The iconic West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is set to transform a mile-long stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard into a vibrant epicenter of costumes, creativity, and community spirit on Friday, October 31, 2025. This free, world-renowned street festival, a premier Los Angeles Halloween event, will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees for one of the largest Halloween gatherings in the country. The West Hollywood Halloween celebration is a cornerstone of the city’s fall festivities.
A West Hollywood Halloween Tradition of Self-Expression and Inclusivity
First launched in 1987, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval has evolved from a grassroots neighborhood event into a global phenomenon, epitomizing the spirit of West Hollywood Halloween. It stands as a testament to the city’s diverse culture and its long-standing commitment to inclusivity and queer visibility. The Carnaval is celebrated not just for its incredible costumes and festive atmosphere but also for embodying West Hollywood’s core values of artistry, freedom, and unapologetic fun, providing a safe space for self-expression during this spectacular West Hollywood Halloween.
What to Expect at the Halloween Carnaval
The festivities will unfold along Santa Monica Boulevard, often referred to as Historic Route 66, between North Doheny Drive and North La Cienega Boulevard. A central stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and North San Vicente Boulevard will feature a live DJ spinning tunes throughout the evening. Attendees can also look forward to an array of food trucks offering diverse culinary delights. While not a parade, the Carnaval is a dynamic street party where elaborate costumes are the main attraction, turning the boulevard into a dazzling catwalk of imagination for the West Hollywood Halloween.
Special ‘Rocky Horror’ Tribute for Halloween Carnaval 2025
This year’s Carnaval, as part of the West Hollywood Halloween festivities, will include a special nod to the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Attendees can anticipate a themed photo booth and the opportunity to participate in the iconic “Time Warp” dance led by the “Sins of the Flesh” shadow cast. This tribute perfectly aligns with West Hollywood’s bold and celebratory spirit, as highlighted by Councilman Danny Hang, who stated, “It’s a night where creativity, community and self-expression take over the streets… This year’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ tribute fits right in. It’s fun, it’s bold and it celebrates the kind of inclusive, over-the-top energy that makes WeHo who we are”, showcasing the unique flavor of West Hollywood Halloween.
Navigating the West Hollywood Halloween Event: Safety and Transportation
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station have outlined several guidelines. Attendees are reminded that alcohol is not permitted along the route, and public drinking is prohibited. Weapons, drones, and large bags, backpacks, or camera cases are also banned; only clear plastic bags will be allowed. For safety reasons, it is strongly discouraged for young children and pets to attend the West Hollywood Halloween celebration.
Significant street closures will be in effect from late October 31st through early November 1st to accommodate the event. These include major sections of Santa Monica Boulevard, North San Vicente Boulevard, La Cienega Boulevard, and Robertson Boulevard. To manage traffic and parking, visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize ride-sharing services or the city’s free public transit options. A special “WeHo Halloween Ride” shuttle service will operate along Santa Monica Boulevard and connect to the Hollywood/Highland Metro Station, offering a convenient car-free alternative to reach the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval.
Broader Halloween and Día de los Muertos Activities in Los Angeles
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is just one of many festive activities happening across Los Angeles during the Halloween and Día de los Muertos period. The greater Los Angeles area offers a wide range of events, from elaborate haunted attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm, to family-friendly festivals and solemn Día de los Muertos celebrations. Events such as the Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street, the Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park, and various community gatherings provide opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and cultural engagement throughout the city from late October into early November, complementing the excitement of the West Hollywood Halloween.
A Celebration of the Extraordinary at West Hollywood Halloween
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval continues to be a highlight of the Halloween season, celebrated for its unique blend of creativity, community, and inclusivity. As the city prepares for this annual spectacle, it invites all to embrace the spirit of the holiday and partake in an unforgettable night of festive revelry and self-expression at this unparalleled West Hollywood Halloween costume celebration.
