The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is one of New Orleans’ quintessential music festivals. Since its inception, the festival has hosted thousands of musical acts, including a mix of national headliners and local favorites, all staged under City Park’s majestic oaks.
During the festival, City Park is transformed into an other-worldly stomping ground to worship the music. The experience is a feast for the eyes thanks to large-scale art installations, an arts market, and the wide range of outlandish costumes festival-goers wear in honor of Halloween.
Take a look at who’s playing, how to get there, and a few other local tips with our Insider’s Guide.
Music
Friday, Oct. 25
Voodoo Fest kicks off with performances from Guns N’ Roses, Brandi Carlile, Interpol, Bishop Briggs, and others.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Beck, Bassnectar, The National, Young the Giant, and Clairo take the stage on this second night of all-star performances.
Sunday, Oct. 27
For its final day, Voodoo goes out with a bang with performances from Post Malone, Rezz, Bring Me the Horizon, and others. See the full Voodoo Fest lineup here.
Experiences
There’s more to Voodoo than the music. Explore the festival grounds that feature art installations like giant prayer candles, the Voodoo sign (see above), and more. Beer lovers be sure to stop by the Brew Dat Craft Beer Hall where you’ll find a selection of New Belgium beers like the Voodoo Ranger IPA, Imperial IPA, 8 Hop Pale Ale, Citradelic, and Fat Tire. Celebrate Dia de los Muertes at Casa Modelo and enjoy a refreshing cerveza, complimentary face painting, a blacklight tunnel art experience, colorful live smoke performances, and more. Before you leave, make a pit stop at the Adobe photo room and snap a few pics with your Voodoo krewe. If you’re into the spooky season, step into the Mortuary’s, fright zone, which has been largely expanded this year. The walk through haunted house will give you a good scare. If that doesn’t do it, the interactive graveyard should.
Eats
Voodoo’s Forked Up Food Court is home to some of the best food in the South, including some of our favorites like Blue Oak BBQ, Dat Dog, and Boucherie. You can also find vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options too. Food vendors accept cash, debit, credit, and Voodoo cashless payments. For a full list of the 2019 vendors, visit the website.
After Shows
The party doesn’t stop at the festival grounds. After shows continue at the Orpheum Theater, House of Blues and other venues throughout downtown. Bring me the Horizon performs at The Fillmore on Thursday, October 25 at 8p.m (all ages). Peekaboo will be live at the Republic at 10p.m., and Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers take the stage at the House of Blues at 9p.m. on Friday, October 25 at 10p.m. (18+ for both shows). Krewella performs at Metro on Saturday, October 25 at 9p.m. (18+). For the full Deja Voodoo Shows lineup, check the schedule here.
Transportation
There are now two entry gates at the festival, the traditional entrance along Friedrichs Avenue, and a new gate along Golf Drive. Parking is limited in and around the park, and you’ll want to avoid parking on the neutral ground or bayou, both of which will most likely get you towed. The festival encourages public transportation use and also has a pick up/ drop off area located on Victory Avenue across from Storyland. For more information, see here.
Tips
This is an outdoor festival – rain or shine – so wear comfortable, waterproof shoes (umbrellas are not permitted, but ponchos are). Voodoo Cashless lets you link your credit card to your wristband so you don’t have to worry about hauling your wallet around. Small bags, empty water bottles, and phone cameras are welcome, but professional cameras and long lenses are not permitted. You can bring blankets, towels, and collapsible chairs, but tents are not allowed. Neither is Fido – leave your pets at home.
