There’s a chill in the air (finally) and the wind is whipping — it’s Halloween ya’ll! Whether you’ve been waiting since Oct. 1 for tonight or the season crept up on you, today is the to get all your ghouls together and celebrate the spooky season.
Haunted NOLA
New Orleans has no shortage of ghost stories, and this month we’ve brought four tales sure to put a tingle in your spine.
- Does this Storyville madam’s tomb, statue come to life at night?
- Ghastly experiments, horror and hauntings at a French Quarter pharmacy
- Moans, cries heard on the grounds of a former hospital
- Fights to the death for “pride and honor” under City Park’s Duelling Oaks
Masters of Disguise
Costuming has become as much a part of New Orleans as potholes. Every season offers an opportunity to dig into the costume box and break out your best get-up. Mardi Gras, Halloween and even Easter give residents a chance to turn into otherworldly beings. Two of the city’s premier cosplayers break down their origin story and give advice for anyone wanting to try to hand at serious costuming.
A taste of the Caribbean on the Westbank
Island Paradise restaurant might look unassuming on the outside, but inside it boasts the flavors of stewed oxtails, stewed chicken, jerk chicken, curried goat, traditional Trini doubles, plantains and roti, and that’s only scratching the surface. Click here to read our review on this amazing taste of the islands in Gretna.
Coming Up (Sponsored)
FRIDAY (Nov. 1) : 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. | SATURDAY (Nov. 2) : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | SUNDAY (Nov. 3): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday programming runs until 10 p.m.
Big Easy Con is an all-new pop culture convention celebrating the unique spirit that makes New Orleans one of the best cities in the world! Meet top entertainers like Anthony Mackie, Zachary Levi, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Enjoy hours of programming with celebrities and comic creators. Hunt for your next great purchase in Artist Alley and the vendor hall, or lose a few hours in the Tabletop gaming room! We’ve got something for everyone! Buy tickets here!
What’s Happening in NOLA This Weekend
FRIDAY Nov. 1, 2019
National Sandwich Day | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Gallier Hall | Free
Few things scream “New Orleans” louder than the iconic po’boy. For the fourth year in a row, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Chisesi Brothers Meat Packing Co. and Leidenheimer Baking Company are partnering to celebrate National Sandwich Day by feeding the masses. The local brands are collectively spreading tradition and bringing awareness to hunger and homelessness one po’boy at a time. All are welcome to stop by and snag a po’boy in front of Gallier Hall at 545 St. Charles Ave. starting at 11 a.m. until sandwiches run out. Po’boy options will include ham, turkey and roast beef in both traditional and Cajun varieties and a specialty Cajun turkey Philly po’boy with grilled onions, peppers, provolone cheese and roast beef gravy created by Parkway Bakery.
Big Easy Con | 2-9 p.m. | Morial Convention Center | Tickets start at $30
Big Easy Con is a three-day inclusive pop culture convention celebrating the people and one-of-a-kind spirit that make New Orleans one of the best cities in the world. Combining the excitement of the French Quarter with the passion and community of fandom, Big Easy Con will feature stars from television and movies, the biggest names in the comic industry, cosplay superstars, unique exhibits and vendors, and family-friendly programming. So get ready to experience the festive spirit of New Orleans, and geek out at Big Easy Con!
SATURDAY Nov. 2, 2019
Crescent City Classic Fall 5K | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. | City Park | $35
Held in the beginning of November, this race has multiple audiences! Serious runners can use this event as a qualifier to earn a prime starting position in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10k (this is the ONLY opportunity to run a qualifying time at the 5k distance) and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Fall Classic 5k encourages participation by area students.
Opening Night at the CAC | 5:30 – 9 p.m. | The Contemporary Arts Center | Free
This season FIVE new exhibitions will be opening at the CAC. They’ll examine the reclamation of identity, Black femininity, queer and chosen love and the 10th anniversary of New Orleans Airlift.
SUNDAY Nov. 3, 2019
Oak Street Po-Boy Fest | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Oak Street | Free admission, food prices vary
Oh, behold! Po-boy fest is here! This one-day fest packs out Oak Street with dozens of delicious vendors. We hope you brought your stretchy pants!
Bloody Mary Fest | Noon – 4:30 p.m. | The Howlin’ Wolf | $35
The fest brings together more than two of the best Bloody Mary’s in the city, as well as food and drinks from K-Paul’s, Wakin’ Bakin’ the Ruby Slipper and Cafe Navarre.
