Spending Halloween in New Orleans has been on my bucket list for ages, and I couldn’t believe I was finally doing it! This is a city known for its mysterious past, voodoo culture, and wild celebrations, so it’s no wonder that this is one of the best city’s to celebrate Halloween in.

With New Orleans spooky (and tragic) past, this city takes this holiday seriously. I mean, they don’t want to make the ghosts that haunt this city angry, right? We need a month to celebrate all the poor souls who have tragically perished.

In this post, I am going to be sharing the best things to do for Halloween! New Orleans is a city that likes to celebrate, and during holidays everyone goes wild, especially on Halloween. The city celebrates this holiday all month, and some would even say all year.

So grab your EMF meter and get ready to visit haunted buildings with tragic pasts, watch an unforgettable Halloween parade, eat unlimited tacos and so much more!

Things to do in New Orleans for Halloween

Tour a Cemetery at Night

Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

You can’t spend Halloween in New Orleans without a cemetery tour, and I found the perfect one. It was BYOB, because when you’re dealing with death and ghosts, liquid courage goes a long way.

Most ghost tours stick to the lively French Quarter, but we headed into the quiet, eerie neighborhoods beyond it, where we learned about the city’s peculiar burial customs, and our guide shared spooky tales of the deceased.

We explored some of the oldest and most haunted cemeteries in the city, and we even got to talk to ghosts ourselves using dowsing rods. And if you’re worried about bathrooms or drink refills, we stop at a café halfway through for beignets, drinks, and a restroom break.

The stop that sunk my heart the most was the Hurricane Katrina Memorial at the old Charity Hospital Cemetery. Charity Hospital flooded during Katrina and never reopened, and the memorial here is a spiral of tombs holding more than 80 storm victims who were never claimed or identified, along with the names of others who died. It was heart-wrenching.

Get Spooked at a Haunted House

Mortuary

📍 Address: 4800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

At the dead end of Canal Street sits The Mortuary, a 150-year-old Victorian mansion that worked as a real funeral home and crematorium for decades before it became a haunted house. It is surrounded by cemeteries, with more than a million graves packed into a single square mile.

More than 20,000 funerals passed through the building between 1930 and 2003. It sat abandoned for years after that, then reopened as a haunted house. If you’re in New Orleans for Halloween, don’t skip it.

Nightmare

📍 Address: 319 Butterworth St, New Orleans, LA 70121

If you want to get spooked, and I mean really spooked, Nightmare is the place. It bills itself as the largest indoor haunted house in New Orleans and sits across the river in Elmwood, right under the Huey P. Long Bridge, open on weekend nights through the fall.

Nightmare rebuilds itself every year, with new rooms and new storylines each season. So what you walk through won’t be what I did, but if mine is any indication, you’re in for a good time.

Get Mesmerized At A Huge Halloween Parade

Krewe of Boo

Krewe of Boo is the official Halloween parade of New Orleans, and it happens the weekend before Halloween.

In 2026 it starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, winding from the Marigny through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District. The floats are built by Kern Studios, the same crew behind the big Mardi Gras parades.

It was one of the best nights I had in New Orleans, and not just because of the candy and booze (though that didn’t hurt). The best part is the throws. Just like Mardi Gras, the riders fling stuff into the crowd. You will catch small plastic toys, beads, and candy.

Tip: On parade night, the WDSU Parade Tracker follows Krewe of Boo in real time, so you can see exactly where it is and find the best spot to watch.

…And Party All Night At The After Party

The Monster Mash

The Monster Mash is the official Krewe of Boo after-party, and it was so much fun. It kicks off right as the parade ends, over at Generations Hall in the Warehouse District.

In 2026 that’s Saturday, October 24, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the party running until 2 a.m.

It’s a ticketed, 18-and-up event. I went alone and had a great time. There was a DJ and caged go-go dancers. I stayed until the early hours of the morning.

Wear your best costume, because there’s a contest. One tip: drink somewhere else first. There are drink specials, but they’re still pricey, and there are plenty of cheaper bars nearby.

Discover The World of VooDoo

Voodoo has been part of New Orleans since the 1700s, about as woven into the city as beignets and jazz.

Forget the Hollywood version, especially the doll full of pins. Louisiana Voodoo is a real religion, a blend of West African spiritual traditions and Catholicism, with Haitian and other influences layered in over centuries.

Marie Laveau was the original Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, and she was a force. People said she could heal the sick and make wishes come true.

The religion gets a bad rap from movies and from people who don’t understand it, but it’s a deeply spiritual, complex tradition that deserves respect.

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

📍 Address: 724 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

This small museum, just two rooms in the French Quarter, is packed with voodoo artifacts: altars, religious objects, and art. It’s a quick stop, but an interesting one, and there’s usually a voodoo priest on site giving readings.

Shop for all Things VooDoo at Voodoo Authentica

📍 Address: 612 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Voodoo Authentica has been in the French Quarter since 1996, and what sets it apart is that it’s practitioner-owned. The people working there practice the religion, and everything in the shop is handmade on-site or by local practitioners.

You can get a reading, buy handmade dolls, candles, and oils, or just ask questions. They also run educational programs on the history and folklore of Voodoo, which is part of why they’re considered one of the more reputable places in the city to learn about it.

Mysteries of Voodoo Tour

This Voodoo tour in the French Quarter debunks some misconceptions. Our guide, who was a voodoo practitioner, taught us about the history, culture, and beliefs of New Orleans Voodoo and how it’s still a religion in the city today.

We learned about the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, how slavery shaped New Orleans’ Voodoo history, and how many of the misconceptions about Voodoo are rooted in racism and fear.

He even touched on summoning and possession by spirits. You won’t have to channel anything yourself, unless you want to, of course.

Wander Through Haunted, and Strange Museums

Pharmacy Museum

📍 Address: 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Pharmacy Museum is dedicated to the history of healthcare through the ages. It’s housed in what was once the apothecary of Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., who became the first licensed pharmacist in the United States in 1816.

It’s a time capsule of medical oddities. You’ll see everything from old drug jars to vintage pharmaceutical equipment to surgical instruments, and you will see artifacts such as amputation saws, weathered lancets, and leech jars. People faint on the tour enough that the docents ask anyone feeling woozy to step outside.

The centerpiece is the recreated 19th-century apothecary, complete with an original soda fountain, and there’s a section on the history of voodoo and natural remedies too.

And yes, the museum is haunted, though the real history is creepy enough on its own. During the yellow fever epidemics, the upstairs was used as a sick ward, which killed roughly one in six people in New Orleans, including Dufilho’s brother.

Then there’s the legend that a later owner, Dr. Dupas, performed gruesome experiments on enslaved pregnant women and still haunts the place. Ghost tours tell it as fact, but the museum flatly disputes it.

They say there’s no evidence of anything like that happening in the building, and they think the story got pinned on Dupas by mistake, confused with Dr. J. Marion Sims, a different 19th-century doctor who did perform surgeries on enslaved women in Alabama, not here.

Either way, visitors report a feeling of being watched, strange smells, footsteps, and cold spots.

Note: This place closes fairly often for special events and film shoots (they film a ton of movies and shows inside). Plan your visit for the start of your trip, so if it’s closed, you can keep checking back. When I visited, it was closed for four days for filming and a couple of special events.

Bloody Mary’s Haunted Museum

📍 Address: 826 & 828 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

This is the personal collection of Bloody Mary, a well-known New Orleans voodoo priestess and ghost-tour guide, tucked into a 200-year-old French Quarter building. Inside you’ll find haunted dolls, ghost photos, and creepy occult artifacts and altars. The tour is self-guided through an app.

It’s a small museum, but you’ll leave a little uneasy.

Learn About Some Gruesome History

New Orleans True Crime Tour

Not scared of ghosts, but morbidly curious about the twisted things people do to each other? This true crime tour walks you through some of the seediest, bloodiest murders in New Orleans, stopping at the crime scenes in the French Quarter where they happened.

You’ll hear about the infamous Madame LaLaurie, the origins of organized crime in the Big Easy, and plenty more murders, mysteries, and mayhem. It’s a two-hour small group walking tour, and no one under 16 is allowed.

Fair warning: this one does not shy away from the gruesome, gory details. If you flinch at the mention of blood or decapitation, this may not be the tour for you.

We spent about 15 to 25 minutes at each stop, with the guide going deep on every case, so by the end you have a clear picture of exactly how each one went down.

Eat at a haunted Restaurant

Some of the oldest and most famous restaurants in New Orleans are also some of its most haunted, from the French Quarter to the Garden District. Pull up a chair, you might not be the only one at the table.

Napoleon House

📍 Address: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Reservations: Walk-ins only

Napoleon House is haunted by more than one ghost: a mayor still waiting for an important guest to show, and a Civil War soldier who wanders the place.

To understand the haunting, you have to go back to the beginning…

The story goes that Nicholas Girod, a former mayor of New Orleans, wanted to impress an important guest by building the finest house in the city. That guest was none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, exiled on the island of St. Helena. Girod’s plan was to help Napoleon escape and use the house as his secret hideaway.

Sadly, Napoleon never made it. He died in 1821, before the rescue could ever happen.

So if you were hoping to conjure his spirit here, you’re out of luck. But some people think the ghost of the mayor is still up there, waiting for a guest who’s never going to show.

These days, Napoleon House is a beloved restaurant known for classic New Orleans fare: gumbo, red beans and rice, and its famous warm muffuletta (I think it’s the best in the city; I came here twice).

It’s just as famous for its bar, which pours classic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Pimm’s Cup. In fact, Napoleon House claims to be the first place in America to serve the Pimm’s Cup.

Muriels

📍 Address: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | Reservations: Recommended

Muriel’s is one of the most famously haunted restaurants in New Orleans, and its ghost has a tragic backstory. It starts with Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who built his dream home right on Jackson Square. Pierre was head-over-heels in love with the place, but he had a serious gambling problem.

As the story goes, in 1814 he went all-in and bet his beloved home in a high-stakes poker game. Lady luck wasn’t on his side. He lost everything. His home, his dignity, all of it.

The poor guy was devastated, and the loss was too much to bear. He took his own life on the second floor, in the same spot where Muriel’s Séance Lounge sits today.

I recommend grabbing a drink at the bar and heading upstairs to see the Séance Lounge for yourself.

Pierre is said to still be hanging around, though not as a typical ghost. He shows up as a shimmering light that drifts around the lounge, which is how the Séance Lounge got its name, since he’s believed to spend most of his time up there. He’s also known to play harmless pranks on customers and staff, moving things around.

No need to be scared of him, though. He might give you a spook or two, but he’s friendly. Muriel’s even sets a table for him every night with fresh bread and wine. You can be Jourdan’s guest by reserving that table yourself.

Arnaud’s Restaurant

📍 Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | Reservations: Recommended

Arnaud’s has been around since 1918, when a French wine salesman named Arnaud Cazenave opened it.

As the restaurant took off, he kept buying more property until he owned most of the buildings on the block, which he turned into a kitchen and private dining rooms. A few of the buildings he purchased had reportedly been brothels and opium dens.

Then Prohibition happened and ruined everyone’s fun. Arnaud was not going to let a little thing like federal law get in his way, so he served booze in coffee cups in the back rooms and carried on like nothing was wrong. Until he got caught and went to prison.

He ended up opening Arnaud’s back up the second Prohibition was repealed.

In terms of the food, Arnaud’s is well-known for its oysters, including Oysters Bienville, which was invented here and named after the street out front.

When Arnaud died in 1948, his daughter Germaine took over, and she was every bit the character her father was. She was dramatic, loved a spectacle, and was crowned queen at 22 Mardi Gras balls, the formal masquerade galas Carnival krewes throw each year. You can still see her gowns in a little Mardi Gras museum tucked inside the restaurant.

And neither of them ever really left.

Arnaud is still on the clock, apparently. Staff say he haunts the dining room, straightening tables and nudging silverware back into place, and if something’s out of line, he’ll fix it himself. Death did not loosen his standards.

Germaine is the fun one. She’s got a prankster streak, and the story goes that a waiter once watched a woman stroll out of the restroom and walk straight through a wall. It was Germaine. That waiter, I assume, took the rest of the night off.

Tujague’s

📍 Address: 429 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Reservations: Recommended

Tujague’s has been feeding New Orleans since 1856, which makes it the second-oldest restaurant in the city, right behind Antoine’s. It started as a humble breakfast-and-lunch spot for the dock workers, and it’s been going strong ever since.

A heads-up though: for over a century, Tujague’s lived at 823 Decatur Street, and that’s where all its ghost stories come from. In 2021 it moved a few blocks down to its current spot at 429 Decatur, so whether the resident spirits made the move too is anyone’s guess.

Either way, the hauntings are a good story. Staff at the old building could never keep the chinaware intact, glasses shattering and plates smashing with no one around. Rumor pins it on a love triangle involving a former owner, his wife, and a young woman who worked there.

Then there’s Julian Eltinge, one of the most famous female impersonators of the early 1900s and a Tujague’s regular. His portrait hung proudly on the wall for decades, until someone moved it up to the attic. Big mistake. Julian was not pleased, and his face started photobombing guests’ pictures until the portrait was returned to its rightful place. He hasn’t been caught on camera since. Let’s hope he doesn’t leave lipstick on the glasses.

On a lighter note, Tujague’s invented the Grasshopper, the minty green cocktail. If you would rather not splurge on a full meal, grab a seat at the bar and order one. I went twice because it was that good.

The Court of Two Sisters

📍 Address: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Reservations: Recommended

The Court of Two Sisters is named for the Camors sisters, Emma and Bertha, who opened the Shop of Two Sisters here in 1886. They catered to wealthy Creole women, selling gowns, perfumes, and other fancy imports from Paris, and hosting tea parties in the courtyard for their favorite clients.

The shop closed around 1904, but the sisters stayed inseparable for the rest of their lives. They died within months of each other in 1944, Emma on Halloween of all days, and were buried side by side in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Decades later, guests still swear they see the two sisters in the courtyard late at night. Unlike most ghost stories, this one is sweet: their presence is said to leave behind a feeling of joy. So if you are there, keep an eye out for a pair of older women enjoying the courtyard together.

These days the courtyard is the draw for a different reason. The Court of Two Sisters is famous for its daily live jazz brunch, served buffet-style under the wisteria.

Commander’s Palace

📍 Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Reservations: Recommended

Commander’s Palace is one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans, a turquoise Victorian landmark in the Garden District that has been around since 1893. It is a fine dining restaurant with a dress code, and reservations are a must for the most part. If you can snag a spot, the jazz brunch is supposed to be legendary.

They are also famous for launching some huge chefs, including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

It is also very haunted. Guests have reported a young girl in white drifting down the staircase, a sinister feeling in the ladies’ room, and, in one case, a spirit that flung cutlery at a diner’s head.

It does not help that Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 sits directly across the street, with more than 7,000 people buried in a single city block. When you are that close to the dead, a few of them are bound to wander over.

The friendliest ghost is Emile Commander himself, the restaurant’s original owner. If you catch a glimpse of a dapper guy with an impressive mustache weaving between the tables, don’t freak out. That is likely Emile, still making sure everyone is enjoying their meal. Just keep an eye on your wine, because he has been known to sneak a sip.

Brennan’s

📍 Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Reservations: Recommended

Brennan’s is a New Orleans classic, the big pink building on Royal Street known for old-school Creole fine dining. It is also where Bananas Foster was invented back in 1951, and it’s still the most-ordered thing on the menu.

It is haunted too, by two former employees who loved the job too much to leave.

The first is Chef Paul Blangé, the man behind Bananas Foster. He was so devoted to Brennan’s that when he died in 1977, he was buried with the restaurant’s menu, a knife, and a fork laid across his chest.

And it seems he never really clocked out. Staff say his ghost still bangs pots and pans every night to signal the end of the shift. He has been spotted in the dining rooms and by the front door, sometimes as a shimmer, sometimes as a man in a chef’s hat.

The second is Herman Funk, Brennan’s former sommelier. He haunts the wine cellar, where he reportedly still helps the staff pick bottles. When his ghost approves of a particular vintage, he gives the bottle a little clink.

Drink Unlimited Beer at an Amusement Park (Yes, it’s 21+)

Brews and Boos

📍 Address: Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7 Victory Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124

Brews and Boos is a Halloween event for adults who love beer and amusement park rides. The best part? Once you are in, you get adults-only access to the whole park, unlimited rides, and all the beer you can drink.

It happens every year at the end of October as a fundraiser for New Orleans City Park.

They go all out with the decorations, effects, and lights the second you walk in, and a DJ spins music you can hear across the entire park. If you have a costume you are dying to show off, there is a contest for that too.

Oh, and there was a stand handing out free jambalaya. After all that beer, I had like five bowls.

Get Spooked by Ghosts on A Haunted Tour

Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour

Ah, New Orleans, the place where the ghosts of the past love to make their presence known. This is a city that has seen it all: fires, hurricanes, duels, disease, and the occasional vampire. So it comes with a lot of ghosts.

This tour takes you through the dark and spooky side of the city, with all the juicy stories you won’t find in a boring history book.

You’ll hear about the Casket Girls at the Old Ursuline Convent and the infamous Delphine LaLaurie, whose Royal Street mansion hid one of the most horrifying crimes in the city’s history. They will also take you to a fine-dining restaurant with a “spirited” reserved table, where a ghost might just be your dinner companion.

You’ll even learn the different types of hauntings, from run-of-the-mill residual ones to the oh-so-intelligent kind that will make you question your sanity. It is a small-group tour, capped at nine people. There are tons of ghost tours in New Orleans, but this one was fantastic. I loved it so much I took three more of their tours.

Stay in a Haunted Hotel

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

📍 Address: 717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The Bourbon Orleans sits right in the thick of the French Quarter, half a block from Bourbon Street’s nightlife and a quick walk to the antique shops on Royal. And it’s home to a few resident ghosts.

It opened in 1817 as a grand ballroom throwing the fanciest parties in the city, then got a makeover in 1881 when the Sisters of the Holy Family, the first Black order of Catholic nuns in the country, turned it into a convent, girls’ school, and orphanage. A yellow fever epidemic tore through during the orphanage years.

It didn’t become a hotel until the 1960s.

USA Today has named it one of the most haunted hotels in the country. The ghost that seems to be making her presence known quite frequently is a lonely dancer in the second-floor ballroom, a woman who still waltzes under the chandelier all on her own.

Others have seen a Confederate soldier and the ghosts of children from the orphanage, including a little girl who chases her ball down the sixth-floor hallway.

The Andrew Jackson Hotel

📍 Address: 919 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The current hotel building only dates to 1890, so it isn’t the building that’s haunted so much as the ground it sits on.

Back in 1792, the Spanish colonial government built a boys’ boarding school and orphanage here, mostly for kids who had lost their parents to yellow fever. Two years later, the Great New Orleans Fire of 1794 tore through the Quarter and burned the school down, and five of the boys died inside.

After the fire, the lot became a federal courthouse, and this is where the hotel gets its name. It’s where General Andrew Jackson, fresh off winning the Battle of New Orleans, was taken in and fined $1,000 for contempt of court. He went on to become president anyway.

An article from the 1850s claims the property actually survived the fires, which would mean the school never burned at all. So did five boys really die here, or not? Nobody is totally sure.

Either way, guests report seeing five boys laughing and running around the courtyard at night, and Room 208 is the most famously haunted, said to be home to a boy named Armand who likes to wake people up.

Hotel Monteleone

📍 Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Hotel Monteleone is a French Quarter icon, founded in 1886 by Antonio Monteleone, a Sicilian immigrant, and still run by the same family five generations later. It has long been a favorite of writers. Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams all spent time here, and it’s one of the few hotels officially named a Literary Landmark.

It’s also one of the most haunted hotels in the city, and its most famous ghost comes with a sad story. In the late 1800s, a toddler named Maurice Begère was staying here with his parents, who liked to spend their evenings at the French Opera House on Bourbon Street. Children weren’t allowed, so they left Maurice at the hotel with a nanny. One night while they were out, he came down with a fever and died.

His mother was inconsolable and kept returning to the hotel, hoping to see him again. As the story goes, she finally did. Maurice appeared to her and said, “Don’t cry, Mommy, I’m fine.” He is said to still roam the 14th floor, where guests report seeing him and hearing children play in the halls.

Ghosts aside, the Monteleone is worth a drink at the very least. Its Carousel Bar & Lounge is a rotating bar that has been slowly spinning since 1949. There’s also a rooftop pool and a suite dedicated to the hotel’s writers.

Dauphine Hotel

📍 Address: 415 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel has a wild past. Its bar, May Baily’s Place, is named for the madame who ran a brothel on the site in the 1800s. In fact, it was the first officially licensed brothel in New Orleans, and the original 1857 license still hangs framed on the wall.

With that kind of history, the ghosts come with the territory. The most famous is the Lost Bride. Her name was Millie, and she was May’s younger sister, put to work in the brothel even though she hated the life. Her way out was a Confederate soldier she fell for and planned to marry. But on their wedding day, he got tangled up in a gambling dispute and was shot dead. Millie never recovered. Guests still report seeing her drifting near the bar in her wedding dress, waiting for a groom who is never coming.

Some also say her soldier is still around, an apparition in a Confederate uniform spotted near May Baily’s. And the bar itself has a resident spirit, believed to be one of May’s former working girls, who likes to rearrange the liquor bottles behind the counter.

Get Drunk on a Haunted Pub Crawl

Haunted Pub Crawl

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America as well as one of the best places to drink. One of the best ways to soak up both atmospheres in one go is on a haunted pub crawl. You get to dig into the city’s dark past while sampling some of its most famous drinks.

We met our guide and the rest of the group at a designated meeting spot. We did the crawl on Halloween, so it was way more crowded than usual, but a lot of fun.

As we went from bar to bar, our guide told us true stories of murder and mayhem from the French Quarter’s haunted past. At each stop, we sampled a signature cocktail, from potent hurricanes to shark attacks, which is delicious and comes with a complimentary plastic shark.

Shop at a Vampire Boutique

Boutique Du Vampyre

📍 Address: 709 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70116

Boutique du Vampyre is a tiny French Quarter shop devoted entirely to all things vampire. It bills itself as the only vampire shop in the country, and it’s packed with gothic jewelry, dark art, curiosities, custom fangs, and its signature fortune candles, which hide little pewter charms inside that reveal themselves as the candle burns. Basically everything a creature of the night could want.

It opened in 2003, founded by Marita Woywod Crandle, who also wrote a book on New Orleans vampire legends and owns the Vampire Café next door.

Marita has created a fun backstory. As the legend goes, Marita is a centuries-old vampire who ran the boutique in Transylvania, then New York, before finally bringing it to New Orleans.

Inside you will find antique furniture, chandeliers, and eerie music playing. And if you’re feeling a little lost in this mortal world, the shop also offers tarot readings and vampire tours to help you reconnect with your darker side.

Get Your Blood Sucked at a Vampire Themed Café

Vampire Cafe

📍 Address: 801 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Ever watched Elena on The Vampire Diaries sip blood from a bag and think, “hey, I want to do that too”? Well, now you can. The New Orleans Vampire Café, tucked into the French Quarter behind St. Louis Cathedral, opened in 2021 and welcomes vampires and mortals alike.

The decor is elegant and gothic: chandeliers, moody lighting, gold cutlery (because, let’s be real, vampires hate silver), and napkins folded into little bats. The signature is the Blood Bag Cocktail, a drink served in a medical-style blood bag. The cocktails are named by blood type, so you can order a Type O, an AB, or whatever suits your palate. They do alcohol-free versions too.

If drinking blood isn’t your thing (understandable), there’s a full food menu, from a Dracula burger to shrimp and grits. I didn’t get to eat here myself, so I can’t vouch for the food, but it looked delicious, and the whole place was so fun.

…And Vampire Themed Speakeasy

Website | Address: 733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Bourbon Street is a cesspool of drunken craziness and frankly, I am not a fan (I walked the street sober one night…bad idea!). Anyway, what if you could magically leave Bourbon Street without actually leaving?

Let me introduce Potions Lounge, a Speakeasy located above Bourbon Street. Getting in is a process, so listen up! There is a password you have to obtain from Vampyre De Boutique, a really cool vampire themed store. There, the store employees will grant you the password (if they find you worthy).

Then, you will head over to Fritzels and walk all the way to the back, where you will find a door that will lead upstairs to the Speakeasy. There will either be a bouncer by the door to collect the password, or the bartender inside will ask for it. Either way, as long as you have the password, you are good.

Sometimes there is a cover charge. I never had to pay it – probably because I came early, but if you do have t pay, I would say it’s worth it.

When you ascend the staircase, you will be transported to what looks like a living room filled with antique furniture. It’s pretty intimate with low lighting. I could see it being the lair of a vampire or witch.

Then, you will come across the bar area, where you will find a menu filled with themed drinks that will enhance your spell casting abilities. My favorite was the Love Potion shot which came in a potion bottle that I got to keep and Forbidden Fruit which was made with blackberry, raspberry, and pomegranate liquor. I recommend ordering that one if you like sweet drinks.

Most people don’t know about this place, so it’s never THAT crowded, and they do only let a certain number of people inside, so if they do get busy, you’ll need to wait outside.

This fantastic bar was a highlight of my time spending Halloween in New Orleans.

Drink at a Haunted Bar

Old Absinthe House | Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Among the oldest and most distinguished buildings on Bourbon Street stands the Old Absinthe House, which is also renowned as one of the most haunted structures in the French Quarter.

The Old Absinthe House was born in 1752 and it quickly became notorious for a few reasons, including hosting General Andrew Jackson and pirate Jean Lafitte’s pre-battle meeting in 1815. It was also a popular spot during Prohibition, but luckily it survived multiple attempts at being shut down.

However, the original building was destroyed in a fire, leaving only the fireplace standing.

This bar has more to offer than just its resilience throughout history and Bourbon Street. When General Jackson arrived in New Orleans, the city was unprepared for battle, but Jean Laffite, a notorious pirate and outlaw, approached him with a deal. Legend has it that they met on the second floor of the Old Absinthe House, where Jackson agreed to release Laffite’s army of pirates from prison and grant full pardons to anyone who would fight in the Battle of New Orleans.

The Old Absinthe House has been around for over 200 years, and it’s no surprise that it has picked up some regulars, including the ghosts of Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson, Marie Leveau, and Benjamin Butler, who have been seen or felt here. Additionally, a woman in a long white dress, a child running around the third floor, and sudden drops in temperature have been reported here. These spirits may be responsible for unexplained occurrences such as doors opening, bottles and chairs moving, and mysterious whispers.

Lafittes Blacksmith Shop | Address: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is named after Jean Lafitte, a swashbuckling pirate and privateer who called New Orleans home. Pirates and privateers were basically the same thing, except privateers had a government-approved license to pillage and plunder.

Lafitte was born either in France or the French colony of Saint-Domingue, and by 1805 he was running a warehouse in New Orleans.

During the War of 1812, Lafitte became a local legend for helping Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans against the British. Nowadays, you can spot plenty of landmarks and buildings with his name in New Orleans.

It’s no surprise that the main hauntings is the fault of the famous pirate and privateer, Jean Lafitte himself. He appears as a full-bodied apparition, not just a wispy mist or a shadowy figure. You might mistake him for a living, breathing sailor until he disappears into the shadows.

But Jean Lafitte isn’t the only one lurking around the place. Upstairs, there’s a talkative female ghost who may or may not have offed herself in the 1890s. She’s been known to whisper visitors’ names in their ears.

And if that’s not enough to get your heart racing, there’s also something with red eyes hanging around in the dark corners- red eyes are a telltale sign of a demonic haunting.

Many people think that Laffites Blacksmith Shop is the oldest bar in America, and it doesn’t help that Lafitte plaster that little tid bit all over the place, but that isn’t true. The bar itself opened up in the 70’s, but the structure the bar is located in is a different story. The building was built between 1722 – 1732, and it was many things before becoming a bar.

Jimani | Address: 141 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Jimani Bar is known for a gruesome mass murder, leaving behind restless spirits who may be searching for justice or closure.

Back in ’73, The UpStairs Lounge was a gay bar located just above Jimini Bar. It was the meeting place for the first gay church in the USA. They celebrated Pride Weekend by giving away free booze and grub to 124 patrons.

It was almost 8 pm when the buzz from the doorbell interrupted the party at the UpStairs Lounge. The bartender thought it was a cab, so he sent someone to check it out. Little did they know, it wasn’t a taxi, but a fire! The flames were fueled by lighter fluid and quickly spread.

The bartender, bravely, led a group of about 20 people to safety through an unmarked exit door, while others attempted a daring escape through barred windows. Unfortunately, not everyone made it out alive, including MCC Pastor Bill Larson who got trapped halfway in and halfway out the window. He burned to death in full view of horrified bystanders outside.

In the end, 29 people lost their lives on the spot, and three more perished later from their injuries. To add insult to injury, the culprit, Roger Nunez, a Lounge regular with a history of mental health issues, was never charged for the crime. Police had their suspicions, but Nunez took his own life in 1974.

Sadly, the tragedy at the UpStairs Lounge was compounded by the despicable reactions of the general public. Some folks were indifferent,Some of the victims’ bodies were left unclaimed because their families were too embarrassed to admit they had a gay family member.

It’s no wonder that the spirits haunting the Jimani Bar still roam around; they feel forgotten and abandoned by the very society that rejected them in life and death.

According to patrons of the Jimani Bar, strange things have been happening there. People report hearing whispers from nobody, feeling sudden icy chills for no reason, and catching whiffs of burning hair and charred flesh. Some even claim to have seen a full-bodied apparition on the second floor, where the UpStairs Lounge used to be. It seems like there may be some restless spirits still hanging around, seeking justice or at least some recognition.

Pat O Briens | Address: 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

There’s a ghostly presence lurking around Pat O’Brien’s. Employees report hearing footsteps and the sound of chairs being moved around, even when the bar is empty.

The piano bar upstairs at Pat O’Brien’s is legendary for its dueling pianos, which have entertained countless guests over the years. But it seems like some of those guests never really left, and they’re still hoping to groove to one more ragtime tune. And every now and then, the pianos themselves will start playing a tune without any human intervention.

One bartender even shared a story about hearing footsteps following him around the bar. He thought he was being followed, but when he turned around, there was nobody there. And then he heard the sound of a piano playing.

According to legend, the ladies’ room at Pat O’Brien’s is haunted. Some ladies claim to feel like they’re being followed by a ghostly presence. Others hear strange noises coming from the stalls, like someone’s rummaging through their purse.

One woman even claims to have been hit on by a ghost in the bathroom. She thought she was chatting with a fellow patron at the sink, only to turn around and find a dapper ghost offering her a towel. It was a spectral towel that went right through her hand like it was made of ectoplasmic silk.

A former employee of Pat O’Brien’s claims to have felt a ghostly presence in the form of footsteps and heavy breathing, which eventually led her to quit the job. While she acknowledged that the spirit didn’t seem to have any malicious intent, she stated that ghosts scare her senseless.

Personally, I think ghosts can be a fun addition to the workplace, but I draw the line at haunted restrooms.

MRB | Address: 515 St Philip St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Welcome to the Mississippi River Bar, or as the locals call it, the MRB! This unassuming building may seem like your average joint for food and drinks, but back in the 19th century, MRB was a brothel.

One of the working girls there met a tragic end when her soldier boyfriend died in battle. Heartbroken, she hanged herself in the courtyard, and her spirit has been haunting the place ever since. These days, the ladies’ bathroom is where most of the action happens. You know, the usual stuff like lights flickering and that feeling of being watched. But if you’re really unlucky, the ghostly Lady of the Night might just sneak up behind you and smash your head into the mirror.

Explore New Orleans Most Haunted Buildings

LaLaurie Mansion | Address: 1138 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The LaLaurie Mansion, which was built in the late 18th century, was once home to socialite and slave owner Madame Delphine LaLaurie and her third husband, Dr. Leonard LaLaurie.

The mansion is known for its dark history of cruelty and torture, as Madame LaLaurie was notorious for mistreating her slaves. In 1834, a fire broke out at the mansion, and firefighters who arrived on the scene discovered a hidden chamber in the attic where several slaves were being held captive and tortured. The discovery led to a scandal that ultimately forced the LaLauries to flee the city.

Reports of paranormal activity have emanated from this house for nearly two centuries. It is not uncommon for many of these hauntings to be linked to the slaves that Madame LaLaurie kept on the premises.

One particular room within the LaLaurie Mansion was frequently used to confine slaves, and reports of moans emanating from this room are frequent. The sound of phantom footsteps regularly reverberates throughout the house. Additionally, numerous individuals who have been in close proximity to the mansion have reported experiencing a sense of negative energy taking hold of them.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 | Address: 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Welcome to St. Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest and most haunted graveyard in New Orleans. Established in 1789, this place has been the hottest spot for New Orleans ghosts for over 200 years. With over 700 tombs and 100,000 dead residents (and counting), it’s no wonder that St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the most happening cemetery in town.

The cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent New Orleanians, including Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, architect Benjamin Latrobe, and jazz musician Ernie K-Doe.

It’s considered by some to be haunted, and there have been many reported sightings of ghosts and paranormal activity within its walls. The cemetery’s history, unique architecture, and famous residents are all factors that contribute to its reputation as a haunted location.

One of the most famous spirits said to haunt St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is Marie Laveau, the Voodoo queen of New Orleans. Many people believe that her spirit still roams the cemetery, and visitors often leave offerings at her tomb in the hopes of gaining her favor or receiving her blessings.

But if you’re brave enough to venture into St. Louis Cemetery #1 after dark, you might just run into some of the legendary spirits who call this place home. And who knows, you might even get invited to their next ghostly party.

The Beauregard-Keyes House | Address: 1113 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116

One of the house’s namesakes, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, has been haunting the joint for years. You see, back in 1861, Beauregard was appointed commandant at the West Point Military Academy. But, unfortunately, that position was quickly revoked, and he had to skedaddle back to his wife Caroline in New Orleans.

Now, Caroline was a real social butterfly, and she decided to throw a grand ball to welcome her dear husband home. And where else to hold such a fabulous event than in the spacious dining room of their home.

Just as Beauregard was gearing up for the party of the year with his lovely wife Caroline, duty called, and he had to ship out to the Confederate Army at Fort Sumter. He oversaw the first shots fired in the Civil War.

To make matters worse, Caroline fell ill and kicked the bucket in 1864, leaving Beauregard to mourn her passing from afar.

Legend has it that after Beauregard passed away, his spirit couldn’t resist the urge to boogie down at Caroline’s grand ball, even if it never actually happened. Ethereal music, dancing feet, and laughter could be heard echoing through the halls, as if the party was still going on to this very day.

Some people claim to have seen the ghostly figures of Beauregard and Caroline twirling around the ballroom, reliving their love story over and over again for all eternity.

But there is a plot twist. The couple never actually lived in the Beauregard-Keyes House. They resided over on Esplanade Avenue, where Caroline eventually died. So all those ghostly sightings of the couple waltzing through the halls? Probably just a case of mistaken identity.

Beauregard did eventually make his way to the house, but he just rented it for a couple of years before packing up and moving on.

My favorite story of this house…

Back in 1904, a family of Italian immigrants known as the Giaconas bought the place and set up a booze business, straight outta Sicily. They turned the basement into a wine cellar and ran their business from the house.

But, they caught the attention of some local extortionists, who went by the name of the ‘Black Hand’. These guys started sending threatening letters and demanding cash, so Pietro, the head of the Giacona family, invited four of the Black Hand dudes over for dinner.

They had some wine, didn’t leave when they were supposed to, and things got ugly. Pietro and his son ended up shooting all four of them on the back porch of the house. Three of them died on the spot, and the fourth fled and was later found by the cops.

The Giaconas were initially charged with murder, but the case was eventually dismissed in 1910 because they claimed self-defense. The family kept living and running their business from the house until they sold it in 1925.

Nowadays, some visitors claim to hear ghostly gunfire and the screams of the wounded coming from the back porch. Others report feeling an icy chill in the very spot where the shooting went down.

This house in now a museum open for tours where you will learn about all the families who called this house home. And you can test out these paranrmal theories yourself.

The Ursuline Convent | Address: 1100 Chartres St #2505, New Orleans, LA 70116

This is the story of “the casket girls”, The New Orleans vampires…

In 1728, a group of young women arrived in the bustling port of New Orleans, ready to start a new life as brides to the French colonists. But as soon as they stepped off the ship, the Frenchmen were disappointed by their pallor. These girls were so pale, they looked like they’d spent the entire voyage below deck.

The group of young women aboard the ship, known as the Filles a la Cassette, each clutched a coffin-shaped chest that held all of their belongings and followed the Ursuline nuns to their new homes, until their respective marriages, but their fate was not as expected.

Some were forced into unwanted marriages and mistreated by their husbands. Others were forced into prostitution after finding themselves alone and unwed. The French King demanded their return to France, and the Ursuline nuns took their casket-shaped chests to the third floor of the convent. When the nuns returned to the third floor, they found the chests empty.

Rumors began to circulate that the girls were actually vampires, but nobody could confirm or deny it. Fast forward to 1978, when two paranormal investigators decided to camp out in front of the Old Ursuline Convent to find out the truth. Unfortunately, they didn’t last long. In the middle of the night, the shutters on the third floor opened and closed repeatedly. The investigators tried to capture it all on camera, but their equipment stopped working. The next morning, their bodies were found torn open and, drained of blood.

Okay, time to dismantle this myth becase vampires aren’t actually real, right?

So first off, It is possible that the French colonists suspected that the girls have been sent as prostitutes instead of wives. This is a likely scenario, considering that there were similar rumors following the arrival of every batch of young women to the New World for the past 60 years or so.

There’s no evidence to suggest that the early New Orleanians thought the new arrivals were vampires. But,  people did notice their pale complexion. These poor ladies had been cooped up on a ship for six months, seeing little to no sunlight, and being kept below deck.

As for the secret third floor…

It’s been disclosed that there’s nothing there but archival records and storage items. It’s not as exciting as a den of vampires or a collection of undead caskets, but that’s the reality of it.

Why has the vampire myth persisted for so long in New Orleans?

Was it Anne Rice’s influence or are we just suckers for the creepy and bizarre? Maybe it’s because tourists love a good scare! Or is that just another urban legend? Who knows. But let’s be real, when it comes to a choice between a heartwarming tale of love and success or a bloodthirsty, undead creature lurking in the shadows, we all know which one we’d rather believe!

The convent is now home to a brilliant museum that offers tours. If you are brave enough, maybe you can check out the third floor for yourself…

The Sultan’s House | Address: 716 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

In 1839 Jean Baptiste LePrete was living in this house half the year and then living at his plantation for the othe half. When the Civil War came along his fanaces suffered immesely. Suddenly, he couldn’t keep up with the house payments.

One day a man with a mysterious accent came knocking at his door. The man claimed that his brother was a Sultan, and was interested in renting the LePrete mansion. Desperate for money, LePrete immediately agreed to the deal.

Well, things really started to heat up at the house after the Sultan and his entourage moved in. The neighbors couldn’t help but notice the non-stop partying going on every night, with music, laughter, and other, ahem, sounds of pleasure floating through the air.

Then, one night, the French Quarter was rocked by a terrible storm. But by the next morning, it’s as if nothing had happened. One man ventured out onto the street, squinting against the bright light, when he suddenly froze in his tracks like a deer caught in headlights.

For trickling down the front steps of the Sultan’s Palace was blood. The unsuspecting man ran to the police station to tell them what he had seen. When the police arrived on the scene, one officer pushed open the door and as they entered, the police officers couldn’t help but feel like they had stumbled into the middle of a horror movie.

The Sultan’s Palace was now the scene of a gruesome murder. Corpses were scattered about, and the air was thick with the aroma of freshly spilled blood. And in the courtyard? A hand protruded from the mud as if clawing for help.

The Sultan was buried alive…

Perhaps it was the work of a vengeful ghost who had been awakened by the Sultan’s opulent parties and endless revelry. Or maybe it was just a group of over-enthusiastic partygoers who had taken the phrase “killing it on the dance floor” a bit too literally. Whatever the case may be, the Sultan’s Palace was never the same after that fateful night. The bloodstains were never fully scrubbed away, and the scent of death lingered in the air.

The legend of the Gardette-LePrete House/Sultan’s Palace! It’s like a game of telephone, where the story gets more and more ridiculous with each retelling. Did LePrete really lease his house to a harem of exotic beauties? Did they really throw wild parties every night? And what about that brutal murder? Well, according to researchers, there’s no evidence to support any of it. In fact, the only thing that’s true is that LePrete was broke. But it does make for a great story.

The Hermann-Grima House | Address: 820 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Have you watched Season Three of American Horror Story (Coven)? If so, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of the Hermann-Grima House Museum, even if you haven’t visited it in person. The show’s crew chose to film the opening scenes of Madame LaLaurie’s party at this museum instead of the real-life LaLaurie Mansion.

Move over Casper, we’ve got some new friendly ghosts in town! The Hermann-Grima House Museum is home to some of the most hospitable spirits you’ll ever meet. They don’t just haunt the place, they take care of it! One ghost will light up the fireplace to warm the rooms, while others will leave behind the sweet scent of roses and lavender to freshen things up.

One group thought they were just buying admission, but ended up getting a glimpse of a couple in 19th century fashion. They assumed the couple were just actors, but it turns out they were actually ghosts that have been dead for over 150 years.

While there have been some reports of not-so-friendly Union soldiers haunting the wine cellar and grand staircase, the majority of the spirits in the house are known for their southern charm and hospitality, so it’s no surprise that these well-mannered spirits continue to make guests feel welcome.

Congo Square | Address: 701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Let’s talk about Congo Square! Back in the 1700s, this was the spot where African slaves gathered to perform their native rituals. They danced, sang, and sold their wares – some even bought their own freedom. And let’s not forget the Voodoo. Congo Square was a hotspot for this too, and Marie Leveau would often be seen here doing her thing.

Some of these rituals were wild! Think blood, body parts, and animal sacrifices. One priestess named Zourinous was particularly notorious for her nighttime rituals under a haunted tree. People came to her when they needed to discreetly dispose of their enemies. But alas, her reign came to an abrupt end thanks to a drunken sailor.

She was all about bringing her followers success in a discreet and deadly way. So, she moved her operation to a sycamore tree, claiming it was enchanted by a wizard from the east. She even added human and animal remains to her stews, like chicken feet and frog legs. Yum!

But one day, a drunk sailor stumbled upon the scene and asked for a curse on his enemy. Zourinous agreed, but when he saw the pile of money and jewels, he couldn’t resist taking it and running. He burned the Voodoo priestess in the process.

Marie Leveau, the infamous Voodoo priestess, would often perform rituals at the square for tourists, but she also had a secret spot nearby for more intense ceremonies. As New Orleans expanded, Congo Square became a focal point, and even after the Louisiana Purchase, the gatherings continued. But sadly, as the city grew, the police and local authorities began cracking down on the gatherings and by the time of the Civil War, they had all but ceased.

Drink Some Absinthe in Pirate’s Alley

Website | Address: 622 Pirates Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116

This place has a lot of history and legends surrounding it, some of which may be true, while others are most likely false.

According to some tales, Pirate Alley was a spot where pirates used to hang out back in the day. Others claim that slaves were sold at the nearby St. Anthony’s Garden on Royal Street.

Another legend involves that of pirate Jean Lafitte. Whose brother Pierre ended up in the slammer back in 1814, just before the Battle of New Orleans. Jean Lafitte somehow managed to negotiate Pierre’s “escape” with General Andrew Jackson right there on Pirate’s Alley. And what was the price for this daring rescue? Jean had to lend a hand to help Jackson fight off the British in the upcoming battle.

Some people like to say that Jean and his pirate crew used Pirate’s Alley as their base of operations, even selling their ill-gotten gains to the good people of New Orleans from behind the fence of St. Anthony’s Garden. But let’s be real, Jean was not stupid. It’s unlikely he’d choose to do business in an alley surrounded by a church, government building, and a prison.

So, while it’s a fun and fanciful idea, the truth is that Pirate’s Alley probably didn’t get its name from Jean Lafitte and his mates. Nevertheless, these legends make for some entertaining stories.

In reality, Pirate Alley used to be known as Orleans Alley until the city changed the name in the 1960s. The new name was chosen to reflect what the locals were already calling it and to make it easier for tourists to find.

If you are hankering for a drink, stop at Pirate’s Alley Café where the workers will occasionally strut their pirate attire. The best thing to order would be the absinthe, the liquor that makes you see green fairies and unicorns. They make it using The traditional method, which involves a fancy absinthe fountain and some sugar cubes.

Note: They are cash only

Watch A Show in A Haunted Theater

Le Petite Theater | Address: 616 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

If you’re from out of town and looking for a top-notch performance, The French Quarter’s own Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre is the best community theater in New Orleans. This place was established way back in 1916 and still standing strong in its original spot. Not only do they put on unbelievable shows that could rival New York’s Broadway, but they’ve also got some extra “characters” hanging around.

That’s right, Le Petit is a community theater for both the living and the dead. From a bride who tragically took her own life on the theater grounds to an actress who met her demise up in the catwalk. And let’s not forget about the ex-manager who committed suicide in the staff office and now haunts the place with a vengeance, stealing people’s belongings and slamming doors.

But fear not, because Caroline, the friendly ghost, is here to help. Actors who have lost something. You can just call out her name, and she’ll work her spectral magic to bring the lost item back to its rightful owner.

If you are scared of encountering a ghost at the theater, no need to worry. They mostly appear on opening night or backstage to bug the actors. Le Petite shows dramas, comedies, musicals and even children’s productions! I saw a gut busting show of “The Play Goes Wrong.” I couldn’t stop laughing.

Mahogany Jazz Hall | Address: 125 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

New Orleans is widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz music, so no trip to New Orleans is complete without watching at least one show. Mahogany Jazz Club was my favorite place to relax and watch some jazz. They had performances every night of the week, but little did I know Mahagonny Jazz Club had a tragic past, which has made it a home to many sad and lonely ghosts.

It’s said that currently the hall is haunted by three men who had very tragic ending to their lives.

It starts back in 1888, when a shoemaker named Charles Murphy came from England (the hall used to be a lodging house owned by a man named Fred Folks’), He was in New Orleans for two years when he was struck by a terrible fever.  Murphy’s illness was making it difficult for him to work the long hours he was used to, so he became depressed.

One morning, Mr. Folks did his usual wake-up call on Murphy, and they had a quick chat before Folks went back downstairs. But once alone, Murphy grabbed a piece of clothing line and tied a noose around his neck, securing the other end to an iron hook in the wall. Three hours later, Mr. Folks found him, but it was too late. Murphy had strangled himself to death.

Murphy wasn’t the only one to hit rock bottom and end up at Folk’s Lodging House. A German immigrant named George Kreis stumbled upon the joint two years later, after spending all his dough in New Orleans. Poor guy was broke, and homeless. But, lo and behold, Folk took pity on him and gave him a room to crash in and help him find steady work.

He hooked Kreis up with a job. But, there was a catch – he had to be a baker. Now, Kreis didn’t know the first thing about baking, but he wasn’t gonna let that stop him. He had a “fake it till you bake it” mentality.

Fast-forward to Valentine’s Day, 1890. Kreis bought a Defender 32 caliber revolver with the last of his cash. He went back to his room and shot himself. Mr. Folk had to find yet another suicide in his lodging house.

Two years after that, a homeless man named Scotty Boyle was loitering outside the lodge when some guy in a brown coat shot him in his face. The guy in the brown suit fled. The killer was never caught, but there was one guy who got arrested and later proved innocent.

It’s said that the spirits of these three men are still lurking in the jazz hall today, and if you come for a show you may encounter one of them or all three.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Halloween in New Orleans Faqs

How to Get to New Orleans 

To get to New Orleans, you have several transportation options depending on your location and preferences:

1. By Air: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the main airport serving the city. It offers domestic and international flights, making it convenient for travelers from various locations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or shuttle to reach your destination in New Orleans.
2. By Car: If you prefer driving, New Orleans is accessible via major highways such as Interstate 10 and Interstate 55. The city is well-connected to other cities in the region, and there are several parking options available in and around New Orleans, including street parking and parking garages.
3. By Bus: Bus travel is an affordable option for reaching New Orleans. Several bus companies operate routes to and from the city, including Greyhound and Megabus. The main bus station is the Union Passenger Terminal, located near the Central Business District.
4. By Train: Amtrak provides rail service to New Orleans with routes from various cities. The Amtrak station is also located at the Union Passenger Terminal, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train.

Do People Dress up for Halloween in New Orleans?

Certainly! In New Orleans, dressing up for Halloween is a cherished tradition. The city’s vibrant culture and creative spirit come alive as people don elaborate and imaginative costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. From the French Quarter to various events and parties, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of costumes, ranging from classic to avant-garde. Halloween in New Orleans is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and a whole lot of fun!

How do you get Around New Orleans?

Getting around New Orleans is relatively easy, thanks to a variety of transportation options available:

1. Streetcars: New Orleans is famous for its historic streetcar lines. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world and offers a scenic ride through beautiful neighborhoods. The Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines are also available, providing convenient access to popular areas.
2. Buses: The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates an extensive bus network throughout the city. Buses are an affordable and reliable way to reach different neighborhoods and attractions in New Orleans.
3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available in the city, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
4. Walking: New Orleans is a walkable city, particularly in the historic French Quarter and nearby neighborhoods. Many popular attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a reasonable walking distance.
5. Ferries: If you need to travel across the Mississippi River, the Algiers Ferry provides a scenic and affordable option. The ferry connects downtown New Orleans with the Algiers Point neighborhood.

Is Halloween in New Orleans Safe?

Halloween in New Orleans, like any major celebration, requires some awareness and precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety during Halloween in New Orleans:

1. Stay in well-lit and populated areas: Stick to popular areas with plenty of people around, such as the French Quarter or designated Halloween events. Avoid venturing into secluded or poorly lit areas alone.
2. Travel in groups: It’s always safer to explore the city with friends or in groups. Stay together and look out for one another throughout the night.
3. Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s best to remove yourself from it.
4. Secure your belongings: Keep your personal belongings, such as bags, wallets, and phones, secure and in sight at all times. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
5. Use trusted transportation: Stick to licensed taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation when moving around the city. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed or unauthorized individuals.
6. Drink responsibly: If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and know your limits. Watch your drinks and never leave them unattended.
7. Follow local regulations and guidelines: Familiarize yourself with any specific rules or guidelines set by local authorities or event organizers for Halloween festivities. Respect these regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Is Halloween in New Orleans Accessible?

New Orleans is not very accessible. Many of the old buildings have very steep stairs and no lifts and the sidewalks aren’t maintained and many are falling apart. It’s unfortunate, but celebrating Halloween in New Orleans accessibly would be very difficult.

Is Halloween in New Orleans Expensive?

The cost of celebrating Halloween in New Orleans can vary depending on your preferences and activities. Here are some factors that may contribute to the overall expense:

1. Accommodation: The cost of accommodations in New Orleans during Halloween may be higher compared to other times of the year, especially in popular areas like the French Quarter. It’s advisable to book accommodations in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
2. Events and Parties: Some Halloween events and parties in New Orleans may have entrance fees or require tickets for admission. The prices can vary depending on the event and the level of entertainment or activities provided. It’s recommended to check the event websites or contact organizers for specific pricing details.
3. Dining and Entertainment: New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and lively entertainment options. The cost of dining out and enjoying live music or performances can vary depending on the restaurant, venue, and the level of luxury or entertainment involved. There are options to fit a range of budgets.
4. Costumes and Decorations: The cost of costumes and decorations for Halloween in New Orleans is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences. You can find costumes at various price points, from simple DIY options to elaborate store-bought ensembles. Similarly, decorations can range from affordable to more extravagant, depending on your desired level of spookiness or creativity.
5. Transportation: Consider the cost of transportation to and within New Orleans, whether it’s airfare, bus or train tickets, or fuel and parking fees if driving. Additionally, factor in the cost of local transportation options like streetcars, buses, or taxis.
6. Souvenirs and Extras: If you wish to bring home souvenirs or participate in additional activities during your Halloween visit, such as ghost tours or visiting iconic attractions, there may be associated costs.

What is the Weather Like for Halloween in New Orleans?

The weather in New Orleans during Halloween can vary, as the city experiences a transition from summer to fall during that time. Here is a general overview of the weather conditions you might expect:

Temperature: The average high temperature in New Orleans during late October and early November ranges from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-28 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can fluctuate, and it’s advisable to check the forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate information.

Humidity: New Orleans is known for its high humidity throughout the year, including during the Halloween season. Humidity levels can be relatively high, so it’s a good idea to dress in lightweight and breathable clothing.

Rainfall: New Orleans experiences moderate rainfall during October and November. It’s always wise to have a raincoat or umbrella handy, as brief showers are possible. Checking the weather forecast before heading out is recommended to plan accordingly.

Hurricane Season: It’s important to be aware that the Halloween season falls within the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. While the likelihood of a hurricane affecting New Orleans during this specific time may vary, it’s wise to monitor weather updates and be prepared.

Overall, the weather in New Orleans during Halloween is generally pleasant and mild, with warm temperatures and a chance of showers. It’s a good idea to pack a variety of clothing options to accommodate potential changes in weather and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city during this time of year.

What Should I Pack for Halloween in New Orleans?

When packing for Halloween in New Orleans, it’s important to consider the weather conditions and the festive atmosphere of the city. Here are some essential items to pack:

1. Costumes: If you plan to participate in Halloween festivities, bring your desired costumes or accessories. New Orleans embraces creativity, so feel free to go all out with your costume choices.
2. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the warm and humid climate of New Orleans during late October. Include T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, skirts, and light pants. Layering options such as light jackets or cardigans can be useful for cooler evenings.
3. Comfortable Shoes: With plenty of walking and exploring opportunities, comfortable shoes are a must. Opt for sneakers, sandals, or flats that can withstand long walks on different surfaces.
4. Rain Gear: Pack a lightweight raincoat or a travel-sized umbrella to prepare for occasional showers. This will ensure you can continue enjoying outdoor activities without getting soaked.
5. Accessories: Bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, consider packing a small backpack or tote bag to carry your essentials during the day.
6. Personal Essentials: Don’t forget to pack your toiletries, medications, and any other personal essentials you may need during your trip.
7. Camera or Smartphone: New Orleans is a picturesque city, so be sure to capture the vibrant Halloween atmosphere and iconic landmarks. Bring a camera or use your smartphone to take memorable photos.
8. Cash and Cards: It’s a good idea to have a mix of cash and cards for various transactions, including dining, transportation, and shopping. ATMs are widely available, but having some cash on hand can be convenient.

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