The Rise of the BOO: A Look at New Orleans’ First-Ever Halloween Parade

Before the fog machines, before the flying skeleton beads, and way before vampires danced down Decatur Street—there was just one idea: What if New Orleans had a Halloween parade as fabulous as Mardi Gras?

That idea sparked a movement, summoned a krewe, and gave rise to what would become the Krewe of BOO!—New Orleans’ first-ever official Halloween parade and a beloved seasonal spectacle that now defines October in the Crescent City.

Here’s how it all began—and how it grew into the haunted juggernaut we know and love today.

🧟 It All Started with a Monster-Sized Vision

Back in 2007, local entrepreneur and parade enthusiast Blaine Kern Jr.—yes, of that Kern family, famous for building Mardi Gras floats—decided that Halloween deserved a parade of its own. New Orleans was already known for its ghosts, costumes, and love of all things theatrical, so why not give the season its own spooky centerpiece?

Thus, Krewe of BOO! was born, with the mission to blend the magic of Halloween with the pageantry of Carnival.

🦴 The First Parade: Humble, Haunted Beginnings

The inaugural Krewe of BOO! parade was small but mighty. It featured a handful of floats, dozens of costumed riders, and a passionate crowd of locals who showed up ready to celebrate Halloween, NOLA-style.

The early years had their ups and downs—weather, logistics, and the ever-haunting specter of budget limitations. But what the krewe lacked in size, it made up for in creativity, community, and an unapologetic love for all things spooky.

👻 Growth of the Ghouls: A Parade Evolves

Year by year, the parade grew. More floats. More throws. More zombies. More fog machines. What started as a grassroots celebration began attracting thousands of fans, visitors, and locals alike. With help from local sponsors, artists, and businesses, Krewe of BOO! transformed into a full weekend of Halloween festivities.

Today, the parade features:

• 25+ handcrafted floats

• Over 500 costumed krewe members

• Tons (literally) of themed throws

• The Zombie Run, a costumed 2-mile chase through the streets

• The Monster Mash After-Party, where the undead really let loose

And it’s still growing.

🎭 More Than a Parade—It’s a Movement

Krewe of BOO! isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about supporting local artists, celebrating New Orleans culture, and giving Halloween the love it deserves. It’s become a signature event for the city, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and helping fuel the local economy every October.

It also sets the tone for the season, inspiring haunted house openings, ghost tours, costume contests, and spooky pop-ups across the French Quarter and beyond.

🧛 The BOO Goes On

Now recognized as the official Halloween parade of New Orleans, Krewe of BOO! continues to innovate with new themes, sustainable throws, and unforgettable performances. From vampire jazzmen to dancing skeletons on stilts, it’s a spectacle unlike anything else in the country.

And at its heart? That same mission from 2007: Bring the city together, celebrate our haunted history, and make Halloween in New Orleans as unforgettable as Mardi Gras.

So the next time you’re cheering from the sidewalk, dodging flying fangs, or dancing in the mist of a fog-drenched float, remember—You’re part of a spooky legacy that began with one simple, game-changing idea.

🎃 Long live the BOO.