West Hollywood Hosts Record Halloween Carnaval With Tens of Thousands

The annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval drew tens of thousands of costumed revelers to Santa Monica Boulevard, transforming the area into a vibrant, 1.2-mile open-air street party complete with live DJ music, food trucks, dazzling light displays, and creative photo opportunities. The event, which started in 1987 as a small neighborhood gathering, has grown into a global Halloween destination attracting visitors from across the U.S. and internationally. City officials, including Mayor Chelsea Byers and other council members, participated in the festivities with themed costumes, while California Senator Adam Schiff also made an appearance. A special tribute celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, inviting attendees to join in themed photo booths and dance performances. The Carnaval ran from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with officials advising against bringing pets and children due to the large crowds. After pandemic-related interruptions, this year marked a full return to the event's traditional scale and energy.