


As summer heats up, so does the nightlife in Southern California.
This season is serving up some of the most offbeat, nostalgia-filled and high-energy themed parties around. From goth beach raves and disco prom nights to cyberpunk DJ sets and anime afterparties, there’s no shortage of events where you can dance your way through the warm weekends. Whether you’re looking to relive the Y2K era, get soulful with city pop, or scream, “Somebody once told me … ,” at a Shrek rave, we’ve gathered a list of parties that promise something a little different — and a whole lot of fun.
Tokyo Love Song: Anime Edition
If you’re wrapping up Anime Expo and still have energy to burn, this is a chill spot to catch Japanese city pop, funk and disco spun on vinyl. Resident DJs XL Middleton and Kaistar keep the groove going upstairs at Hello Stranger. Plus, there’s a record shop pop-up with some city pop vinyl if you want to dig through.
When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. tonight
Where: Hello Stranger, 320 E. Second St., second floor, Los Angeles
Admission: 21 or older only. $9.18 at Eventbrite.com.
Afterpunk: Cyberpunk 2077 DJ Dance Night
You can step into a neon-lit world at this DJ dance night inspired by the Cyberpunk 2077 video game universe. DJs Knivesinsideher and Holiday Kirk take over the decks for a futuristic rave. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just love themed nights, this one promises a late trip to Night City.
When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Where: 1720 E. 16th St., Los Angeles
Admission: 18 or older only. $17 at Eventbrite.com.
Y2K Reloaded: 2000s Hip-Hop & R&B Saturdays
If your perfect night out includes blasting Usher, Ashanti and Nelly while reliving the golden age of sidekicks and velour tracksuits, this is the Saturday night move. This weekly Hollywood throwback party serves up hip-hop, R&B, pop and mashups that’ll have you two-stepping till 2 a.m. It’s free with RSVP, but early arrival is highly recommended.
When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays
Where: Chapter Hollywood, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
Admission: 21 or older only. Free with RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
Beach Goth Night
You can get ready to dance through the darkness at this coastal party that blends California cool with shadowy vibes. Beach Goth Night brings a ravelike atmosphere laced with dark wave, classic goth and alternative anthems — all spun by L.A. nightlife staple DJ JPEG. Whether you’re a moonbathing misfit or just ready to stomp in your platforms, this night celebrates the alternative scene with bands such as The Cure, Lebanon Hanover, New Order, Depeche Mode, Cold Cave and more.
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, doors open at 8
Where: 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach
Admission: $10.75, 21 or older only. saintrocke.com
If You Love Me: R&B Only Day Party
Slow jams, good vibes and sunshine: That’s the trifecta. This recurring event is all about the classics, rediscovering forgotten gems and falling in love with new tracks — all spun by resident DJ Rickey D’ Shon and guests.
When: 3-9 p.m. July 12
Where: Moxy Downtown LA, 1260 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles
Admission: Varies by ticket or table package. 21 or older only. eventbrite.com.
Dang! A Soulful Electronic Dance Night
Need a dose of feel-good energy? Dang! mixes beats and electronic grooves for a night of smooth house, R&B and everything in between. Expect tracks from Kaytranada, Disclosure, Channel Tres and more.
When: 10 p.m. July 18
Where: El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Admission: 21 or older only. $12.51 at Eventbrite.com.
Prom 1979 — ’70s Disco & Funk Night
The mirror ball is spinning and the grooves are deep at this retro prom night that’s all about disco fever and funked-up flair with soul, sequins and nonstop dancing. Whether you’re rocking a powder-blue tux or a glittery jumpsuit, expect funk floor-burners, diva disco anthems and serious nostalgia vibes.
When: 9:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. July 19
Where: Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 Sun Mun Way, second floor, Los Angeles
Admission: 21 or older only. $15 at Eventbrite.com.
Shrek Rave
“It’s dumb, just come have fun.” That’s the energy behind this internet-fueled party where fairy tale chaos meets dancing. Expect green everything, ogre ears and people yelling, “Somebody once told me … ,” at full volume. It’s part meme, part rave and 100% absurd fun. Costumes are encouraged, and there’s no such thing as too much Shrek.
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 30
Where: House of Blues Anaheim, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim
Admission: $17.75. 18 or older only. Ticketmaster.com.