The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans in the Fall & Halloween Season

Why New Orleans in the Fall is Truly Magical

New Orleans is already one of the most magical (and slightly haunted) cities in the U.S.—but in the fall, especially around Halloween, it transforms into something straight out of a gothic fairytale. Think misty cemeteries, vampire legends, haunted bars, spooky parades, and locals who take costume season as seriously as Mardi Gras.

If you’re planning a fall getaway or a Halloween trip to the Crescent City, here’s your ultimate guide—packed with little-known tips, unique experiences, and insider advice to make your trip unforgettable.

If you want help planning your next vacation, click the button below and we’ll help plan something magical.

Why Visit in the Fall?

  • Perfect weather: September through November brings cooler temps (70s–80s vs. the summer swamp heat).

  • Festivals galore: From food fests to spooky parades, fall is one of the busiest seasons for events.

  • Spooky vibes: This is the city of voodoo, vampires, and above-ground cemeteries—it doesn’t get more Halloween-ready.

  • Fewer crowds than Mardi Gras: You still get parades, costumes, and nightlife, but without the overwhelming chaos of February.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Hotels in New Orleans book up a year in advance for October, especially Halloween weekend. Here are some SPOOKY favorites:

Beautiful New Orleans Hotels without the jump-scares:

Why book with us? We secure hard-to-get accommodations during peak season so you don’t get stuck with overpriced last-minute options far outside town.

Tours We Recommend

Our Best Tips

  1. Skip Bourbon Street on Halloween: Everyone assumes Bourbon Street is the place for Halloween, but locals know better. It’s overcrowded, chaotic, and honestly a bit sloppy. Instead, head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz, incredible costumes, and a festival atmosphere that feels authentically New Orleans.

  2. Catch the Krewe of Boo Parade: Halloween in New Orleans isn’t just bar-hopping—it has its own Mardi Gras-style parade. The Krewe of Boo Paradefeatures massive Halloween floats, dancers, and costumed crowds tossing beads and candy. It’s family-friendly during the day but still wild enough for adults.

  3. Take a Vampire Tour: Everyone does ghost tours—but for something different, book a Vampire Tour. Learn about real vampire legends tied to the city and even modern “vampire culture.” (Yes, New Orleans has one!)

  4. Attend a Midnight Voodoo Ceremony: Around Halloween, you can find authentic voodoo ceremonies (try the Voodoo Spiritual Temple). These aren’t gimmicky—they’re rooted in Afro-Caribbean spirituality and history, giving you a powerful, one-of-a-kind experience.

  5. Sip Cocktails at Haunted Bars: Skip the sugary hurricanes and instead drink where spirits (the ghostly kind) roam:

    • Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: One of the oldest bars in America, lit only by candlelight.

    • Muriel’s Jackson Square: They even keep a table set permanently for their resident ghost.

    • The Court of Two Sisters: Rumored hauntings alongside a legendary jazz brunch.

  6. Do a Nighttime Swamp Tour: Most visitors book daytime swamp tours—but at night, the bayou transforms. Imagine glowing red alligator eyes reflecting in the water and Spanish moss swaying under the moonlight. Creepy, atmospheric, and unforgettable

  7. Explore the Bywater Neighborhood: The French Quarter gets all the hype, but the Bywater offers artsy, eclectic Halloween vibes without the crowds. Wander past murals, local dive bars, and quirky decorated homes. In October, residents go all-out with skeletons, cobwebs, and spooky yard art.

  8. Don’t miss the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: If your trip aligns, this Halloween festival is a can’t-miss. Think Coachella with a spooky twist: huge headliners, incredible costumes, and a hauntingly beautiful festival atmosphere.

Bonus Tips

  • See the decorated Garden District: Locals turn their historic mansions into full haunted displays with skeleton armies, massive spiders and flowing pumpkins. Best seen at dusk!

  • Book Tours Early: Halloween season gets busy - ghost, swamp and cemetery tours sell out fast.

  • Pack Costumes: In New Orleans, everyone dresses up for Halloween -not just kids. Bring at least one costume.

  • Don’t overlook Food Fests: Fall also means festivals like Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (November) and Mac N Cheese Fest (October). Because what’s Halloween without comfort food?

Why Book Your New Orleans Trip with Geo Travel Co.

If you love history, music, costumes, and a little bit of spooky magic, there’s truly no better time to experience New Orleans than in the fall. It’s equal parts festive and eerie—and whether you’re sipping cocktails in a haunted bar, exploring cemeteries, or joining a Halloween parade, you’ll quickly see why the city is one of the best Halloween destinations in the world.

Planning a Halloween trip to New Orleans isn’t just about booking a flight and hotel — it’s about curating the experience. That’s where I come in.

Here’s why booking with Geo Travel Co. makes all the difference:

  • Exclusive Stays & Perks – I’ll get you the best boutique hotels (including haunted ones if you’re brave) with perks like upgrades, late checkout, and breakfast included.

  • Insider Access – Skip the tourist traps. I’ll connect you with the best ghost tours, VIP access to parades, and even private cemetery or voodoo experiences most travelers never find.

  • Curated Dining & Nightlife – From hidden jazz clubs to themed cocktail spots, I’ll make sure your evenings are unforgettable.

  • Stress-Free Planning – All the spooky fun, none of the stress. You’ll have an itinerary crafted around your vibe — whether that’s haunted history, live music, or just incredible food.

Because here’s the truth: anyone can “go” to New Orleans. But with Geo Travel Co., you’ll experience it — and come home with stories that give you chills for years.

Ready to Plan Your New Orleans Adventure?

Let’s create the perfect Halloween escape filled with history, spooky tours and Halloween excitement. Whether it’s your first visit or a return pilgrimage, we’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.