Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade 2024 in New Orleans

Halloween is one of the favorite holidays in New Orleans, offering much more than just trick-or-treating for kids. The city comes alive with a parade featuring customized floats and elaborate costumes, a beloved New Orleans tradition. Each year, the celebration grows larger, and the crowds become even more vibrant.

Parade Highlights

New Orleans' Halloween Parade kicks off at 6:30 pm on Saturday before Halloween with amazing and colorful full-size floats moving through the French Quarter. The floats are designed and built by Kern Studios. The best marching bands are entertaining huge audiences, who come to watch the action. Parade participants usually throw some parade souvenirs to the public, often food items and collectibles.

Route

The New Orleans Halloween Parade starts on Elysian Fields Avenue in the Marigny and then enters the French Quarter via North Peters Street. It continues up Canal Street to Burgundy, makes a U-turn, and heads down Canal Street to Tchoupitoulas Street. From Tchoupitoulas Street, the parade proceeds to Andrew Higgins Drive.

Festive Events

The Krewe of BOO! offers more than just a parade—it's a full weekend of events from Friday afternoon to late Saturday night.

On Friday, the festivities kick off with the Royal Luncheon, followed by a Jazz Second Line through the French Quarter, leading to an afternoon Happy Hour at Pat O'Brien's and culminating in the Captain's Party Friday night. Saturday begins with the early morning New Orleans Zombie Run through the Warehouse District. In the afternoon, paraders line up, and the Krewe of BOO! Parade rolls at sundown. The weekend wraps up with a blowout costume bash at the Monster Mash.

Monster Mash

The parade culminates in a costume party, The Monster Mash, featuring plenty of music and entertainment. This 18+ event has a General Admission fee of $25. Doors open at 8 pm, unveiling an evening of lively entertainment with a cash bar, a DJ spinning tracks, live music performances, and exciting costume contests.

History

Founded in 2007, the inaugural Krewe of BOO! parade made its debut the next year, serving as a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Its initial success highlighted the event's importance, and after several years without a Halloween parade, New Orleanians felt its absence keenly. Due to popular demand, the parade was revived in 2013. Krewe of BOO! was initially launched by "Mr. Mardi Gras" Blaine Kern Sr., renowned for creating the iconic papier-mâché floats of Mardi Gras since the 1950s. When the parade was resurrected, Blaine's son Brian took the reins, continuing the family tradition.

New Orleans Mystical Attractions

New Orleans is renowned for its imaginative and wild Halloween costumes, making it a must-visit destination for the holiday. Known as "The Most Haunted City in America" due to its rich mystical history, the city offers a unique Halloween experience. The French Quarter is home to several Voodoo shops that celebrate centuries-old spiritual practices. Marie Laveau, the High Priestess of 19th-century New Orleans, is arguably the city's most renowned ghost. Additionally, the French Quarter boasts numerous costume shops perfect for finding the outstanding Halloween outfit.