Halloween In New Orleans: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans that are sure to be a scream.
— Susan Powers

Boo At The Zoo At Audubon Zoo

For mortal ghosts and goblins up to age 12, Boo at the Zoo at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo is a safe, fun Halloween event. The attraction includes a Star Wars stage show, a haunted maze, a ghost train ride and trick-or-treating. The event runs a few days before Halloween, and the limited tickets are available online.

6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118 | Get Directions

Molly's Halloween Parade

A true New Orleans tradition on Halloween night is the annual Molly’s Halloween Parade, also historically known as Jim Monaghan’s Halloween Day Parade. Costumes are encouraged, and anyone age 21 and older can walk with the parade for free as it meanders through New Orleans' famous French Quarter. For $100, participants receive a spot on one of the carriages, and beads, trinkets and candy to throw into the crowd. The parade features an array of creative and sometimes quirky costumes, as well as bands and marching groups.

1107 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116 | Get Directions

The Voodoo Experience Music Festival

Since 1999, the Voodoo Experience music festival has cast "a weekend-long spell of music, food, crafts and culture" over New Orleans every Halloween. The festival's multiple outdoor stages entertain crowds spread across City Park, providing interactive excitement with a touch of seasonal spookiness. The eclectic list of performers includes local New Orleans talent and marquee names. Children should attend at the discretion of parents. Tickets range from $60, for single-night admission, to $500, for all three days plus VIP amenities.

1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, LA 70124 | Get Directions

From parades to haunted houses, this mishmash of Halloween vibes and scenes gives a glimpse of spooking in the Big Easy.

Did we miss a Halloween event in New Orleans? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.