By Steven Herbert
WEST HOLLYWOOD – West Hollywood’s famous Halloween Carnival will not be held for the third year in a row, but officials are promoting the city as “the place to be for Halloween.”
The city has tried to inspire entertainment venues and businesses to host celebrations with patrons by producing small-scale events in shops, restaurants and more; organization of events and costume contests; providing Halloween-themed food and beverages in restaurants, bars and entertainment venues; holding Halloween-themed trivia and bingo nights; and introducing costumed destinations with Halloween-themed decorations, according to a statement on the city’s website.
The city waived the special events permit and related fees for businesses hosting events Friday through Monday in celebration of Halloween.
Halloween events in West Hollywood include Mary’s Hocus Pocus Bash costume contest from 8-10pm at Hamburger Mary’s and a costume contest at Micky’s WeHo gay bar from 9-11pm.
The decision not to hold the Halloween Carnival in 2022 was made over many months and involved input and discussion from the West Hollywood City Council; City Council Ad Hoc Events Subcommittee and City Council Finance and Budget Subcommittee; city staff; and community members in providing feedback in comments at public meetings, the statement said.
The carnival was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s billed as the world’s largest Halloween party, with the 2018 edition drawing between 150,000 and 200,000 people, according to the sheriff’s department.
In neighboring Beverly Hills, 4,000-5,000 visitors are expected at the “Witch House” at the southeast corner of Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue, according to home owner Michael Libow. The Storybook-style house with a peaked, sided roof and small windows was originally built in 1921 to serve as offices and dressing rooms for a film studio in Culver City.
“I’m always thrilled to know that my home brings a smile to the face of every visitor young and old,” Libow told City News Service.
Due to parking restrictions, visitors must park at least one block east of Walden Drive to enter the house on Halloween.
Other Halloween events in Los Angeles County on Monday include:
– Haunt O’Ween, a 200,000-square-foot “interactive Halloween playground” with nine expansive themed areas, including trick-or-treating, potion-making, bounce houses, games, rides and shows will be open from 4-10pm at the site of the former Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills. Last entry is at 9pm Admission is $44.
— 15th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids at Grand Hope Park at FIDM from 5-8pm with last admission at 7:30pm Festival includes trick-or-treating, character meet and greets, bounce house and puppetry and magic . shows
Tickets are $13 with free admission for children 2 and under. Ticket quantities are limited and the event will sell out, organizers said.
Costumes are required for children and optional for adults. Organizers remind festival-goers to bring a candy bucket or bag. Pets are not allowed.
— La Mirada’s annual Halloweenfest from 4:30-8pm at the Neff Estate, described as a “great family-friendly event for all ages, pets included.” It features a haunted maze, costume contests, carnival-like games, crafts and a trick-or-treating area. Pumpkins will be available for families to decorate.