Halloween New Orleans (HNO)
About This Event
Halloween New Orleans, known to regulars as HNO, is a gay costume weekend that also raises money for Project Lazarus, a New Orleans agency that provides housing and support to people living with HIV/AIDS. It began in the early 1980s as a small gathering of friends, and the 2026 edition is billed as HNO 43. An all-volunteer board runs it. According to Ambush Mag, by its 40th year in 2023 the weekend had raised more than $6 million for Project Lazarus. Everything left over after event costs goes to the charity.
The weekend follows the same pattern every year. Friday is the Lazarus Ball, a dressier gala with an open bar and a silent auction. Saturday is the big costume party, where costumes are expected and there is a judged costume parade. Sunday afternoon is a tea dance on the riverfront, which ends with a second line through the French Quarter. The gay bars of the lower French Quarter and the Marigny hold their own Halloween parties all weekend alongside the official events.
For 2026 the organizers list the Lazarus Ball on Friday, October 30, from 7pm to 10pm at The Barnett. The Saturday party is on October 31, from 10pm to 3am at The Fillmore. The Sunday tea dance is on November 1, from 1pm to 4:30pm at Woldenberg Riverfront Park by the Gov. Nicholls Street Wharf. Tickets are sold per event or as weekend passes on halloweenneworleans.com. In 2023 the Ball cost $105, the Saturday party $135, and weekend passes started at $320. Expect 2026 prices to differ. Halloween is one of the busiest weekends of the year in the French Quarter, so book your room early.
The 40th edition in 2023 ran under the theme XL, with the Ball at the Joy Theater. The 2026 schedule above comes from the organizers' events page. The full entertainment lineup hadn't been posted when we checked.
Where to stay during Halloween New Orleans (HNO)
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Practical Tips
Every ticket funds Project Lazarus, the assisted-living home for people with HIV/AIDS — the price tag is the point.
Book Marigny or French Quarter lodging — Uber surge on Halloween night in NOLA is brutal.
Videos
LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Lost Footage of the Biggest LGBTQ Halloween Parties in New Orleans
