7 Top Halloween Activities in New Orleans

The Spookiest Things to Do in October If You’re Visiting The Big Easy

There are few places on Earth better for getting into the Halloween spirit than New Orleans. A city known for its unique blend of history, culture, and the supernatural, New Orleans does not disappoint when it comes to things to do in the spooky season. 

The best part? With City Sightseeing New Orleans on your side, you can easily travel to multiple landmarks and attractions with our convenient Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or want something a little more spine chilling, this collection of 7 top Halloween activities in New Orleans has something for everyone.

The Krewe of Boo

Recognized as New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, the Krewe of Boo transforms the city’s historic French Quarter into the “Boo Carré.” Founded by “Mr. Mardi Gras” Blaine Kern Sr., the inaugural parade took place in 2007 and, with a few exceptions, has commenced around the same time every year since. 

The Krewe of Boo typically begins in the Marigny neighborhood and ends at the Warehouse District. Floats feature elaborate 3D paper mâché and fiberglass designs of spooky creatures, and parade throws send candy, light-up beads, voodoo-themed items, and Halloween trinkets into the awaiting crowd – it’s a spooktacular time for all!

The Krewe of Boo will take place on October 19, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

Halloween Decorated Homes in the Garden District

For some fun and creepy private home decor in New Orleans, take a stroll down St. Charles Avenue and through the Garden District. Even outside of the spooky season, this part of the city is well-known for its historic architecture and haunted lore. For example, the Skeleton House features comical and creative skeleton displays that lean into puns and humorous social commentary. This year, the theme is the ScarERAS Tour – a nod to Taylor Swift, who is bringing her Eras Tour to New Orleans at the end of this month. 

Stunning visual sights of hanging pumpkin lanterns and voodoo skeletons greet trick-or-treaters and curious visitors alike. New Orleans’ traditional association with voodoo also is reflected in many of the themed decorations through the inclusion of traditional symbols and figures associated with the practice’s folklore. From silly to genuinely scary displays, a casual walk along St. Charles Avenue and through the Garden District is always a must during Halloween.

View the city’s Halloween decor and recognizable Skeleton House display in October.

The Mortuary Haunted House

Often referred to as “The House that Fear Built,” the Mortuary Haunted House has been a staple of New Orleans Halloween activities since 2007. A funeral home in a previous life, the venue has been in use for about 85 years with the structure itself built in 1872. To make matters even more eerie, the Mortuary is surrounded by — you guessed it — graveyards. 

With a mix of state-of-the-art animatronics, elaborate sets, real ghost sightings, and Hollywood-level makeup, the Mortuary introduces guests to a slightly new theme every Halloween. For this reason, it’s no surprise why this haunted house has gained a reputation as one of the scariest haunted attractions in America.

Visit the Mortuary Haunted House at 4800 Canal Street in New Orleans.

Boo at the Zoo

This annual family-friendly Halloween event hosted at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is charming whether you’re a fan of animals or not. With a percentage of the proceeds going to the Audubon Zoo and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Boo at the Zoo is also a great opportunity to contribute to a good cause while having some good-old fashioned Halloween fun. 

For children 12 and under, trick-or-treating opportunities are available throughout various stations set up around the zoo. Interestingly, all distributed candy is sourced from sustainable palm oil, which offers an environmentally conscious way to sate your sweet tooth. A haunted house, mystery maze, unique animal encounters, and themed photo ops complete the furry fun.

Participate in Boo at the Zoo on October 18, 19, and 20, 2024 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Ghosts in the Oaks

A beloved Halloween event held at New Orleans City Park’s Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland, Ghost in the Oaks is a family-friendly extravaganza that takes place from October 17th – October 20th. While at Carousel Gardens, attendees can enjoy unlimited rides and a trick-or-treating experience. Ghosts in the Oaks is also a renowned fundraising event for the City Park Conservancy, which supports ongoing improvements and maintenance of the beautiful green space in New Orleans. 

With lots of arts and crafts on the docket, a designated pumpkin patch also allows families to choose orange specimens of their own to carve together. Finally, guests can finish off the day with a hot dog roast and storytelling around the communal fire. 

Attend Ghosts in the Oaks at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park on October 17, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

New Orleans Nightmare

Located near the Huey P. Long Bridge, the New Orleans Nightmare is another well-known haunted house in the city and retains the creepy distinction of being one of the top haunted attractions in the U.S. 

What’s unique about the New Orleans Nightmare is its “pick your own path” options for guests who might want to experience one or more themed environments. Consider purchasing the VIP pass to skip the lines that, unsurprisingly, can become quite long in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Visit New Orleans Nightmare at 319 Butterworth St. in New Orleans.

Yellow Fever Ghost Tour with City Sightseeing

Explore New Orleans’ haunted history with chilling true stories about the many yellow fever epidemics that decimated the city’s population throughout the 19th century. This 90-minute walking tour leads guests to some of the most infamous sites associated with the grisly lore and gruesome impact of disease. 

Beginning at the Pharmacy Museum, the Yellow Fever Ghost Tour hits locations like the LaLaurie Mansion, the notorious Pirates Alley — a well-known dueling spot — and Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. 

Book the Yellow Fever Ghost Tour or purchase a Hop On Hop Off package with City Sightseeing New Orleans.

Whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling thrills or family-friendly fun, New Orleans has Halloween activities to suit everyone in your group. From haunted houses to lively parades, the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and spooky traditions ensures an unforgettable experience. And with a Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing New Orleans pass, you can easily fit in all the Halloween activities you want! So grab your costume, hop on our bus, and dive into the hauntingly fun spirit of the Big Easy this October!