Hollywood Carnival 2026 has been officially cancelled—stay tuned and check back for updates on the 2027 celebration.
The Hollywood Carnival is celebrated in Los Angeles, California.
Hollywood Carnival is Los Angeles’s annual celebration of Caribbean culture, bringing the full road experience to the iconic Hollywood Boulevard. Founded and operated by Hollywood Carnival LLC, the event was created with a simple but powerful purpose — to unite cultures through entertainment and to uplift the local community while giving the Caribbean diaspora on the West Coast a place to represent where they’re from.
Inspired by the traditions of Trinidad and Tobago and carnivals across the Caribbean, the festival blends mas, music, and island pride into one vibrant, high-energy experience. Mas bands take over the parade route with coordinated costume sections, while music trucks and DJs keep the riddims rolling from start to finish. From soca and reggae to dancehall and Afrobeat, the soundtrack is as diverse as the crowd.
What makes Hollywood Carnival special is its accessibility — it’s genuinely welcoming to first-time masqueraders and seasoned carnival veterans alike. Whether you’re chipping behind a band on Hollywood Boulevard, waving your island flag, or soaking in the atmosphere from the sidewalk, Hollywood Carnival is a reminder that the Caribbean community is everywhere, carrying the culture with them wherever they go.
Expect a high-energy road experience packed with colorful mas bands, booming music trucks, and crowds ready to party. You’ll see bold makeup, statement headpieces, and flags from across the Caribbean, all set against nonstop riddims and a sun-soaked parade route. It’s lively, intense, and physically demanding, so come prepared to dance, hydrate, and fully immerse yourself in the Carnival experience.
A dazzling procession featuring vibrant floats, elaborate costumes, and energetic dancers moving to the rhythms of Caribbean and Latin music.
Opportunities for participants to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship by entering costume competitions, where judges evaluate the intricate designs and vibrant colors of their carnival attire.
Concerts and performances by renowned artists from the Caribbean and Latin America, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres including soca, reggae, salsa, and more.
A chance to savor the flavors of the region with food vendors offering a variety of delicious Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, from jerk chicken and plantains to empanadas and ceviche.
Date: Canceled for 2026
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Time:
Hollywood Carnival is Los Angeles’ Caribbean carnival celebration, known for costumes, music, masquerade, and cultural festivities. Hollywood Carnival 2026 has been canceled — we'll update this page when the next official event schedule is announced.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Hollywood is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the United States, the Caribbean, or internationally.
Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.
The best area to stay for Hollywood Carnival is Hollywood itself — the parade rolls right down Hollywood Boulevard, so staying nearby puts you steps from the action, the Carnival Village, and all the weekend energy.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Hollywood during Carnival is easiest if you stay near the festival route and main event areas.
Walk the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, tour the TCL Chinese Theatre, or catch panoramic views of the city from Griffith Observatory. Explore Sunset Boulevard for nightlife and live music, or take a studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood for movie magic up close. When the sun dips, rooftop bars and lights along Hollywood & Vine keep the Carnival energy shining.
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Hollywood Carnival and other global festivals:
