The biggest Halloween event in Los Angeles that began in 1987 has officially started.
It is known for being "one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world."
For those who are new to LA, the free Carnaval started at 6 p.m. on a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The yearly carnaval features a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards with a live DJ set and food trucks.
As in the past, alcohol and public drinking are not permitted along city streets, and backpacks, camera cases or other bags will also not be allowed, though clear plastic bags will be permitted.
Weapons, fireworks and drones are also banned, and children and pets are "strongly discouraged" from attending, according to city officials.
The Halloween Carnaval ran annually from 1987 through 2019. But in May 2020, the West Hollywood City Council approved the cancellation of all major special events in the city through the end of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The city has suspended its residential parking restrictions until noon Friday. City officials warned people to be aware of where they are parking because parking restrictions will remain in effect in neighboring Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
West Hollywood Park will be closed until 7 a.m. Friday.
The event will also prompt street closures that will impact many motorists' morning commutes. The following closures will be in effect:
- San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue until 7 a.m. Friday;
- all alleyways between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue until 7 a.m. Friday;
- Santa Monica Boulevard between Croft Avenue/Holloway Drive and Doheny Drive until 6 a.m. Friday;
- La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Willoughby Avenue until 6 a.m. Friday;
- San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Cynthia Street until 6 a.m. Friday;
- Robertson Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue until 6 a.m. Friday;
- La Peer Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue until 6 a.m. Friday;
- Almont Drive between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue until 6 a.m. Friday; and
- Sunset Boulevard eastbound and westbound turn lanes onto southbound La Cienega Boulevard until 6 a.m. Friday.
The city's PickUp and Cityline will offer free Halloween service to and from Sweetzer Avenue/Santa Monica Boulevard, dropping people off within walking distance of the Carnaval. Cityline will offer a Hollywood/Highland route until 11:30 p.m., while the PickUp will run a local route from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. servicing all stops on Santa Monica Boulevard between Sweetzer and La Brea avenues.
Details on the Halloween service are available online at wehopickup.com.
Enjoy your Halloween night and stay safe!
Source: Foxla