This past weekend, New Orleans's Voodoo Music + Arts Experience opened its gates to costumed festival-goers from all over. Yes, the music, art, and food at festivals are always essential to the experience, but a festival's vibe would be nothing without the creative expression of its attendees. That expressive element increases ten fold when it comes to Halloween weekend, which is why festivals occurring over those two or three spooky days and nights have a special place in our hearts.

To stand out in a crowd of thousands clad in all manner of whimsical and creepy disguises is no small feat; the portraits below by photographer Linka Odom capture many of the festies who wowed all weekend with their clever looks.