Article and Photos by Andrés Alvarado

The 2018 version of the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience came, shattered expectations, and sadly, left. Yes, the countdown to the following musical extravaganza has begun, but not before this year’s ceremony left us a lasting impression and a plethora of memories to hold us over. From day one, the Halloween-themed festival saw plenty of highlights that ranged from fans in colorful costumes, to performers donning their disguises and blasting some serious tunage, to good times flooding the atmosphere.

Though muddy trails made navigating the grounds a tad difficult, it was definitely not enough to detain the wave of fun overtaking New Orleans. Day 1 saw Mumford & Sons lead a wild pack of entertainers going above and beyond to give it their all. Among other masters of music displaying their chops were the wonderful Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Albert Hammond Jr, The Revivalists, Third Eye Blind, Elle King, and A Perfect Circle.

Day 2 continued where Day 1 left off. Plenty of crazy fanfare and plenty of artistic juggernauts holding the fort down. Highlighting the day was Travis Scott and his Astroworld spectacle blowing some minds. Filling in for an injured Childish Gambino should have been a tough ask, but Scott came, Scott saw, Scott conquered — like a champ.

Day 3 went by a tad quicker than its predecessors, but, nonetheless, gave the masses more of the chills. Arctic Monkeys led the final goodbyes with an otherworldly performance that strolled its way through their illustrious discography.

In the end, the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience proved once more why it is among the nation’s finest and funnest festivals. Crazy fans and talented musicians are always a good mixtures — and New Orleans knows how to get the best of the best. So yes, once more, the wait has started, but before we go, here’s a gallery to remember the 2018 version by. Cheers!

Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons