There’s no getting around it. Our fall and winter holidays are going to be a bit of a challenge this year, thanks to the relentless pandemic, but fear not — all is not lost. While many old favorites will not be happening or will look very different in 2020, there’s still plenty to do to celebrate the spooky season!
We’ve put together three handy lists — one contains Halloween events & activities, another is all about pumpkin patches & fall fun, and the final one lists some popular fan favorites that are sitting it out this season.
NOTE: These listings were accurate as of press time, but things change rapidly these days, so be sure to visit the websites for any changes or updates!
HALLOWEEN FUN
Haunted Houses (Both Shores & Beyond)
Now through Halloween
If you and the kiddos enjoy a good scare, check out this list of local haunted houses operating this season. Be sure to pay special attention to covid rules and restrictions. Many of these may not be suitable for littlest kids or the faint of heart, so beware of the scare! https://bit.ly/3n4kgA9
Prytania Theatre Halloween Movies
October 2-23
Just in time for Halloween, the Prytania Theatre is hosting a slew of family friendly spooky-themed movies. October 2-8 Hocus Pocus; October 9-11 COCO; Oct 9 – Oct 16 Poltergeist; Oct 16 – Oct 23 Gremlins; Oct 16 – Oct 22 The Nightmare Before Christmas. Visit their page for showtimes. https://www.facebook.com/prytania.theatre/events
The Grand Theatre’s Halloween Movies (Slidell)
October 2-22 (showtimes vary)
The Grand Theatre in Slidell is screening some super fun, family-friendly Halloween movies all month long. Hocus Pocus – 10/2-10/8; Coco – 10/9-10/15; The Nightmare Before Christmas – 10/16-10/22. Check their website for showtimes, and they’re also screening super scary movies for teens and brave adults! http://www.thegrandtheatre.com/
Halloween Drive-In Movies (Kenner)
October 16 & 30 at 8pm
Jefferson Performing Arts Society is bringing the drive-in movie experience to the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center this October, presenting movies that reflect their 43rd annual season. These vintage films will be shown each Friday in October, and just in time for Halloween, they’re screening Arsenic & Old Lace on October 16 and Ghostbusters on October 30. http://www.jpas.org/drivein
Monster Mash Drive Thru (Covington)
October 17 from 10am-5pm
Tickets to the first-ever drive-thru presentation of Monster Mash at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington include commemorative trick-or-treat bag, candy, take-home cookie kit, take-home craft kit by the Home Depot and more. As a bonus, VIP drive-thru tickets include a special park experience featuring photo booth, upgraded trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, and more. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 28 at 6:30 a.m. Available online only. http://www.sthfoundation.org/foundation/MonsterMash.htm
Boo at the Zoo
October 17, 18, 24, and 25
This year, Boo at the Zoo will take place in the daytime. This celebration — renamed Peek-a-Boo at the Zoo — will provide fun for the whole family and some favorite Audubon Zoo animals, too, ensuring that the experience is filled with spooktacular memories. To add to the excitement, Peek-a-Boo at the Zoo guests are invited to wear their favorite costume as they partake in the festivities. Online reservations required. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/
Family-Friendly Haunted House at Clearview
October 23-25 and 29 – 31 from 5- 9pm on Thursdays & Sundays; 5-10pm Fridays & Saturdays
The Haynes Academy Theatre presents the “Warehouse of Wax,”a family-friendly, walk-thru haunted house located near Center Court of Clearview Shopping Center. The haunted house will feature a collection of rooms displaying different spooky themes including a swamp room and a wax figure display.Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go to the Haynes Academy Drama Department. The recommended for ages 6 and older. https://clearviewcitycenter.com/
Halloween Haunt Market (Madisonville)
October 18 from 10am-3pm
Northshore Maker’s Market Foundation is hosting this family friendly event, featuring a costume contest, Count Dracula Candy Corn Count, and Trick or Treating! There will be fun for the whole family! https://www.facebook.com/events/3266547290128724/
Ghost in the Oaks: A Haunting Night at Home
October 24 & 25 from 1-5pm
This year’s annual spooky fundraiser is going virtual, with a party package that includes activities, games, sweet treats, virtual fun runs, a ghostly guide, and a video series featuring party planning tips by your favorite New Orleans’ personalities (cocktail making class for adults, sugar cookie decorating, ghost storytelling and more). Each pack accommodates 4 people, and the sales will offset the impact of the pandemic on our beloved City Park’s operating budget. https://www.friendsofcitypark.com/event/ghosts-in-the-oaks-2020/
Trickin’ and Treatin’ at the Trailhead (Covington)
October 24 from 10am-noon
This is a family-friendly FREE event with Halloween games and crafts, and much more. Held at the Covington Trailhead, this annual event provides festive family fun, featuring games, entertainment, pumpkin decorating, and activities with a Halloween theme. http://www.covla.com/
Fontainebleau Park Drive-thru Trick or Treating (Mandeville)
October 24 & 31 from 6-8:30pm
This drive-through event starts at campsite #1 and ends at site # 136. Participants will have to wear masks and practice social distancing. There will be a campsite decorating contest, which should make the trick or treating an extra treat. https://www.facebook.com/events/2940148476196831/
Clearview’s Boo at the View (Metairie)
October 31 – 5-7pm
This year’s event at Clearview Shopping Center will include safely spaced out tables for trick or treating, a few fun characters passing out treats, a magic show, and the Warehouse of Wax family-friendly haunted house. Most of the fun will be taking place in Center Court and admission is free. https://clearviewcitycenter.com/
CMST Boo Bash on the Lawn
October 31 from 10am-noon
The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany is celebrating Halloween with an event featuring games, trick-or-treating, and more. Costumes encouraged. http://bit.ly/BooBash20
PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL FESTIVALS
Banting’s Nursery Pumpkin Patch (Bridge City & Lacombe)
Now through Halloween – Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm
Banting’s Pumpkin Patch is loaded with everything you need to decorate your home and garden. Shipments of cool season color, vegetables, shrubs, and trees are arriving daily at both the Northshore location in Lacombe and a Southshore location in Bridge City. https://bantingsnursery.com/
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch (Hammond)
Now through November 8 from 9am to 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 $8 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. Augustine’s Pumpkin Patch (Metairie)
Now through Halloween – Mondays – Fridays from noon – 8pm, Saturdays/Sundays from 9am – 8 pm
Families are welcome and encouraged to come to St. Augustine Episcopal Church and enjoy the annual family visit and photo opportunity in the pumpkin patch. http://www.staugustinesmet.com/
St. Martin’s Pumpkin Patch (Metairie)
Now through Halloween – Monday-Friday 3-6:30pm. Saturday/Sunday 10am-6:30pm
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church is partnering with the Red M studio again this year to raise funds or donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank. On Friday, October 16th from 3 pm until 6 pm and Sunday October 18th from 11 am until 5 pm. you receive a free photo of yourself in the pumpkin patch when you donate food or money. http://www.stmepiscopal.com/
Cajun Country Corn Maze (Pine Grove)
October 10 – November 29 – Friday 5-9pm; Saturday 9am-9pm; Sunday 11am-6pm
Highlights of this annual event include the 7.5-acre corn maze, pig races, animal petting area, slides, the spider web crawl, cow train, hay ride, jumping pillow, zombie paintball, and LOTS more. Also, visit the site for after-dark haunted options. http://www.cajuncountrycorn.com/
Oktoberfest at Middendorf’s (Slidell & Manchac)
Select days from October 7 – November 13 from 10:30am-9pm
Middendorf’s kicks off six weeks of authentic German food, music & fun. Menus vary week to week, and festivities will take place every Wednesday & Thursday at Middendorf’s Manchac and every Friday at Middendorf’s Slidell. Guests who dine in will get a special Oktoberfest prize and are encouraged to dress up in German attire – lederhosen and dirndls – just like Heinz and the front of house staff. http://www.middendorfsrestaurant.com/
Sugar Roots Farm Fall Festival (West Bank)
Every Saturday in October from 9am-5pm
Admission to this socially distanced fundraiser allows visitors to walk around and visit the gardens and animals, and includes a feed cup for your animal of choice, kids crafts, and live local music. Pumpkins, farm stand goodies, and vendors will all be separate. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b44aea629a2f85-fall
Barn Hill Preserve Thrill on the Hill (Ethel, LA)
October 17-18, 24-25
Guests are invited to join Barn Hill Preserve for festive trick or treating, costume contests, hay rides, games, and more. https://barnhillpreserve.wixsite.com/barnhillpreserve
St. Anselm Family Fun Day & Pumpkin Patch (Madisonville)
October 25, 12pm until 3pm
This free festive annual event features trick or treating, treat bag decorating, games, a costume contest, cookie decorating contests, hot dogs, and more. http://www.stanselmmadisonville.org/
2020 GHOST LIST
Sadly, these annual favorites will be ghosting (aka, sitting out) the 2020 fall season, but watch for their triumphant return/resurrection in 2021!
- Canal Place Shivers at the Shop
- Columbia Street Halloween Block Party (Covington)
- Field of Screams (Covington)
- Krewe of Boo Parade
- Lakeside Shopping Center Mall-O-Ween, Monster Train & Fall Photos
- Mandeville Trailhead Trunk or Treat
- Nightmare on Columbia (Covington)
- Olde Towne Slidell Pumpkin Fest
- Park-A-Boo at Lafreniere
- Ritz Carlton Hotel Ghouls and Goblin Tea / Haunted House Building Events
- Scout Island Scream Park in City Park
- Windsor Court Hotel Halloween Tea
