| Boo at the Zoo | Oct 17–19 | Audubon Zoo | Paid entry | Families | Kid-friendly Halloween fun |
| Halloween New Orleans | Oct 24–26 | Various venues | Ticketed | Large | Parties, concerts, second line |
| Frenchmen Street Halloween Night | Oct 31, evening | Frenchmen Street | Free | Thousands | Street party, live music |
Krewe of BOO! – New Orleans’ Official Halloween Parade
The Krewe of BOO! Parade is the crown jewel of New Orleans Halloween events. This year, it rolls on Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 6:30 pm.
The parade kicks off at Elysian Fields Avenue and winds through the French Quarter and Warehouse District before ending near the Convention Center.
If you’ve never been, picture Mardi Gras floats with a spooky twist giant skeletons, glowing pumpkins, and ghoulish dancers tossing candy and beads.
I recommend grabbing a spot early along Decatur Street or Canal Street for the best view. The crowd here is lively but not as tightly packed as closer to the end of the route.
Zombie Run – A Morning of Fun and Fear
Before the big parade, you can start your Saturday with the New Orleans Zombie Run. This two-mile race begins and ends at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street. Registration opens at 7:30 am, and the race kicks off at 9:00 am sharp.
Don’t worry you don’t need to be a fast runner. Many participants show up in elaborate costumes, and “zombie” chasers roam the course adding just enough fear to keep you moving. If you want great photos, stick around after the race when everyone gathers at Lucy’s for drinks and laughs.
Family-Friendly Fun – Ghosts in the Oaks & Boo at the Zoo
Not everything in New Orleans Halloween is about scares. If you’re visiting with kids, Ghosts in the Oaks at City Park is a must.
Running from October 16–19, it’s a safe, family-friendly event featuring a trick-or-treat trail, carousel rides, and live entertainment. I love how they decorate the park with glowing pumpkins it’s a great spot for early evening photos.
Another great pick is Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo, happening October 17–19. This one is designed for younger children, with treat stations, crafts, and animal encounters. Costumes are encouraged, and the vibe here is more adorable than scary.
Halloween New Orleans Weekend – Parties with a Purpose
If you like your Halloween with a touch of glamour, Halloween New Orleans (HNO) is your event. This annual celebration runs from October 24–26, 2025, and it’s more than just a party it supports Project Lazarus, a nonprofit helping people living with HIV/AIDS.
The weekend kicks off Friday night with a themed gala at Gallier Hall, followed by the Saturday main event at The Fillmore.
Sunday wraps it up with a second line parade through the French Quarter. Expect jaw-dropping costumes, live DJs, and a crowd that knows how to dance until sunrise. I’ve been to one before, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the energy.
Frenchmen Street – Halloween Night Street Party
Halloween night on Frenchmen Street is pure chaos in the best way possible. Musicians play on almost every corner, bars spill out into the street, and costumed crowds pack the sidewalks.
This isn’t an “organized” event like the Krewe of BOO! it’s more of a massive, spontaneous festival. If you go, I recommend starting early in the evening to grab a good spot near Blue Nile or The Spotted Cat Music Club.
These venues always have live music worth hearing, and the people-watching is unmatched. Be prepared for heavy foot traffic this is one of the busiest nights of the year.
Best Viewing Spots for Krewe of BOO! and Frenchmen Street
Finding the right spot can make or break your parade experience. For the Krewe of BOO!, Decatur Street near Jackson Square offers great views and an easy walk to post-parade food. If you want more space, head toward the Warehouse District where the crowd thins out.
For Frenchmen Street, there’s no “best” spot it’s about moving with the crowd. I like starting near Esplanade Avenue and slowly working my way down the street, stopping at whichever bar has the most interesting band at the time.
Food and Drink Options During Halloween Week
One of the best parts of Halloween in New Orleans is that you can snack your way through the celebrations. During the Krewe of BOO! Parade, food trucks line parts of the route offering po’boys, crawfish pies, and beignets.
My go-to is always a hot plate of jambalaya before the floats roll it’s filling and easy to eat while standing. If you’re hanging out on Frenchmen Street, many bars serve Halloween-themed cocktails.
Places like Dat Dog often add special late-night menus, and you’ll find pop-up vendors selling pralines, candied apples, and gumbo in to-go cups. Just keep an eye on lines popular spots fill up fast.
Haunted Attractions to Visit in 2025
No New Orleans Halloween guide is complete without mentioning The Mortuary Haunted House. Located on Canal Street, it’s running from September 13 to November 8, 2025, with the theme “Origins of Evil.”
This historic funeral home-turned-haunted attraction has multiple floors of scares and special effects that are worth the ticket price.
City ghost tours are also popular in October. Walking tours through the French Quarter share chilling stories about voodoo queens, haunted hotels, and mysterious alleyways.
If you want something more theatrical, The Vampire Ball at House of Blues from October 30 to November 1 is a mix of gothic fashion, live music, and themed performances.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
For visitors flying in, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 20–25 minutes from downtown. If you’re staying for multiple events, book a hotel near the French Quarter or Warehouse District.
You’ll be within walking distance of most Halloween activities and save on rideshare costs. Parking in the French Quarter during big events can be tricky.
If you must drive, aim for public garages on the edge of downtown and walk in. Public transportation is limited late at night, so rideshares or walking are your main options.
Safety Rules and Event Guidelines
Event organizers take safety seriously, especially for parades and large gatherings. Bag checks are common at official events like Krewe of BOO! and The Mortuary.
Avoid bringing glass containers, large props, or anything that could be mistaken for a weapon. For families, stick to well-lit areas and set a meeting point in case you get separated.
If you’re enjoying Frenchmen Street, be aware of your surroundings it’s festive but crowded. And yes, public drinking is allowed in New Orleans, but only in plastic cups.
Costume Ideas for 2025
Costumes are practically a requirement in New Orleans during Halloween week. The 2025 Krewe of BOO! theme hasn’t been officially announced yet, but popular choices include skeletons, voodoo priests, jazz musicians, and famous New Orleans ghosts.
If you’re attending the Vampire Ball, lean toward gothic elegance black lace, capes, and dramatic makeup. For the Zombie Run, athletic wear with fake blood is a safe bet. The key here is comfort; you’ll be walking, dancing, and possibly running all night.
Conclusion
Halloween in New Orleans is a wild mix of tradition, creativity, and pure fun. From the jaw-dropping floats of the Krewe of BOO! Parade to the late-night beats on Frenchmen Street, every event has its own flavor.
Whether you’re here for family-friendly fun at Boo at the Zoo or ready to party at Halloween New Orleans, there’s something for everyone.
I’ve been to Halloween events all over, but New Orleans stands out because the entire city joins in. People don’t just watch they become part of the show.
So if you’re planning a trip, bring your best costume, an open mind, and maybe an extra memory card for your camera.
FAQs
Yes, the Krewe of BOO! is free to watch. Just find a good spot along the route and enjoy.
No, you must register in advance as a rider or marcher with the Krewe of BOO!. The Zombie Run is open to all registered runners.
I recommend at least an hour early, especially if you want a prime viewing spot near Jackson Square or Canal Street.
Yes, but it’s limited. Use public garages on the edge of downtown or park further away and walk.
Leashed pets are generally fine at outdoor events like the parade, but crowded spaces may not be comfortable for them.
Yes, but only in plastic cups. No glass containers are permitted in public.