As always, it’s still a tad toasty here in Southeast Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the fall season with the best of them! We’ve put together two lists — one of local and nearby pumpkin patches and corn mazes. The other is a huge list of Halloween events & activities — from parades & block parties to teas & trick or treating — sure to delight the whole family.
NOTE: The list is in order of opening dates. Be sure to check for ticket availability and any last minute changes in dates or times. If there’s no time provided, that means it wasn’t available at press time. Click on the website links for details.
HALLOWEEN FUN
Pumpkins-in-the-Park (Covington)
October 2 – 11am-2pm
The free event, hosted by TerraBella Village Square in Covington, features pumpkins, pumpkin painting, face painting, a jump house, hayride, crafts for the kids, refreshments for purchase, and more. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Covington Food Bank. http://terrabellavillage.com/pumpkins-in-the-park/
Scout Island Scream Park (City Park)
Friday-Sunday beginning October 5, plus October 25, 29-31 & November 2-3
City Park’s Halloween festival is a unique, immersive experience that evolves each Halloween season, loaded with unusual monsters, amazing illusions, stunning special FX, unique and original costumes, makeup, animations and frightening detail created by the artists of The Mortuary Haunted Mansion. Three haunted attractions and three fright zones, each with their own theme. Plus, thrill rides, music, food, and a Scare-Free Kids Zone with a haunted hay ride, face painting, and maze. https://scoutislandscreampark.com
Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest
October 6 – 11am-4pm
In celebration of autumn and all things pumpkin, this festival features a Big Wheel race, ponies, hayrides, costume parade, inflatables including a sticky wall, face painting, KIDentrepreneurs, Pumpkin Chunkin’, delectable food and sweets and more. http://rainbowccc.org/events/pumpkin/
Superheroes & Villains Halloween (Covington)
October 6
Land O Pines Campground invites kids and families to dress as their favorite iconic character and come trick or treating. D.J & dance begins at 8pm. http://webspinnerdezines.com/camplop/
Lakeside Shopping Center Fall & Halloween Events (New Orleans)
October 6-31
Lakeside presents Frankie’s Flying Monster Train, which will be available to little ones to ride from October 6-31 in Center Court. Visitors can also get their photos taken in a festive fall setting. From 4-6pm on October 31, kids can trick-or-treat in a safe setting during the Mall-O-Ween event. https://www.lakesideshopping.com/events/
LPO Halloween Spooktacular
October 7, 2:30-3:30pm
This annual Halloween Family Concert returns featuring spooky classical favorites and a narrated tale underscored by Stravinsky’s Firebird. Costumes are encouraged, and visitors are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to the concert to interact with the ghastly and ghoulish musicians and their instruments. https://lpomusic.com/Online/default.asp
Day of the Dead Halloween Fest (Covington)
October 13
All are invited to visit Land-O-Pines Family Campground and participate in the “Sugar Skull” Halloween event of the year. Activities will include a costume contest, trick or treating. band & dance, and much more. http://webspinnerdezines.com/camplop/
Field of Screams (Covington)
October 13 – 7-10pm
The Covington Rec Complex’s Blue Swamp Creek Trail become the Scream Trail, complete with a Rougarou monster. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free to the public, and refreshments are available for purchase. http://covla.com/
Ghosts in the Oaks (City Park)
October 18 – 21 – 5pm early admission; 6-9pm general admission
The annual spook-tacular three-night Halloween fundraising event hosted by the Friends of City Park offers non-scary fun for the whole family, including unlimited rides in Carousel Gardens, trick-or-treating in Storyland, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, music and more. All proceeds from Ghosts in the Oaks go toward capital improvements in Carousel Gardens and Storyland. https://neworleanscitypark.com/events/ghost-in-the-oaks
Monster Mash (Northshore)
October 20 – 10am–3pm
This large festival style event, held in Bogue Falaya Park in Covington, offers lots of activities, entertainment, and trick or treating for the kids, plus local area restaurants and vendors will be serving refreshments, snacks and treats for purchase. Celebrating its 30-year anniversary, this year’s event will combine community favorites like the Trick-or-Treat Village, Princess & Pirate Party and live music with a few new tricks and treats to commemorate the legacy of Monster Mash and the Parenting Center. Costumes encouraged. Go here for tickets and details. http://www.sthfoundation.org/foundation/monstermash.htm
Krewe of Boo in the Boo Carre (New Orleans)
October 20 – 6:30pm
Unlike any other parade in the world, this one includes beautifully horrific props and sculptures from the Kern Studios, and it rolls through the French Quarter and CBD, ending at Mardi Gras World, which will host an after party. For the parade route and other information, go here. http://www.kreweofboo.com
Halloween Tea at the Windsor Court (New Orleans)
October 20-21 – 11am and 2pm
Costumed characters add to the spooky ambience of this Halloween tea at the Windsor Court Hotel’s Le Salon. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes as they enjoy a delicate tea sandwiches and Halloween-themed treats. Call (504) 596-4773 or click here for reservations. https://www.windsorcourthotel.com/le-salon
Columbia Street Halloween Block Party (Covington)
October 26 – 6:30-9:30 pm
The last block party of the year, which always features classic cars, has a Halloween theme, so costumes are encouraged for all ages. Some shops and classic car owners have candy for trick-or-treaters, a pumpkin carving contest and other activities are typically held at St. Tammany Art Association.http://www.covla.com/
Boo at the Zoo (New Orleans)
October 26 & 27 – 5-9pm; October 28 – 4-8pm
Audubon Zoo’s annual extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children up to age 12, featuring trick-or-treat houses with candy, the Ghost Train (which can be scary for children and adults), a haunted house (scary and non-scary), games, live entertainment, a special toddler area, and more. Meet and greet characters: Princesses: 5:30 – 7:30pm on Friday, October 26; Day of the Dead characters: 5:30 – 7:30pm on Saturday, October 27; Super Heroes: 4:30 – 6:30pm on Sunday, October 28. http://www.auduboninstitute.org/boo-at-the-zoo
Park-A-Boo at Lafreniere (New Orleans)
October 26-28 – Friday, 5-8:30pm; Saturday, 1-8:30pm; Sunday, 1-5:30pm
This 3-day Halloween Festival is primarily for children under 13 years old to costume and participate in festive activities such as trick or treating at 10 “houses” on Treat Street, Boo House (their version of a not too scary haunted house) , face-painting, games, balloon sculptures, a story telling tent, an entertainment stage, and costume contests. http://www.park-a-boo.com/
Halloween Celebration (Covington)
October 27
Visitors can enjoy a day full of Halloween activities at Land-O-Pines Family Campground, including trick or treating, band & dance, costume contest, “Find the Hidden Great Pumpkin” contest, and more. http://webspinnerdezines.com/camplop/
The Grand Theatre’s Halloween Spooktacular (Slidell)
October 27 – 11am-2pm
Families are invited to enjoy this event supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There will be a $5 showing of Casper at 12pm, plus trick-or-treating, carnival games, and face painting. http://www.thegrandtheatre.com/
Haunted Jack o’ Lantern Build (New Orleans)
October 27 – noon
The Ritz-Carlton pastry chefs will provide the gingerbread, you provide the creativity at this new Halloween event where visitors can make and decorate their own haunted pumpkin creations. Parental supervision is required. Call (504) 262-5048 or go here for reservations and details. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-orleans/hotel-overview/calendar
Ghouls and Goblin Tea (New Orleans)
October 27 & 28 – 11am
Little ghouls and goblins are sure to have a scary good time as they enjoy festive holiday themed snacks in the Ritz-Carlton’s Davenport Lounge. Children will enjoy festive Halloween themed snacks in the Davenport Lounge and adults can enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Costumes are encouraged. Call (504) 262-5048 or go here for reservations and details. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-orleans/hotel-overview/calendar
It’s the Great Pumpkin (Destrehan)
October 27 – 10am & 1pm
Lafon Arts Center presents a stage production of the old Halloween classic at the Destrehan High School auditorium. Charlie Brown is excited about trick-or-treating and getting invited to Violet’s Halloween party, but Linus and Sally will be waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive in the pumpkin patch. Join the gang and experience the Halloween season with us in this heartwarming story about faithful friendships. https://lafonartscenter.org/calendar/
Boo Fest (Covington)
October 27 – 10am – 3pm
Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington invites children and families to wear costumes and come Trick or Treat at over 70 haunted houses on the Green outside their facility. Other highlights include pumpkin decorating at the pumpkin patch, face painting, all-abilities games, a complimentary photo booth, music and dancing, participation by State Police Troop L, costume contests, a Chili Cook-Off Challenge, and more. All proceeds benefit children with disabilities and their families. https://lakeviewregional.com/about/newsroom/2018-boo-fest-delivers-spooktacular-fun
Audubon Aquarium’s Crawloween (New Orleans)
October 27 & 28 – 10am-5pm
Audubon Insectarium is celebrating Halloween with treats and close-up encounters with critters. A $3 admission discount will be given to adults and kids who wear costumes. Visitors will learn about the myths behind some “scary” critters, go trick-or-treating for bug-themed trinkets, enjoy halloween-themed cookies, check out pumpkins that double as animal exhibits, and more. Go here for more information. http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/event/858-crawloween
Audubon Bat Festival (New Orleans East)
October 27 – 10am – 4pm
Families are invited to visit Nature Center to learn how amazing bats can be. Highlights include crafts, activities, a bat mascot, a presentation by local bat expert Dr. Craig Hood, and an urban bat hike at 6:30pm. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/bat-festival
Shivers at the Shop (New Orleans)
October 27 – 11am-1pm
The Shops at Canal Place are hosting their annual family- oriented Halloween event. Details were not available yet, but in years past, complimentary candy totes were distributed (while supplies last) to the kids for fun trick-or-treating at participating stores. There were also costume contests, live entertainment, face painting, balloon sculptures, special store promotions, and giveaways throughout the event. www.theshopsatcanalplace.com
Trickin’ and Treatin’ at the Trailhead (Covington)
October 27 – 10am-Noon
Held at the Covington Trailhead, this annual event provides festive family fun, featuring games, entertainment, pumpkin decorating, and activities with a Halloween theme. http://cityofcovingtonla.com/
Abita Halloween Block Party (Abita Springs)
October 31 – 5-9pm
Once again, the town of Abita Springs is hosting a big party on Halloween night. The town hall and around downtown will be filled with music, games, trick or treating, food, and fun. https://www.townofabitasprings.com/single-post/2016/10/17/Halloween-Block-Party
Clearview Center’s Boo at the View
October 31 – 2-6pm
Boo at the View will be featuring a dance party, face painting, acrobats, and trick or treat the shops! They will also be creating their own “Sensory Play Pumpkin Patch” for toddlers. Center Court will have a festive custom photo op and allergen-friendly & healthy alternatives to candy (while supplies last). http://clearviewmall.com/
Ghosts, Goblins, & Gumbo Cook-Off (Madisonville)
October 31 – 6-9pm
The Town of Madisonville is hosting a haunted house inside town hall. Little ghosts and goblins can stroll through Palmetto Flat and the historic Madisonville Cemetery on a foggy moonlit night. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Cookie Decorating will be awaiting trick or treaters. http://townofmadisonville.org/blog/post/339/October-31-GHOST-GOBLINS-and-GUMBO#.W60D-2hKjIU
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch (Hammond)
September 23 – November 8; Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
This popular farm provides tons of family fun during the spring for strawberry season, and fall for pumpkin season! This fall, adults are admitted free, while a fee of $7 allows kids to pick their own pumpkin from the huge field, and to enjoy a whole lot of fun activities, including a zip line, jumping pillow, tunnel slide, face painting, duck racing, hay maze, nature trail, and lots more. http://www.thfarms.com/.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church (Metairie)
September 24 – October 31; Monday – Thursday from 3-6pm, Friday from 2-6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church is hosting a pumpkin patch to benefit their ministries. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available, and an area will be decorated to take festive photos. On Oct. 19 from 3-6pm and Oct. 21 from 11am-5pm, visitors will receive a free keepsake photo from The Red M Studio in exchange for either a monetary or non-perishable food donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. www.stmepiscopal.com
Cajun Country Corn Maze (Pine Grove, NW of Hammond)
September 29 – November 25; Non-haunted hours are Friday 5 – 11pm; Saturday 9am – 11pm; Sunday 11am – 6pm; Haunted hours (October) are Friday & Saturday 7pm-11pm
Different packages at different prices points allow varying access to their many attractions, including the corn maze, pig races, the animal petting area, the playground area, the chicken show, our 2 slides, tether balls, the spider web, bucking cow train, the jumping pillow, and more. Also, every Friday and Saturday night in October, a portion of the maze, the haunted trail, and the board maze will be open for haunting at dusk. at dusk dark. To find out more and get all the pricing/package info, call 1-877-843-9421, 225-357-4924, or 225-939-8305, or visit www.cajuncountrycorn.com.
First Presbyterian Church (New Orleans)
September 30 – October 31; Monday – Friday, 3pm – 7pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 7pm
In addition to selling pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, they’ll be accepting donations of clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. The pumpkin patch will stay open as long as supplies last, and proceeds will benefit the Program of Hope homeless ministry and Christian Education. www.fpcno.org
Liuzza Land Fall Festivities (Tickfaw)
Saturdays, October 1 -31; 10am – 4pm
In addition to being able to pick a pumpkin off the vine, visitors to Liuzza Produce Farm can enjoy hayrides, tunnel slides, a jumping pillow, petting zoo, and additional activities. Subject to closures for inclement weather, so be extra sure to call ahead. liuzzaland.com
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (Metairie)
October 3 – October 31; Weekdays from noon to 8pm; weekends from 9am to 8pm
Families are welcome and encouraged to come and enjoy the annual family visit and photo opportunity in the pumpkin patch. They also host Pumpkin Palooza on October 20, featurin games, pumpkin decorating, a cake walk, and more. www.staugustinesmet.com
Plum Street’s Pumpkin Patch at Lafreneire Park (Metairie)
October 4 -31; Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to dusk and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to dusk.
In addition to pumpkins, there are children’s activities, games, and a brand new scene for festive photo ops. Kids can enjoy story times throughout the days on Saturdays and Sundays, plus there will be a costume contest on Oct. 21 for prizes in various categories. https://www.facebook.com/Plum-Street-Snoballs-46126897621/
Steele’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (Angie – North of Covington)
Weekends from October 6 – 28 (Closed October 20-21); Saturdays 10am – 6pm; Sundays 1pm – 6pm
New this year: a Dual Hamster Race Track where people can climb inside 2 5’X5′ culverts and race down the track. There’s also a petting zoo with all types of farm animals, a tractor-drawn hay ride through the Christmas Trees to the Pumpkin Patch and the Corn Maze, plus other fun activities like the Moo Moo Choo Choo, zip lines, and pig races. Food and drinks will be for sale at the concession stand. http://www.steeleschristmastreefarm.com/The-Pumpkin-Patch-and-Corn-Maze.html
St. Anselm Family Fun Day & Pumpkin Patch (Madisonville)
October 20 & 21; Noon – 3pm
Every year, St. Anselm invites everyone to attend their 11am mass in their family-friendly costumes, then stick around for the festivities to begin. Activities include treat bag decorating, trick or treating, games, a costume contest, cookie and pumpkin decorating contests, and more. www.stanselmmadisonville.org
