How to do Halloween in NOLA: Top events and attractions

Elka Cuttino, Contributing Reporter

The Halloween season in New Orleans is unlike any other. A city known for its Voodoo heritage and haunted ghost tours does not disappoint during spooky season. Though there are dozens of events going on at any given time in the city, here is a list of the best and the scariest you need to experience before Nov. 1.

#1. St. Charles Skeleton House

Just a short walk from campus is a house decked out with decorations on the corner of State Street and St. Charles Avenue. Dozens of skeletons in the front yard depict famous characters and people, including Tulane’s very own Mike Fitts. Each skeleton has a sign with a pun, a couple of the best being ‘Marrow-lyn Monroe’ and ‘Louis Arm’s Strong.’

#2 The Ghost Manor

This haunted Victorian manor situated on the corner of Magazine and Second Street is nationally known for its high-tech lighting and haunted decor. Viewers can look from the street as a ghost passes between windows of the old home. New decorations are added each year, so be sure to check out the new pumpkin patch that is coordinated with the scene. 

#3 Scout Island Scream Park

One $20 ticket gets you access to this halloween festival that includes a hayride, carnival rides and All Fright Zones, along with food, drinks and music. The festival is organized by the same company that does The Mortuary, so be sure to also check out the haunted house that is built in a real old mortuary. This festival utilizes the naturally spooky swamps and landscape to create an ambience that will send a chill up your spine. 

#4 Boo Carre Halloween Haunt

This family-friendly event in Dutch Alley in the French Market District features food, live music, dancing and even face painting. Enjoy shopping while listening to artists such as the Kinfolk Brass Band and the NPS Arrowhead Band.

#5 Halloween Costume Boo-tique! 

If you still haven’t figured out your halloween costume and are scrambling to put one together before the big day, head on over to this premiere costume event. With options from cute to terrifying, you will find something that fits all of your needs.

#6 Halloween Movie Screening

Check out a late night movie showing at the Prytania Theatre of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” featuring a live shadow cast by The Well-Hung Speakers of the Prytania Theatre alongside the movie. There are showings on the weekend leading up to Halloween as well as on Halloween night. 

#7 Voodoo Festival 

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is a classic event occurring around Halloween every year. With past acts including Kendrick Lamar and this year featuring Post Malone, the festival is sure to be crowded with people dressed in their best costumes and festival gear.

#8 The NOLA Project presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” 

If you are looking for something a bit more tame than Voodoo Fest, this play by the NOLA Project theater company at the NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden is perfect for you. The play runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 7 p.m. from Oct. 16 to Nov. 10 and is sure to make you laugh while being satisfactorily scary. 

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