Halloween Carnaval returns to WeHo with a flourish after four-year hiatus

Thousands descended on West Hollywood Tuesday evening as the city's iconic Halloween Carnaval returns after a four-year hiatus.

The Halloween Carnaval stretched along Santa Monica Boulevard in the Rainbow District for one mile between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard from 6 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, and it's free. 

Local businesses, bars and restaurants in the area are joining the fun, spreading the spook, tricks and treats across the community.

First launched in 1987, the celebration reflects the city's diverse culture and community with extravagant costumes, entertainment and self-expression.

The COVID pandemic, however, forced a three-year hiatus, putting a brief stop to one of Southern California's biggest parties. 

The costume-clad crowd will be able to compete for top honors in the categories of spookiest, sexiest and most creative.

Along with the costume contest, there were food trucks a plenty, a drag show and a stage with a DJ.

The city warned that drones, back backs and public drinking of alcohol, will not be permitted. Children and pets are strongly discouraged.

Street closures associated with Halloween Carnaval are, as follows:

• N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 31 to no later than 7 a.m. on Nov. 1., and the same time applies to all alleyways between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue 
• Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Croft Avenue/ Holloway Drive and N. Doheny Drive from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31, through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Willoughby Avenue from 10 a.m. Oct. 31 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• N. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Cynthia Street from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• N. Robertson Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31, through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• N. La Peer Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• N. Almont Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.
• Sunset Boulevard eastbound and westbound turn lanes onto southbound La Cienega Boulevard from 10 a.m. on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.