After a three year hiatus, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is making its highly anticipated return tonight. Scheduled from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the event will occupy a one-mile segment of Santa Monica Boulevard, stretching from Doheny Drive to North La Cienega Boulevard.
The event ran annually from 1987 through 2019. In May 2020, the West Hollywood City Council approved the cancellation of all major special events in the city through the end of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. There was “an alternative Halloween experience that encouraged entertainment venues and businesses to celebrate safely” put on by the city in 2021 and 2022, according to Sheri A. Lunn, a spokesperson for West Hollywood.
Tonight’s event is free and open to everyone, featuring a stage at the crossroads of Santa Monica Boulevard and North San Vicente Boulevard. There, attendees will enjoy a live DJ, a variety of food trucks, and thousands of people in imaginative Halloween costumes. In addition, various businesses, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout West Hollywood will host celebrations.
Meanwhile, Emerald Village will host the area’s first licensed public cannabis experience called the Harvest Haunt. Regarding the legality of the event, it was made possible due to the city allowing cannabis events, a permission not extended throughout all of L.A. County. Emerald Village collaborated with licensed cannabis event organizers and dispensaries to legally sell cannabis products at the event.
The Harvest Haunt is open to those 21 and older and will occupy an entire block of Santa Monica Blvd. It will offer a cannabis-cocktail bar, a variety of cannabis products for purchase and on-site consumption, and live music by DJ Ben and DJ Paulo Ramirez. A drag show hosted by Jasmine Masters of RuPaul’s Drag Race is also part of the event. Ticket prices start at $11 for general admission, $55 for VIP, and $185 for a Golden Pass. A 20% discount is available with the code “EMERALD20.”
For those planning to drive, permit parking regulations will be relaxed until noon on Wednesday. As for street closures, they are as follows:
- San Vicente Blvd between Santa Monica and Melrose will be closed from 12 a.m. to Wednesday at 7 a.m.
- Santa Monica Blvd from Doheny to Croft/Holloway will be closed from 10 a.m. today to Wednesday at 6 a.m.
- Robertson Blvd between Santa Monica and Melrose will be closed from 10 a.m. today to Wednesday at 6 a.m.
- La Peer Dr between Santa Monica and Melrose will be closed today at 10 a.m. to Wednesday at 6 a.m.
- Almont Dr between Santa Monica and Melrose will be closed today at 10 a.m. to Wednesday at 6 a.m.
For complete information about road closures, facility shutdowns, transportation options, and modifications to residential parking, you can visit the city’s dedicated Halloween website at www.weho.org/halloween. To get real-time text alerts, you can text the word ‘halloween’ or send a jack-o’-lantern emoji to (323) 848-5000.
For public safety, the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station have established guidelines. Alcohol consumption in public is forbidden, and attendees are advised to carry only clear plastic bags. Councilmember Byers also advised, “Leave any big bags at home, or bring a clear tote bag just so it’s easy. We have to take care of each other tomorrow night. No alcohol, leave all the drinking for home or in the amazing bars that are going to be happy to host you tomorrow night.” Weapons, fireworks, and drones are not permitted, and bringing children and pets is strongly discouraged. In case of any suspicious activity, individuals are encouraged to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850 or dial 911 for emergencies. The city has also increased law enforcement for the event.
For more comprehensive information about the Halloween Carnaval, you can visit the Weho City website at https://www.weho.org/Home/Components/News/News/11031/23. For additional inquiries, you may email eventsinfo@weho.org.
Are they high? I’m not paying $11 to get high on SMB. And I’m not into drag, unless Twisted Sister is performing.
When residents got behind legalizing marijuana for purchase/consumption we were told it was just going to be a few lounges, a few places to buy. Now we are inundated with these places and now we have a huge outdoor event a block long during Halloween. Why is it that every time the people give an inch, the city takes a yard. I had to say after three years of quiet, we can guarantee that the boulevard will be trashed, the surrounding neighborhoods will be trashed. This event has gotten too large for our city and the benefit does not outweigh… Read more »
Cannabis revenue to the City appears to take precedent over wellbeing and enjoyment of all residents.
Yup.
The city relaxing permit parking really screws us residents that go to work and come home to otter chaos and no where to park today. Ridiculous. Of course, the city cares nothing about the residents.
They care more about the people that come to party here.