West Hollywood Block Party

Everyone who is anyone is parading around Santa Monica Blvd between La Cienega and Roberston on Halloween night. DJ’s are in full effect at the main stage, the bars are open late and people are wildly and freely dancing in the streets without a care in the world. It is fantastic! It is a spectacle! It is something you have to experience at least once in your life!

This is what you need to know if you are navigating The West Hollywood Block Party with kids:
1. Do not drive. Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE. Foot traffic will be your biggest roadblock and traffic is guaranteed a standstill. If you are coming from far away, and do have to drive, definitely consider parking in a neighboring area or hotel on Sunset and uber the rest of the way in.

2. If you are toting young tots, it is EXTREMELY LOUD. They will definitely need headphones to protect those little ears, because chances are, even THEY will want to dance.

3. It will be impossible to get into any restaurant on the strip where the party is that evening, so if you are looking for a meal and a seat to be a voyeur to the festivities, these two places are your best bet:
a. Connie and Ted’s: Reserve ahead of time and request a table outside around 7pm. You will be close enough to the action to witness the mob scene with colorfully eclectic costumes walking down SM Blvd, but yet far enough from the main event to enjoy (or at least hear) your conversation.
b. Shake Shack: A meal at shake shack on Halloween is like having court side seats to a Lakers game. It is definitely LOUD, but you can witness all the action up close and personal without actually being in the game. No reservations are required at shake shack, so even if you have to wait for a table outside, it’ll be worth it. There is eye candy continually passing by.

4. Bringing a stroller will give you VIP access to a sliver of sidewalk you will need to navigate more quickly, especially if you need to bounce in a hurry. It will also allow your peepsqueak to konk out when they are ready (though I don’t think they’ll ever want to unwind) while you keep the night going just a little longer.

5. If you fear large crowds (like me) or crazy people in masks (also like me), rest your mind because Security is in full affect! You WILL spot a cop everywhere you turn. There is also a first aid station in the event of an emergency.

6. There is a LOT and I mean a LOT of alcohol at this event. Every bar stays open late and people will eventually get rowdy. If you are coming with kids it goes without saying: KEEP AN EYE ON THEM AT ALL TIMES. This is one of those rare times (or maybe the only time) I would actually consider those leashes to make sure those runners are hanging onto you at all times. While this event is really fun, it is definitely geared toward adults. You will not find a bouncy house or craft table here.

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