Krewe of Boo 2018: Parade route and street closures - [Curbed New Orleans - All]

The 11th annual Halloween parade in New Orleans rolls tonight.

Halloween in New Orleans is similar to Mardi Gras. It’s not one day but many days of celebration, during which you’ll find parades, parties, and festivals galore leading up to the holiday. One of the biggest Halloween parades, Krewe of Boo, rolls through downtown tonight at 6:30. Here’s all you need to know to make the parade scary in a fun way (and not in a stuck-in-bumper-to-bumper traffic way).

About the parade

Krewe of Boo is unique because its riders emphasize eco-friendly, locally made, and edible throws, such Aunt Sally’s pralines, PJ’s coffee, and Elmer’s Chee Wees. Brian Kern, son of Mardi Gras float magnate Blaine Kern Sr., launched the parade in 2007. The Kern family’s signature floats are made of colorful 3D fiberglass and papier mache and have distinctly spooky themes. The parade also features 400 riders and 30 marching groups, including the Organ Grinders and 610 Stompers. Don’t forget to wear a costume!

Weather

Temperatures should hover in the mid-70s throughout the parade. There’s a 19 percent chance of rain at 7 p.m.

Route

The kid-friendly parade kicks off in the Marigny at the intersection of Chartres Street and Elysian Fields Avenue at 6:30 p.m. It progresses south up Elysian Fields and hangs a right on N. Peters Street, which merges with Decatur Street. The parade rolls down Decatur Street through the French Quarter before turning right on Canal Street. It rolls down Canal Street until it hits O’Keefe Avenue, then loops back in a U-turn down Canal. The parade turns right on Tchoupitoulas and follows that street through the CBD and Warehouse District, ending at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins), where a costume party commences. Tickets are $25 to $1,200.

Parking restrictions

The Mayor’s office announced that a no parking zone will be in effect along the parade route starting at 4:30 p.m. Officials advise attendees to avoid driving in the area. Instead, use including public transportation, taxis, Uber, Lyft, or a bike.

Main streets to avoid while driving

• Elysian Fields Avenue
• Decatur Street
• North Peters Street
• Canal Street (Central Business District)
• Tchoupitoulas Street (Central Business District)

Source: Curbed New Orleans - All