hallow-queen

10 gay Halloween destinations in 2024: From block parties to spooky soirées

By
A shirtless man with messy, voluminous hair and a playful expression lies on his stomach while holding a large pumpkin. Surrounding him are various Halloween decorations, including two jack-o’-lanterns, a striped witch’s hat, and hay. He is positioned against a neutral backdrop with fall-themed colors, adding to the festive atmosphere. The scene gives off a cheeky, lighthearted vibe, perfect for a Halloween celebration.

Halloween is a time when the LGBTQ+ community goes all out, and 2024 is no exception. Whether you’re after elaborate costume contests, wild dance floors, or themed parades, there’s an event waiting for you to unleash your spooky side.

From New York’s legendary underground parties to the massive street celebrations in Miami and West Hollywood, these events are some of the hottest tickets in town. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of fun to be had even if you’re looking for something free or low-cost. Across the U.S., bars and clubs in most major cities host Halloween parties with either no cover or small fees, offering a more casual yet equally fabulous experience. Just take a look at their social media pages to find out when they’re celebrating.

We’ve curated the 10 most-searched gay Halloween events by city, giving you a complete guide to everything from ticketed extravaganzas to free local parties.

Halloween New Orleans

Date: Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
Location: Various locations, New Orleans, LA
Details: Halloween New Orleans kicks off the spooky season with a weekend of events, including the famous Lazarus Ball, a costume party, and a second line parade. This long-standing LGBTQ+ fundraiser supports Project Lazarus and offers an unforgettable weekend filled with love, fun, and community.

Join the fun

Halloween New Orleans 2023

Be a gay, be very a gay

Downtown New Orleans

M.E.A.T. XXL – Halloween Edition, New York City

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024, 11:00 PM – late
Location: 3 Dollar Bill and Yard, 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY
Details: M.E.A.T. XXL is back for its biggest edition yet, with two stages, six DJs, and a massive play zone. This is the Halloween party where you can truly unleash and immerse yourself in the edgy vibes of NYC’s hottest queer night.

Get tickets here

M.E.A.T. XXL – Halloween Edition

Hottest Halloween Party

3 Dollar Bill, 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Heads Will Roll: A Queer Indie Halloween Party, San Francisco

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Location: El Rio, 3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
Details: LA’s indie dance night “Yeah Yeah Yas” makes its way to SF for a queer Halloween bash filled with indie, electroclash, and bloghouse beats. Safe, inclusive, and packed with great music—this is a night for pure queer joy.

Buy tickets here

El Rio

GAY BASH’D Halloween Weekender, Boston

Date: Friday, October 25 – Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:30 PM
Location: The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA
Details: GAY BASH’D is taking over The Sinclair for two nights of Halloween fun. Friday kicks off with GAY BASH’D x Boudoir Halloween for a spooky, magical evening of music and dance. On Saturday, it’s the 7th Annual GAY BASH’D Halloween Bash, Boston’s biggest 18+ queer Halloween party. Expect outrageous costumes, two distinct vibes each night, and a packed dance floor.

Grab your tickets

The Sinclair, 52 Church St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Oaklawn Halloween Block Party, Dallas

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Location: Oaklawn Neighborhood, Dallas, TX
Details: Join one of Texas’s biggest Halloween street parties! This free-to-attend celebration features a lively costume promenade, live DJ performances, and an all-night queer block party. Don’t miss the Round-Up Saloon, decked out for the occasion!

Check out the event on Facebook

Oaklawn neighborhood

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, Los Angeles

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA
Details: An one-of-a-kind Halloween event, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival draws thousands of revelers to a mile-long stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. Enjoy live DJ sets, food trucks, and epic people-watching.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival

L.A. or L … Slay?

West Hollywood, CA

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, Chicago

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Halsted & Belmont, Chicago, IL
Details: Northalsted’s legendary Halloween parade is back for its 27th year with a massive costume contest, $4,000 in prizes, and a parade of ghouls and goblins. Free to watch and participate, this is one of Chicago’s best-loved Halloween traditions.

More info here

Halsted & Belmont

District of the Dead, Washington DC

Date: Thursday, October 31 – Saturday, November 2, 2024
Location: Various locations, Washington, DC
Details: Kinetic Presents delivers three nights of Halloween excitement, starting with discoVERS: Moonwalk on Halloween night and continuing with UNCUT: Gladiator on Friday and KINETIC: Alien Invasion on Saturday. Expect top DJs, costume contests, and thrilling performances throughout the weekend.

Explore the full lineup and get tickets

District of the Dead

Three nights of spook

various locations

Bearwatch Scare-Watch, London

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 8:15 PM – 11:30 PM
Location: The King’s Arms, Soho, London
Details: London’s LGBTQ+ bear community comes together for a Halloween-themed night of dancing and fun at Kings Arms, with a soundtrack of disco, house, and pop music. Don’t miss this lively celebration in one of Soho’s favorite queer pubs.

Find out more

Bearwatch Scare-Watch

Beary scary

The King’s Arms, 23 Poland St, London, England

Wicked Manors: Island of Misfit Toys, Fort Lauderdale

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL
Details: Wicked Manors takes over Wilton Drive with a massive Halloween block party benefiting The Pride Center. With live entertainment, contests, and thousands of costumed attendees, this is the ultimate Halloween street festival in Fort Lauderdale.

Get your tickets here

Wilton Drive

Your ultimate guide to gay Halloween 2024

Halloween 2024 is set to be an incredible celebration of queer joy, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression across the LGBTQ+ community. From coast to coast (and even across the pond), these top-searched events offer everything from massive street parties to intimate, spooky dance floors that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re looking to attend a ticketed event like M.E.A.T. XXL in New York or join a free street festival like Chicago’s Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, the queer community will be out in full force, making this one of the most exciting holidays of the year.

And don’t forget—plenty of local gay bars and clubs near and far will host their own Halloween parties, giving you even more options to celebrate.

There’s no shortage of queer magic this Halloween, so grab your fiercest gay Halloween costume, gather your crew, and dive into these unforgettable celebrations happening across the country!

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