It’s one of the best times of the year in New Orleans, Halloween weekend! From Halloween parades and spooky burlesque shows to vampire balls and hardcore music festivals, we certainly don’t play around when it comes to Halloween. We may even venture to say this is the best week of the year to be in NOLA, but we’ll let you be the judge.
Here’s What’s Happening This Week in NOLA
TURNSTILE at Orpheum Theater
Roadrunner recording group TURNSTILE will be continuing their wildly successful “TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION TOUR” this fall with support from JPEGMAFIA and Snail Mail. Last summer, TURNSTILE released their critically acclaimed album GLOW ON. Recorded with producer Mike Elizondo, GLOW ON is 15 abundant tracks of imagination and heart. The tour will be making a stop at Orpheum Theater on Sunday, October 16.
October 16 | Orpheum Theater | 7 pm
The Front Bottoms at House of Blues
Just last month The Front Bottoms released the Theresa EP, which features the singles “More Than It Hurts You” and “Hello World.” The five-song collection serves as the third installment of the band’s popular Grandma EP series and features new recordings of never before released fan-favorite songs. The Front Bottoms’ North American headline tour in support of their new EP will make a stop at HOB NOLAonMonday, October 17.
October 17 | House of Blues | 6:30 pm
Saint John Turns x Wild Turkey Birthday Dinner
Saint John celebrated one year in business earlier this month. To keep the celebration going all month long, Saint John has partnered with Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey to host a Birthday Dinner on Thursday, October 20. The four-course menu is created by Chef de Cuisine Daren Porretto and will include Wild Turkey pairings with each course.
October 20 | Saint John | 6:30 pm
Krewe of Boo Parade Watch Party
On Saturday, October 22, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade rolls through town. While all are welcome to enjoy the parade free of charge from the streets, there are some more luxurious options for your celebrations. Head to Tujague’s in the French Quarter to enjoy the Krewe of Boo Parade. Enjoy an open call-brand bar along with specialty cocktails, beer & wine, and an extravagant buffet. Guests will have access to the private balcony, use of indoor seating, and access to private bathrooms throughout the evening. Tickets are $150 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.
BOO Bash at The Virgin Hotel
The Virgin Hotel New Orleans will have plenty of programming throughout Halloween weekend for guests and locals to enjoy. For the last two Saturdays of the month, the hotel’s 13th-floor pool and bar, The Pool Club, will host BOO Bash from 2 PM until 6 PM with palm and tarot card readings, caricaturists, costume contests, live DJ entertainment, and a cash bar. This event is free and open to the public.
October 22 & 29 | Virgin Hotel New Orleans|times vary
Zinefest: Presented by Burn Barrel Press
New Orleans-based publisher Burn Barrel Press, known for their art books that showcase local & international artists, is hosting a zine fest! On Saturday, October 23 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Gasa Gasa, the A.C.A.B. Zine Fest will feature tables from over 25 artists, book and zine publishers, authors, craftspeople, and organizations. Local bands, Sodomite and Paprika are set to perform PLUS a reading by Margaret Killjoy. The event is FREE!
October 23 | Gasa Gasa | 11 am
Benefit Supper for Hurrican Ian Relief
On Sunday, October 23, Mister Mao’s Chef/Owner Sophina Uong will once again open her doors for a charitable dinner. That evening, guests can help those who’ve been hit hard by Ian, while enjoying a five-course dinner featuring creative dishes prepared by the talented chef from Piece of Meat, kin, Palm & Pine, and Plume Algiers. Priced at $85.00 per person, two seatings are available promptly at 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM. 25% of ticket sales will go directly to Fill the Needs, a NOLA-based non-profit organization dedicated to assessing, evaluating, and implementing a coordinated network of resources following a disaster.
October 23 | Mister Mao | times vary
Witches’ Luncheon
Hocus pocus! Cast your spell at Tujague’s Witches Luncheon on Friday, October 28. Executive Chef Gus Martin has created a special three-course menu for the occasion. Priced at $45 per person, options include Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, BBQ Shrimp, Gulf Fish Almandine, Grilled Petite Filet Mignon, and more. Cocktails will include bottomless mimosas and other spooky specialty cocktails. Put your best witch or Halloween costume on and fly over to Tujague’s where they’re sure to cast a spell.
HELL’S GALA 2022 ft Fisher, Troyboi + More
For 2022, the yearly Hell’s Gala adopted the tagline, “death by disco.” Featuring headliners FISHER, TroyBoi, Walker & Royce, and Nala, this revered event at Mardi Gras World is back for another year. Local support for the evening comes from Lady Lavender, Merger, Tristan Dufrene, Nile Ashton, and Pass The Jeffrey.
October 29 | Mardi Gras World | 8 pm
Anne Rice’s Official Vampire Ball, “Reign of Osiris”
Join Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club for our 34th Annual Gathering of the Coven at a lavish Masquerade Ball! The event will feature an open premium bar, a full gourmet dinner, line bands, musical and performance art, plus a costume contest, live auctions, and so much more.
October 29 | The Elms Mansion | 4:30 pm
Ghostland Observatory at House of Blues
Ghostland Observatory mashes together electro, rock, and funk just like their heroes Daft Punk and Prince. They will play The House of Blues New Orleans over Halloween weekend along with supporting act Me Nd Adam. Tickets for the October 30th show are expected to go fast.
October 30 | House of Blues| 7 pm
And That’s Why We Drink Live Recording
Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer are just two friends who love to talk about ghost stories. The only catch is, they regularly have 1.5 million people listening in on their conversation. Their comedy podcast, “And That’s Why We Drink” is coming to New Orleans for a live episode taping at Civic Theatre on November 3.
November 3 | Civic Theatre | 8 pm
Featured image for This Week in NOLA by Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club