Mardi Gras Gets Spooky at Krewe of BOO

Mardi Gras Gets Spooky at Krewe of BOO

New Orleans puts a Halloween spin on Mardi Gras when the Krewe of BOO rolls through downtown on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The city's official Halloween parade brings the floats, bands, dance krewes and throws we love about Mardi Gras together with enough ghosts, vampires, skeletons and other creatures to make the Headless Horseman feel right at home.

Mardi Gras Meets Halloween

Krewe of BOO has been New Orleans' official Halloween parade since 2007. Its floats are created by Kern Studios, the same folks responsible for some of the spectacular floats you see rolling during Mardi Gras. Expect larger-than-life 3-D fiberglass and papier-mâché werewolves, ghosts, vampires and assorted monsters making their way through the city after dark.

And this isn't just a parade to watch. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed for the occasion. The parade is family-friendly, and riders toss plenty of candy, toys, beads and Halloween-themed goodies along the route. In other words, bring a bag. "Throw me somethin', Monstah!" is likely to pay off.

More than a thousand riders, marching bands, dance troupes and walking krewes are expected to take part in the approximately three-mile procession.

Where to Catch the Krewe of BOO

The parade assembles around Elysian Fields Avenue before heading toward the French Quarter. It travels along North Peters and Decatur, passes Jackson Square, heads to Canal Street and then continues into the Warehouse District, ending on Andrew Higgins Drive.

That gives you plenty of choices for staking out a viewing spot. The French Quarter puts you in the middle of the Halloween atmosphere, while the later part of the route makes it easy to keep the night going once the last monster rolls past.

Visit the official Krewe of BOO! website for parade and event details