When the temperature starts dipping below 90, you know it’s autumn in South Louisiana — and autumn means… Halloween!
Folks around here can always find a reason to celebrate, but we really step it up for the spooky season. We’ve put together a big ol’ list of 30(+) festivities that range from creepy to cute to suit both thrillseekers and scaredy cats of all ages.
NOTE: The list is in order of opening dates. Be sure to check the corresponding website for ticket availability and any last minute changes in dates or times.
Scout Island Scream Park (City Park)
Fridays-Sundays, September 27-October 27 & October 29-November 2
New Orleans City Park and The Mortuary Haunted Mansion host this fright festival located in a wooded area located in City Park North of I-610. Highlights include: The Devil’s Swamp, Zombie Combat, Scream Factory, Cirque du Fear Fright Zone, The Horseman’s Fright Zone, Blood Bayou Fright Zone, The Kraken Beer & Spirits Pirate Club, The Paranormal Experience, Carnival Rides, and more. The festival will have activities for all ages. Families with small children are invited to attend early and take part in the hay ride and Scare Free Kid Zone. Fridays 6-midnight; Saturdays 11am-midnight; Sundays 11am-11pm. https://scoutislandscreampark.com/
The Mortuary Haunted House (New Orleans)
Select Dates, Now through October 31
Not for the faint of heart, this place has been featured on top ghost hunting shows and described as “a one-of-kind adrenaline pumping, nail-biting haunted house experience” with “state of the art animatronics, theatrical sets, movie quality makeup, over-the-top special effects, unusual themes and details.” Bonus: The Blood Center will be on site every night, and If you give blood, you will receive a free admission ticket to skip the box office line. https://themortuary.net/
Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest (Slidell)
October 5 – 11am-4pm
In celebration of autumn and all things pumpkin, this Slidell festival features a Big Wheel race, ponies, hayrides, costume parade, bounce house, face painting, Pumpkin Chunkin’, firefighters’ challenge, food and sweets, and more. http://rainbowccc.org/events/pumpkin/
Field of Screams (Covington)
October 12 – 7-10pm
The Covington Rec Complex’s Blue Swamp Creek Trail becomes the Scream Trail, Eerie stage scenes created and manned by Covington Fire Department and Covington Police Department . Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free to the public. http://covla.com/
Lakeside Monster Train & Fall Photos (Metairie)
October 12-31
Lakeside Shopping Center kicks off the season by welcoming the arrival of the Halloween-themed train, located in Center Court. $1.50 for one ticket or $10 for 10 tickets. They’re also set up for festive fall photos, with packages ranging from $24.99-$89.99. Both schedules are: Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm. https://www.facebook.com/pg/lakesideshoppingcenter/events/?ref=page_internal
Halloween Snack and Shop at Lakeside (Metairie)
October 13 – 9:30am-Noon
Lakeside & New Orleans Mom’s annual event features face painting, a DJ, kid-friendly activities, food, healthy options for “trick or treating” and more. https://www.facebook.com/events/394168047802328/
Ghost in the Oaks (New Orleans)
October 17-20 – 5pm early admission; 6-9pm general admission
(**Already sold out by press time!) https://www.friendsofcitypark.com/event/ghosts-in-the-oaks-friday/
Monster Mash (Northshore)
October 19 – 10am–3pm
This large, festival-style event, held in Bogue Falaya Park in Covington, offers lots of activities, entertainment, and trick or treating for the kids, plus local area restaurants and vendors will be serving refreshments, snacks, and treats for purchase. Highlights include the Trick-or-Treat Village, Princess & Pirate Party, live music, inflatables and carnival-type games, arts & crafts including face-painting and colorful hairspray, the Tickets for a Treat Prize Drawing Booth, a shopping village and more. Costumes encouraged. http://www.sthfoundation.org/foundation/MonsterMash.htm
Krewe of Boo in the Boo Carre (New Orleans)
October 19 – 6:30pm
Unlike any other parade in the world, this one includes beautifully horrific props and sculptures from the Kern Studios. It starts in the Marigny and rolls through the French Quarter and CBD. For the parade route and other information, go here. http://www.kreweofboo.com
Halloween Movie In The Park (Covington)
October 19 – 6-9pm
Coquille Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Halloween Movie in the Park featuring Disney Pixar: COCO on Field 14. They will have concessions, arts & crafts, fire trucks, and more. Activities will begin at 6pm and the movie will start at 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/488530051879867/
The Grand Theatre’s Halloween Spooktacular (Slidell)
October 19 – 11am-1pm
This spooktacular event features a showing of the new animated film, The Addams Family. Doors open at 11am to enjoy all the festivities including trick-or-treating, carnival games, and face painting. The showing of The Addams Family will begin at 12:30pm. http://www.thegrandtheatre.com/
LPO Halloween Spooktacular (New Orleans)
October 20 – 2-3pm
This annual Halloween family concert at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall will feature spooky classical favorites through the LPO’s own story – The Phantom of the Superdome. Costumes are encouraged, and visitors are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to the concert to interact with the ghastly and ghoulish musicians and their instruments. Admission to LPO Family Concerts is FREE for children ages 15 and under. https://www.lpomusic.com/online/article/spooktacular-2019
Spook Fest at Clearview (Metairie)
October 24-31
The Haynes Academy drama department will be hosting a spooktacular haunted house at the Clearview Center, with all proceeds going towards the school. Ages 6+ only. $5 at the door.
Please come in through the food court entrance. The Clearview Rooms are easily accessible between Walk-On’s and Semolina. 6-9pm on weekdays; 6-10pm on weekends. https://clearviewcenter.com/events/
Columbia Street Halloween Block Party (Covington)
October 25 – 6:30-9:30 pm
The last block party of the year, which always features classic cars, has a Halloween theme, so costumes are encouraged for all ages. Some shops and classic car owners have candy for trick-or-treaters, a pumpkin carving contest, and other activities are typically held at St. Tammany Art Association. http://www.covla.com/
Boo at the Zoo (New Orleans)
October 25 & 26 – 5-9pm; October 27 – 4-8pm
Audubon Zoo’s annual extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children up to age 12, featuring trick-or-treat houses with candy, the Ghost Train (which can be scary for children and adults), a haunted house (scary and non-scary), games, live entertainment, and more. http://www.auduboninstitute.org/boo-at-the-zoo
Park-A-Boo at Lafreniere (New Orleans)
October 25-27
This 3-day Halloween Festival is primarily for children under 13 years old to costume and participate in festive activities such as trick or treating at 10 “houses” on Treat Street, Boo House (their version of a not too scary haunted house) , face-painting, games, balloon sculptures, a story telling tent, an entertainment stage, and costume contests. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Friday, 5-8:30pm; Saturday, 1-8:30pm; Sunday, 1-5:30pm http://www.park-a-boo.com/
Halloween Tea at the Windsor Court (New Orleans)
October 26-27 – 11am & 2pm
Costumed characters add to the spooky ambience of this Halloween tea at the Windsor Court Hotel’s Le Salon. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes as they enjoy a delicate tea sandwiches and Halloween-themed treats. Call (504) 596-4773 or click here for reservations. https://www.windsorcourthotel.com/le-salon
Haunted House Build (New Orleans)
October 26 – Noon
The Ritz-Carlton pastry chefs will provide the gingerbread, you provide the creativity at this Halloween event where visitors can build their own haunted house creation. Parental supervision is required. Call (504) 262-5048 or go here for reservations and details. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-orleans/hotel-overview/calendar
Ghouls and Goblin Tea (New Orleans)
October 26 & 27 – 11am & 2:30pm
Little ghouls and goblins are sure to have a scary good time as they enjoy festive holiday themed snacks in the Ritz-Carlton’s Davenport Lounge. Children will enjoy festive Halloween themed snacks in the Davenport Lounge and adults can enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Costumes are encouraged. Call (504) 262-5048 or go here for reservations and details. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-orleans/hotel-overview/calendar
Boo Fest (Covington)
October 26 – 10am-3pm
Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington invites children and families to wear costumes and Trick or Treat at over 70 haunted houses on the Green outside their facility. Other highlights include pumpkin decorating at the pumpkin patch, face painting, all-abilities games, a complimentary photo booth, music and dancing, and more. Children are encouraged to take part in the annual Boo Fest costume contest. All proceeds benefit children with disabilities and their families. https://accesslouisiana.org/boofest/
Pumpkins-in-the-Park (Covington)
October 26 – 11am-2pm
The free event, hosted by TerraBella Village Square in Covington, features pumpkins, pumpkin painting, face painting, a jump house, mini horses, hayride, crafts for the kids, refreshments for purchase, and more. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Northshore Food Bank. http://terrabellavillage.com/pumpkins-in-the-park/
Audubon Bat Festival (New Orleans East)
October 26 – 10am-4pm
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center celebrates bats at this event, which features crafts, face painting, gardening for bats, recipes, a presentation at 3:30 p.m. by Dr. Craig Hood of Loyola University, food truck and concessions, and more. No entrance fee is required to enter the Nature Center, walk the trails, or participate in this event. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/bat-festival
Boo Dat at Riverwalk (New Orleans)
October 26 – Noon-3pm
This Spooktacular Saturday Halloween Celebration at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk features trick-or-treating, face painting and craft stations for kids. Halloween revelers of all ages are welcome to don their coolest and creepiest costumes while collecting candy from participating shops throughout the Mall. Participating stores can be identified by the trick-or-treat sign posted at their entrances. https://www.facebook.com/events/2337678076483823/
Shivers at the Shop (New Orleans)
October 26 – 11am-1pm
The Shops at Canal Place hosts its annual family- oriented Halloween event, featuring costume contests, trick or treating, virtual reality experience, face painting, balloon sculptures, and more. https://www.facebook.com/events/505714336656780/
Trickin’ and Treatin’ at the Trailhead (Covington)
October 26 – 10am-Noon
Held at the Covington Trailhead, this annual event provides festive family fun, featuring games, entertainment, pumpkin decorating, and activities with a Halloween theme. http://www.covla.com/
Nightmare on Columbia (Covington)
October 26, 5-9:30pm
The Covington Business Association will host the inaugural Nightmare on Columbia Stroll, Costume Contest & Concert in Downtown Covington. Patrons can stroll from business to business to sample (and vote for their favorite) craft cocktails and craft beers. Live music/entertainment will take place in the streets and at local establishments, with a free concert at the Trailhead at the end of the evening, featuring Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces. https://www.gocovington.org/
Audubon Aquarium’s Crawloween (New Orleans)
October 29 & 30 – 10am-5pm
Audubon Insectarium is celebrating Halloween with treats and close-up encounters with critters. Visitors will learn about the myths behind some “scary” critters, go trick-or-treating for bug-themed trinkets, enjoy halloween-themed cookies, check out pumpkins that double as animal exhibits, and more. Visitors can also enter the “Guess How Many Maggots are in the Jar” contest for a chance to win gift certificates to the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium’s Flea Market Gift Shop. Admission discount ($3 off for adults, $2 off for children under 12 years) if you are in a Halloween costume. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/crawloween
Clearview’s Boo at the View (Metairie)
October 31 – 5-9pm
This year’s Halloween celebration at Clearview Center will feature carnival games, a slime station, center-wide trick-or-treating, face painting and a haunted house fit for the whole family. https://www.facebook.com/events/2310434525877002/
Mall-O-Ween at Lakeside (Metairie)
October 31 – 4-6pm
Lakeside Shopping Center is hosting its annual safe and family-friendly trick-or-treating event. Visit center court and pick up treats along the way as you admire the spooky craftsmanship of decorated pumpkins from local high school students. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a ride on Frankie’s Flying Monster Train and have your photo taken as a keepsake. The Pumpkin Decorating Contest winners will be announced at 5:45. https://www.lakesideshopping.com/events
Ghosts, Goblins, & Gumbo (Madisonville)
October 31 – 5-9pm
The Town of Madisonville is hosting its annual Halloween event. Highlights include a Not So Scary Trail for children, a Haunted Trail for brave kids and adults. free gumbo while supplies last, cookie decorating for kids, and businesses will be handing out candy on the front lawn. Free Admission but donations accepted to benefit Friends of the Madisonville Cemetery. From 5:30-7:30pm, businesses and residents are encouraged to hand out candy for “All Around Town Trick or Treating.” The Chamber will provide maps listing all the participants. https://www.townofmadisonville.org/
Mandeville Trailhead Trunk or Treat
October 31 – 5:30-8:30pm
This annual event features family friendly activities including trick-or-treating from dune buggies, costume contest, face painting, and live music. Trick-or-treating starts at 5:30pm and concert begins at 6:30pm. https://www.experiencemandeville.org/events
