I can’t believe it’s already mid-October and the temperature is still in the mid-80s, but we are only a few weeks away from one of the most fun weekends in New Orleans: Halloween and Voodoo Fest! As America’s Most Haunted City, New Orleans certainly shines and offers a plethora of fun with some ghosts and ghouls this year – especially since it falls on a Saturday night.
What to Do for Halloween in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its costume-laden, bead-tossing, throw-tossing parades. Halloween is no different! On Saturday, October 24th at 6:30p.m., hit the streets of the Marigny, French Quarter, Central Businses District or Warehouse District (map here, yes it does travel THAT far) for the family-friendly annual Krewe of Boo, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade. The floats are very kid-friendly – so make sure to bring the kids. And, prior to the parade, hit up Fulton Street for the King’s Party – a free concert open to the public starring Rockin’ Dopsie Jr & the Zydeco Twisters and Amanda Shaw. Other activities happening around Halloween:
- Boo at the Zoo: bring the kids to the Zoo on October 16, 17, 23 or 24 for some trick-or-treating, scary stories, fun rides, a haunted house, and more.>
- Haunted Tours: although you can take these year-round, Halloween brings out the ghosts. Maybe. You can only find out if you take a tour. Here’s a good list of New Orleans’ Haunted tours.
- Frenchmen Street: One of the most outrageous Halloween block parties in the country. You will see costumes like you’ve never seen them before. Don’t forget about the music inside – here’s a list of who’s playing and where on Frenchmen Street on Halloween night.
- New Orleans Pelicans Home Opener: As if there isn’t enough to do already, you do not want to miss out on the Pelicans season this year. With rising superstar Anthony Davis leading the team, and new head coach Alvin Gentry, this is sure to be a magical season. Halloween night is the home opener, so put on your favorite costume and hit up the Smoothie King Center!
Big Musical Lineup Expected for Annual Voodoo Experience
Voodoo Fest is one of the most popular musical festivals in New Orleans, and even around the country. This year, from Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st, thousands of people will ascend upon City Park in Mid-City to hear endless music, eat delicious New Orleans food and view unique and spectacular art from local and national artists.
Ozzy Osbourne, Florence + the Machine, Zac Brown Band, Chance the Rapper, Modest Mouse, Deadmau5, Jane’s Addiction, Slightly Stoopid, Third Eye Blind, Dumpstaphunk, and a whole list of other musical artists are expected to take the stage over the course the three days.
Click here to purchase your single day or 3-day General Admission tickets to Voodoo Fest.
How do I get to Voodoo Fest?
If you plan to drink, driving is not an option. You do not want to not only get arrested for a DUI. The good news is that there are a number of other options for transportation to Voodoo Fest – for anyone – since parking is going to be hard regardless and City Park is in a residential neighborhood.
You can always take a cab (United Cab, Nawlins Cab, New Orleans Carriage Cab), get an Uber, or take the Voodoo Express from the Hyatt Regency Downtown. Additionally, the Canal Streetcar will take you to City Park a short walk away from the entrance, or you can bike to Voodoo, or take the RTA 91 Jackson-Esplanade bus to the New Orleans Museum of Art. So, there’s NO reason for you to get in your car after having a few drinks. You have PLENTY of options in New Orleans.
What to Bring and Not to Bring to Voodoo Fest
As always with any festival in New Orleans, you should make sure you know what you can or cannot bring into festival grounds. These are mostly for attendees’ safety.
Do Not Bring:
- Weapons of any kind, or even a costume piece that looks like a weapon
- Fireworks or explosives
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Outside alcohol, food or drinks
- Flag poles, Tents or hammocks
- Eye drops or laser pointers
- Framed backpacks
- Umbrellas and Kites
- Coolers
- Any professional recording or camera equipment
- Animals
You are Encouraged to Bring:
- Small soft backpacks or purses
- Collapsible and soft folding chairs
- Blankets or beach towels
- Small flashlights
- Totems and flags
- Sunscreen, Empty water bottle and prescription medication with photo ID
Safety at Voodoo
It’s very important to stay vigilant when you’re attending a night festival in New Orleans. Make sure that you are always with a buddy when you’re off-grounds. Additionally, watch your alcohol intake. Always adhere to the rules & regulations and, for your safety, do as security and law enforcement tell you to do.
Arrested in New Orleans?
If you find yourself or a friend either arrested in New Orleans on Halloween, it is advisable to call a criminal defense lawyer familiar with the city and laws. You have rights as a citizen, whether you are from New Orleans or are just visiting, and Crescent City Law makes it our job to ensure your rights are not violated, and that you are not charged with crimes you did not commit. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a defense attorney to help make sure that your life is not interrupted by any time you had too much fun. Crescent City Law offers free initial consultations and can be reached at night and off-site at (504) 264-9492 or by e-mailing us here. Happy Halloween in the Big Easy!
