NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans reputation as a premier Halloween destination is unwavering. With much enthusiasm, the city prepares to welcome the 31st annual Halloween New Orleans (HNO), Oct. 23 – 26. The weekend-long extravaganza, benefiting Project Lazarus, is the largest gay Halloween charity event in the country; last year drawing its largest crowd since Hurricane Katrina.
Revelers of HNO 2014 will be led on a seductive and riotous journey through a playfully staged fiery underground world with the theme, “Descent: Journey into the Inferno,” based on the 14th-century epic poem by Dante Alighieri.
Since its inception in 1984, HNO has raised nearly $5 million for Project Lazarus and has become one of the only volunteer-run charities remaining in the U.S. to donate 100 percent of its proceeds to benefit a non-profit.
“The event was created to celebrate the gay community in New Orleans, to share love, a sense of family, a unique culture and a love of showmanship, all while supporting Project Lazarus in its fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Dustin Woehrmann, Executive Board Chair of HNO.
In appreciation to the organizers of HNO for their continuous generosity, Project Lazarus recently awarded Halloween New Orleans the Pawell-Desrosiers Award, the organization’s highest honor. It has only been awarded three times in the last 30 years.
Project Lazarus serves as transitional housing for people living with HIV/AIDS who have nowhere else to turn. Established in 1985, Project Lazarus has provided medical care and support to over 1,200 HIV/AIDS victims. The services provided by Project Lazarus are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or any other insurance; therefore they are completely dependent on public and private support to continue their mission.
Between elaborate costumes and parties featuring A-list entertainment, HNO’s weekend lineup includes:
- Thursday, Oct. 23: Kickoff Event “The Lazarus Ball”
Black Tie preferred
Music by Groovy 7
Silent auction, including artwork by David Harouni, Don Patron and more
Amazing New Orleans Cuisine - Friday, Oct. 24: “The Neon Underground”
Casual/Club Night
DJ Blacklow
VIP lounge for Hosts and Patrons - Saturday, Oct. 25: Main Event: “Descent: The Inferno”
Costume contest and parade (costumes required)
DJ Tristan Jaxx until 4am
VIP lounge for Hosts and Patrons - Sunday, Oct. 26: “Paradise Brunch”
Classic NOLA Brunch
Jazz and Gospel Entertainment
Second line to Bourbon and St. Ann Streets
More event information is coming soon. A limited number of early bird passes are available starting at $225. Single day passes are available beginning Sept. 2. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.halloweenneworleans.com.
For the second year in a row, HNO will partner with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation to award a trip for two to New Orleans to attend the event. Rules and restrictions apply. To enter, go to: http://www.neworleansonline.com/promos/2014/halloween/.
