Each year, on October 31st, West Hollywood hosts one of the most colorful Halloween celebrations in the world. Thousands of incredible costumes, stunning live entertainment, dancers, and performers gather on the one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. About 500,000 attendees participate in the Carnaval every year, making it one of the most popular Halloween celebrations in the area.
WeHo Party & Costumes
The best feature of the Halloween Carnaval is people's creativity. You will see lots of various costumes, some funny, some strange, and some indecent or even scary. If there's any time of the year when you can show off your craftsmanship, it's the WeHo Carnaval, with its diversity of attires. Vibrant cartoon characters, spooky horror figures, and regular passers-by will fill up the streets of West Hollywood, celebrating the eerie season.
Carnaval Entertainment
Besides meeting new people and taking pictures with the most impressive costumes, you'll have a chance to dance the night away at a DJ dance party. The stage is located at the junction of San Vicente Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. Additionally, stop by the wide range of food vendors offering a variety of Halloween-themed snacks and refreshments.
Festival Recommendations
If, at some point, you get so tired from this extravaganza that you want to escape, you can sneak away to any cafe or bar on Santa Monica Boulevard. Organizers emphasize that it's not allowed to drink alcohol in the streets, as well as bring any fireworks, weapons, or drones. It's also recommended to leave children at home since the event is largely adult-oriented. Leaving pets at home is also a good idea due to the noise and crowdedness of the event.
Schedule & Location
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval usually takes place from 6 pm to about 11 pm on Santa Monica Boulevard, between North Doheny Drive and North La Cienega Boulevard. The Boulevard is known for being one of the key spots for West Hollywood's LGBTQ+ community and a nightlife hotspot, with dozens of eateries and clubs.
History of the Parade
West Hollywood hosted its first Halloween Carnaval in 1987. It has eventually grown into the most massive street party in the Los Angeles area, more funny than spooky, with live acts, DJs, and other entertainment. Visitors come from all over California, the US, and the entire globe to experience the thrill and excitement of Halloween night in the centre of nightlife.
