THE KREWE OF BOO

Since 2007 this has been the official New Orleans Halloween Parade that takes place on Saturday, October 19th. It begins at Elysian Fields and makes its way through the French Quarter to Jackson Square, then wends its way to the Warehouse District and finally ends at the Convention Center. This parade is always held on the Saturday evening before the Halloween weekend (this year Halloween night falls on Thursday, October 31st).

The artists at Kern Studios (America’s premier float-building organization) design 3-D papier mâché and fiberglass props that replicate Halloween’s spooky creatures. Believe me, they will frighten and excite you. Of course, folks in the parade itself reward everyone with “throws” that include beads, voodoo doll pins, magnets, doubloons and toys for kids.

This is an event for all ages that will get everyone into a celebratory mood. Don’t miss it! CLICK HERE for more info in PART I.

HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS

Let’s start with dates to remember: there’s a lot of activity from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th. This legendary event is sponsored by LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) that has been raising money for Project Lazarus (an HIV/AIDS-assisted-living facility) for 35 years (over $4.5 million). The weekend consists of three events:

(1)   On Friday, October 25 at 7:30 pm there is THE LAZARUS BALL. Black tie is optional. There is a silent auction plus food and music. 

(2)   Then on Saturday, October 26, 10 pm to 3 am, the MAIN EVENT at the Fillmore goes into action. This is a costume-required dance party and contest plus a midnight show.

(3)   Finally, on Sunday, October 27, 1 to 6 pm you’re invited to a TEA DANCE ON THE PIER that will have food trucks and an open bar.

This annual weekend always ends with the fan favorite: THE SECOND LINE through the French Quarter with marching bands, dance groups and more! How can you resist?

VOODOO MUSIC + ARTS EXPERIENCE

This three-day event, which is commonly referred to as: Voodoo or Voodoo Fest is a multi-day music and arts festival that is held in City Park. It is held from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th.

This is the most significant Halloween tradition in New Orleans. Throughout its history, the event has featured more than 2,000 artists and hosted over one million visitors. The lineup has included stars such as: Marilyn Monroe, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, KISS, Snoop Dog and many more. Local Louisiana musicians have also performed with these celebrities.

The Voodoo Music Experience currently has three areas: Le Ritual, Le Flambeau and Le Carnival. Each of them is meant to showcase different sides of New Orleans. Take a look:

(1)   LE RITUAL features mainstream music while,

(2)   LE FLAMBEAU is focused on the style of The Big Easy, and,

(3)   LE CARNIVAL showcases indie bands and burlesque

Frankly, I think the whole thing sounds absolutely terrific. And so do many others: the festival has around 100,000 spectators every year. Yikes! You’d better plan ahead! How about booking rooms at Rathbone Mansion – an antebellum hotel you will love!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick