New Orleans Voodoo Fest and Parties on Halloween Weekend

So in which city would I want to celebrate Halloween weekend this year.  Now I have been to New Orleans just before Mardi Gras.  The food was amazing and the streets in the French Quarter are alive.  So lets take a look at what makes Halloween in New Orleans so special.

Foo Fighters and Outkast Headline New Orleans Voodoo Fest 2014

VooDoo Fest is the city’s second largest festival behind only Mardi Gras.  Back again at City Park is this crown jewel of fall festivals in Louisiana.  City Park is known for beautiful grounds, art works, and plays host to festivals all year.  This fall, October 31, November 1-2, 2014 the park will host Voodoo Music & Arts Experience (VooDoo Fest).  Three days of outdoor fun, carnivals, great food, fantastic art, and unbelievable live music.  It keeps growing bigger every year.

There are four stages of music in City Park called the Ritual Stage, Le Plur Stage, Flambeau, and the Carnival Stage.  While the schedule has yet to be announced the entertainers confirmed are headliners Foo Fighters, Outkast, Skrillex, Artic Monkeys, Zedd, Pretty Lights, Thirty Seconds to Marks, Slayer, Awolnation, Rise Against, and Flus Pavilion.

More music banks include Fedde le Grand, Gogol Gordello, Death From Above 1979, City and Colour, Claude Vonstroke, and at least 40 more groups.

Voodoo Fest is located at 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana.  You can purchase camping at the park in advance.  There are plenty of hotels in the area with excellent public transportation to the event.  Tickets for all three days start at $150.  Single day tickets are also available.  Pricing varies the closer we get to the event.  There is one single entrance.  Tickets are called “credentials” which consist of your wristband.  Note that wristbands can not be replaced if lost or stolen.  Children under 10 with identification get in free when accompanied by a credentialed adult.

VooDoo Fest showcases a number of noted artists during the three day event.  Also there are 4 main areas where restrooms are located.  Do not miss the carnival experience.  Ride tickets can be purchased.  Also there are several places in the park where alcohol can be purchased.  During the festival there is a food court, locker rental, and phone charging available.

Do Not Forget To Wear A Costume.  What would this type of Halloween party be without your costume.  Well I guess you can get in without one.  They are family friendly after all.  However, you should be aware that anything and everything in the way of costumes is being worn at this festival.  It is New Orleans.  Each night of the festival ends around midnight.  But the party does not stop in New Orleans as the bars will be open.  There is no curfew or last call at the bars in this city.

So if VooDoo and great music isn’t your thing?

Try Endless Night Festival – Experience the Vampire Culture

Father Sebastian plays hosts to the 17th annual Endless Night Festival on November 1st and 2nd, 2014.  Father Sebastian is a leading expert on the vampire subculture.  Ever see the move Blade.  Yep maybe that subculture does exist.  If not, it might be a lot of fun.  Check it out at this Endless Night Festival held at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA.

Endless Night Festival includes the New Orleans Vampire Ball

Ticket packages start at $75.  VIP and early bird discount tickets are available.  This is basically a costume festival.  Preferable steampunk or Victorian styled formal dress that you might see someone like Dracula dressed up as.  While not specifically Dracula it is noted as a vampire festival.  The attractions include a Vampire Meet & Greet, the New Orleans Vampire Court, a Vampire Theatre, the Masque Inner Sanctum, and the New Orleans Vampire Ball.  The ball happens on November 2nd starting at 9:00 pm and lasts until 4:00 am.

Oh do not forget your fangs.  Yes you heard me right.  Did I mention Father Sebastian is also known as a Fang Master and master fangsmith of Sabretooth Clan.  Fangs are a must.  Other notables include Fred Samedi, La Esmeralda, Victor Magnus, Cedric Whittaker, and a half dozen more.

So if your looking for a different vampire experience might I suggest Anne Rice’s Lestat Vampire Coronation Ball.

Vampire Ball and Undead Conference

Noted author Anne Rice will be attending this 26th annual Vampire Ball held at The Republic located at 828 S. Peters Street, New Orleans, LA.  This is the feature attraction for the local Undead Conference held from Thursday, October 30th through November 2nd, 2014.  Undead includes a meet and greet on Thursday with Anne Rice at St. Alphonsus Church.  The primary hotel is the Marriott at the Convention Center.  Friday night is the Vampire Ball.  Saturday is a cemetery picnic.  Sunday includes their good bye cocktail party.

If you want something a little less formal try these haunted houses.

Haunted Houses in New Orleans

The House of Shock at 319 Butterworth Street in Jefferson, LA hosts a nightly Halloween festival including pyrotechnics, a bar, music, and food.  The music and festival are free.  The haunt attraction tickets start around $25,

The Mortuary Haunted House at 4800 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA.  Doors open at 7:00 pm and stay open until 11:00 pm.  Tickets are $25.

New Orleans Ghost Tours

A city like New Orleans considering its voodoo culture has some fantastic ghost tours especially around Halloween time.  Major news publications call the city the most haunted place on earth.  Especially famous is the St. Louis Cemetery.  Find more information about New Orleans Ghost Tours at Funtober.  Information includes the happens at Spirit Tours, French Quarter Phantoms, Tour New Orleans, and Lord Chaz Ghost Tours.

As we get closer to Halloween I will continue to update our Halloween countdown with more haunted houses, parades, parties and fun in major cities like New Orleans.  Hope you keep reading.