
Thousands flocked to Santa Monica Boulevard for West Hollywood’s 2019 Carnaval. Though the event is canceled this year, there are still ways to celebrate Halloween in the city. (photo by Jon Viscott courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)
The city of West Hollywood again canceled its Halloween Carnaval, which annually draws hundreds of thousands to Santa Monica Boulevard, but that doesn’t mean the spine-tingling celebrations have to stop.
Normally held on Oct. 31, the event draws costume-clad residents to what the city describes as the largest Halloween gathering in the world.
In 2020, the City Council approved the cancellation of all major special events. Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the rise in Delta variant transmission, the city continued the cancellation of many large-scale events into 2021, public information officer Sheri Lunn said.
Although residents can’t join the throng in West Hollywood, there are still opportunities throughout the city to have a hauntingly good time.
Businesses will require proof of vaccination and masks at all indoor public spaces. And no, Halloween masks do not count.
Stroll around witchy houses
Those looking for daytime fun can take a self-guided tour of witch-tastic homes spread out between West Hollywood and Los Feliz. Friends of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles is presenting a map curated by Amber Benson, who is best known for her role as the witch Tara Maclay in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The map guides Angelenos to five castles and cottages that are sure to create bewitching photo opportunities. The map is free at fort.la.org/sign-up.
Catch a scary movie
The Melrose Rooftop Theatre, located at 603 La Cienega Blvd., has a Halloween-themed lineup sure to give a sinister start to any celebration. Check out a view of the Hollywood Hills and sample the dinner menu before catching a scary flick. On Oct. 29, watch “Candyman,” or view “IT” on Oct. 30. On Oct. 31, dress in costume and watch as the Sanderson sisters take over Salem, Massachusetts, in “Hocus Pocus.” Tickets are available at melroserooftoptheatre.com.
Stick around each night of the Hallo-weekend for four nights of debauchery, dress-up and décor. The rooftop and restaurant will be transformed into a night club with DJs, costumes and bottle service. For the first time, entry will be general admission on a first come, first served basis.
Visit the House of Horrors
Amazon Prime Video is hosting a pop-up at the intersection at Melrose Avenue and Westmount Drive that is inspired by Amazon’s “now screaming” Prime video content. Ahead of the event, viewers can stream titles such as “Midsommar,” “The House on Haunted Hill” and “Children of the Corn.” The pop-up will include show-inspired costume displays and several photo opportunities where fans can create their own shareable horror movie stills. A candy kiosk offering totes filled with sweet treats welcomes patrons. The pop-up is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call (206)858-2420.
Check into La Fear Hotel
West Hollywood’s La Peer Hotel rooftop will be transformed into a haunted haven on Oct. 30 where guests are encouraged to wear their most heart-stopping costume for a chance to win $3,000. The evening will feature adult trick-or-treating, performances by Boujis Group DJs and an open bar from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Those who dare to stay the night can get special rates by emailing vip@lapeerhotel.com.
Costume and cosplay at Hugo’s
Hugo’s Restaurant is getting in on the holiday fun with a two-day Halloween cosplay and costume contest. Miss Tiffany Skye Vogùe will host the contest on Oct. 30-31, which asks diners to dress in their best cosplay or costume for a chance to win a $1,000 value in prizes. The competitions are held on Saturday and Sunday at 6 and 8 p.m. Guests can vote among the top 10 favorites on Instagram each night. Enter at the door, or make advance reservations by emailing tiffanyvoguebookings@gmail.com.
Family Fun with Jack Skellington
Those looking for some family-friendly fun can venture outside of West Hollywood to Banc of California Stadium for a live-to-film concert of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Reigning Pumpkin King Danny Elfman will welcome special guest Billie Eilish to sing “Sally’s Song” during the concert.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have Billie joining up with the Nightmare crew,” Elfman, who performed the singing voice of Jack Skellington in the film, said. “This will be a real treat, not a trick.”
Shows will be held at 8 p.m. on Oct. 29 and at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Tickets range from $40 to $180. Tickets are available by visiting ticketmaster.com.




0 Comment