Halloween in New Orleans is an opportunity for both locals and visits for have fun and show off their creativity. With the aid of the Voodoo Music Festival, the Big Easy attracts large crowds from all over the world, who come to experience the sights sounds and entertainment that expect from our great city because of our mysterious history.
Similar to Mardi Gras, the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny are the center of events on October 31st and the rest of Halloween weekend. Frenchmen Street is where the real action is, and as a criminal defense attorney, I’ve represented both tourists and residents who may have ‘skeletons in their closets’ from too much fun during Halloween.
New Orleans is also home to the annual Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (a.k.a. Voodoo Fest) which is a 3-day concert headlining some of the most popular musical acts in the United States. It is important to know the laws in New Orleans if you are planning to attend this entertaining festival.
How to Stay Out of Legal Trouble when you visit New Orleans for Halloween
If you’re coming from out of town to New Orleans, I want to make sure that you are staying in a safe neighborhood or safe establishment. If you plan to stay in the French Quarter or in the Marigny, double-check that your hotel is well-lit at night. Additionally, remember the following safety points:
- Keep Your Firearms at Home: The crowds on Halloween weekend are similar to Mardi Gras—there will be 1000s of people. For your safety and for the safety of those around you, leave your firearm at home. There will probably be parades during Halloween weekend—firearms are ALWAYS PROHIBITED from parade routes.
- Stay with a Group or Partner: As mentioned, the streets of the French Quarter as well as Frenchmen Street in the Marigny have packed-to-capacity crowds. Therefore, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. In order to stay safe and out of harm’s way, make sure you don’t go anywhere alone, do not take anything from a stranger, and always keep an eye on your drink.
- Know the Laws: Yes, we are fortunate enough not to have to chug the last of our drinks before leaving a bar because New Orleans is famous for the ‘geaux cup.’ In other words, you can drink on the street in plastic cups because New Orleans does not have an open container law. If you plan to keep a car in New Orleans, it is still illegal to physically bring your alcoholic drink into the car. New Orleans is famous for Drive-Thru Daiquiri shops, but you must know that you or your passengers cannot stick their straws into the lid while you are in the car. If the driver’s daiquiri has a straw, it can lead to a DWI.
- Obey Law Enforcement: The quickest way to get arrested in New Orleans during any of our festivals is to disobey law enforcement. If an officer in uniform asks you to quiet down, move out of a certain area, dump your drink, leave a bar or just simply go home, cooperate with them. Also, NEVER touch a Police Horse without first asking the officer on top of the horse. To do so without permission can be construed as battery on a police officer.
Voodoo Music & Arts Experience in New Orleans
New Orleans also hosts Voodoo Fest around the same time as Halloween. The Music and Art festival entertains some of the largest musical acts. Held in City Park every year, thousands flock to the stages for a whole weekend of rock, rap, and everything in between. It is advisable that you take public transportation because parking is limited and, if you do plan drink or use other substances, it is still illegal to drink and drive while you are under the influence. Again, avoid bringing weapons of any kind, outside alcohol or drugs, fireworks or other explosives, and other various items inside the grounds of Voodoo Fest. Security will do pat-downs and look in bags. Do not resist arrest and always listen to law enforcement. With the recent security threats, you should anticipate longer lines and more intrusive pat-down searches to protect attendees.
What to Do if I Get Arrested During Halloween in New Orleans
Well, I hope you don’t get arrested and sent to jail while wearing your Halloween costume , but I know it happens every year. If you are arrested, remember do not resist arrest and be cooperative and you never have to answer any question once you’ve been arrested because anything you say can be used against you.
If you, or someone you know, is arrested in New Orleans during Halloween, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. I can be reached toll free at (866) 459-4478 or by e-mail here.
