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.
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.
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.
Each year, Halloween New Orleans has a theme, and this year it’s Halloween Carnival New Orleans, taking place October 25-27, 2019. It consists of three main events. We’ve rounded them up for you.
The Lazarus Ball – Black Tie Event
Friday, Oct. 25, 2019
Kick off the weekend with The Lazarus Ball, a night benefitting Project Lazarus, held at The New Orleans Board of Trade from 7:30-10:30 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 guests all dressed up before getting into their crazy carnival costumes.
Costume/Dance Party
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Let your imagination run wild for this year’s costume dance party themed “Hallowdays” – featuring costumes from all the holidays. 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 Ben Bakson and International DJ/Producer DJ Grind. Costumes are required, and guests can parade their costumes on stage as they arrive for the crowd and judges (awards are given out at the Pier during the Sunday event listed below). There will be a special midnight show and dancing until 3 a.m. Remember, the more creative the better, and group costumes are always welcome!
Tea Dance on the Pier and Second Line
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019
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 venue will feature games, food trucks, vendors, picnic tables, and music by DJ Blacklow who always turns the party up.
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.
