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Shop Halloween Deals →Every October 31, West Hollywood transforms its iconic Santa Monica Boulevard into a mile-long Halloween street party called the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval.
This event isn’t a traditional parade with floats it’s a massive costumed procession and street festival drawing hundreds of thousands.
The 2025 edition promises to be another standout: free, open to all (though not always family-friendly), and full of spectacle.
Halloween Parade in West Hollywood 2025
| Item | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Time | 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m |
| Location / Route | Santa Monica Boulevard (Historic Route 66), from N. Doheny Drive to N. La Cienega Boulevard |
| Duration | 5 hours (official) |
| Entry Fee | Free; no ticket required |
| Expected Crowd | ~500,000 attendees (in past years) |
| Main Attractions | Costumes, live DJs, stage at San Vicente/Santa Monica, food trucks, street party energy |
Origins & History
The Halloween Carnaval first kicked off in 1987 in West Hollywood, built on the community’s penchant for creativity and celebration.
It grew from a local gathering to an international spectacle costumers, drag performers, artists, and tourists converge on this city each year.
Over time, the event expanded in scale: longer hours, bigger street closures, larger crowds, and more ancillary parties citywide.
The Carnaval has become deeply tied to West Hollywood’s identity as a creative, expressive, LGBTQ-friendly place.
Event Details: Date, Time & Route
In 2025, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval happens on Friday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Note: some sources mention 10:30 as cutoff for the official program, though festivities bleed into nearby venues.
The route spans one mile along Santa Monica Boulevard (Historic Route 66), from N. Doheny Drive (west end) to N. La Cienega Boulevard (east end) A central stage is set at Santa Monica Blvd & N. San Vicente Blvd, with DJs and performances anchoring the energy on the boulevard.
From 10:00 a.m. on Oct 31 to 6:00 a.m Nov 1, multiple street closure zones are in effect:
- Santa Monica Blvd between Croft/Holloway and La Cienega West Hollywood
- Santa Monica Blvd between La Cienega and Doheny (plus adjacent alleys)
- Robertson Blvd between Santa Monica and Melrose
- San Vicente Blvd (between Santa Monica and Melrose)
- La Cienega between Holloway and Melrose
- Sunset Blvd turn lanes onto La Cienega also affected
Residential permit parking rules are temporarily lifted from 11:00 a.m. Oct 31 to noon Nov 1 Several parking garages and lots, such as West Hollywood Park’s parking structure and adjacent lots, will be closed during the event window.
Participation & Entry Rules
You don’t need registration or tickets to join the Carnaval attendance is free. No backpacks, camera bags, or opaque bags are allowed; only clear plastic bags are permitted.
Alcohol consumption on the street is banned bars and lounges nearby host after-parties, but street drinking is forbidden. Weapons, drones, or fireworks are prohibited along the route.
Because the celebration is lively and sometimes risqué, the city strongly recommends leaving pets and young children at home.
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Shop Halloween Deals →Best Viewing Tips & Spots for the Parade
If you’re planning to catch the West Hollywood Halloween Parade in 2025, timing and location matter. The main activity zone starts forming by 5:30 p.m., and the energy builds quickly as the crowd fills Santa Monica Boulevard.
From my experience, the best views are near San Vicente Boulevard where the main stage sits. You’ll see the largest variety of costumes, media coverage, and spontaneous performances there.
If you prefer a slightly calmer experience, walk toward Doheny Drive or La Cienega Boulevard ends. Those edges of the route tend to have thinner crowds, which makes them perfect for taking clear photos or filming short videos.
Accessibility is well considered: curb ramps, accessible viewing areas, and public transit drop-offs are available. If you use a wheelchair or stroller, arriving early helps secure good spots before the main crowd thickens.
Costumes and Themes of 2025
Halloween in West Hollywood isn’t just a costume party it’s a citywide art show. Each year, locals and visitors turn the boulevard into a runway of creativity.
For 2025, the emerging trends lean toward movie nostalgia, fantasy armor, and futuristic LED suits. Think Barbiecore meets Cyberpunk it’s dazzling, sometimes absurd, and always unforgettable.
There’s no official costume competition, but people love showing off. The unspoken rule: the bolder, the better. I’ve seen everything from ten-foot puppet dragons to couples dressed as giant slices of pizza. If you’re planning to participate, comfort is key the walk stretches a full mile, and you’ll stand for hours.
Group costumes always grab attention. Popular group themes from past years included Disney villains, Stranger Things characters, and glow-in-the-dark skeleton troupes. Whatever you wear, expect countless photo requests from strangers. That’s part of the fun.
Parade Entertainment & Highlights
The West Hollywood Carnaval doesn’t follow the float-based format of typical parades. Instead, it’s a mass movement of people mixed with stages, live DJs, and spontaneous street performances. The main stage at Santa Monica & San Vicente Boulevard hosts well-known DJs and performers curated by the city.
Beyond music, the boulevard becomes an open-air theater. You’ll spot stilt walkers, live drummers, LED dancers, and themed art cars parked along the route. Many bars and clubs along the strip like The Abbey, Rocco’s, and Revolver extend the celebration with live acts and dance parties until after midnight.
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Shop Halloween Deals →For 2025, city announcements include expanded lighting effects and extra public safety booths to ensure the event stays both vibrant and manageable. The WeHo Halloween Ride will run until 3:00 a.m., so visitors can safely move between celebration zones and metro stations without driving.
Travel, Parking & Accommodation
Traffic in West Hollywood on Halloween night can test anyone’s patience. That’s why I always suggest public transport. The WeHo Halloween Ride, a free shuttle, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. linking Santa Monica Boulevard with La Brea Avenue and the Hollywood/Highland Metro Station.
It’s the easiest way to access the event if you’re coming from Los Angeles or the Valley. If you prefer to stay close, book hotels early. Rooms near the route fill up weeks in advance. Here are convenient choices:
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham WeHo – right on Santa Monica Boulevard. Andaz West Hollywood – stylish, close to Sunset Strip nightlife. Montrose West Hollywood – a quieter boutique option within walking distance.
If you’re driving, park outside the closed zone and take a rideshare or shuttle in. Street parking is extremely limited, and several lots close at noon on Halloween day. Remember: residential permit rules are suspended only during event hours.
Food, Bars & Local Experiences
Food is a major part of the night. During the parade, you’ll find food trucks parked along the boulevard serving tacos, Korean BBQ, burgers, and vegan snacks. Popular spots like Fiesta Cantina and Beaches WeHo set up outdoor drink counters for quick service.
For a pre-parade dinner, I recommend eating around 4:00 p.m. before closures begin. Restaurants like Gracias Madre, Shake Shack, and Pump are all nearby. If you want an upscale sit-down meal, book at La Bohème or Catch LA both stay open late on Halloween.
After the parade, the real nightlife starts. Local bars host themed costume contests and dance floors packed till morning. Many visitors also explore the nearby Sunset Strip, which throws its own Halloween-themed shows and concerts.
The overall vibe is electric music blasting from every corner, people posing for selfies, and locals offering free candy or glow sticks to passersby. It’s more of a communal celebration than a simple parade.
Weather, Comfort & Safety Tips
Late-October nights in Los Angeles are mild but can get chilly after 9 p.m. Light layers or a thin jacket work best, especially if your costume is minimal. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll walk a lot.
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Shop Halloween Deals →Stay hydrated many forget that walking in heavy costumes under bright lights can be tiring. Use clear bags only (as required by city policy), and keep valuables at home. Law enforcement officers and medical teams are stationed every few blocks, so help is never far if needed.
If you’re traveling in a group, set a meeting point in advance. Cell signals can weaken with the crowd size. Personally, I always pick the big rainbow crosswalk near San Vicente Boulevard as a reference point it’s impossible to miss.
Other Major Halloween Parades in the U.S. (2025 Highlights)
While West Hollywood’s street party steals California’s spotlight, the country celebrates spooky season in its own colorful ways.
Here are some of the top Halloween parades nationwide in 2025 that share the same festive spirit.
| City & Event | Date & Time (2025) | Route / Location | Crowd & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City – Village Halloween Parade | Fri, Oct 31 · 7 p.m.–11 p.m. | 6th Ave from Canal St → 16th St (Manhattan) | Over 50,000 costumed marchers & 2 million spectators. Giant puppets, bands, and televised coverage. |
| Salem MA – Haunted Happenings Parade | Thu, Oct 30 · 6:30 p.m. | Shetland Park → Salem Common | Historic theme with witch and colonial floats. Family-friendly. |
| Anoka MN – Halloween Capital of the World Parade | Sat, Oct 25 · 1 p.m. | Main St (2nd Ave → Ferry St) | One of the oldest Halloween parades in the U.S., dating back to 1920. |
| San Francisco – Castro Halloween Celebration | Fri, Oct 31 · 6 p.m.–midnight | Market St & Castro District | LGBTQ+ street festival similar to WeHo’s energy. Music stages & costume competitions. |
| Key West – Fantasy Fest Parade | Sat, Oct 25 · 7 p.m. | Duval St → Truman Ave | 10-day island festival ending with a massive float parade and beach after-parties. |
| New Orleans – Krewe of Boo Parade | Sat, Oct 18 · 6:30 p.m. | Elysian Fields → Canal St | Traditional Mardi Gras floats with a Halloween twist and throws for kids. |
If you love parades, visiting more than one is worth it each blends local culture with the same October magic. West Hollywood remains the flashiest, New York the grandest, and Salem the most historic.
Photography & Social Media Tips
Bring your phone or camera fully charged because every corner is a photo opportunity. Early evening around 6:30 p.m. gives the best balance of daylight and costume lighting. Once the neon signs and LED outfits ignite after dark, switch to night mode for stunning contrast.
Tag your photos with #WeHoCarnaval #WestHollywoodHalloween #Halloween2025 to join the official social streams. Professional cameras are allowed if they don’t block walkways. Drones, however, are prohibited for safety.
If you’re posting later, short reels or carousel posts with quick costume clips perform best on Instagram and TikTok audiences love the color and chaos of this event.
Safety, Rules & Accessibility
West Hollywood authorities maintain tight coordination with the sheriff’s department and fire services. Uniformed officers and medics are visible across the boulevard.
There’s a zero-tolerance policy on street alcohol, weapons, fireworks, and drones. Clear bags are mandatory, and bag checks may occur at entry points.
If you’re bringing friends, agree on a meeting spot ahead of time. Cell networks can jam when half a million phones go live at once. The city sets up lost-and-found stations near San Vicente Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard for misplaced items.
Accessibility shuttles and ADA-compliant restrooms are available along the route. Volunteers assist guests with mobility challenges, making sure everyone can safely join the fun.
Conclusion
The Halloween Parade in West Hollywood 2025 isn’t just another event it’s the city’s biggest night of the year. Santa Monica Boulevard transforms into a glowing ocean of creativity where half a million people celebrate individuality, freedom, and fun.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your annual costume fix, prepare to walk, dance, and laugh your way through one of the most unforgettable nights in Los Angeles. The best advice? Dress boldly, stay smart, and enjoy the parade like a local it’s Halloween at its loudest and proudest.
FAQs
Yes. Attendance is completely free no tickets or registration needed.
Arrive by 5 p.m. to find parking or a good viewing spot. The main event starts around 6 p.m.
It runs along Santa Monica Boulevard, between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.
While anyone can attend, the city advises parents to skip bringing small children due to adult-themed costumes and large crowds.
No. Open containers on the street are prohibited. Many nearby bars host licensed parties afterward.
Not recommended. Loud music, crowds, and flashing lights can overwhelm animals.
Limited. It’s best to use rideshares or the free WeHo Halloween Ride shuttle running until 3 a.m.
Yes food trucks, snack stalls, and local bars line the boulevard.
More lighting installations, additional crowd-safety checkpoints, and expanded shuttle service hours.