October Means Spooky Fun!!!
Oh, honey, grab your wigs, pack your glitter, and get ready for the most fabulously ghoulish weekend of your life! The LGBT Halloween New Orleans (HNO) is descending upon us from October 18-20, 2024, and trust me, you do not want to miss this. I’m Karen Brem, the marketing maven over at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, and let me tell you, our LGBTQ+ owned and operated gem is primed and ready for your haunting arrival. We’ve just finished an entire renovation, so baby, our rooms are as fresh as your costume ideas—and trust, they’re walkable to everything in the French Quarter, darling.
But let’s get to the real tea: HNO is not just any ol’ spooky celebration. This annual affair is not only about costumes, cocktails, and couture—it’s about giving back. Every penny from this weekend goes to The Lazarus Project, an incredible cause that’s raised over $4.6 million for men and women living with AIDS. So, you’re not just going to a party—you’re saving lives while slaying in your fiercest fits.
Friday Night: The Lazarus Ball
Ready to make an entrance? Friday night kicks off with The Lazarus Ball at Gallier Hall from 7-10 PM. Think black-tie-optional, but in New Orleans fashion, you know that means dripping in extra glam. Expect top-tier cuisine, an open bar to keep the liquid courage flowing, a live band to get your groove on, and a silent auction for the bougie ones among us. Yes, darling, your fierce outfit will fit in just fine as you sip champagne and rub elbows with the who’s who of NOLA’s elite. And remember, all this decadence is for a cause. Now that’s what I call serving looks and love.
Saturday: Camp HNO
Whew, honey, you’ve survived Friday night, but Saturday? Saturday is where the real magic happens. Camp HNO, held at The Fillmore from 10 PM to 3 AM, is the ultimate dance party. And when I say dance party, I mean throw on your wildest, most extravagant Halloween costume because in New Orleans, we don’t do subtle. Ty Sutherland & Paul Lakeway will be spinning tracks all night long, so get ready to dance your tail off under the flashing lights, while the open bar keeps the liquid flowin’ and a special midnight show gives you the chills in all the right places.
And let’s not forget the costume contest. Oh yes, darling, this isn’t some simple “Best Dressed” award. This is a battle of queer creativity, a runway show of the absurd, the glamorous, and the just plain sexy. If your costume isn’t causing jaws to drop, are you even doing it right?
Sunday: Riverboat Tea Dance
Just when you thought you couldn’t party anymore, it’s time to hop on board the Natchez Riverboat for the Riverboat Tea Dance from 1-5 PM on Sunday. The mighty Mississippi becomes your dance floor as a live DJ spins, the open bar keeps flowing, and you twirl with a view of NOLA’s gorgeous skyline. This is the perfect way to wrap up a weekend of spooky queerness, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to say they ended their weekend at a literal tea dance on the river? It’s giving Titanic… but with less sinking and more slaying.
Book Your Stay ASAP!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Karen, this sounds amazing, but where am I staying?” Baby, let me remind you—the Historic Mardi Gras Inn is waiting for you! We’re just a skip and a death drop away from all the French Quarter madness, and if you don’t feel like walking, the streetcar stop is a two-minute strut from our front door. We’ve got clean, affordable rooms, and our staff is here to welcome you with arms as wide as your chosen family’s love. No empty promises here—just love, acceptance, and plenty of sparkle. For more information on accommodations call us directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. You can also visit us online at historicmardigrasinn.com.
Oh, and one more thing, in case you needed another reason to visit—New Orleans owns Halloween. This city is spooky all year long, but in October? It’s a full-on supernatural celebration. Haunted tours, cemetery walks, voodoo history… New Orleans brings Halloween to life in ways no other city can. The French Quarter is already known for its haunted history, but during Halloween, it’s like the ghosts are throwing their own parties, too. So, if you love a good scare—or just a good time—October in New Orleans is where you need to be.
So, darling, what are you waiting for? Make those reservations ASAP because you know how fast these things fill up. The HNO weekend is all about love, community, and shaking your tail feather for a good cause. We can’t wait to welcome you to our little corner of spooky paradise at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. See you soon, ghouls!