There’s no place that does Halloween better than the State of Louisiana. Every city, town, and swamp throw their own events filled with top of the line costumes, delicious food, and great Halloween activities. From family-friendly events to music festivals and haunted houses, we’ve outlined some of the best events and attractions to get into the Halloween spirit!
Rougarou Fest: October 26-27th in Houma
Rougarou Fest is the best Halloween festival in Cajun country. Did we mention that it is free too? For two magical days, Houma, Louisiana turns into a costume party with live music, Cajun food, Krew Ga Rou parade, cultural activities, and the Rougarou Ball. If you know the tales of the Rougarou, then you were a Bayou child who probably listened to the stories your parents would tell you to keep you in line. If you don’t know the legend of the Rougarou, he is a dog/wolf with the body of a man who will get you if you don’t behave. This festival is perfect for families, Halloween enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a good time.
Voodoo Music & Arts Fest: October 25-27th in New Orleans
The Voodoo Music and Arts Festival has won several awards for being one of the best music festivals in the nation. The weekend before Halloween, music lovers will flock to City Park in New Orleans. Imagine a dance party to some of your favorite artists in a sea of skeletons, zombies, sugar skull dolls, and stormtroopers. This is unlike any other music festival; you’ll find classic southern food made by the top chefs in town, gigantic sculptures, and haunted attractions. You won’t want to miss this musical gumbo experience.
Fifolet Halloween Festival: October 19th in Baton Rouge
This family-friendly Halloween festival is the perfect place to get your kids excited about Halloween. There is a hodge-podge of horror and non-horror events mixed with a killer parade and tons of fun events throughout the day. There is also an all-day trick-or-treating at the local businesses that will keep the kids smiling and on a sugar high for the day. If you want to blend into the theme, coordinate your costume to include blue. Fifolet is Cajun folklore of a mischievous blue flame that leads a person to buried treasure, but many have lost their lives chasing the mysterious fortune.
Boo Bayou Fall Festival: October 19th in Lafayette
Boo Bayou Fall Festival is a kid-centric event meant to be a mix between a harvest festival and the irresistible pleasure of trick-or-treating. No scary sights or spooky surroundings will be at this festival. Activities include magic by Mitch Richard, balloon animals, trick-or-treat bag decorating, and gingerbread monster making, and several photo opportunities at the Fall Photo Station. This all leads up to trick-or-treating around the historic Vermillion District in Lafayette.
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction: Weekends all October Long in Natchitoches
A couple decided to turn a ghost town outside of Natchitoches into a ghostly horror house. This attraction is for the brave souls that don’t flinch in a scary movie, that stroll cemeteries with no fear, that want to have their pants scared off. Dark Woods themes their attraction differently each year, so if you’ve visited in 2018 or 2017, you’ll find a completely new level of fear this year. There are great military and first responder discounts, so if you want to take your tough friends through a night of terror, it will be worth every penny.
Halloween is almost here and there’s nowhere better to celebrate than at a classic Louisiana festival. Pick an event that speaks to you, get dressed up in your favorite costume, and get ready for the time of your lives.
Ready to get spooked in Louisiana this Halloween? The Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association boasts several one-of-a-kind inns, bed & breakfasts, and historic homes located in all corners of the state.