Photo by Charles Reagan for Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
The Voodoo Music and Arts Experience debuted on Halloween weekend 19 years ago and has kept up the annual tradition ever since. In a time where Halloween festivals come in all shapes and sizes, Voodoo remains a reliable veteran of the season and feels right at home in the spooky city of New Orleans. With over 2000 artist performances since 1999, it’s fair to wonder how Voodoo manages to stay fresh and exciting after all these years.
For starters, the lineup is extremely diverse. Bands and artists from all different genres give festival goers more than enough choices to ensure everyone can find the vibes they’re looking for. Whether it be rock, rap, or an indie band you’ve never heard of, Voodoo does an exceptional job of curating different experiences around the festival grounds. For three days, City Park will be divided into five distinct stages with a handful of tricks and treats between them.
Headlining this killer lineup up (no pun intended) is Guns N Roses, Brandie Carlile, Beck, Bassnectar, The National, Post Malone, and Rezz. The list doesn’t end there though. While we already have an artist for every generation, add Big Gigantic, Bishop Briggs, Zhu, Young the Giant, Bring me the Horizon, and Sheck Wes into the mix and it really rounds out the weekend. The line-up is to die for. Check out the full list below!
The ghoulish fun doesn’t end there. Voodoo also hosts Deja Voodoo Shows, aka Aftershows. The hauntings continue with four killer after shows on Thursday, Friday & Saturday. If you’re into the alternative scene then the Thursday Deja Voodoo Show featuring Bring Me The Horizon is for you. Maybe you want to go a more experimental route? If so, you’ll want to check out the Friday shows featuring Peekaboo or Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers. Personally, we recommend that you catch Krewella’s Deja Voodoo show at Metro Nightclub. The EDM sisters, who aren’t on the festival line-up, are playing this special show and you won’t want to miss it!
Most festivals focus heavily on the music but, Voodoo strives to be an experience which immerses you in art and Halloween culture. With this in mind, the event has hosted contests, given away incredible experiences, hosted a one of a kinda feast, runs an ambassador program, and has taken initiatives to separate themselves from the rest.
Recently Voodoo hosted their first King & Queen of Halloween Costume Contest. The winner of the online contest is being flown to Voodoo to showcase their gory look in the flesh. Check out this year’s winner serving deadly looks below!
Big G also has partnered to give away a VIP experience to one lucky fan looking to get into the spirit of Halloween. Who doesn’t want to be flown to New Orleans for Halloween weekend, get VIP, and Meet Big G side stage?
We know we want to! Enter here, if you’re feeling lucky!
This year the experience sold special tickets to Feast Under the Stars. The five course meal is hosted by Chef Aaron Sanchez and friends in the middle of the festival grounds. In addition to a meal, attendees will get to see the final touches added to the experience, hear the inspiration behind the food, and potentially a soundcheck or two. Unfortunately the experience is sold out but, those lucky enough to attend will experience the area the day before gates open. Keep an eye out for this event next year because it’s well worth the price!
Voodoo also hosts an ambassador program as a way for attendees to join the Krewe. This opportunity allows you to sell tickets to your friends and in exchange earn a ticket to the festival. If you are interested there still is an opportunity to “Join the Krewe” here.
The last stellar opportunity Voodoo sponsors is their green initiatives, specifically Rock & Recycle. The festival focuses on ways attendees can help our planet by either: bringing their own water bottle, biking, or recycling. Fans were invited to design the t-shirt for the program this year and one lucky winner will have their art featured. If you want to see who won, join the program and collect recyclable items at the festival to earn a rad t-shirt.
We’ve laid out all these details of a wild Halloween weekend. You can do what you choose with this information but, we highly recommend you join us. We’re dying to see you!
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience will be taking place October 25-27, 2019. Tickets can still be purchased here.
Are you willing to join the ritual?