By Nola Family Staff, September 2018
October is all about cooler weather (hopefully), falling leaves, pumpkin patches, and the perfect Halloween! We have gathered the “spooktacular” events around New Orleans that your family will not want to miss.
OCT 1
Spooky Tour for Kids
French Quartour Kids, 1100 Chartres St. A spooky tour through the French Quarter, just for kids ages 5-10, with tricks, treats, spells and superstitions. Lasts 1 to 1 1/2 hours. $17/adult, $20/kids and teens. Tours every day in October, except Oct. 2, 4, 7, and Wednesdays. Time varies by day. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
OCT 5
Fall Sip and Paint
Lil’ Yats Art & Play, 202 W. Harrison Ave. Big Yats, this is y’all’s time to come without your Lil’ Yats and get crafty! Make Fall Door Hangers! You can choose between a pumpkin or cat. There will also be the classics: fleur de lis, streetcar and pineapple. Bring the food, drinks and creativity! $40/door hanger. Reservations encouraged. Please email LilYatsArtPlay@gmail.com to reserve. For more information, please click here. 6-8:30 pm.
OCT 5
Oktoberfest NOLA
Deutsches House, 1700 Moss St. Enjoy German food, drinks, oompah songs, dancing and more at this annual event. Tickets are $8. Free for children 12 and younger. For more information, visit oktoberfestnola.com. Continues Oct. 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20. Fri., 4-11 pm, Sat., 1-11 pm.
Scout Island Scream Park
1034 Harrison Ave. New Orleans City Park and The Mortuary Haunted Mansion are proud to announce a new Halloween Festival: Scout Island Scream Park. Scout Island will be transformed into a land of terror and will have activities for all ages. Visit ScoutIslandScreamPark.com for tickets. $15/person/day $49/person/Unlimited All Access. Additional attractions are pay as you go once on the island. Open Oct. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 25-31, and Nov. 2-3.
Movie Night presented by Old Metairie Garden Club
Bayou Metairie Park, Metairie Road between Metairie Lawn and Labarre Rd. (Across from Cafe B). Bring your own chair, blanket, and alcohol. Vendors will be serving food and snacks. Hocus Locus will be showing at 7:15 pm. Vendor sales begin at 6:15 pm. Click here for more information.
OCT 6
7th Annual Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival
First United Methodist Church of Slidell, 433 Erlanger Ave., Slidell. Free admission and activities include fire truck, SWAT vehicle, alligators, firefighter’s challenge, and more. Ticketed activities include: hay dig, arts and crafts, pony rides, and more. 11 am-4 pm.
Kid Zone Halloween Fun in City Park
1034 Harrison Ave. The Kid Zone is an area for families to bring younger kids to celebrate Halloween with face painting, a hay bale maze, bounce house, kid focused entertainment, a pumpkin patch where guests can hand select a pumpkin, and features a red and white stripped high-peak tent at its center. Guests can board one of the old fashioned tractor-pulled hay wagons for an adventure through the wooded swamp perimeter for a non-scary hay ride. The Kid Zone is open from 11 am-6 pm. $15/p (All-inclusive Kid Zone Area only ticket – but if you want to stay past 6pm to see the scary side of Scout Island Scream Park you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket. Open daily from Oct. 6-31. For more information, click here.
Halloween Sip and Shop
Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe, 209 Harrison Ave. Join Little Pnuts for special sales, their signature spooky cocktail, as well as a fabulous small plate spread for guests. As always, there will be doorbuster giveaways and contests for customers to win prizes. For more information, visit littlepnuts.com. 5-7 pm.
OCT 7
Halloween Spooktacular Family Concert
Louis J. Roussel Hall, Loyola’s Campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave. This annual Halloween Family Concert returns featuring spooky classical favorites and a narrated tale underscored by Stravinsky’s Firebird. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume! Be sure 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 and $15/adult. 2:30 pm. Click here for more information.
OCT 11
A Dark and Stormy Night
Felicity Church, 1220 Felicity St. A spirited evening of cocktails & ghost stories benefiting 826 New Orleans’s free youth writing programs. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit 826neworleans.org. 6-10 pm.
OCT 13
Pumpkin Painting Party
Lil’ Yats Art & Play, 202 W. Harrison Ave. It’s the 2nd annual Pumpkin Painting Party. Come with your Lil’ Yat(s) to pick a pumpkin, paint and embellish. $20/child for Pumpkin and Play Time. $10 for each additional pumpkin. No reservation needed. For more information, click here. 10 am-3 pm.
Field of Screams
Covington Recreation Complex, 4001 De Porres Road, Covington. Beware of the “Blue Swamp Creek Rougarou” and visit the Scream Trail. Warning, might be scary for children under 12. Refreshments available for purchase. Free and open to the public. 7-9 pm.
OCT 19
Ghosts in the Oaks
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park & Storyland, New Orleans City Park. This family-friendly Halloween event includes trick or treating, rides, arts & crafts, and a pumpkin patch. Tickets are $12/members, $15/regular admission (7 pm) and $20/early admission (6 pm). Free for children younger than 3. For more information, visit friendsofcitypark.com/event/ghosts-in-the-oaks-friday/. Continues through Oct. 21. 6-9 pm.
Howl-O-Ween Costume Party
Abita Brewery, 166 Barbee Road, Covington. This fun event includes a costume contest, Abita beer, food trucks, music, and more. Costume contest split into 3 categories: best owner/dog look-alike, funniest costume, and best overall. Dog and kid friendly. For more information, click here. Ticket prices start at $15/person.
OCT 20
St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center Monster Mash
Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Drive, Covington. Celebrating its 30th year, enjoy local food and entertainment, with a trick-or-treat village, games, a bid & boo auction, arts & crafts, princess and pirate tea, and more. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit sthfoundation.org/foundation/MonsterMash.htm. 10 am-3 pm.
Boo Carre Halloween Haunt
Dutch Alley. Join the annual Boo Carre Halloween Celebration in Dutch Alley featuring live music, kids activities, and more. For more information, visit frenchmarket.org/event/boo-carre-halloween-celebration/2018-10-20/. 10 am-4 pm.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Festival
3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. Featuring free hayrides from 11 am-1 pm, the Harvey Fire Department will be out with the hook and ladder and information on fire safety for the children. There will be crafts and lots of fun. Click here for more information. 10 am-6 pm.
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin-Palooza Festival
3412 Haring Rd, Metairie at Byrd Hall. The 11th annual festival will include free carnival games, activities, music, bounce houses, and prizes for small children. Older children and adults can enjoy good company, win cakes on the cake walk, and win door prizes. The Great Pumpkin Patch will be open during the festival. Visitors can enter the gate on Green Acres Road, right past the big white tent. For more information, click here. 10:30 am-1 pm.
Halloween Bash
La Petite Tea Room, 5928 West Metairie Ave., Suite 3, Metairie. Join for the annual Halloween Bash! Girls and boys of all ages are welcome! The cost is $38/child. This party will include crafts, food, music, face painting, a glitter hair station, balloon twisting/clown performance and much more! Costumes may be worn! Adults will not need a ticket. We only have 21 spots available and we expect this party to fill up quickly! Click here for more information.
Movies in the Park: Hocus Pocus
Coquille Parks & Recreation, 13505 Highway 1085, Covington. There will be tons of fun for the entire family, including 2 bounce houses, face painting, arts and crafts and more! Costumes are encouraged. Concessions will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs. This is a FREE event open to the public. For more information, click here. 5-8:30 pm. Movie will begin at 6:30 pm.
Krewe of Boo
Downtown New Orleans. This spooktacular parade makes its way from Elysian Fields Avenue, down Canal Street and to Andrew Higgins Drive. For more information, visit kreweofboo.com. 6:30 pm.
Confetti Kid’s Candyland Ball
Mardi Gras World. A magical costume dance party featuring everything a child dreams of: marshmallows, chocolates, rainbow-colored platters of sugar stuffs. With dance music provided by DJ Peaches, kids activities, food, adult drinks and amazing raffles, the entire family will be entertained. All proceeds raised go toward parks and children’s programming in Algiers Point. For more information, visit confettikids.org. $35/adults and $15/children. 4 pm-8 pm.
OCT 21
Plum Street’s Pumpkin Patch Costume Contest
Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. Join for a costume contest with prizes being awarded in various categories. Visit the pumpkin patch and find your perfect pumpkin. Also enjoy children’s activities/games and a story time. New this year is a brand new photo op screen that you will not want to miss! 11 am-dusk.
OCT 25
“The Great Pumpkin Party”
Little Bookworm, 115 Metairie Road, Suite E, Metairie. There will be games, crafts, prizes, and shopping! No tricks, but lots of treats! Dress in your best Halloween costume to enjoy a discount for any purchases made in the store at the event. Kid friendly. 3:30-6:30 pm.
OCT 26
Boo at the Zoo
Audubon Zoo. This annual extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children 12 years and younger, featuring trick-or-treat houses with candy, a Ghost Train, a haunted house, games and more. $17/person. All games and treats, except concessions, are free with admission. For more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/batz. Continues on Oct. 27-28. 5-9 pm.
Park-A-Boo Halloween Festival
Lafreniere Park, Metairie. Enjoy this three-day Halloween festival designed for children 12 and younger to costume and enjoy the Halloween season, with a variety of activities for families to enjoy together. For more information, visit park-a-boo.com. Tickets are $8/adults and children 13 and older, $6 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger. For more information, visit park-a-boo.com. Continues through Oct. 28. 5 pm.
OCT 27
Sprouts: Creepy Crawlie Halloween
Longvue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. Unwind and grow as you and your little Sprout investigate plants, animals, crafts, stories, and songs. Come dressed in costume! Learn about creepy crawly insects and do spooky crafts. This event is SHINE only and will be cancelled for inclement weather. For more information, contact Lauren Rouatt at 504.293.4719 or lrouatt@longuevue.com. FREE for members, $5/non-members.
Boo Fest
Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. The day is packed with lots of Fall-themed activities which include pumpkin decorating at the pumpkin patch, face painting, all-abilities games, a complimentary photo booth, music and dancing, and Trick or Treating at over 70 haunted houses. Children can wear their favorite Halloween costume and take part in the annual Boo Fest costume contest. Also the 5th Annual Chili Challenge will take place during Boo Fest. Gates Open at 9 am for Special Needs Families. General Public 10 am-3 pm. Admission is $2. Unlimited Chili is $5. Click here for more information.
Crawloween
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Learn about the myths behind some “scary” critters, go trick-or-treating for bug-themed trinkets and enjoy Halloween-themed cookies in Bug Appétit. Children younger than 12 receive a $3 discount on admission if they are wearing Halloween costumes. Visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/crawloween for more information. Continues on Oct. 28. 10 am-5 pm.
The Shivers at Canal Place
Canal Place will celebrate Halloween with Shivers with festivities for all ages! The event will include a costume contest, trick or treating at participating stores, complimentary candy totes (while supplies last), face painting and balloon sculptures. Parents can join the fun too with shopping specials at participating stores. Come join the Canal Place from 11 am-1 pm for some Halloween fun!
St. Paul’s Episcopal School Fall Fest
St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 6249 Canal Blvd. Have some fun at the Fall Fest with bouncy houses, petting zoo, craft stations, food, drinks, and more. For more information, visit stpauls-lakeview.org/support/fall-fest.cfm. 11 am-3 pm.
Fall Family Picnic
Fleur de Lis Park, 6701 Fleur de Lis Drive, New Orleans. Enjoy Family Fall Picnic which includes games, food, face painting, costume contest, bounce houses and more. Fun for all ages. RSVP to this FREE event at lakeviewcivic.org/event-2620574. 11 am-2 pm.
Trunk or Treat
First Baptist Church Covington, 16333 Hwy. 1085. An afternoon of family fun with games, inflatables, and treats! 2-4 pm.
OCT 31 – HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Free Admission Day
Receive FREE admission to all Louisiana State Museums on Halloween day when wearing a costume. Museums in New Orleans include: The Cabildo, The Presbytère, The New Orleans Jazz Museum, and 1850 House. Click here to learn more. 10 am-4:30 pm.
Camp SoulGrow New Orleans Halloween Mopho Monster Mash
Mopho Mid-City, 514 City Park Ave., Suite F. Come party in your costume at the Camp SoulGrow New Orleans Halloween Mopho Monster Mash! Enjoy music, food, candy, and games. Free for all kids. Click here for more details. 4-6 pm.
Central City Soiree
Nola Spaces, 1719 Toledano St. Upturn Arts and Dance Quarter invite Central City neighbors to stop in for a night of Halloween festivities and community building! Join for music, snacks, trick or treating, and a kids’ costume give away. Start your night off by taking your costume for a spin on the dance floor. While you’re at it, check out the fall programming and ask about creARTive grants! Come by on Halloween, October 31st, between 4-7pm! Happy Halloween!
Ghosts, Goblins, and Gumbo
Madisonville Town Hall, 403 Saint Francis St. The town hall will host a haunted house with hands on fun for the kids. Witches brew (chicken and sausage gumbo) will be served! Click here for more information. 5:30-9 pm.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Trunk-or-Treat
3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. St. Mark’s will host their annual Trunk-or-Treat in the front parking lot of the church. Click here for more information. 6-8 pm.
Check out our Pumpkin Patch Guide to find your perfect pumpkin!