Event Dates
From: Friday, October 23, 2026
To: Saturday, October 31, 2026
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
- Next Edition: Friday 23rd October, 2026 – Saturday 31st October 2026
- 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.
- Most of the major gay events kick off on the weekend before Halloween in the hauntingly mysterious French Quarter.
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.
- Don’t miss being part of the second line at the parade and the Riverboat Tea.
Krewe of BOO! parade
- Awaiting dates: Typically the week before Halloween, kicking off festivities from 6.30pm.
- Krewe of Boo brings costumed crowds, giant floats and spooky bands to the French Quarter.
- Official parade route: Elysian Fields → North Peters → Decatur past Jackson Square → North Peters → Canal (U-turn at Burgundy) → Canal → Tchoupitoulas → Andrew Higgins.
- Grab a spot at Jackson Square/Decatur for float photos and atmosphere.
- Or try Canal Street for wider sidewalks and easy exits.
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.
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.
Book your hotel in advance & save
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
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.
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 100 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Address: 830 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 626 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 801 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2513 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1328 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2240 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 800 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 2021 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 940 St. Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Address: 439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Address: 542 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
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.

Maspalomas Fetish Pride