The Queen of Hearts has requested the presence of all subjects, countrymen, creatures, great and small, to a Halloween weekend of events celebrating her benevolent reign over the queendom. The realm of Wonderland will be filled with friends from far and wide so her majesty requests that you purchase your tickets in advance or risk losing your head…
Now in its 39th year, Halloween New Orleans (HNO) continues its mission of creating a spirited slate of events to benefit Project Lazarus. What began as a small gathering of friends almost 40 years ago has grown into series of parties and fundraisers year round, culminating on Halloween weekend. Since its founding, Halloween New Orleans has raised close to $5 million for Project Lazarus, a local organization that provides transitional housing and support services to people who live with HIV/AIDS and experience homelessness. HNO Board President Neil Savoy said, “Every dollar raised in excess of the costs of the parties themselves goes to Project Lazarus. We are a board of volunteers that want to give back to a segment of the population that tends to be overlooked or ignored. We don’t do it alone though. We wouldn’t be here today without the support of all of our sponsors, patrons, and hosts, who continue to come back year after year to support our mission. Avita Drugs, this year’s presenting sponsor, in particular, has been integral in our successful planning of this year’s events. As you plan your Halloween weekend, be sure to buy tickets to our Wonderland, but also please support all of our sponsors, bars, media partners, and get a room at the official hotel of HNO, the Virgin Hotel New Orleans.”
This year’s Wonderland themed events begin on Oct. 28 with The Queen’s Ball and silent auction at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., in the Warehouse District. The upscale event is black tie preferred and will include entertainment by DJ Alexis Tucci, open bar, food, and entertainment. There are several new donors to the auction this year providing exclusive high value items. Individual tickets start at $100.
Costumes are required and the theme is sure to inspire New Orleans’ most creative costume party. “Nightmare in Wonderland” will take place on October 29th at the The Fillmore New Orleans, 6 Canal Street. The fun begins at 10pm with a judged costume parade across the stage, an open bar with music and entertainment by DJ Alexis Tucci and world famous winner of Season 10 of Rupaul’s Drag Race, Aquaria. Come early and stay late—3am! Tickets start are $135.
Close your Halloween weekend out at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Dance and Second Line on Oct. 30. The tea dance begins at 2:30 in courtyard of the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. Stoli vodka and Faubourg Brewery beer will be served at the open bar event. Music will be provided by DJ Joey With The Mustache with Jake Wesley Rogers. A second-line into the French Quarter will conclude the event. Tickets start at $85.
Weekend passes that include all events start at $300. Host and Patron passes are available as well, starting at $450. A host band will be required to enter the Host Lounges provided at Saturday and Sunday’s events . For more information and to purchase tickets, visit halloweenneworleans.com.
