West Hollywood's Halloween Carnaval Week

Each year, the vibrant community of West Hollywood comes out to celebrate Halloween as fabulously as possible.

The week before the 31st brings a whirl of festivities, culminating in the annual street carnival, which is one of the largest in the country and brings out tourists and locals alike to the massive celebration year after year.

This year, 2006, marks the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval's nineteenth year. Around half a million partygoers are expected to flood the city on the 31st of October this year; and the costumes will be creative to the point of outrageous, if years past are to serve as an indicator. Although the mostly gay neighborhood's yearly fete was once a mostly gay event, it now attracts more visitors of every orientation than almost any other event in the greater L.A. area.

Much like the city's annual Pride celebration each summer, this street fair is about family-oriented fun, not fright. Set up along a blocked-off stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny and La Cienega, the Carnaval comprises several stages for DJs, bands, stand-up comics, and celebrity performing artists and event hosts. Past years' performers have included such luminaries as Ryan Seacrest, Pink, Debbie Allen, and Margaret Cho. The Carnaval also brings a huge dance tent and more greasy, delicious, street-vendor food than is imaginable.

The Carnaval takes place along the part of Santa Monica Boulevard that is home to some of the hottest queer-oriented dance clubs in the country. The trés-hot Rage and Micky's, as well as the more laid-back Trunks, and a dozen other bars and clubs are all within walking (or stumbling) distance on the famous "gay mecca" slice of the Boulevard; and all promise to keep the party going long after the street fair shuts down around midnight.

Many long-time Carnaval participants say the best thing about the event is the people-watching. Notoriously friendly, WeHo's denizens and their colorfully garbed guests will most likely be glad to chat about costuming choices, which can include everything from million-sequined drag get-ups to superhero spandex to pop-cultural icons. The area's high concentration of film-industry professionals has lent to the unparalleled quality of craftsmanship in costuming, wigs, and makeup.

If you plan on attending the massive and glorious Carnaval, take note of these tips:

1. The event starts at 6 p.m., but park early and prepare to walk long distances to and from your car.
2. Even if your boots have six-inch heels, be sure they're made for walkin'. Seeing all of the attractions at the Carnaval will require some footwork!
3. The City of West Hollywood asks you to leave your pets at home or at a kennel.
4. As is the case at many late-night Halloween parties, some of the costumes will be PG-13; carefully consider whether or not to bring younger children.
5. Prepare for massive crowds; you may have difficulty trying to stay in a large group of friends.
6. Be aware that bathrooms will have long lines. Make a pit stop before you arrive, and plan to get in line at least 15 minutes before you think you really need to.
7. Although the street fair is free, bring enough cash for food, drink, and bar and club cover charges.

In the week before the Carnaval, many family-friendly events, such as the Youth Carnival, the Doggy Costume Contest, and the Intergenerational Pumpkin Carving Contest are scheduled. And no queer neighborhood's Halloween celebration would be complete without a Drag Race - just bring your own stilettos.

More information can be found at the City's Carnaval web page or by contacting the West Hollywood Special Events Division at (323) 848-6503.