by Rachael Rollins
Los Angeles draws an international crowd every October with unrivaled Halloween celebrations. 500,000 people packed Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood for the annual Halloween Carnival, and over 8,000 set a world record for the greatest number of people doing the “Time Warp” in celebration of the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 35th anniversary. The Playboy Mansion hosted their annual Halloween event with Paris and Nicky Hilton in attendance, and Christina Aguilera was arresting dressed as a police officer at the Pandora Halloween event featuring the Lucent Dossier Experience at supperclub in Hollywood. Tori Spelling and Jamie Lee Curtis attended the 17th annual Dream Halloween charity event at Barker Hangar and The CW’s Blake Lively, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley joined Twilight star, Jackson Rathbone, at the Greek Theatre for Spike TV’s Scream awards. Reality stars Stephanie Pratt and Bridget Marquardt also got into the Halloween spirit at the 2nd annual Los Angeles Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park.
October wasn’t only for ghosts and ghouls, Los Angeles rolled out the red carpet for parties and premieres all month long. True Blood’s Stephen Moyer attended the Los Angeles Philharmonic opening night gala event at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Kate Hudson, Anna Kendrick and Stephen Dorff walked the red carpet at Elle Magazine’s celebration of Women in Hollywood at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen and 90210’s Shanae Grimes partied at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip at a Tokidoki Launch event. Brandy and Jennifer Lopez attended the 32nd annual Carousel of Hope gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and Audrina Patridge took a night off from Dancing with the Stars rehearsals to enjoy the Ubisoft Just Dance 2 launch party at Las Palmas in Hollywood. Justin Bieber and Will Ferrell greeted a massive crowd of screaming fans at the premiere of Dreamworks Animation’s Megamind at Hollywood & Highland and Robert Downey, Jr. and Zack Galfianakis posed for photos at the red carpet premiere of their movie, Due Date, at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.How did you spend Halloween in Los Angeles? Become a fan of LA on Facebook to tell us about it; then try something new this month at one of these exciting LA hotspots:
Wednesday November 3:
Loyal Pennings, and the group that brought you h.Wood, steamed up summer with the opening of Las Palmas in Hollywood and the party is just getting started. This new lounge adds a spicy Latin flavor to the Hollywood club scene. The bar serves signature tequila teas and the DJs spin top 40 and hip hop for a sexy twenty-something crowd. www.laspalmashollywood.com
Thursday November 4:
LA is the best city in the world to experience live music. Emerging artists come to LA to break into the spotlight, and Indie Thursdays at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel showcases hot new bands on the verge. Hear new music from singer-songwriters and indie bands and enjoy the menu of small plates and signature cocktails at the Lobby Bar every Thursday at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa. www.renaissancehollywood.com
Friday November 5:
Hemingway’s just opened in Hollywood and it’s already one of the hottest spots on the Boulevard. Earnest-inspired antique chic décor, with books floor to ceiling, soft sofas and just enough light to read by, provides the perfect atmosphere to sip cocktails named for literary classics and dance while the DJ plays an eclectic mix of rock favorites. Table reservations and upscale attire are strongly suggested. www.hemingwayslounge.com
Saturday November 6:
We loved Coco de Ville, the Westside’s intimate lounge with the sensational style of the South of France, but Coco redecorated. Now, we love Boudoir at Coco de Ville even more. Boudoir is the newest spot for Coco’s fabulous French fete. Still adjacent to STK, Boudoir is the new Parisian themed lounge where chic, sophisticated guests sip champagne and mingle as if invited to an exclusive house party overlooking the Seine. www.stkhouse.com
Sunday November 7:
Enjoy an award winning selection of wine at Pourtal in Santa Monica. Pourtal is a playground for the wine enthusiast with scheduled tastings offered and wines by the glass. They also offer a state of the art self service tasting room for curious sippers and casual sampling. The atmosphere blends the sophistication of a traditional wine bar with the casual vibe of the beach community. No reservations are required so swing by for a sip. www.pourtal.com
Wednesday November 10:
Enjoy midweek libations at Hump, Bar Chloe’s new Wednesday party. Sean Patrick spins an eclectic mix of rock, eighties, indie and soul beginning at 9 PM. Inside the intimate lounge, Oriental wall panels, antiqued mirrors and chandeliers recreate the sultry glamour of a pre-war, Parisian salon. Elegant and hip, Chloe gives all the glitz of a trendy Hollywood lounge with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. www.barchloe.com
Thursday November 11:
Los Angeles is known for entertainment and nightlife and Premiere Supper Club mixes the best of both worlds. Premiere adds a taste of the theatrical to Hollywood nightlife with performance artists in costumes interacting with clubgoers. Experience a different side of LA nightlife at this casual, but sophisticated new spot. www.premieresupperclub.com
Friday November 12:
The Conga Room at L.A. Live invites you to Downtown Fridays. Every Friday, this Latin nightclub, restaurant and live music venue plays hip hop, flashbacks, top 40 and house music. The Conga Room is the preeminent destination for music, dancing and dining Downtown. www.congaroom.com
Saturday November 13:
All good things must be reinvented, and SBE polished their crown jewel, Area and made it shine as Industry night club. SBE completely redesigned the popular La Cienega venue, adding stylish blue-hued décor, the hottest house to top-40 music and a walk up burger bar serving late night eats right on the dance floor! To wash down your burger, try one of Industry’s signature cocktails like the White Blueberry Cosmo, an attractive accent to the blue glow on the dance floor. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the velvet rope, so arrive early and go gorgeous. www.sbeent.com/nightlife
Sunday November 14:
Capitol City Sports Grille is LA’s first upscale sports bar and lounge. Cap City features over 45 professional grade 60-65 inch plasma screen TVs for state of the art sports viewing and entertainment. Both the dining menu and full service bar go beyond traditional sports bar fare with offerings like Sicilian Meat Ball Sliders, Mini Lamb Chops and over 30 draught beers. There are two patio seating areas and a VIP mezzanine level for a premium sports bar experience. There is nothing like Cap City in Los Angeles. www.capcitysports.com
Wednesday November 17:
Tuesdae DJs every Wednesday at Angels & Kings for Rock & Roll Wednesdays featuring drink specials, a delicious bar menu and free admission. Angels & Kings just opened in Hollywood and although the Dolce Group is backing the new hot spot, they didn’t bring the velvet rope or the usual crowd. This is an edgy, rock ‘n’ roll dive bar with a trendy Hollywood twist. www.angelsandkings.com/la
Thursday November 18:
Enhance your experience at Elevate, a sleek, stylish, unique lounge where indoor and outdoor become one. Elevate is the new way to experience Downtown nightlife with an elegant ambiance, 150 feet of sliding glass doors and stunning city views 21 floors above LA’s financial district at Takami Restaurant. www.takamisushi.com
Friday November 19:
The Alliance hosts Fridays at The Colony. The Colony brings Hampton’s inspired luxury and style to LA as a high energy nightclub featuring an open, indoor/outdoor space with a fun beach front boardwalk theme. This SBE hotspot sizzles every Friday night so arrive early to avoid delays at the door.
Saturday November 20:
Bolthouse Productions hosts Trousdale in West Hollywood, a stylish new lounge on the Sunset Strip with soft sofas, delicious signature cocktails and stylish celebs packed wall to wall. As with any Bolthouse venue, expect the hottest guest DJs, a beautiful crowd and a strict door policy. Start with dinner at Boa across the street then arrive fashionably early, dressed to impress. www.bolthouseproductions.com
Sunday November 21:
Will Shamlian and Mark Leddy, the team behind LA favorites like the Library Bar and 4100, have a hot Studio City spot with an eclectic wine menu and a wide selection of beer on tap. Laurel Tavern, just north of Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley, offers a delicious pub menu, affordable drinks and a casual fun atmosphere every Sunday night. www.laureltavern.net
Saturday November 27:
Visit one of Downtown LA’s oldest and finest landmarks for a nightlife experience with classic sophistication. The Gallery Bar & Cognac Room at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel serves fine wines, vintage ports and elegant martinis. The bar also features occasional live jazz performances. www.thebiltmore.com
Sunday November 28:
For casual fun and nightly entertainment try Burbank Bar and Grille. Sundays, BBG offers Karaoke and late night happy hour with specials 10 PM to close. Popular with young professionals and singles, Burbank Bar and Grille puts a stylish spin on the traditional neighborhood sports bar. www.bbgrocks.com
Rachael Rollins is a nightlife, arts & entertainment writer living in West Hollywood. Rachael has lived in seven major cities worldwide and loves to travel to exotic destinations, but she never stays away long. Los Angeles is Rachael’s favorite city for glamorous nightlife and exciting entertainment. 
