New Orleans: Halloween & Day of the Dead Housesitting in the Garden District

In November 2024, our housesitting journey brought us to New Orleans—right in time for Halloween and Day of the Dead. We were set to care for a potbellied pig named Patches in the historic Garden District, but sadly, Patches passed away just before our arrival. The homeowners, gracious and kind, still invited us to stay and care for their home and plants. We gratefully accepted, and what followed was an unforgettable experience in one of our favorite cities.

Halloween on Frenchmen Street
New Orleans doesn’t just celebrate Halloween—it lives it. Frenchmen Street turned into a carnival of costumed revelers, street performers, and a mix of the magical and macabre. It was the perfect spot to witness New Orleans’ unmatched spirit.

On Day of the Dead, we experienced a powerful candlelit parade honoring ancestors, with music, face paint, and a reverence that filled the air with something truly special.

Music, Food & Art
New Orleans is, hands down, my favorite city in the country. Its blend of bold flavors, endless live music, eclectic locals, impromptu parades, and layered history keeps calling us back.

Live Music Highlights:
🎶 Galactic at Tipitina’s – Funk, soul, and big energy in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
🎶 Ragtime Jazz at The Spotted Cat – Always a vibe and a must-do when we’re in town.
🎶 Bonnie Raitt at The Saenger Theater – The venue’s beauty alone is worth a visit, and Bonnie’s voice filled every inch of it.

Food Highlights:
🦪 Chargrilled oysters at Acme Oyster House – Smoky, garlicky perfection.
🥣 Gumbo with grilled cheese at Heard Dat Kitchen – A flavor combo we didn’t know we needed.
🍝 Italian at Adolfo’s – Hidden above Frenchmen Street with cozy vibes and mouthwatering pasta.

First-Time Experiences:
🖼️ We finally visited the New Orleans Museum of Art and its adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden—both of which were inspiring and peaceful.
🏡 We also explored the Longue Vue House and Gardens, a beautifully preserved estate filled with lush greenery and Southern charm.

At the Presbytère Museum, we took in a vivid and moving exhibit on Mardi Gras Indian culture. The craftsmanship, history, and pride behind the costumes left us in awe.

Treme Gumbo Fest, We Are One Second Line & Election Blues
Our trip concluded with the soulful Treme Gumbo Festival, featuring the legendary Treme Brass Band. We were lucky to catch the We Are One Second Line parade too—there’s nothing like stepping into a second line in New Orleans. It’s not something you describe. It’s something you feel.

The only downside? The presidential election results came in during our stay. It was a heavy emotional hit—but if there’s a city that knows how to channel pain into joy, it’s this one.

Despite the heartbreak, our time in New Orleans was a beautiful blend of culture, celebration, and soul. We left with full hearts and even more appreciation for the city’s spirit.