Halloween is one of New Orleans’ beloved get-out-on-the-streets, costume and make merry festivals. Like Carnival, it’s a time when adults and children are part of a living tableaux. Halloween is also a neighborhood celebration, with trick-or-treaters going door-to-door in Uptown or Metairie, while the French Quarter is full of adult costumers looking for their own type of revelry. It’s in these neighborhoods — and small towns — where festivals percolate and pop with offerings reflecting a distinctive October flair. Find out more with the list below!
Gretna Fest: Oct. 4-6, gretnafest.com
Abita Fall Fest: Oct. 11-12, abitafallfest.com
Gentilly Fest: Oct. 11-13, gentillyfestival.com
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival: Oct. 19-20, maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/woodenboatfestival
Treme Fest: Oct. 25-26, tremefest.org
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival: Oct. 27, poboyfest.com
What a Nightmare!
Ever wonder what your scary dreams would look like in real life? Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group does just that at its New Orleans Nightmare (319 Butterworth St. Jefferson), open until Nov. 2. This haunted house has a number of ghoulish attractions with some new themes — zombies, a malevolent scarecrow and a witches coven — and add-on experiences, such a going through a maze in total darkness. Libations are available for those who need some liquid courage — with two new secret bars to find within. neworleansnightmare.com; @neworleansnightmare_
A Walk On The Wild Side
Friends of the Cabildo is raising the spirits at its 38th annual Ghostly Gallivant at the Louisiana State Museum’s Cabildo (701 Chartres St.) on Oct. 18. This year’s theme is “Gallatin Street: A Perfect Hell on Earth.” This street (now French Quarter Place) was a notorious two-block stretch in New Orleans where crime and vice proliferated in the 1800s. The tour includes tales about this area told by characters in period costume with libations and music in the courtyard to soothe souls after. Tours start at 5:30 p.m. and costumes are encouraged.
friendsofthecabildo.org; @friendsofthecabildo
Keep Calm and Scare On
It’s story time at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St.) when it hosts a Halloween Guided Tour on Oct. 16, 24, and 30. Resident storytellers Owen Ever and Grace Kennedy are the hosts of this spirited evening which begins with an immersive look at the museum’s first floor exhibits, followed by a break for handcrafted refreshments before seating in the courtyard to finish with otherworldly stories — the museum is reportedly haunted. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and is age 18 and up. (Don’t forget! The museum’s annual gala is Oct. 12.)
pharmacymuseum.org; @pharmacymuseum
No Tricks, Only Treats
The spirits will be out in full force for the Krewe of Boo parade on Oct. 19. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the parade’s Halloween-themed 15 floats, as well as bands and about 40 marching groups (including the Rolling Elvis, New Orleans Pussyfooters and Disco Amigos), will make their way through the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District. Among the throws of beads and baubles there will be Halloween-themed PEEPS and Ghoul’s Gold Doubloons, which are redeemable at local stores for discounts. Following the parade is the krewe’s Monster Mash featuring Flow Tribe at Generations Hall. If you want to get a jump start on the festivities, the krewe’s New Orleans Zombie Run is at 9 a.m.
