Venice
Updated on Apr 25 2024 12:37pm
Photos provided courtesy of the City of West Hollywood. Some rights reserved. Photo credits: Jon Viscott
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, held annually from 6 pm to 11 pm along Santa Monica Boulevard, transforms the lively neighborhood into a dazzling spectacle of creativity and revelry. This iconic event boasts multiple stages with live entertainment, enticing food vendors, and photo stations, while bars along the boulevard join in with drink specials and patio parties. Thousands of visitors decked out in elaborate costumes flood the streets, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere that encourages everyone to dress to impress. From life-size Stay Puft Marshmallow Men to leather-clad cowboys, the diversity of costumes reflects the city's penchant for fantasy and theatricality. Located in the heart of the LGBTQ community, Santa Monica Boulevard comes alive with a stage featuring a live DJ set, food trucks, and a sea of Halloween enthusiasts, making the Carnaval a truly unique experience. The festivities extend beyond the event, with Boystown's bars and clubs, excellent restaurants, and trendy shopping providing an inviting backdrop for post-carnival exploration, complete with special after parties and Halloween-themed events.
6 PM to 11 PM A one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, decked out in eerie splendor, lit up like a jack-o'-lantern's grin. The date? October 31, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is the place to be, and West Hollywood knows how to throw a Halloween party like no other.
As the sun sets over the iconic Santa Monica Boulevard, it transforms into a ghoulishly glamorous runway for the most extravagant and creative costumes you can imagine. From the classic vampires and witches to pop culture icons and out-of-this-world creatures, the diversity of costumes at this event is mind-boggling.
But wait, there's more! The heart of the action is at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard, where a stage comes to life with spine-tingling beats from a live DJ set. The air is charged with energy as thousands of costumed revelers dance the night away under the starry West Hollywood sky.
Hungry? No worries! Food trucks line the boulevard, offering up delicious treats that will make your taste buds do the monster mash. It's a feast fit for a vampire, and you won't want to miss it.
And if you thought this was just about dressing up and dancing, think again! Halloween celebrations spill over into businesses, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout West Hollywood. You'll find themed parties, spooky cocktails, and a general air of Halloween mischief wherever you go.
But what about the costumes? Oh, the costumes! This is your chance to let your inner ghoul out. People go all out, and creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're channeling your favorite movie character, paying homage to a historical figure, or simply unleashing your wildest fantasies, there's a place for every costume at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. Don't forget to strut your stuff and show off your ensemble by using the hashtag #wehohalloween on social media.
Now, the best part? The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is completely free! That's right, no tickets required. It's a gift from the city to all Halloween enthusiasts, welcoming you to join the spine-tingling fun.
So mark your calendars, folks, because this is the Halloween party of a lifetime. Whether you're a local or traveling from afar, West Hollywood's Halloween Carnaval is an experience like no other. The costumes, the music, the food, and the electrifying atmosphere all combine to create a night you won't soon forget.
Come one, come all! The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval beckons, and it's time to unleash your inner Halloween spirit. Get ready to dance, laugh, and revel in the magic of this unforgettable night. This Halloween, there's only one place to be, and it's on Santa Monica Boulevard, where the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval reigns supreme.
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is held annually on a section of Santa Monica Boulevard, specifically between North Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood, California.
Admission to the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is completely free, and attendees do not need to purchase tickets.
To ensure everyone's safety, please note that backpacks, camera bags, or regular totes are not allowed at the Halloween Carnaval. It is recommended to carry your belongings in clear plastic bags. Alternatively, carrying just your ID and credit card with you can also be a convenient option.
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, inaugurated in 1987, embodies the vibrant tapestry of the city's culture and community. Evolving from a modest event into a sprawling extravaganza, it has become an iconic celebration brimming with extraordinary costumes, diverse entertainment, and unabashed self-expression. Year after year, throngs of spectators, revelers, and performers converge on the streets, transforming the city into a kaleidoscope of creativity and revelry. Drawing attendees from far and wide, the Carnaval has transcended its local roots to become a globally renowned spectacle, welcoming participants from across the region and around the world to join in the festivities.