Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters and The Killers Lead Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

Jordan Bailey

Halloween is a tricky time (no pun intended) when it comes to finding a worthwhile party. Luckily, New Orleans will once again host Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a Halloween festival if there ever was. Through the weekend of Oct. 27-19, City Park will, for the nineteenth year, transform into a hellish party topped with the best live acts around.

The lineup this year will feature a little rap, some electronic, and plenty of rock. Kendrick Lamar takes the top headlining spot this year after dropping his heavily-praised “DAMN.” album just last month. This LP spawned a handful of hits including “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.”, both of which will no doubt make their New Orleans debut over this soon-to-be raucous weekend. Foo Fighters will make an appearance on the main stage as well, hot off the release of their latest single “Run.” This tune represents the start of the band’s ninth studio album, which they’re currently in the process of recording. The Killers have been on quite the hiatus since 2012’s “Battle Born,” but their presence at Voodoo this year is a hint that they’re on the rebound. The band has been tweeting cryptic images of what they call “The Man” recently, so keep your ears open for new tunes over the summer. Festival legends LCD Soundsystem grabbed a top headlining spot at this year’s Voodoo Fest. James Murphy and the crew are currently hard at work on their new studio album and have recently premiered new songs, which fans can expect to hear during their Voodoo set. DJ Snake was recently caught up in some controversy after suddenly canceling his Hangout Fest set without providing reasons to his fans (in fact, he suspended all his social media accounts to avoid scrutiny). Though with Voodoo on the horizon, the French producer is back at it hoping to redeem himself over the upcoming Halloween weekend.

Other acts set to perform include Galantis, Dillon Francis, Brand New, The Head and the Heart, Kehlani, Post Malone, Miguel, RL Grime, Prophets of Rage, Cold War Kids, Yellow Claw, Crystal Castles, Superduperkyle, The Afghan Whigs, Līve, Marian Hill, K. Flay, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

Given this is a Halloween festival, expect plenty of spooky aesthetics throughout. As you walk around the grounds, you’ll find Tarot card readings, a ghostly cemetery, and costumes galore. Of course, plenty of amenities like a full-service market place, a beer hall and an expansive food court will all be in tow as well.

When you’re not in City Park dancing the night away, you’ll likely be heading to the French Quarter to drink, eat and mingle, so why not make this area your official home during your stay. Hotel le Marais is in the heart of the French Quarter and is replete with purple, one of the colors that embody the New Orleans spirit. It’s chic, it’s modern, and it’s where you want to be. Also in the French Quarter, Catahoula Hotel is a boutique townhouse turned hotel. Think Pinterest meets hipster, with the addition of impeccable hospitality and a ton of coziness. Conversely, The Hotel Modern is a neon drenched contemporary hotspot with art at the forefront. Alongside all the amenities you could want, Hotel Modern has managed to blend antique furniture with eclectic design to create a unique atmosphere.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience will take place from Oct. 27-29. Tickets can be found here.