Halloween in New Orleans is in full swing even if the balmy Gulf Coast temperatures mean that lovers of autumn are more likely to find condensation than frost upon the pumpkins. During the next couple of weeks, there will be holiday celebrations catering to everyone from the littlest goblins to the most ancient, yet still fabulous, vampires and witches.
Haunted houses
For those whose idea of fun is to have the candy corn scared out of them, a visit to a haunted house might be in order.
The Mortuary 4800 Canal St. Very scary haunted house on multiple floors (this year with a "Zombie Outbreak" theme), not intended for young children. The attraction is open Oct. 17-20 and Oct. 22-Nov. 2 from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission: $25, $35 for VIP access. $20 Slasher Nights on Oct. 17 and 24. $20 Flashlight Fearfest Weekend is Nov. 1-2, when visitors will have to make their way through the attraction with only a flashlight for illumination. Prices and hours may vary, and large-group discounts are available.
House of Shock 319 Butterworth St., Jefferson. The intense haunted house celebrates its 21st season with an outdoor festival, food, drink and live music. The attraction is open Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Each evening, tickets go on sale at 7; haunted house opens at 8. Box office closes at 11:30; haunted house closes once all ticket holders have made their way through the attraction. Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Admission: $25 general admission; $50 VIP fast pass ($40 online). Outdoor festival, free. Email LordBelial@HouseOfShock.com.
The Rise 10342 Louisiana 442 Tickfaw, La. The haunted house, this year titled "Dark Souls Unleashed," features 32 rooms and more than 10,000 square feet of frights. There also is a zombie paintball trail, titled "Operation Deadly Assault," and a 7,500-square-foot New Orleans-style cemetery inhabited by the undead. The attraction is open Oct. 18-19, Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov 2 from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 is Flashlight Night. Admission: $17 for haunted house ($27 for VIP admission, allowing patrons to skip the line); $15 for zombie paintball ($27 for VIPs); $28 for a combo ticket to both ($42 VIPs). Call: 985.277.9666.
The Revelation: A Haunted Experience 3220 S. I-10 Service Road West, Metairie (near Causeway and I-10, riverside). A new haunted house bills itself as "the birthplace of the Apocalypse. Only the faithful shall survive. Where will you end up? Will it be heaven or will it be hell?" The attraction includes a 3-D funhouse, safe for all ages. It is open Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission: $15, $25 for skip-the-line VIPs; $5 for 3-D funhouse; group rates available for 15 or more. Call 504.418.0884.
Casting a spell for all
Those looking for fun for all ages might consider a number of community events with broad appeal.
Anba Dlo VI Halloween Festival and Parade New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave. The community festival, whose name is Haitian Kreyol for "Beneath the Waters," will feature panel discussions, a costume parade and a party into the wee hours, Oct. 19 from noon to 2 a.m. Discussions about water as a resource will last from noon to 4 p.m. The Halloween Costume Parade starts at 6 and is expected to arrive back at the Healing Center at 7. Then the adult party starts with 14 musical acts (including Henry Butler, The New Orleans Suspects, John Mooney, Margie Perez, Africa Brass NOLA and more), burlesque acts, DJs, food and drinks for purchase, and more. The Lasiren Lounge will offer specialty drinks, light fare, live music, psychic readings, and mermaids and mermen offering samples of The Affordable Healing Arts' massage therapy. Admission: $20 until Oct. 18; $25 at the door; $45 for Lasiren's VIP Lounge (space limited). Must be at least 18 to enter, 21 to drink alcohol.
Halloween Costume Boo-tique New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave. The 18th annual event features local designers, hatters, costumers and maskmakers showcasing an array of one-of-a-kind costumes, masks, accessories and props, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email creemccree@gmail.com.
Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade French Quarter, the CBD and the Warehouse District. The krewe, which still is seeking riders, rolls through the streets of New Orleans with 13 macabre floats, bands and other marching units, Oct. 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. The parade starts on Elysian Fields Avenue at Decatur Street and travels down North Peters Street to Canal Street. It travels up Canal to Dauphine Street, where it makes a U-turn and heads back down Canal to Tchoupitoulas Street. It takes Tchoupitoulas to Julia Street, Julia to Convention Center Boulevard, Convention Center Boulevard to Henderson Street, disbanding at Mardi Gras World, where there will be a by-admission, postparade party.
Psycho: A Symphonic Night at the Movies Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 801 N. Rampart St. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos, plays Bernard Herrmann's iconic score live during a screening of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 thriller about a woman (Janet Leigh) at an isolated motel staffed by a clerk (Anthony Perkins) with deep-seated mommy issues, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $20-$99. Call 504.523.6530.
UndeadCon Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center, 1001 S. Peters St. The event, presented by Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club, features literary panels with book signings, a ball, cocktail parties, author meet and greets, a bazaar and more, Oct. 24-27. A detailed schedule is available at the website. Admission: $155 ($130 for fan club members); select events may have tickets available a la carte.
Paranormal Romance Guild Book Signings Boutique du Vampyre, 709 St. Ann St. A group of the organization's authors, in New Orleans for UndeadCon, sign their books and greet fans, Oct. 25-26 from noon-8 p.m. Authors expected to participate at various times over the course of the two days include Kathi S. Barton, Karen Fuller, Marianne Morea, Melanie Nowak, Blue Remy, T. Lynn Tolles and Alexandra Weis. Call 504.561.8267.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Slidell) Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. A screening of the musical cult classic, performed with a side cast, is set for Oct. 25-26. In the film, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick are forced to seek refuge from a storm in a remote castle presided over by Tim Curry, a "sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania." Doors open at 8 p.m., and there will be a pre-show. The screening begins at 9 p.m. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Admission: $10 for screening, $5 for prop bag. $25 package includes screening, T-shirt, and prop bag. Call 985.641.0324.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Prytania Theatre, 5339 Prytania St. The theater also hosts screenings of the cult classic, with a performance by the Well Hung Speakers, Oct. 25-26 at midnight and Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. and midnight. Costumes and props are encouraged. The theater also will be showing "Ghostbusters" Oct. 25-26 at 10 p.m. BYOB for attendees 21 and older. Admission: $10 per person. Call: 504.891.2787.
Ghostly Galavant Tours 1850 House, 523 St. Ann St. Friends of the Cabildo tour guides will take guests on a tour of the French Quarter during which guests will encounter ghosts such as former Louisiana Gov. Earl Long, voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and the Baroness Michaela Pontalba, Oct. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours depart every half-hour. Admission: $20 for adults 21 and older, $10 for students, free for children. Call 504.523.3939.
Bayou Jam Halloween Bash Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. The City of Slidell concludes its 12th annual fall concert series with a performance by Vince Vance and the Valiants, Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets. Food also will be available for a nominal charge. Admission: Free. Call 985.646.4375.
Voodoofest Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans, 612 Dumaine St. The 15th annual festival celebrates the Voodoo religion's contributions to New Orleans' culture and heritage, with music, lectures, book signings, spiritual work, crafts, food and more, Oct. 31 from 1 to 7 p.m. Admission: Free. Call 504.522.2111.
Happenings for half-pint haints
Special happenings are planned for young Halloween revelers who most look forward to trick-or-treating and whose bedtimes get them off the streets long before the witching hour.
Boo at the Zoo Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. Halloween event for children up to age 12 featuring trick-or-treating, a ghost train, scary and nonscary haunted houses, games with prizes, and entertainment. The party is set for Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: $17 (free for children under 1). The event often sells out. Call 504.581.4629.
Ghosts in the Oaks City Park, 1 Palm Drive. Unlimited rides in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, trick-or-treating in Storyland, arts and crafts, air-brushed tattoos, music and much more. The party is set for Oct. 18-19. Early admission begins at 6 p.m., and the gates open for general admission at 7. Tickets are limited, and the event may sell out. Proceeds will support capital improvements within the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. Admission: $20 early admission, $15 general admission, $12 Friends of City Park members. Children under 36 months admitted free. Call 504.483.9376.
The Monster Mash, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2013 and benefits the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, is set for Oct. 19 in Covington's Bogue Falaya Park. Monster Mash Bogue Falaya Park, 100 Park Drive, Covington. The 25th anniversary of this festival, presented by Capital One Bank, features all-day fun, including live music, games, inflatables, trick-or-treating, crafts, activities, food and more. The event is Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and raises money for the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center. Admission: $15 children, $5 adults. Call 985.898.4435.
Boo Fest Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 E. Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Adapting and Changing Children's Environments with Successful Solutions (ACCESS), in partnership with Northshore Families Helping Families, presents the fourth annual inclusive and accessible, family-friendly festival with more than 65 "Trick-or-Treat" houses and castles, plus pumpkin decorating, face painting, games, a photo booth, music and dancing, a costume contest and more. The event is Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for children with disabilities and their families. The Northshore Area Board of Realtors also hosts its annual Chili Challenge on the same grounds during Boo Fest. Admission: $1 per person. Call 985.875.0511.
Operation Pumpkin The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St. The annual fundraiser for Children's Hospital of New Orleans will feature surgeons creating hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, which then will be sold to benefit the hospital. Celebrity judges will choose the scariest, most creative and funniest pumpkins. Children are invited to trick-or-treat in the shops, and can decorate pumpkins and make masks with the help of RHINO Gallery artists. The festivities take place Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission: Carved pumpkins, $24; plain pumpkins, $15; caricature portraits, $5.
Ghoulies Gala Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, Spanish Plaza at Canal and Poydras streets. The boat hosts a costume party for families, featuring the Good Witch Storyteller, Dr. Frankenstein Magician, BOOdreaux the Friendly Ghost Pirate, a Vampire Face Painter and Igor the craft helper. Additionally, kids can dance to the spooky tunes by the Monster Mash DJ, create special Halloween arts and crafts, go trick-or-treating at the candy buffet, and pet a live alligator all while cruising the Mississippi River. Guests for the Oct. 26 cruise will enjoy an assortment of goodies to eat (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mini pizzas, chicken tenders and more, with adult libations for sale), and each child will take home a special plush toy. Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m., and the boat cruises from 2 to 3:30. Admission: $42 for adults, $25 for children 2-12, free for children under 2. Call 504.529.4567.
Museum Mash Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St. Celebrate a not-so-spooky Halloween at a costume party with games and prizes, dancing, craft activities, spooky science fun, and special activities for children 3 or younger. The party is Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Note: In line with the museum's Health and Wellness Initiative, candy will not be distributed. (Is anyone else hearing Charlie Brown say, “I got a rock”?) Admission: $10 per person ($5 for museum members). Free for children under the age of 12 months. Call 504.266.2417.
Steele’s Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze and Petting Zoo Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm, 56459 Dollar Road, Angie, La. The family-friendly two-acre corn maze and one-acre pumpkin patch are accompanied by a petting zoo, train ride, zip line, paint ball booth, pig races, games, concessions and more. The attraction is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., through Nov. 3. On Halloween, guests are invited to put on their costumes and bring a flashlight for a hayride to explore the maze, from 4 to 8 p.m. The maze will be lit after dark, and the zip line and petting zoo will be open. There also will be a bonfire. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available at the concession stand, and all children will receive treats from the staff. Admission: $8.50 per person, free for children 2 and under. Season passes available for $15. Call 985.848.5133; attraction can accommodate school field trips Wednesdays through Fridays, but reservations are required.
Fifth Annual French Market Boo Carre Halloween and Harvest Festival French Market, 1008 N. Peters St. The family-focused event includes trick-or-treating, pie-eating contests, costume contests, a petting zoo, craft activities, pumpkin sales, live music, food and more, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free. Call 504.522.2621.
Boo Bash! The Swan, 70326 Louisiana 59, Abita Springs. Creative Arts of St. Tammany hosts a not-so-scary Halloween party for young children, with acting games, dancing, face painting, trick-or-treating on stage, and more, Oct. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission: $10. Call 985.276.9727.
Zombie Prom The Swan, 70326 Louisiana 59, Abita Springs. Creative Arts of St. Tammany hosts a zombie-themed, costume dance party for tweens and teens, Oct. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission: $12. Call 985.276.9727.
Boo at the View Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie. Clearview Mall hosts a safe Halloween night with trick-or-treating, costume contests for children and pets, games and prizes, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. A pet costume contest to benefit the Louisiana SPCA will be held at 7:15 p.m. The entry fee is an unopened container of dog food or dog treats for the SPCA food pantry. Call 504.885.0202 or 504.455.7289.
For those who always have taught their children never to accept candy from strangers — unless those strangers are standing next to open car trunks and wearing creepy costumes — the curious tradition of “trunk-or-treating” continues in 2013.
Trunk-or-Treat New Orleans Finest Auto Detailing, 9860 Lake Forest Blvd. Galleon Music Group presents a trick-or-treating party with refreshments and a costume giveaway, Oct. 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: Free.
Trunk-or-Treat (LaPlace) Lutheran Church of the Galilean, 3404 U.S. 51, LaPlace. Children will receive candy and other treats from the trunks of decorated cars, with prizes for best decorated vehicles, and best child and adult costumes. There also will be food, drinks and games during the event, sponsored by the Lutheran Church of the Galilean, First United Methodist Church and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Vehicles must be registered in advance by calling, and vehicle owners should bring their own candy and treats. Admission: Free. Call 985.652.5098.
The monster balls
Party monsters of the adult persuasion have a number of events from which to choose, depending on whether they’re vampires, zombies, witches, or some other form of ghost, ghoul or goblin.
Ghoulwill Ball The Parish at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana Inc. hosts the annual ball, which features a costume contest, silent auction, photo booth, live music by the Stooges Brass Band and Sasha Masakowski, food and a cash bar, Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission: $100 general admission; $50 for young professionals. All tickets include two complimentary drinks. Call 504.456.3926.
Costume Cruise Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, Spanish Plaza at Canal and Poydras streets. The gala features food, an open bar, music by Naydja CoJoe, a costume contest, a silent auction, a raffle and more, all to benefit Alternatives Living Inc., which fights homelessness, and helps at-risk families and individuals. The ball is set for Oct. 19 from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission: $75 per person; sponsorship levels available. Call 504.400.3580 or 504.899.4461.
Masquerade: Once Bitten New Orleans Opera Guild Home, 2504 Prytania St. The Junior Committee of the Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association hosts a costume gala in honor of the Opera's recent production of "The Vampire." The evening includes food and drinks, music by The Treblemakers, a fashion show by NOLA Fashion Week, and a puppet show by the Mudlark Theatre. The party is Oct. 19 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission: $75 ($65 for members) in advance; $100 at the door. Call 504.267.9527.
Endless Night Weekend House of Blues Voodoo Garden, 225 Decatur St. In conjunction with the New Orleans Vampire Ball, Endless Night sponsors a weekend of events, including opening ceremonies, an International Vampire Court (with vendors), a vampire pub crawl, the ball, and an Inner Sanctum Soiree for holders of platinum-level tickets. The event runs Oct. 24-27. Admission: Varies.
Ghostly Galavant Gala The Cabildo, 701 Chartres St. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, for this gala Halloween party, benefiting the Friends of the Cabildo, Oct. 25 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets include food and drink (beer and wine) from restaurants in the French Quarter, and live entertainment. Admission: $45 ($40 in advance). Call 504.523.3939.
New Orleans-born author Anne Rice, photographed in 2003, is expected to attend the 25th anniversary edition of the Vampire Lestat Reunion Ball, inspired by her most famous character, on Oct. 25, 2013, at Generations Hall in New Orleans. Vampire Lestat Reunion Ball Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. The event, celebrating its 25th anniversary, features special guest Anne Rice; a charity auction; a bazaar; entertainment by Phil Mercer and The Ghosts Project, Jill Tracy, Nathaniel Johnstone, and DJ Infamous with dancers Tempest and Evil Sarah; tarot card readers; food for sale; and more, Oct. 25, starting at 8 p.m. Formal or cocktail attire, masks, or costumes encouraged. Admission: $50 in advance, $55 at the door; or included with various UndeadCon ticket packages.
Krewe of Boo Spook Fest Mardi Gras World East Bank, Port of New Orleans Place. Costumes are required for the krewe's postparade party with food, drinks, and music by Flow Tribe and the Pimps of Joytime, Oct. 26 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission: $25-$35 (free for krewe members, who also will have access to a VIP area).
New Orleans Witches Ball Elms Mansion and Gardens, 3029 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans witches and pagans present a formal masquerade ball with hors d'ouevres, two open bars, live entertainment, a costume contest, readers, prizes and more, Oct. 26 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 2013's theme is "Carnivale du Noir: A Night of Shadows, Magick and Mystery." A silent auction benefits Save Our Cemeteries and Bitty Bobb's Bacon Krewe. Admission: $171.
Endless Night: New Orleans Vampire Ball 2013 House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. This year's formal masquerade ball, with a "Zompire: Vampires vs. Zombies" theme, features live entertainment, celebrity guests (including Father Sebastiaan), a costume contest and more, Oct. 26 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fangs and masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. Must be 18 or older to enter, 21 or older to drink. Admission: $40-$200.
The gay community marks the 30th anniversary of Halloween New Orleans, a benefit weekend for Project Lazarus, with a four-part party celebrating recent developments supporting the rights of same-sex couples to marry.
The Lazarus Ball: "The Wedding Shower" The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St. Dress to impress at the annual ball, which features entertainment, food by chef John Besh, an open bar and a silent auction, Oct. 24 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Admission: $75 for the gala. Weekend passes available.
Club Night: "Gay Bachelor Party" Civic Theatre, 510 O'Keefe Ave. Halloween New Orleans hosts a club night featuring DJ Brandon Moses with an open bar, male dancers, and a Champagne room, Oct. 25 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Civic Theatre was the venue for the inaugural party and benefit 30 years ago. Admission: $65. Weekend passes available.
"Chapel of Love" Costume Party Mardi Gras World East Bank, Port of New Orleans Place. Halloween New Orleans' main event includes an open bar; costume contest with celebrity judges Chet Pourciau, Chris Rice, Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi; and the anniversary show, which commemorates 30 years of stage performances, Oct. 26 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Admission: $95. Weekend passes available.
"The Honeymoon" Brunch and Second-Line House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. Halloween New Orleans' hosts a day-after brunch with entertainment by Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Well-Strung, the St. Peter Claver Gospel Choir, an open bar, and all-you-can-eat cuisine, Oct. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. After brunch, the group will second-line from the House of Blues to Oz, 800 Bourbon St. Admission: $65. Weekend passes available.
Dancing demons have a couple of other options that might appeal.
Haunted Halloween Bash Metropolitan Nightclub, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. The club hosts three rooms of scary/sexy debauchery, with DJ Fashen, DJ Jive, DJ Digital, DJ Triz-A, DJ Ronnie Roux, DJ Wixx, DJ TAF and DJ Chris Jones, Oct. 26 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Admission: $20-$70; must be 21. Call 504.568.1702.
Halloween Cover Show The AllWays Lounge and Theatre, 2240 St. Claude Ave. Local bands cover Black Sabbath, Beat Happening, The Breeders, The Cranberries, Elvis Costello, Gravy Train, The Heartbreakers, Shellac, Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, Oct. 31, starting at 8 p.m. The show ends with Meschiya Lake covering Black Sabbath. Admission: $5. Email communityprintshop@gmail.com.
The days after
The Voodoo Experience New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive. One of the season's biggest events follows Halloween in 2013. The Voodoo Experience takes place Nov. 1-3, with four stages of music and interactive art installations. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Kid Rock and more. Admission: A three-day pass is $200.
Theresa Caputo, TLC's 'Long Island Medium,' will star in 'Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience' Nov. 3-4 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. All Saints Day Blessing and Barbecue Mount Olivet Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave. The Rev. Willie Bradford Jr. leads a blessing of the cemetery, followed by a barbecue dinner (with pulled pork, beans, rolls, soft drinks and water), plus music by the Vernon Ward Experience, Nov. 1, starting at 11 a.m. A balloon release will take place at 1 p.m. Admission: Free. Call 504.283.2531.
Day of the Dead Family Workshop Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. The Ogden presents a family workshop to explore traditions and create art inspired by the Day of the Dead, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Admission: $25 per adult, $15 per child. Call 504.539.9608.
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. Theresa Caputo, star of the TLC show "Long Island Medium," will give readings to audience members and share personal stories about her life, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $52.10-$104.60, through Ticketmaster. The purchase of a ticket does not guarantee a personal reading.
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To have other Halloween events listed, email details to events@nola.com or share in the comment stream below. To be listed, events must be open to the public and must not be of an overly commercial nature.
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