The resurrected Halloween Carnival in West Hollywood didn’t reach the attendance numbers the event had before Covid struck in 2020.
City Council is set to receive a comprehensive post-event report on the Halloween Carnaval held on October 31, 2023, as they prepare to make decisions on the future scale and scope of the annual celebration.
Following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Halloween Carnaval marked a significant return for the city, renowned for hosting the country’s largest outdoor Halloween celebration. The City Council had previously directed staff to organize the event with a $1.5 million budget, emphasizing community engagement and safety.
The 2023 Carnaval, produced by Authentic Agency, saw thousands flock to Santa Monica Boulevard, enjoying festivities that included a main stage with DJs and dancers, interactive photo stations, and food trucks. Despite the large turnout, attendance reportedly did not reach pre-pandemic levels, suggesting potential room for growth or adjustment in future iterations.
The event’s budget totaled $1,566,444.28, with significant allocations toward event production, community safety, and communication efforts. These expenditures reflect the city’s commitment to providing a safe and vibrant environment for both residents and visitors.
As the City Council reviews the post-event report, they will also consider the format for Halloween Carnaval 2024. Prior to the pandemic, the event featured multiple stages and more extensive infrastructure. The council’s decisions will likely take into account community feedback, the effectiveness of this year’s format, and potential enhancements to reinvigorate the Carnaval while ensuring public safety and business engagement.
The upcoming discussions and decisions will be crucial in shaping the future of this beloved West Hollywood tradition, balancing tradition with innovation to maintain the event’s status as a key highlight in the city’s cultural calendar.
It took this long to do the math? The budget is too big. Let the developers subsidize it. It’s not the same and declined in terms of entertainment before Covid and we should cut this budget in half and only have someone reimburse us for law enforcement
Let the cannabis stores pay for it
Let the Abbey and other bars pay for it since they reap the rewards of the event
Until we have safe streets no city money should be used for this glorified beer bust
Baloney. It was great. It was nice to have it back.
So size matters?
Does each year have to be better attended than the year before for it to be considered a success?
I would say that is a standard mark of success.