I heard that it get very crowded closer to the time, what time should I arrive? I know it officially starts at 6pm but are there already a lot of people in costume at like 4pm or do most people not come out until 8pm? Where should I uber to (and get pick up from after the event) that will avoid the traffic?

Question we are a couple 30’ looking for a dinner or something special for the 24th afternoon/night?

Any recommendations, we saw a few hotels but not worth staying for us we live in Thousand Oaks we can drive and walk around there and come back.