West Hollywood just made it easier to find your way around its Rainbow District

One year ago, West Hollywood officials formally designated its Rainbow District as a cultural landmark. It’s the stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny and La Cienega, where you’ll find most of the city’s LGBTQ venues. The area has long acted as a magnet to the local queer community and visitors alike.

Then-Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers said at the time that the designation “honors both the legacy and the future of this vibrant neighborhood, home to beloved entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants that have long served as cornerstones of LGBTQ+ life.”

As part of the process, the city launched official social media channels for the Rainbow District.

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Last week, it announced the launch of a new website to help visitors to discover the district: RainbowDistrictWeHo.com.

The site’s aim is to offer a one-stop guide for locals and visitors with a directory, things to do, exclusive deals, an events calendar, and an AI chat tool for instant answers on everything from parking to creating itineraries.

It’s been launched just a month ahead of Halloween, which is always one of the busiest periods for the District. The city hosts a massive, free Halloween Carnaval. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Oct. 31 between 6 and 11 p.m. Other upcoming events include the Rainbow District Winter Market on Friday, Dec. 11.

“The City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District is more than a destination, it is an expression of our LGBTQ+ history, culture, and community,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman in a press statement.

“As we celebrate one year of the Rainbow District’s formal designation, the new website gives people an easy way to discover businesses, nightlife, dining, and experiences that make this neighborhood so special. We’re proud to celebrate everything that makes the Rainbow District unique and to welcome LGBTQ+ people and allies from near and far to experience it for themselves.”

According to officials, more than 14 new businesses opened in the Rainbow District within the past year, including local grocery chain Erewhon, popular karaoke bar Mic Drop, neighborhood cookie window White Label Cookies, along with Wasim Signature, and more. They join more than 100 established businesses, including the legendary queer bars and nightclubs such as The Abbey Food and Bar.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2026

On the subject of West Hollywood, you’ve still got time to register to take part in this year’s AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

Presented by APLA Health, the 42nd AIDS Walk Los Angeles takes place Saturday, October 18. It all kicks off at 10.30 a.m. in West Hollywood Park. Following live music and speakers, walkers will then embark on a two-mile walk around the Rainbow District.

Last year’s event raised $1.05 million toward fighting HIV. Despite medical advances, that money is still very much needed.

“The biggest risk to decades of progress is the assumption that the work is finished,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “The medicine works. The real question is who can get it. For people with means, HIV is easily managed. For those who are low-income, uninsured, or pushed to the margins, it remains a crisis. We refuse to accept a system where staying healthy depends on your income or ZIP code. That’s what this year’s Walk is about.”

The theme for this year’s event is “Defend Care, Demand Action”.

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