Event Dates
From: Thursday, October 26, 2023
To: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Halloween in New Orleans is an over the top affair and one of the best places to celebrate the holiday in the USA.
Gay Halloween in New Orleans means party time, a chance to dress up, drink and look for that special trick or treat, and there are lots of treats to be had. The highlight of Halloween is the street parade, that seems to get bigger and bigger each year, and is normally held at night the French quarter. It is the second largest event after New Orleans Mardi Gras.
- Halloween packs the city, so book early. Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter, the heart of all the pride festivities. Stay at the stunning Virgin Hotels New Orleans, rated “Superb” by guests and host of official pool parties, beautifully decorated rooms and great location.
Halloween in the Big Easy
- Halloween Weekend attracts gay and lesbian revellers from around the nation and around the world for a week of events, parties and parades; after all this is The Most Haunted City in America!
- Costume shops will stock everything you need so pack light. Take a haunted tour, visit the Voodoo Shops , your Halloween fun has just begun.
- During the main parade, coloured beads are thrown from the passing floats, to boys and girls who show assets normally hidden from view.
- Every gay bar in town hosts a costume or theme party, but the main gay event is the weekend circuit festival HNO.
HNO – The Halloween Circuit Event
- HNO, The Halloween “circuit party” all began as a simple gathering of friends in 1984. Now it has evolved into one of the most celebrated gay circuit party weekends of the year. It is so festive that the partying lasts from midday on on Thursday until the wee hours of Monday morning.
- Then comes Halloween Night on October 31, as the City of New Orleans celebrates Halloween Week in the fun-filled and hauntingly mysterious French Quarter.
The Bourbon Pub Halloween Parties
- The French Quarter’s hosts non stop parties and events throughout the Halloween celebrations with crazy costumes, drag shows, strippers and more!
- Find most of the action on Bourbon and St. Ann streets in the heart of the Quarter complete with elaborate costumes, exciting galas, drinking and dancing.
- New Orleans’ largest gay nightclub complex, The Bourbon Pub video bar and The Parade dance club, host nonstop Halloween Parties all Weekend. “The Pub” is the very heart of the New Orleans gay community, and showcase some of the very best DJ talent and entertainment.
Street Parties
- 31st October – One of the biggest Halloween celebrations occurs every year on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny.
- Thousands of partygoers, including locals and tourists take to the streets in their elaborate and frequently outlandish outfits.
- Head to St. Claude nearby for more fun.
Voodoo Festival Music & Arts Experience
- Returns in 2023 – Voodoo Festival is a musical gumbo stirring together music, art, community, cuisine and all the mystery and adventure that Halloween weekend in New Orleans conjures up. With more than 65 bands over three days, Voodoo is more than just a Festival – it is an experience.
Halloween Weather
- Traditionally, October boasts some of the very best weather that New Orleans has to offer. So forget about heat, humidity and even very cold temperatures. Mother Nature always smiles on Halloween in New Orleans!
Where to stay in New Orleans during Halloween
The best place to stay is in the French quarter, which is where you will find most of the gay bars and clubs. Here are our top recommendations, close to everything. You won’t even need a taxi.
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
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The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
For information and advice on
Halloween New Orleans Website
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This 5-star hotel in New Orleans is a 15-minute walk to Jackson Square. The elegant hotel features The Rooftop Bar, a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Guest rooms at The Roosevelt offer stylish décor and luxury amenities. Bathrobes and a 14-inch TV are offered in the bathroom and each room has a minibar.
Located on the most fashionable corner, St. Louis at Royal, the hotel has received the 4-diamond luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for meeting services. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for work or play the Omni Royal Orleans is truly the place to see and be seen.
Located in the historic French Quarter on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options. Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms
Situated in the French Quarter, this New Orleans hotel was built in the 1800s and provides simple rooms with coffee facilities. Guests are a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square. Each air-conditioned room at the French Market Inn provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
Video footage of the parties and festivities at New Orleans Halloween
New Orleans doesn’t have distinct gay neighbourhoods in the same way as some other cities like West Hollywood or Chelsea in New York City. However, the city is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll find gay-friendly establishments and events scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, especially along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.