Parade Like a Pro: Insider Tips from Longtime BOO-goers

If it’s your first time at Krewe of BOO!, welcome to the wildest, weirdest, most undead fabulous parade you’ll ever attend.

But if you want to do it right—like really right—you need wisdom from those who’ve been BOO’ing for years.

We asked our most seasoned paradegoers to spill their secrets. Here are their best tips, tricks, and Halloween hacks for making the most out of your Krewe of BOO! experience.

Take notes… or just carve them into a pumpkin.

🎃 1. "Costume Up or Miss Out."

🧛 – DeShawn, BOO-goer since 2011

“This ain’t the time for ‘just a black shirt.’ Go big or stay haunted. Costumes aren’t optional—they’re currency. You’ll catch more throws dressed like a glittery bat than in jeans and judgment.”

🧟 2. "Don’t show up empty-handed—or empty-cupped."

🍹 – Casey, Monster Mash regular

“Bring your own drink cup or to-go goblet. It’s BYOC in NOLA. Bonus points for skulls, eyeballs, or a light-up chalice. Bartenders appreciate the commitment.”

🕯️ 3. "Map your bathroom plan like a general maps a battlefield."

🚻 – Gloria, 9-time parade watcher

“Public restrooms? Few and far between. Go before you claim your spot. Or befriend a bartender with a key.”

🦴 4. "Don’t fight over beads. The ghosts are watching."

🎭 – Louie, throws collector extraordinaire

“If someone else catches it fair and square, let it go. There’s plenty of spooky swag to go around. And trust me—fighting over a rubber eyeball will haunt your social life.”

👻 5. "Bring a trick-or-treat bag, not a purse."

🛍️ – Jasmine, queen of Krewe sidelines

“Your standard purse won’t cut it. You need a sturdy tote or Halloween sack. Something you can swing over your shoulder and fill with 47 strands of glow-in-the-dark beads, plastic fangs, and a voodoo duck.”

🧠 6. "Arrive early, hydrate often, haunt responsibly."

💀 – Todd, volunteer flambeaux holder

“You don’t want to be the one who shows up late, loses your crew, and passes out before the werewolf float rolls by. This is a marathon, not a mausoleum.”

🧙‍♀️ 7. "Don’t just watch—become part of the parade."

🎃 – Nina, Zombie Run survivor

“Dance with a witch. Cackle with a ghoul. Cheer for every float like it’s a Broadway debut. The more energy you give, the more the parade gives back.”

🦹‍♂️ 8. "Pack glow sticks. Trust me."

🌌 – Rico, Krewe of BOO! costume finalist

“Glow sticks, fairy lights, whatever. You want to be visible and fabulous after dark. Plus, it helps your krewe find you when you wander off for snacks.”

💀 9. "Save your voice—use signs!"

📣 – Melanie, professional throw-catcher

“Want a specific throw? Make a sign! Flash it at floats and you’ll be amazed how many monsters aim your way. Especially if it’s funny or punny.”

👠 10. "Whatever you do, wear comfy shoes. Or be carried."

🥿 – Every single person we interviewed, seriously

“Platform boots are great until you’re limping behind a werewolf float. Trust us: cobblestones and cocktails don’t mix well with stilettos.”

Bonus Tip:🎟️ “If someone invites you to a VIP watch party—say yes. Balcony view + bathrooms + booze = parade paradise.”

So whether you’re a first-time boo-goer or a returning ghoul, remember:🎭 Dress loud.🕯️ Stay hydrated.💀 Be spooky, not stabby.🎃 And parade like the ghost of Halloween depends on it.

See y’all in the streets—trick bags ready and fangs on full display.