Three of New Orleans’ most respected promoters are joining forces to launch a brand-new Halloween tradition. Disco Presents, Amps Events (Metropolitan NOLA), and Encore Entertainment have officially announced the debut of Freaky Deaky NOLA, a two-night festival scheduled for October 30 and 31 at the iconic Mardi Gras World. Blind presale tickets are currently available, with two-day passes starting at $89.
A Landmark Return for Outdoor Dance Music
The event promises a full-scale outdoor production featuring two stages along the riverfront. This marks a significant milestone for the city, which has been without a large-scale outdoor dance festival since the conclusion of major events like Buku and Voodoo. By combining over 50 years of collective experience in the New Orleans scene, the organizers aim to deliver a high-energy, immersive experience that feels like a natural evolution for the local community.
James “Disco Donnie” Estopinal, founder of Disco Presents, noted that the collaboration feels like a full-circle moment. Having produced shows in the city since the early 1990s, Estopinal emphasized that New Orleans remains a vital hub for his brand. He highlighted that the partnership with the team behind Hell’s Gala was a natural fit, given their shared vision for the city’s unique cultural landscape.
Ryan Roach of Encore Entertainment echoed this sentiment, noting that his team has spent years cultivating Halloween weekend as a premier destination for fans traveling from across the country. By aligning with Amps Events and The Metropolitan, the organizers are looking to elevate the experience to new heights.
The deep-rooted history between these promoters is a key element of the festival's identity. Rob Brunet of Amps Events recalled his first collaboration with Disco Donnie—the 1998 Freakfest—which drew over 10,000 attendees to the UNO Lakefront Arena. Now, nearly three decades later, the team is bringing that same spirit back to an outdoor setting at Mardi Gras World. Michael Ibarra, General Manager of The Metropolitan, added that these professional relationships are built on decades of personal history, with some connections dating back to high school.
What to Expect
While the official lineup has yet to be announced, the festival promises two nights of music, immersive visual installations, themed experiences, and local vendors. Given the history of the Freaky Deaky brand, which has previously hosted heavyweights such as Excision, deadmau5, Kaskade, REZZ, Above & Beyond, and Fisher, expectations for the NOLA debut are high.
Two-day blind presale passes are currently on sale, with payment plans available for as little as $23 down. Fans who register early are also entered for a chance to win two GA passes before the lineup is revealed. Additionally, Freaky Deaky NOLA has announced a partnership with Boys of the Boot Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special needs programs and law enforcement initiatives.