From festival superstars to local record collectors, there are a plethora of DJs in Hollywood spinning an eclectic mix of sounds. The area is home to world-known dance clubs such as Avalon and Sound, but that's not all there has to offer. We've put together a list of ten Hollywood dance clubs, ranging from mega-clubs to intimate settings, with events ranging from house to goth to drum & bass.
If you're unfamiliar with Hollywood, keep in mind that parking can be difficult, especially on weekends, and a ridesharing service may be your best option. Many of these locations are within walking distance of one another, making it possible to visit multiple places in one night.
ACADEMY LA
Insomniac, the business most known for festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival, has its Hollywood headquarters at Academy LA. Through Insomniac brands such as Bassrush (bass music), Dreamstate (trance), and Basscon, parties here frequently highlight specific forms of dance music (hardstyle). DJ sets by Paul Oakenfold, Morgan Page, and DJ Snoopadelic have been featured at recent events. Academy conducts a Sunday afternoon celebration on their expansive terrace during the summer. The location does have a dress code, so check it out before you arrive.
AVALON HOLLYWOOD
Avalon, located on Vine Street near Hollywood Boulevard, has a long and illustrious history in the area. It initially opened in 1927 and has gone by several other names since then. It housed radio and television broadcasts for decades before becoming the late-twentieth-century performance venue/dance club The Palace. The venue, renamed Avalon in the early 2000s, has become a cornerstone of Los Angeles' rise as a dance music capital in the twenty-first century. Avalon has long been at the forefront of dance music trends, having booked performers such as Skrillex and DJ Snake before they became famous, and it continues to be a haven for emerging talent.
BARDOT
Bardot, located on Avalon's top level, is well known for School Night, a long-running Monday night live music showcase.
BOARDNER'S
Boardner's, which opened in 1942, is a traditional Los Angeles bar - tiny, gloomy, and evocative of a scene from a film noir. Boardner's also has a dance club (officially called the B52 Club) that caters to those with different tastes. Bar Sinister, its main party, has been hosted on Saturday nights for nearly 25 years with a concentration on goth and industrial music. Blue Mondays is another long-running celebration that starts the week with '80s music in the main room and various themes on the terrace. Wenzday's Party is a newer weekly goth and industrial hump day event.
GOLD DIGGERS
Gold Diggers was once a well-known bikini bar. That changed a few years ago when it was transformed into a bar/music venue as part of a complex that also houses a hotel and a recording studio. Live music and DJ evenings are held at the new Gold Diggers. Expect dance sounds that aren't mainstream with the latter. DJs who specialize in styles such as Italo disco or Armenian funk may be found. Because parking is quite limited, ridesharing services are highly recommended.
HOUSTON HOSPITALITY
Whatever you're looking for, Houston Hospitality has it covered: the speakeasy-style No Vacancy, the magical-themed Black Rabbit Rose, 70s vibes at Good Times at Davey Wayne's, a trip to Havana at La Descarga, and Harvard & Stone, which features live music, DJs, and burlesque in a WWII-inspired industrial venue.
MAINRÓ
The $10 million MainRó, which will open in spring 2022, is the first LA initiative for hospitality billionaire Romain Zago, owner of Miami's legendary Mynt Lounge and Myn-tu. This 7,500 square-foot "clubstaurant" has touch-sensitive tables, moving 4K digital screens, velvet booths, and Vegas-style showgirls from the moment you pass security. Imagine the Moulin Rouge performed by Cirque du Soleil on New Year's Eve.
PLAYHOUSE NIGHTCLUB
Playhouse's soundtrack is hip-hop. On Thursday nights, this 13,000-square-foot Hollywood Boulevard club kicks off the weekend with La Cultura, a combination of reggaeton, Latin, and hip-hop. TBA Fridays and The Scene Saturdays continue to unleash hip-hop beats throughout the weekend.
SOUND NIGHTCLUB
If you're a fan of dance music, there's bound to be a must-see event on Sound's calendar no matter when you visit Hollywood. This small but powerful venue frequently books top talent from all genres, with recent guests including techno legend Chris Liebing and house artist The Black Madonna. Sound is a rather compact location, especially given the caliber of the DJs it books, so if you want to snag a good spot on the dance floor, you need to arrive early.
STATION1640
Station1640 is a pub and dance club with a street art edge, designed to seem like New York's subways. Check out the walls for work by prominent artists.
Weekly events include Karaoke Mondays and Taco Tuesdays; drum & bass enthusiasts should save Thursdays for Respect, a Los Angeles scene staple since 1999.
THE ABBEY
The Abbey, located in adjacent to West Hollywood's LGBTQ center, was named LOGO's "Best Homosexual Bar in the World," making it a must-see in LA's gay nightlife scene. This renowned club, which was formerly a popular coffeehouse, attracts a diverse population that enjoys being in the spotlight. There are beautifully stylish fireplaces and cabanas, as well as a menu of delectable martinis and mojitos. Prepare to posture, strut, and smile as you discover why The Abbey is so popular.
