Make no mistake: Mardi Gras is still the most famous party in New Orleans. The annual Fat Tuesday celebration brings nearly one million bead-seeking revelers to Bourbon Street year in and year out.

However, with an annual music festival luring 80,000 strong and growing hoards of costumed paraders who make Mardi Gras merrymakers look sane; it’s clear Halloween is quickly becoming New Orleans’ second favorite holiday. This year, Halloween falls on a Monday, ensuring a fun-filled three-day weekend for everyone arriving on flights to New Orleans.

The Voodoo Music Experience, which last year made our list of the best fall music festivals, will run from October 28-30 in 2011, with local and high profile acts taking the stage and rocking the house Big Easy style. On the 31st, the city will channel its Mardi Gras tradition with a parade complete with bead-tossing and elaborate costumes.

In between, folks can get their chills and thrills by taking one of the many Haunted New Orleans tours offered around the Crescent City.

For families heading to New Orleans, the Audubon Zoo will host Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 21, 22, 28, and 29. The event will feature trick-or-treating, a haunted house, and a Haunted Ghost Train.

Source: MSNBC

Flickr: Vincent & Bella