What may well be the world’s largest Halloween event will be back to West Hollywood on Oct. 31.
The city’s annual Halloween Carnaval attracts tens of thousands of people to Santa Monica Boulevard, where they will parade in some of the world’s most eccentric costumes. This year’s event will run from 6 to 11 p.m. on the one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.
In an announcement of the event, the City of West Hollywood says “Halloween Carnaval was launched in 1987 and is rooted in the foundation of the City of West Hollywood’s diverse culture and community. Each year, the event is a gathering of phenomenal costumes, entertainment, culture, and self-expression with a myriad of observers, revelers, exhibitionists, and performers. People come from all over the region to take part in the fun.”
Carnaval will feature several areas with live DJs. West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico and members of the City Council will host a brief program at approximately 9 p.m. at the San Vicente stage located at the intersection of Santa Monica and San Vicente Boulevards.
Whether you’re attending or not, here are some things you will need to know”
Staying Safe
No alcohol or public drinking will be allowed; no backpacks, camera cases, tote bags, etc. will be permitted (clear plastic bags will be allowed); and no weapons, fireworks, or drones will be tolerated. Kids and pets are strongly discouraged. Festival-goers should remember – “If You See Something, Say Something” (i.e. call 911).
Facility Closures
The two dog parks at West Hollywood Park will be closed at midnight on Oct. 31 will re-open at 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Street Closures
There will be street closures in West Hollywood on Oct. 31 the morning of Nov. 1/ The main closures are:
- San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from midnight on Oct. 31 to no later than 7 a.m. on Nov. 1.
- Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Holloway Drive/Croft Avenue from 6 a.m. on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
- Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard and all side streets from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
- La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Melrose Avenue from 4 p.m. on October 31 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Additional street closure information is available on the city’s website at www.weho.org/halloween. Due to street closures, there will be modifications to Cityline Local and Cityline Commuter service on Halloween day. Details can be found at www.weho.org/cityline.
Parking
The city will suspend permit parking restrictions for the Halloween Carnaval from 11 a.m. on Oct. 31 to midnight on Nov. 1. Parking meters will be waived citywide from 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 to 2 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Carnaval-goers are reminded to observe the boundaries of West Hollywood. If one parks in the City of Los Angeles or in the City of Beverly Hills, all parking restrictions will be in force.
Public parking will be available at lots throughout the city for a fee; lot location and price information is posted on the City’s website at www.weho.org/halloween.
Getting Here Without a Car
The city encourages Carnaval-goers to leave cars at home, to carpool, or to use public transportation options. Metro offers several transit options to get to West Hollywood. A trip planner is available at www.metro.net.
The City will offer Carnaval-goers two free transit options to help get to and from the Halloween Carnaval:
Cityline (modified route) – Cityline Commuter, which connects riders to and from the Metro Red Line Station in Hollywood (the stop is located on Highland Avenue, south of Hollywood Boulevard), will run a modified route between Hollywood and Highland and Santa Monica Boulevard/Kings Road via Santa Monica Boulevard from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
The PickUp (special service) – The PickUp will run from 7 to 11 p.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard and will stop at all regular eastbound stops between Sweetzer Avenue and La Brea Avenue. Once the PickUp reaches its La Brea Avenue stop, it will take an express route west toward the Halloween Carnaval via Melrose Avenue to its special Halloween stop on Kings Road at Santa Monica Boulevard.
From 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., the PickUp will only provide eastbound service from Kings Road at Santa Monica Boulevard to La Brea Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard.
Additional information will be posted on the website for The PickUp at www.wehopickup.com and for Cityline at www.weho.org/cityline.
For additional information about the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, visit www.weho.org/halloween or call (323) 848-6503.
Parking my car in my building on Larrabee as early as I can and staying in for that evening. Halloween is soulless, pagan, hedonistic, and not equal in any way to Thanksgiving or Christmas. The Weho Carnaval is the worst of it.
terrible idea. I have to leave town during this.