Hollywood Carnival 2025, also known as LA Culture Fest, is your passport to the Caribbean—and so much more—right in the heart of Los Angeles. This annual celebration transforms iconic Hollywood Boulevard into a sea of feathers, rhythm, and global vibes. While rooted in Caribbean Carnival traditions, LA Culture Fest is a celebration of all cultures, highlighting the beauty of diversity through music, food, dance, and fashion.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned reveler, this guide breaks down everything you need to plan the ultimate carnival in Los Angeles. breaks down everything you need to plan the ultimate carnival in Los Angeles.
Carnival in Los Angeles Events
Get ready to mark your calendars. Hollywood Carnival 2025 spans Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22. Each day brings something special, and if you’re strategic, you can experience it all without missing a beat.
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Thursday, June 19: Hollywood Carnival Welcome Party —perfect for linking up with friends and meeting new ones.
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Friday, June 20: Hollywood Carnival “Duck Work”, “The Main Event”
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Saturday, June 21: The big day! Parade along Hollywood Boulevard, flowing into the Carnival Village. Look for Hollywood Carnival After Party.
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Sunday, June 22: Hollywood Carnival J’ouvert “Wet Fete”, and “Shine”
Getting to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is well-connected, and arriving for Hollywood Carnival 2025 is straightforward.
Most travelers fly into LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), located roughly 30–45 minutes from the Hollywood area depending on traffic. For shorter lines and easier navigation, some locals prefer Burbank Airport (BUR) if it fits your route.
Once you land, you have several options:
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Rideshare: Uber or Lyft are the easiest ways to get around LA.
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Rental Car: Good for those staying farther from Hollywood or planning to explore.
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Metro/Buses: Affordable but limited during parade hours.
Plan your flights so you land by Thursday at the latest—you’ll want time to decompress and get into fete mode.
Where to Stay for Hollywood Carnival
I personally prioritize hotels that are close to the parade, and not the parties. My absolute favorite hotel is the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown. It is about a 10 minute drive to the parade route (with consideration to LA traffic). This hotel boasts the highest bar on the western hemisphere, and amenities that will keep you coming back, to include three restaurants and pool.
The parade route begins on Normandie Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, ending at Highland avenue.
To search for accommodations near the route, check on the booking.com widget below.
Getting around for Los Angeles Carnival
The center of the action is Hollywood Boulevard, which turns into a pedestrian party zone on parade day. Here’s how to navigate:
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Stay close to the route: Booking accommodations in Hollywood or West Hollywood saves time and money.
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No parking, no problem: Parking is extremely limited on parade day. Avoid the stress and walk or rideshare.
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Be early, be ready: Streets will close early Saturday, so arrive with time to spare.
If you’re attending events outside Hollywood, check Google Maps for real-time traffic and closures. Carpooling with your crew? Even better.
Play Mas at Hollywood Carnival
Choosing your band is a huge part of your carnival journey. Hollywood Carnival features a variety of bands, each with its own flavor and energy. From premium feathers to fun mas and budget-friendly sections, there’s a space for everyone.
Detailed below is a list of Carnival bands in alphabetical order:
Los Angeles Tourism
While Hollywood Carnival is the highlight, LA has so much more to offer. Here are some must-dos:
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Runyon Canyon: A quick morning hike with sweeping city views.
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Santa Monica Beach: Catch the sunset or stroll the pier.
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Hollywood Walk of Fame: Touristy but fun, especially for first-timers.
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Inglewood & Mid-City: Great for authentic Caribbean, Ethiopian, and Latin American eats.
Want something artsy? Check out the Broad Museum or Griffith Observatory. L.A. is a melting pot—you’ll never run out of things to explore.
Enjoy Hollywood Carnival!
Hollywood Carnival 2025 will leave you feeling alive. The energy, the culture, the music—it all comes together for a weekend you won’t forget. Whether you danced down Hollywood Boulevard in full costume, enjoyed the sights with family, or came to reconnect with friends, this carnival in Los Angeles is a true celebration of global unity.
Hollywood Carnival has grown into more than just a parade; it’s now a cultural cornerstone for Los Angeles, drawing people from across the country and beyond. With an inclusive spirit and undeniable energy, it sets the tone for what it means to celebrate culture in one of the most diverse cities in the world.
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Plan Early: Book flights, hotels, and costume registrations ahead of time.
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Be Flexible: Traffic and crowds happen, so go with the flow.
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Prioritize Comfort: Stylish, yes—but stay hydrated, fed, and rested.
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Make Connections: Carnival is more fun when shared with others.
And here’s the best part: the Hollywood Carnival community keeps growing. It’s not just about this year—it’s about coming back year after year, building friendships, and being part of something vibrant and meaningful.
So what are you waiting for? Start checking off that Carnival to-do list now.
