Looking for safe, family‑friendly ways to enjoy Halloween in Los Angeles? This weekend offers a variety of free and low‑cost activities that honor tradition, community and the joy of the season.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
Saturday night, October 31, the iconic West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval will light up a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., rain or shine, and draws hundreds of thousands of revelers. Organizers ask that children and pets stay home, and several nearby streets will be closed, so plan your route in advance. Expect elaborate costumes, live music and a festive atmosphere that showcases the city’s vibrant culture.
Garden Gatherings
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge continues its “Carved” pumpkin display, with glowing gourds lighting the pathways. On October 31, the garden invites trick‑or‑treaters to wander the grounds and explore a special Día de los Muertos section honoring Mexican heritage.
Over in San Marino, The Huntington will host a “Strange Science” soirée on October 30‑31. The program features aerial acrobatics, magic shows, a DJ, photo opportunities and a look inside Nikola Tesla’s historic laboratory, all with a Halloween twist.
Boonion Station at Union Station
Families can enjoy a free daytime celebration at Union Station’s Boonion Station. Tickets are free but limited, so reserve online early. Activities include face painting, a DJ, costume contests and plenty of photo‑friendly spots in the historic Ticket Concourse. The event runs on October 31 and offers a safe, indoor alternative for kids.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo invites visitors on October 31 and November 1 for “Boo at the L.A. Zoo.” Animals will interact with pumpkin decorations, and the zoo expects a large crowd of families looking for a fun, educational Halloween experience.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Plaza México will host a community altar, Aztec dance performances and face painting on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. The sacred civic sanctuary at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles remains open through November 2, free to the public. MacArthur Park offers a Día de los Muertos theme titled “Ancestral Protection” on November 1, with free entry and online reservations. Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena will feature an ofrenda and activities on November 1‑2.
Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade
Long Beach’s beloved Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade celebrates its 25th anniversary on October 31 at Marina Vista Park, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The charity‑fundraising event expects hundreds of dogs in creative costumes. Owners who prefer a simpler look can add a decorative bow to their pet’s collar.
All events are free or low‑cost, but many require advance reservations or have limited capacity. Check each organizer’s website for the latest details, traffic updates and any weather advisories before heading out.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
