In one week, we’ll all be a little too ghoul for school. Halloween is on the horizon. Our costumes are prepped and primed for us to prance like poltergeists in the streets, whether it’s candy seeking or “boo-ze” consuming. If you’re looking to scare up a good time, we’ve got you covered in the white ghost sheets of fun and frightening over here. This week, I wanted to highlight some hauntings, some history and the recovery from hardships in the city.
Haunted NOLA: The three ghosts of Toulouse Street
Along Toulouse Street in the French Quarter, one block is filled with more than just hungry tourists and locals passing by. From a feed store to a quarantine hospital and later a pub, three ghosts are said to be seen roaming the grounds along with the haunting cries of, āMommy! Mommy!ā Click here to read more on the chilling tales that surround the 500 block of Toulouse Street.
From Manila to the Marigny
At a sign reading āThe End of the Worldā in Delacroix is the beginning of Philippine heritage in New Orleans. Everyday things we might take for granted, such as raised houses over the bayous or dried shrimp in Creole recipes, began with the foundation of Asian immigrants almost 200 years ago. Click here to read the storied history of Filipinos in the New Orleans community.
Bouncing back: “We’re still open…”
The collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel construction site has brought parts of downtown to a screeching halt. With the lack of traffic in the area, local businesses have been facing tough times. On Wednesday, Palm & Pine was able to return to its normal business hours, but the road ahead is uncertain as the city continues to deal with the collapse. Click here to read how this new restaurant is dealing with the effects of the collapse.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Oct. 25, 2019
Boo at the Zoo | 5 p.m. | Audubon Zoo | $20
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly Halloween event benefiting Childrenās Hospital and Audubon Zoo with fun activities targeted for children up to age 12. The party happens every night this weekend, so if Friday is sold out, try for tickets Saturday or Sunday. Pro tip: family costumes are encouraged!
Brews and Boos | 10:30 p.m – 1:30 a.m. | New Orleans City Park | $30 pre-sale, $40 day of admission
Three words: black light carousel. A “spook-tacular” Halloween fundraising event for adults in City Park. Beer, rides and a costume contest kick off a night of fun in the carousel garden, sans kids.
Voodoo Music Fest | Gates open at noon | City Park Festival Grounds | Tickets start at $80
Friday Headliners: Guns N’ Roses | Brandi Carlile | Interpol
The fest even includes a haunted house experience by The Mortuary, and of course, costumes are always encouraged at this fest.
Sat. Oct. 26, 2019
Bat Appreciation Day | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Audubon Louisiana Nature Center | Free
The whole family can learn about bats at this free event including crafts, gardening for cats, food trucks and concessions.
Boo Dat | Noon – 3 p.m. | The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk | Free to participate
This is a family-friendly affair offering trick-or-treaters a safe, fun and air-conditioned environment with seasonal activity stations. Participating stores can be identified by the trick-or-treat sign posted at their entrances.
Voodoo Music Fest | Gates open at noon | City Park Festival Grounds | Tickets start at $80
Saturday Headliners: Beck | Bassnectar | The National | Zhu
The fest even includes a haunted house experience by The Mortuary, and of course, costumes are always encouraged at this fest.
Sun. Oct. 27, 2019
City Putt Halloween | 2 p.m. | City Park | $9 per adult, $7 per child
So, City Putt is already fun, but add in creepy decorations, sweet treats, candy, crafts and raffles and itās even better.
“The Color Purple” | 2 p.m. | Mahalia Jackson Theater | Tickets start at $49
Just because the Saenger has been shut down due to the Hard Rock collapse doesnāt mean you have to miss out on great shows. Sunday is the last New Orleans showing of āThe Color Purple,ā so make sure you get to see it while itās in town.
Voodoo Music Fest | Gates open at noon | City Park Festival Grounds | Tickets start at $80
Sunday Headliners: Post Malone | Rezz | Bring Me The Horizon
The fest even includes a haunted house experience by The Mortuary, and of course, costumes are always encouraged at this fest.