Even before the sun dropped behind La Cienega, Santa Monica Boulevard was already unrecognizable. The traffic gone, sidewalks empty, with the cops at every corner. It felt like we were left behind after the zombie apocalypse. But soon, that would all change.
According to the LASD, Halloween Carnaval 2025 drew an estimated 150,000 partiers back into the streets Friday night. Reports say it was a record crowd. City crews and deputies had spent the week preparing for the crush of people, and by most accounts everything went smoothly. Streets were closed, crowds were managed, and the night stayed mostly safe and friendly. Not sure if some people were watching the Dodgers game, but it felt like the crowd took a bit longer to get rolling. Granted, I headed out early (by 10:30p). Overall, the crowd felt manageable, the vibe safe and friendly, and we had a blast.
I was thrilled not to spot a single Taylor-and-Travis couple, and very happy to see the K-Pop Demon Hunters trio in full force. There were, of course, plenty of Wednesdays and Elviras; a few Eltons rocking the legendary Dodgers look; and, naturally, more than a few zombies staggering through the crowd.
At the corner of Robertson and Santa Monica, the main stage was the heartbeat of the night. The DJ nailed it, spinning the biggest hits while a crew of dancers kept the crowd moving. I missed Mayor Byer’s Chappel Roan costume and Senator Adam Schiff. By 10p the clubs were packed, but surprisingly the lines to get in weren’t too bad – yet.
As we walked back to the Eastside traffic was still heading west, streets packed with people and cars rushing (but not moving) as they tried to get to the party.
All in all, for a city that loves a good transformation, Carnaval 2025 delivered exactly what many of us needed: a night to let go, dress up, and remember why this town throws one of the best parties, hands down. Here’s to next year, when Halloween lands on a Saturday and, if luck holds, we get an extra hour to celebrate.
Anecdotal, but several of our group noted the relative lack of incredibly fantastic and complex costumes, while also noting the reduction of non-costumed looky-loos.
BTW, the main stage area has gotten so intensely crowded since they eliminated the smaller stages on the east and west sides of the San Vicente intersection.
There’s some dancing around the sound speakers, but they don’t help eat up the crowds like the stages once did.
Still one of our town’s best nights.
Right? I thought the same thing! It also didn’t feel like a “record breaking” crowd size. I left at 10:30 so I trust it got bigger, plus there are more bars and side street parties like GYM Bar. Still a great time.
We typically host one of those side street parties, but not this year. So we ourselves were free to have more elaborate costumes. But couldn’t take photos of our own this one time either.