West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval festivities continue despite rain

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- The Southland's biggest Halloween bash - the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval kicked off Friday night, drawing an estimated 500,000 people to the area.

Revelers dressed in outrageous costumes - from Tindr and Twitter to Ebola and V. Stiviano - packed the streets for what's described as one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world - and one of the biggest events in Southern California.

Crews were in heavy preparation mode early Friday morning, setting up everything from road barricades to portable toilets.

The event was set to run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, though attendees stayed well into the night.

Some roads were closed in preparation for the event. San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue was shut to traffic. Other closures that began at noon included the main stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Croft Avenue.

All of the closures are set to reopen no later than 7 a.m. Saturday.

The Carnaval featured six entertainment zones features different performers, music and dancing.

Attendees were encouraged to take public transportation and also to leave pets and children at home.

Last year, the queen of the Carnaval was Queen Latifah. This year, Lisa Vanderpump of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" will be given the honor.

PHOTOS: West Hollywood Carnaval 2014 revelers show Halloween spirit