Are you ready for Halloween New Orleans style? I've asked myself that every year since 1997 when my brother moved to NOLA and I still haven't dipped my wick into the Big Easy for Halloween. There's still time for me to make that decision and some of these sources might help you make that choice, too.
Here's some info from GONOLA.com that will tell you what to expect as well as how to get more insight on the four days of festivities.
For the LGBT community in New Orleans, Halloween includes a longstanding event weekend called HNO (Halloween New Orleans). A four-day marathon of fundraising events, HNO is a way for the community to have fun, connect, and give back.
If you’re attending this year’s events and need some last-minute help with preparation, this article is for you. Read on for our insider’s guide into HNO weekend from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
#1 Walk Like An Egyptian, Or Dont.
The main event, “Fall of The Pharaohs” has an Egyptian theme this year, which makes it pretty easy for picking out or creating a costume. (You don’t have to dress with the theme — just make sure you stand out.)
Clever and creative, funny, or “over-the-top” get-ups earn major points in the costume contest. One of last year’s winners, for example, did a fantastic rendition of the cast of “Death Becomes Her.”
You can find the list of this year’s contest categories here.
#6 Tap That App.
This is a useful resource to keep up-to-date on events throughout the weekend and let you take some fun photos in custom frames. Download it for Apple or Android.
#8. It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint.
You can’t do it all in one weekend; a steady pace is key for success. HNO is also just one of many events happening in New Orleans throughout Halloween weekend, along with Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade, and a home Saints game to name a few.
Feel free to experience as much as you can. Just be warned: you’ll need time to fully enjoy the city, and you’ll need more time to recover. – gonola.com
For hints 2, 3, 4, and 5, go to gonola.com
I recommend downloading the app. I still have an app on my phone that helps me with the Mardi Gras parade routes and times. And remembering that "it's a marathon and not a sprint" can be said for any trip to and any time spent in New Orleans. Soak up the city and enjoy!
And this is all for a good cause?
Now in its [32nd year], Halloween New Orleans remains one of the major highlights of the local LGBT community’s social calendar. This four-day event — which this year kicks off on Oct. 23 — is the largest gay Halloween celebration in the country and recently earned a featured exhibition in the permanent collection of the Stonewall National Museum and Archives. In addition, it is a completely volunteer and donation-based charity event, with 100 percent of its proceeds going to Project Lazarus, a transitional house for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of the relationship between the two organizations, Halloween New Orleans has raised almost five million dollars to benefit Project Lazarus. – gonola.com
Halloweenneworleans.com is another resource that can assist in your debauchery and enjoyment of the Crescent City.
For even more info on New Orleans, check out Gaycities.com's article entitles Six Reasons Gays Own Halloween In New Orleans .
Have you partied in New Orleans for Halloween? Would you recommend it? Is it the place to be?
