When September ends, New Orleans comes alive even more, and it is one of the greatest spots to celebrate Halloween. Houses are brightly illuminated, and some, such as the Berger Residence, are notably adorned each year, while scary houses open their doors. The atmosphere in the French Quarter is enough to entice eerie visitors, but the calendar of bone-chilling excitement, from parades to ghostly funeral homes, piques our interest.
Halloween in New Orleans is much more than a night for youngsters to go trick-or-treating with their parents. Like many other holidays, New Orleans celebrates in its distinct manner, replete with costume parties, balls, street celebrations, and, of course, a parade. If you're going to New Orleans for Halloween, be prepared for some macabre, eccentric delights.
Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween 2025 in New Orleans-
The Krewe of Boo! is New Orleans' official Halloween parade, rolling through the French Quarter on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This family-friendly event features Mardi Gras-style floats crafted by Kern Studios, showcasing spooky themes like werewolves, ghosts, and vampires. The parade begins at Elysian Fields Avenue, proceeds through the French Quarter, and ends in the Warehouse District. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a shoulder bag to collect unique Halloween-themed throws. Viewing the parade is free and open to the public.
The Endless Night New Orleans Vampire Ball 2025 is set to take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the iconic House of Blues in New Orleans. This premier Halloween weekend event is a formal fantasy gathering that blends the opulence of a Venetian masquerade with the allure of a vampire court. Attendees can expect an evening filled with live performances, immersive rituals, and a vibrant dance floor. The dress code is strictly enforced, encouraging attire such as black-on-black vampire couture, Victorian, steampunk, or New Orleans Venetian Carnival styles. Masques and fangs are highly encouraged to enhance the immersive experience. The night culminates in the CIRQUE at midnight, featuring a dramatic reveal, the HOWL led by Father Sebastiaan, three captivating performances, and a Best Dressed Contest.
The 37th Annual Anne Rice Vampire Ball – Memnoch the Devil is set to enchant New Orleans on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM at Capital on Baronne. This exclusive event, hosted by the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club, celebrates Anne Rice's most theological tale, Memnoch the Devil, with a night of revelry, ritual, and rapture. Attendees can expect a decadent evening featuring a live performance by the Electric Yat Quartet, immortal toasts, and a costume contest honoring the novel's themes. Please note that this is a 21+ event, and tickets are limited. Secure your spot for an unforgettable night in the heart of New Orleans.
The World Oddities Expo is a traveling festival celebrating the strange and unusual, featuring a curated selection of artists, vendors, performers, educators, and guest speakers. Attendees can explore the Lost Curio Marketplace, featuring taxidermy, insects, macabre art, jewelry, home decor, and more. The event also includes the Oddity Ink Parlour, offering on-site tattoos by talented artists, and WOE Labs, which hosts hands-on workshops for all skill levels. Additionally, the WOE Theater presents guest speakers on a variety of intriguing topics, and live entertainment such as music performances, live painting, and burlesque adds to the immersive experience.
The Brujeria Carnaval Dance Festival will take place from October 2–5, 2025, at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans' French Quarter, offering a four-day celebration of Latin dance with a Halloween twist. The event features salsa, bachata, kizomba, and more, alongside high-energy dance workshops, themed socials, and performances by top artists like Rodrigo Cortazar and Fausto Felix. Highlights include a Friday Masquerade Ball, Saturday Costume Contest, and a Sunday Haunted Tour. This event combines the magic of Latin dance with the enchantment of Halloween for an unforgettable weekend.
This three-course Witches brunch includes a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert, with options like New Orleans seafood gumbo, shrimp and goat cheese crêpes, crab cakes and eggs, and dark chocolate brûlée. Guests can also enjoy specialty cocktails such as the Muriel’s Bloody Mary, mimosa, and Ramos Gin Fizz. The event encourages attendees to don their most enchanting costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere