OUR PREMIERE ANNUAL CARNIVAL EVENT
ON THE SHAW
LOS ANGELES CARNIVAL
An Economic Development Initiative
JUNE 29th 2025
LOCATION
LEIMERT PARK/CRENSHAW DISTRICT
From 4PM - 10PM
LA Carnival on the Shaw is an economic development initiative for the Crenshaw/Leimert Park area of South Los Angeles. Launched in 2023, Its mission is to use the structure and excitement of a Caribbean style family carnival to Engage, Activate and Revitalize the strip of Crenshaw Boulevard from the Expo Metro Station to Leimert Park, creating a vibrant economic corridor called ‘The Crenshaw Strip.’ The initiative will engage businesses, schools and organizations in the community to collaborate in presenting an annual multicultural arts and cultural experience of masqueraders, revelers, drummers, music, light artistry and ‘Vibe Spots’ on Crenshaw from Obama Blvd. to Leimert Park Village, evolving into a monthly arts, entertainment and business experience in preparation for the LA28 Games and Cultural Olympiad.
LOS ANGELES CARNIVAL
100 drums
Healing drum songs from the heart!
100 DRUMS for Peace Love and Healing was initiated as a tribute to the drum culture of Leimert Park. It represented a way of setting a tone of healing, unity and respect for the community as we emerged from the Covid 19 Pandemic. More widely, it now speaks to the importance of drum language in celebrating important cultural ceremonies and expressions across both local and global communities. The diverse ensemble of world class drummers performing in the 100 Drums procession embodies the spirit of peace, love, and healing, transforming the streets into a living celebration of multi cultural collective resilience. By anchoring the parade with their dynamic drum songs, the Drummers amplify the spectrum of diversity and creativity that makes our region unique.
MASQUERADE
ROADSHOW
Move like you mean it!
The Masquerade Roadshow is what might be the recognizable element of the Caribbean carnival featuring unbelievable costumes, dancers, music trucks and the spectacle most identified with the tradition. It is the heart and soul of Carnival, drawing a dazzling array of costumed groups, individual revelers, vibrant music, and choreographed performances that bring the streets to life. LA Carnival on the Shaw, although steeped in this tradition, is a celebration that weaves together universal storytelling, diverse artistry, and cultural pride from all sectors of our LA region. The community is invited to witness and participate in a living expression of heritage as each masquerade band adds its own flair and energy, making the Roadshow a powerful symbol of unity, creativity, and the joyful resistance embedded in cultural identity.
LA YOUTH
ON PARADE
Igniting the future with Next Gen passion!
LA Youth on Parade is a vibrant showcase of the next generation’s talent, creativity, and cultural pride within the LA Carnival on the Shaw. Featuring youth dance troupes, marching bands, and performance groups from across the city, this lively procession centers young voices and honors their role in shaping the future of Caribbean and diasporic traditions. More than just a parade, it’s a celebration of youth empowerment, artistic expression, and community mentorship—reminding us that the legacy of Carnival lives on through the passion and brilliance of our youth.
STARLIGHT
SPECTACULAR
Illuminate the rhythms of the night!
The Starlight Spectacular is the grand finale of the LA Carnival on the Shaw—a dazzling nighttime celebration where lights, music, and movement electrify the streets. As the sun sets, the energy rises with illuminated costumes, live performances, and glowing floats that transform the parade route into a magical, otherworldly experience. This radiant display honors the brilliance of Caribbean culture under the stars, uniting the community in a final burst of joy, rhythm, and shared celebration.
CARNIVAL
-A-THON
Raise funds for your favorite project…Get a group together, bring a costume or buy a costume. Then walk, ride, dance or saunter along with our mobile music truck...It’s your choice!
‘Carnival-a-thon’ is a Walk-a-thon within the carnival parade that gives individuals who do not want to belong to a specific carnival band an opportunity to participate. It is also a way for groups to raise funds for their project of interest, or for themselves.
Each participant enrolls through the LA Carnival website and receives credentials to be part of the carnival-a-thon. Costumes are not required to participate and no costume is included with the registration. Participants may purchase or provide their own costume or T-shirt if they wish to be in a costume or T-shirt. 60% of each registration goes back to the group/group leader. Neither the group leader nor its members have any further financial obligation to the carnival organization. Any additional expense is between the group leader and the group members. All registrations will be verified prior to event start.
HOW IT WORKS
Pop-up activations for businesses along the parade route to join the celebration with food, art, music, and culture.
VIBE SPOTS
Vibe Spots are immersive entertaining, creative and/or youth activation zones along the carnival route. LA Carnival provides an artist to work with businesses and community spaces to host an activation in Leimert Park or along LA Carnival on the Shaw parade route. The purpose is to encourage and support local artists, producers, restaurants and community spaces to highlight their goods and services during the carnival by hosting special activities and inviting new audiences to attend and support their businesses. From food and drink pop-ups to interactive art, music, and cultural showcases, each Vibe Spot pulses with the energy and creativity of its creator! It is where the parade meets the party—inviting everyone to pause, engage, celebrate LA Carnival on the Shaw and enjoy the carnival spectacle as it passes along the road!
VENDING
+ EXHIBITING
Your products and services to the world!
Vendors and Exhibitors are an integral part of setting the scene for the festival! You bring the variety, the information, the free samples, the cool clothes, jewelry, the business opportunities and the community resources.
PARADE ROUTE
Assembly 4pm
On Obama/Crenshaw between Bronson on the
East and Victoria on the West
Procession 6pm
South on Crenshaw
East on Vernon
North on Leimert Blvd
Disband 10pm
At Festival Area in Leimert Park/Vernon
FESTIVAL HOURS : 3pM - 10PM
LOS ANGLES CARNIVAL ON THE SHAW 2025
LOS ANGLES CARNIVAL ON THE SHAW 2025
REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE.
JOIN
100 Drums
Healing drum songs from the heart!
MASQUERADE ROADSHOW
Move like you mean it!
CARNIVAL-A-THON
Raise funds for your favorite project…Get a group together, bring a costume or buy a costume. Then walk, ride, dance or saunter along with our mobile music truck...It’s your choice!
STARLIGHT SPECTACULAR
Illuminate the rhythms of the night!
VENDING & EXHIBITING
Your products and services to the world!
LA YOUTH ON PARADE
Igniting the future with Next Gen passion!
VIBE SPOTS
Pop-up activations for businesses along the parade route to join the celebration with food, art, music, and culture.