Halloween is the only time of year where you can pretend to be someone else without a fraud lawsuit or being considered mentally ill, making it my favourite time of year. Lots of cities have Halloween themed activities from parades and festivals to huge street parties and haunted happenings. Here are our top picks of places to visit for some unforgettable Halloween fun.
New York City, NY
Every year, for the past 38 years, New York has hosted the Village Halloween Parade. This parade is fun for everyone as anyone can participate as long as they’re in costume. The procession starts at 6th avenue between Canal and Spring at 7pm and features dancers, artists, giant puppets, live music and thousands of civilians dressed in costumes from pirates and zombies to things that only exist in ones imagination. This is a chance to meet some amazing people hear some great music and go costume crazy; if you’re lucky one of the television crews that cover the event might catch a glimpse of you! Also, Check out the Pumpkin Fest with the kids happening on October 27th, it’s free and offers plenty of activities such as a haunted house, pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, a Quidditch match, live entertainment and more!
New Orleans, LA
This historical city is proud of its past of pirates and voodoo that has contributed too many ghost tours and walks that explore the many hauntings of the city. Check out one of the many voodoo shops located in the French quarter or vampire specialty store. Yep, you read that right. Don’t believe me? Check out Boutique du Vampyre. New Orleans also hosts a huge Halloween street party on Frenchmen Street every year to support a cause, with all proceeds from this year’s events going to Project Lazarus, a home that supports those living with AIDS. There are also child friendly options like “Boo at the Zoo” at Audubon Zoo on October 26 and 27 with activities like a Ghost Train Ride, Dinosaur Adventures, a Star Wars show, a trick or treat house, a haunted house and more!
San Francisco, CA
This city has plenty of ghost stories but its main horror attraction, hands down, is Alcatraz and in the spirit of Halloween they have night tours that are sure to scare your socks off. This penitentiary held famous criminals such as Al Capone and is one of the most haunted places in the entire United States of America. There are plenty of places for you to show off your costume too, such as the 18th Annual Freaker’s Ball Halloween Costume party or check out a free show headlined by Yeasayer on the 26th at 1015 (Ten 15). Take the kids to the Randall Museum on the 27th for Family Halloween Day with games, crafts and live entertainment.