A New Orleans balcony decorated for halloween

Things to do in New Orleans Before Halloween

A New Orleans balcony decorated for halloween
Cajun Encounters
Aug 25, 2022

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New Orleans is one of the best places to visit for Halloween! The city is full of history and mystery, making it the perfect setting for a spooky good time. There are numerous ghost tours available, as well as parties and events leading up to Halloween.

For those looking to get their fill of scares, there are plenty of haunted houses to explore. And of course, no trip to the Big Easy would be complete without venturing out through the nearby swamps. So whether you’re looking for thrills or simply want to enjoy some great food, New Orleans is the place to be!

Here are some of the biggest events you can catch during your Halloween vacation in New Orleans.

Krewe of Boo: Events & Parade Route 

Krewe of Boo celebration in front of Jackson Square
Krewe of Boo. Source: neworleans.com

Officially becoming an annual New Orleans Halloween parade back in 2007, Krewe of Boo is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the New Orleans Halloween culture. This spooktacular series of events has become a must-see for both locals and tourists and will give plenty of opportunities for spectators to catch some exciting throws of candy, kid toys, beads, and even some doubloons.

The Krewe of BOO! Halloween Parade starts at sunset on October 22, 2022. The parade begins its route down Elysian fields towards North Peter Street, heading into Decatur Street, past Jackson Square and will eventually end on Tchoupitoulas Street and Andrew Higgins Drive.

Presented by the Krewe of Boo, this spectacular event also hosts The Monster Mash post-parade costume party where krewe members and people who have attended the parade will take part in costume contests and live entertainment. This party takes place at 8 p.m on October 22nd and can be found once the parade ends at Generations Hall.

If you’re more of a morning person, join the parade kickoff by participating in the New Orleans Zombie run! This run is a 2-mile race that starts at 9 a.m. the morning of the parade with registration beginning as early as 7:30 a.m.

Participants usually dress up in zombie makeup and costumes in order to escape the Big Easy Rollergirls, who are known as the Zombie Killers. The race course winds through the Arts/Warehouse District and consists of several obstacles, including a “zombie zone” where runners have to dodge zombies trying to grab them.

Ghosts in the Oaks

Event logo for Ghosts in the Oaks
Source: friendsofcitypark.com

Fall will soon be here, and that means it’s time for some spooky fun! Ghosts in the Oaks is a brand new event that will take place from October 20th to 23rd. It’s perfect for families who are looking for a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween. Tickets are available for sale online with admission being $30 for early admission (5-6 p.m.) or $25 for general admission, and children under 36 months are free of charge.

You’ll get to experience all the best parts of Fall, from picking out the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch to roasting hot dogs around the campfire. And of course, there will be plenty of arts & crafts and Trick-or-treating for the kids. It’s the perfect opportunity to create some lasting memories with your family. So mark your calendars and join in for a day of Fall fun!

Monster Mash Dash 

Get dressed, grab your running shoes, and join in on the fun of the virtual Monster Mash Dash! This event is a great way to get a workout in while also contributing to society. Tickets go on sale for just $16, and for every ticket purchased, 15% of the proceeds will go to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help provide clothes and shoes for those in need.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a race for you! The 1-mile, 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 13.1, and 26.2 races can be completed any time throughout the month of October, and runners can join online from wherever they please. So put on your best costume and join in on the fun this October!

Halloween Balcony Party

On October 29th, come overlook the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter with a 3-hour open access to the bar and balcony. Enjoy unlimited amounts of alcohol such as beer, wine, and hurricanes on one of the biggest balconies located on 700 Bourbon Street. Admission ranges from $125-$150 with limited tickets available, so be sure to get your tickets early.

This is the perfect opportunity to have an unforgettable experience while admiring the historic French Quarter. With an open bar, you can enjoy delicious drinks all night long while enjoying the company of others. Get your tickets soon to reserve your spot at this one-of-a-kind event! 

New Orleans Ghost Bus Tour

Cajun Encounters Logo

New Orleans is a city with a rich and dark history, and there are plenty of other things to do in New Orleans when exploring the area this Halloween. The city is known for its spooky attractions, including cemeteries, haunted houses, and even vampire-themed bars. However, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as touring the French Quarter, learning about the city’s paranormal activity, or even taking a swamp tour.

If you want to get in the Halloween spirit, taking a ghost tour is the perfect way to do so. And if you find the thrill from cemeteries, a New Orleans cemetery tour with Cajun Encounters will walk you through Saint Louis Cemetery No.3, where you can get a chance to learn all about the history of the cemetery and people buried there. So whether it’s a New Orleans ghost tour or a city bus tour you’re looking for, Cajun Encounters has a perfect excursion planned for you!