No spooky boo tonight in West Hollywood, just up to 500,000 revelers making it perhaps the biggest Halloween party on earth.
What began as a gay parade now draws all sorts from all over the landscape. While gays were said to be great at costumes, this has grown so much larger than even the parade.
Hundreds of thousands of Halloween revelers are expected to flock to Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood for the 2011 West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval on Halloween night, Monday, October 31, 2011. One of the world’s largest Halloween celebrations, the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard.
Watch out for parking and plan to walk a couple of blocks – but there is a reason these crowds go there – you might never see a parade like this.
Hundreds of thousands of ghouls, goblins and other creatures of the night will let loose upon Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood for the 2011 West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval on Halloween night, Monday, October 31, 2011. One of the world’s largest celebrations on All Hallow’s Eve, the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard. The theme for the Halloween Costume Carnaval is “Become Your Other” and revelers are encouraged to let their alter egos come out to play for the evening.
“What started out as a bunch of gay men in drag stumbling in heels on Santa Monica Boulevard in Boystown has become the largest Halloween Carnaval in the world!” said West Hollywood Mayor John J. Duran. “This year, we will make this as much of a weekend event for our locals as it is a major tourist attraction for visitors from across Southern California,” continued Mayor Duran.
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval entertainment stages will include three large stages and three smaller stages. The Main Stage located at Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard will feature special, world-class entertainment that will be unveiled on Halloween night!
“Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for young children on Halloween. But let me warn you, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is NOT the place for young children, and especially not a place to bring your animal companions. It’s simply too crowded for them,” said West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Jeffrey Prang. “This is why we have two other exciting events designed just for our young children and our furry friends. The Annual Howl-O-Ween Doggy Costume Contest was held last week and the Halloween Youth Carnival is on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at West Hollywood Park,” continued Mayor Pro Tempore Prang.
The Cabaret De Carnaval stage located at Santa Monica Boulevard and Almont Drive will put a modern day twist on the old supper club show-tunes and burlesque genres. The Cabaret De Carnaval stage will be hosted by actor Jeffrey Damnit. Performers will include the drag punk house band, Transkontinental re-interpreting classic showtunes and modern pop hits; Hells Belles Burlesque, an all girl dance show that blends modern dance styles with classic pin-up burlesque; and Peter Mac, a female tribute artist who will perform as Judy Garland; and the FireGroove Flame Throwing ensemble.
“Everyone is welcome to come and spend another safe and exciting Halloween in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John D’Amico.
The Butterfly Revue stage will be located at Santa Monica Boulevard and West Knoll Drive and will feature drag art performer Phyllis Navidad as hostess; as well as actress, musician and activist for transgender rights, Calpernia Addams; The Wife Project, a multi media dance performance utilizing projection and sound design; avant-garde dance music artist Pipes; and British dance pop sensation Daniela Brooker.
“I always look forward to Halloween in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman. “Every year I’m excited by the creativity of the costumes. I’m also amazed by how many people come together to have a great time and celebrate,” continued Councilmember Heilman.
“The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is one of our great community events,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Abbe Land. “Our residents and people from all over come to Santa Monica Boulevard to celebrate Halloween with incredibly creative costumes, high-caliber entertainment and one of the most incredible parties anywhere in the world. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone out on the Boulevard celebrating and enjoying the event,” continued Councilmember Land.
The three small DJ stages will encourage audience interaction. DJ Max Van Ville will perform at The Morph Stage, located at Westbourne Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard; DJ Aaron Colbert will perform at The Masquerade Stage, located at North Palm Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard; and DJ Zen Freeman will spin at The Muse Stage located on North La Peer Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is produced by the City of West Hollywood and the Authentic Agency, a West Hollywood branded entertainment agency.