October Means Spooky Fun!!!
Hey there, boos and ghouls! Halloween in New Orleans is nothing short of legendary. Imagine this: you’re strolling through the French Quarter, surrounded by all manner of mystical mayhem—vampires in lace, glittering ghosts, zombies who definitely know how to werk a runway, and, of course, goblins who wouldn’t miss a dance beat for anything in the world. Here in the Big Easy, Halloween is a lifestyle, and it’s all going down right outside the doors of the fabulously renovated Historic Mardi Gras Inn! We’re proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated, so you know we serve inclusivity with a side of sass and a whole lotta soul.
Halloween Heaven: Why New Orleans Ranks Among the World’s Spookiest
First off, let’s talk credentials. New Orleans was named one of the “13 Best Places to Visit for Halloween Around the World” by none other than Travel + Leisure in 2022. So, when we say Halloween here is iconic, we’re not just ghosting you—this city throws a bash that goes beyond costumes and candy. The French Quarter transforms into a maze of eerie wonder, teeming with thousands of visitors who’ve come from all corners of the globe for one thing: wicked fun.
And while there may be a few family-friendly shindigs during the day, let’s not kid ourselves—New Orleans Halloween is tailor-made for the grown and the bold. This is where adults come to let loose, to revel in the creepy, the campy, and the ever-so-fabulous.
Your Queer Haunt in the Heart of It All
At the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, we’ve just wrapped up a gorgeous renovation of our charming little haunt, and honey, she is ready for her close-up! Located just a spooky stroll away from the French Quarter, our inn has seen centuries of history and no shortage of flamboyant celebrations. Here, you’re stepping into a piece of true New Orleans culture, surrounded by cobblestone streets, the distant sound of jazz, and yes, maybe even a wandering spirit or two. We offer clean, affordable accommodations, a warm, welcoming staff, and a vibe that’s just as queer and quirky as our beloved city.
Frenchmen Street: Costume Creativity Unleashed
Now, if you’re looking to dive right into the Halloween fray, look no further than Frenchmen Street, the ultimate parade of costumes. People come out dressed as everything from glittering goddesses to bedazzled skeletons—and it’s not a New Orleans Halloween unless you see at least one goth Marie Laveau and a couple of Renaissance-era vampires keeping things historically haunting. This is the night to release your inner diva, ghoul, or ghost and parade your queer creativity through the heart of the Quarter. In New Orleans, every day is a costume day, but Halloween? It’s the ultimate runway.
Ghost Tours in the Haunted Quarter: Not for the Faint of Heart
You can’t talk about Halloween in NOLA without mentioning the ghost tours. These guided tours take you through the heart of the French Quarter’s most haunted spots, regaling you with spine-chilling tales of specters who never left. These haunted tours are everything you want for an eerie night out, whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for a little midnight fright. The Quarter’s famous above-ground cemeteries—known as the Cities of the Dead—house stories of ghosts who make their presence known to this day. You never know who (or what) might be tagging along on these midnight adventures!
Voodoo Vibes: NOLA’s Unique Spirituality
In New Orleans, Halloween isn’t just about dressing up; it’s also a deeply spiritual experience. Our city’s connection to Voodoo is strong, with shops scattered all over town, offering everything from charms to spiritual readings. Voodoo is as woven into the fabric of New Orleans as jazz and beignets. Rooted in African, Caribbean, and Catholic beliefs, Voodoo grew as a force of empowerment for enslaved people and remains a respected practice. So, if you’re feeling brave, pay a visit to one of our Voodoo shops and take a peek into the magic that keeps this city spiritually vibrant. Don’t worry—Marie Laveau’s blessing is still watching over the town!
Street Parties and Queer Halloween Madness
Now, let’s get to the juicy part—the Halloween events tailored for our fabulous LGBTQ+ fam. Expect drag queens on balconies, bars decked out in spider webs and skulls, and parties that go until the wee hours of All Saints’ Day. LGBTQ+ Halloween events around the city range from costume contests to drag performances that will leave you gagging! The energy is electrifying, the crowd is colorful, and the atmosphere? Purely enchanting.
With so many parties and street gatherings, the French Quarter itself turns into one giant festival of horror and hilarity. Stumble from bar to bar, where you’ll find themed drinks, devilish decorations, and DJs spinning everything from spooky classics to house beats that’ll raise the dead. And yes, there are costume shops galore—because this city wouldn’t dare leave you without a fierce look for every haunt and happening.
Stay Queer, Stay Near at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn
Ready to be part of it all? New Orleans does Halloween better than anywhere else, and there’s no better place to call home than the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. Here, we’re more than just a place to sleep. We’re your gateway to a hauntingly good time, where you can live, laugh, and linger in the heart of the French Quarter. So pack your best spooky attire, grab your most glittery fangs, and prepare for a Halloween experience that’s creepy, campy, and as queer as it gets.
Stay with us, join the festivities, and immerse yourself in a city where every street corner has a story, and every soul has a reason to celebrate. Halloween in New Orleans—it’s where the veil is thin, the ghosts are bold, and everyone has a part to play. For information on accommodations call us directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. You may also visit us online at historicmardigrasinn.com.