New Orleans is home to year-round, nonstop fun, especially in October with so many things to do. Halloween New Orleans is among the best of them, spanning the last weekend of October with legendary LGBTQ events. In addition to the parties, Halloween New Orleans has raised over $4.5 million for Project Lazarus, an assisted-living home for those with HIV/AIDS in New Orleans, in its 35-year history.
The story of Halloween New Orleans is a story of the New Orleans gay community –one coming together to share their love and sense of family, celebrating its unique culture and love of showmanship, and coming to the aid of its own in the dark days of the AIDS crisis. It is a community triumphing over challenges with a resilient, joyful spirit.
Each year, Halloween New Orleans has a theme, and this year it’s Halloween Carnival New Orleans, taking place October 26-28, 2018. It consists of three main events:
The Lazarus Ball – Black Tie Event
Friday, October 26, 2018
Kick off the weekend with The Lazarus Ball, a night benefitting Project Lazarus, held at The Hyatt Regency from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. The black tie-preferred event will feature an open bar, food, entertainment, and a silent auction. The auction will be filled with art, housewares, packages, and gift certificates of all types. Come see everyone dressed up before getting into their crazy carnival costumes.
Sideshow – Costume/Dance Party
Saturday, October 27, 2018 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Let your imagination run wild for this year’s costume dance party themed “Sideshow.” Look beyond the red-striped tent, clowns, and jugglers to the freaks and abnormalities lurking next door for costume inspiration.
The event will feature an open bar and the music of DJ Drew G and Australia’s DJ Kitty Glitter. Costumes are required, and guests can parade their costumes on stage as they arrive for the crowd and judges (awards given out on Sunday at the Pier). Remember, the more creative the better, and group costumes are always welcome! There will be a special midnight show and dancing until 3 a.m.
Funhouse on the Pier – Tea Dance and Second Line
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sunday’s tea dance begins at 1 p.m. at Crescent Park on the side of the park that backs up to the French Quarter. The theme is “Funhouse” and will feature games, food trucks, vendors, picnic tables, and music by DJ Dan Slater who who will be making his HNO performance debut.
As the party ends around 6 p.m., paraders will march from the Tea Dance through the French Quarter ending at St. Ann and Bourbon streets. The second line features marching bands, dance troops, and more! Touted as a favorite event of the weekend, the second line through the Quarter is something you won’t want to miss.
