If you’re thinking about spending Halloween weekend in West Hollywood, let me just say this now: wear the costume. This is not the weekend to suddenly become the boring friend who says, “I didn’t really have time to put something together.” 

Halloween in WeHo is basically the one time of year when everyone collectively agrees that the more ridiculous, revealing, and completely unhinged your outfit is, the better.

In 2026, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, which means gay men in Los Angeles have the full Friday-Sunday weekend to make questionable decisions. 

West Hollywood is already one of the biggest LGBTQ nightlife destinations in Los Angeles, but Halloween takes the whole thing up several notches. 

The centerpiece is the famous West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, which returns Saturday, October 31, from 6 PM to 11 PM, along Santa Monica Boulevard between North Doheny Drive and North La Cienega Boulevard and it’s free to attend! 

If you’re visiting WeHo for Halloween or you’re a local who somehow still hasn’t figured out what you’re doing, here’s how I would approach it from someone who has been to one too many Halloweens in WeHo. 

First: Understand What WeHo Halloween Actually Is

The Halloween Carnaval isn’t really a traditional parade where you stand on one street and watch floats go by. It’s more like one enormous gay-adjacent fever dream happening on Santa Monica Boulevard. 

The City describes the event as a celebration rooted in West Hollywood’s diverse culture, creativity, costumes and self-expression. It has been running since 1987, and over the years it has become one of the city’s biggest annual events and the gay factor is VERY present.

The Carnaval takes place directly through West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, the LGBTQ-heavy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard packed with gay bars, clubs, and restaurants. Basically, if you’re a gay man looking for Halloween in West Hollywood, you’re in the right neighborhood.

Expect thousands upon thousands of cocks, elaborate costumes, Dolly Parton impersonators taking approximately 900 photos of themselves and saying RIP as their caption, and an entire lot of people who clearly spent more money on their Halloween costume than they did on rent but that’s part of the fun.

Friday Night: Don’t Blow Your Load Too Early

Here’s my biggest piece of advice for Halloween weekend in WeHo: Do not treat Friday like it’s Saturday. 

I know. Easier said than done. You’ve spent all week thinking about Halloween, your friends are already texting, somebody has somehow found a party, and suddenly you’re three drinks deep at 10 PM on Friday wearing your costume… but Saturday is the big one.

Friday is a great night for getting into the Halloween spirit without dealing with the absolute chaos of Halloween night. 

Hit a gay bar, grab dinner, check out whatever Halloween parties are happening that evening and get a feel for the neighborhood. The great thing about WeHo is that you don’t necessarily need to plan an elaborate bar crawl. 

A huge group  of LGBTQ bars sit along Santa Monica Boulevard, meaning you can walk between plenty of places rather than spending half the night calling an Uber.

Some familiar stops include Micky’s, Trunks, The Abbey, Bayou, Roosterfish, Beaches (Baja or Tropicana). 

Don’t forget SweetWater WeHo, particularly if you’re looking for a more lesbian-inclusive nightlife option beyond the typical boys’ night out. 

The exact Halloween parties, DJs, costume contests and cover charges can change as October gets closer, so check each venue’s social media and event calendar before you head out.

Saturday: This Is the Night

Saturday is Halloween so get the costume on! 

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval runs from 6 PM to 11 PM and it’s free. 

I’d recommend getting into WeHo earlier rather than trying to arrive at the exact moment the party starts. Have dinner, meet your friends, grab a drink and get yourself situated before the crowds become completely ridiculous. 

Believe me when I say ridiculous, I mean it’s absolutely bizarre how packed the streets get. You literally cannot move through the streets after a certain time. 

There is something genuinely fun about walking down Santa Monica Boulevard though on Halloween and realizing that absolutely nobody looks normal. 

You’ll see professional-level costumes sitting next to a guy who bought angel wings from a Halloween store 20 minutes ago. 

You’ll see drag queens, superheroes, horror characters, pop stars, thong costumes, elaborate handmade creations and approximately 700 different versions of Britney Spears. That’s part of the charm. 

You don’t have to have the best costume in West Hollywood. You just have to commit to it.

Where Should You Go After Carnaval?

This is where having a loose plan helps. The Carnaval itself ends at 11 PM, but that’s basically when WeHo nightlife gets its second wind. 

If you’re already on Santa Monica Boulevard, you’re surrounded by gay bars and clubs. You can continue the night at one of the established gay bars, find a Halloween party, or simply wander and see where your friends end up.

Micky’s Weho is one of the obvious names for a high-energy gay night out, with dancing and the kind of atmosphere you’d expect from a classic WeHo club. 

If you want something a little more casual, Trunks has long had more of a neighborhood gay-bar feel. 

Bayou is another good option if you’re looking for something campy and casual rather than feeling like you’ve accidentally walked into a giant nightclub. 

Then there’s The Abbey…  which is basically one of those places you should experience at least once if you’re doing the whole “gay Halloween in West Hollywood” thing. If you’re trying to avoid what feels like endless chaos when the festivities end, head over to Club Cobra in the Valley, the North Hollywood bathhouse, or even Flex for a spooky experience you’ll be talking about for weeks. 

Just remember: Halloween Saturday is not a normal Saturday. Everywhere will be busier. Lines will be longer. Drinks will probably feel more expensive. Your friends will disappear. Your phone will be on 2 percent. Then someone will inevitably say, “Let’s just walk.” They are lying because it’s not just a walk; it’ll take an hour to jump from bar to bar. 

If You’re Coming to WeHo Alone

Halloween is one of the better weekends to visit West Hollywood by yourself. Normally, arriving at a gay bar alone can feel a little awkward if you’re not used to it. Halloween removes a lot of that pressure because literally everyone is dressed up, talking to strangers and taking photos. You have an automatic conversation starter: “Okay, what are you supposed to be?” Boom. You’re talking. If you’re traveling solo, don’t feel like you need to attach yourself to a giant group. Start somewhere social, grab a drink, walk around Carnaval and see where the night takes you. And if you’re on the apps (Squirt.org to be exact…), just be prepared for your notifications to become completely insane.

Halloween in WeHo is basically the Super Bowl of gay men texting “where are you?” Just remember that not every guy who sends you a “hey 😈” at midnight needs to become your problem.

A Few Things I Would Actually Bring

This is where the glamorous Halloween fantasy meets reality. Comfortable shoes. I know your costume requires a particular shoe. I know it completes the look. 

The Carnaval stretches along Santa Monica Boulevard and you’re going to be standing and walking for hours. Also bring:

• A portable phone charger
• ID
• A small amount of cash
• Your hotel or friend’s address saved somewhere
• A layer for later at night
• Emergency costume supplies (optional)

Please, don’t bring a giant backpack. You’re going to be surrounded by people. You’re going to get bumped into… You’re going to dance. The less stuff you have to worry about, the better.

By Sunday morning, you will either be thinking: “That was the best Halloween ever!” or “Why did I do that?” Possibly both. 

Luckily, West Hollywood is very good at brunch. Find your friends, and order something greasy to reconstruct the previous evening. Sunday is also a good time to walk around the neighborhood without the Saturday-night chaos. 

If you still have energy, you can hit another bar and make a second round of Halloween plans; because here’s the thing about Halloween weekend in WeHo, you don’t necessarily have to do everything on Saturday. 

Friday can be your warm-up. Saturday can be Carnaval. Sunday can be brunch and gossip. That’s a much better strategy than trying to cram the entire weekend into six hours.

One last thing: you never really know what you’re going to see on Santa Monica Boulevard during Halloween weekend. Between the costumes, drag queens, shirtless guys, celebrities, questionable fashion choices and people who apparently forgot Halloween was supposed to involve clothes, WeHo is already basically one giant gay billboard… and if you’re walking the Strip and happen to spot a big Squirt.org billboard staring back at you… consider it a little reminder that you’re exactly where you belong. That’s part of what makes Halloween in West Hollywood so much fun. 

It’s unapologetically gay, a little chaotic, occasionally horny, and very much its own thing.

You can go from taking a completely innocent photo with your friends to spotting something on Santa Monica Boulevard that makes you say, “Oh… we’re really doing Halloween this year.” 

And if you’re single, newly single, happily partnered, open, curious, or just out there seeing what the night brings, Squirt.org is part of the gay culture and nightlife conversation that makes a weekend like this feel particularly WeHo. Just don’t be surprised if you see the Squirt.org name out in the wild, too.

You never know what or who you’re going to run into.

Male chastity cages used to be a bit of a niche within the world of gay BDSM, but it’s fair to say that they’ve now gone mainstream.

Does the idea of being locked up turn you on? Or maybe you’re just a bit curious as to what it might feel like. Let’s get our kink on and unlock the pleasure of chastity.

What is a chastity kink?

Whenever we’re talking about a turn-on that falls somewhere in the kink or fetish spectrum, it’s worth reminding ourselves of what these words mean.

In general terms, a kink is something that arouses you, turns you on, and can get you off, whereas a fetish is something that you need in order to be aroused, turned on, and to get off. These are terms that are often used interchangeably because the boundaries often blur.

In this article, we’re going to generally use the word “kink” because it’s the most inclusive for everyone, regardless of where you sit within gay BDSM culture.

While there are lots of variations in how a chastity kink can be explored and experienced, the basic concept is about control and denial.

The classic scenario is that the Dom locks the Sub’s cock in a chastity change – denying the Sub any access to penis-related pleasure. The Dom decides if and when the cage comes off, thereby ensuring that the Dom has control over when and how the Sub receives pleasure.

One common variation is when guys lock themselves into a cage – they become both Dom and Sub, although the psychology of that can get a bit confusing.

Why would partners be into a gay chastity kink?

If the concept of control in a Sub/Dom dynamic doesn’t automatically get your dick hard, think about the denial of pleasure aspect.

This doesn’t work for everyone, but lots of guys report that if they try and hold off from cumming for a few days, the release that they feel when they do eventually cum is pretty mind-blowing.

A cock-cage can be the tool that helps you achieve that enforced abstinence – denying yourself short-term pleasure so that you can experience maximum orgasmic energy.

Having someone else in charge of when your cock-cage is unlocked is why the control element of a Dom/Sub relationship has such appeal. If the intention is to deny yourself pleasure in the short-term, having someone else in control of when you finally get to take the cock-cage off and let your penis loose – that orgasmic release is extra intense.

We’re so used to having instant access to whatever we want, any form of delayed gratification is pretty powerful – particularly when someone else is holding the key.

The other potential benefit of wearing a cock-cage is that by taking your cock out of the pleasure equation, it heightens the pleasure that you feel in your butt. If you’re into gay ass play, you may find that everything feels more intense if all of the attention is focused on your butt.

What is a male chastity lock?

Whether they’re called a chastity lock, chastity device, or a cock-cage – this is the bit of equipment that goes over your cock and prevents you from getting hard and getting off.

They come in different designs but many are discreet enough that they can pretty much be worn underneath your regular clothes.

While some guys have a specific kink connected to the risk of getting caught, it’s just inherently sexy to know that you’re walking around the office with your cock locked in a chastity cage, while everyone at work is talking to you about spreadsheets and what they did at the weekend. What would they think if they knew what a horny pig you were?

The mainstreaming of the chastity kink means that we’re also seeing many gay Onlyfans performers incorporate chastity locks into their content – engaging with users about when they plan to unlock their cock, and reinforcing the trust that they are not going to cum until a particular goal, day, or maybe even follower count on their OnlyFans or socials is hit.

Crowdsourcing the control/denial element of the Dom/Sub dynamic is an interesting variation in the BDSM landscape that has really only been possible with the emergence of social media and fan-subscription platforms.

What should I look for in a gay male chastity lock?

This is a pretty intimate piece of equipment so you need something that is body-safe – which means avoiding low-quality options and going for something like stainless steel or silicone.

You also need a cock-cage that can be adjusted. While it is designed to constrain your cock, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable or painful to wear. It should fit snugly and securely. You’re going to be wearing this for numerous days continuously, so you need to ensure that you’re avoiding any chaffing or rubbing.

Remember, you need something that cleans easily in the shower while you’re wearing it. You’re going to be pissing through the cock-cage – it’s going to get sweaty and musky but you’re going to want to be able to keep clean and fresh without taking the cage off.

What type of lock features should I consider with a chastity lock?

The whole point of this kink is knowing that you can’t access your penis until the cock-cage is unlocked.

It completely undermines the whole scenario if you know that you can take it off without the key or somehow slide your cock out without unlocking it.

Some chastity devices include integrated time-locks which are designed to prevent the Sub from unlocking the cock-cage until the set time-period has elapsed. These time-locks can be digital, combination, app-controlled, or physical – such as mechanical timers similar to those used in kitchen timers.

Your Dom may want their Sub to wear a chain locked around their neck. This publicly signifies the control that the Sub has given their Dom. The Dom may choose to wear the key to the Sub’s cock-cage on a chain around their neck, symbolising their connection.

How do I put on a male chastity cage?

If you’ve just bought a new cock-cage, it’s really important to read the manufacturer’s instructions!

If you’re reusing a cock-cage, make sure that it’s clean and ready for use.

Most cock-cages come in multiple parts – a base ring, a cage, and a locking mechanism.

The general technique is to slide the base ring over your penis and behind your balls. It’s really important to fit the base ring snugly and securely but not too tight.

Next step is to fit the cage over the Sub’s soft cock – connecting it to the base ring.

The final step is to secure the lock – whether that’s with a padlock or an integrated locking mechanism.

Once the cock-cage is in place on the Sub, take some time to ensure that it’s comfortable to wear and not rubbing or chaffing while moving about.

Can I wash my cock while wearing a chastity lock?

Cock cages are designed for hygiene but it still takes a bit of getting used to.

A good starting point is to have an antibacterial soap that is sensitive to skin but also gives you plenty of lather.

Once you’ve given yourself an initial rinse, lather yourself up and clean everything as thoroughly as possible. Then, ensure that you rinse away all the soap suds.

It’s really important that after your shower, you need to dry your cock and balls – if you don’t dry your cock and balls properly, you could end up with bacterial growth, which is not something you want on your genitals. A blow-dryer on a low setting is an effective way to dry and also feels nice on your cock and balls.

When you’re wearing a cock-cage, you’re going to need to shower at least once a day.

How do I request using a chastity lock with a sex partner?

If you want to explore a chastity kink, you’re probably going to want to lean into the Dom/Sub dynamic and do it with a sexual partner.

Unlike having a man-in-suit fetish or being into role-play, BDSM play works best when you’ve got a high level of trust established between the Dom and the Sub. Random fuck-buddies aren’t ideal for this – if they’re going to be holding the key to your cock cage, you need to know how to find them.

If you’re relatively new to this aspect of kink, communication is really essential. You need to be able to effectively communicate what each of you wants to happen, what the turn-ons are, and what the boundaries are.

Maybe start by watching porn together that features a cock cage – see how you both respond to that. If it’s something that you’ve both got an interest in having some fun with, buy a cock cage and start to experiment. Get your partner to lock you up for an hour or so, maybe before you have sex. See how that feels.

If you’re both on the same page, this could be the kink that you’ve been searching for.