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 unique events to 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.
Here’s where to let loose this summer.
Beach Goth Night
Get ready to dance through the darkness at this coastal goth party that blends California cool with shadowy vibes. Beach Goth Night brings a rave-like atmosphere laced with dark wave, classic goth, and alternative anthems — all spun by LA 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, July 10 (doors open at 8 p.m.)
Where: 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Admission: $10.75 (includes fees); 21+ only. saintrocke.com.
Club 90s Presents: Ariana Grande Night
Channel your inner ponytail pop princess at this glitter-drenched dance party dedicated to all things Ariana Grande. Hosted by Club 90s, this event brings fans together for a nonstop night of hits like “Into You,” “thank u, next,” “7 rings,” and more deep-cut gems. Expect the occasional Nicki or Mariah drop, a crowd belting every word, and vibes as sweet as “Positions.” Glitter fits encouraged, high notes optional.
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, July 3
Where: The Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., Los Angeles
Admission: 18+ only. $18.50 at Ticketmaster.com.
If You Love Me: R&B Only Day Party
Slow jams, good vibes, and sunshine? That’s the trifecta at If You Love Me, a day party dedicated entirely to R&B lovers. Hosted inside the Moxy Hotel, 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. Saturday, July 12
Where: Moxy Downtown LA, 1260 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles
Admission: Varies by ticket or table package; 21+ only. eventbrite.com.
Shrek Rave
“It’s dumb, just come have fun.” That’s the energy behind Shrek Rave, the 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. Friday, Aug. 30
Where: House of Blues Anaheim, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim
Admission: $17.75; 18+. Ticketmaster.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. PROM 1979 invites you to the Grand Star Jazz Club for a night of soul, sequins, and non-stop 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. Saturday, July 19
Where: Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 Sun Mun Way, Los Angeles (2nd Floor, Chinatown)
Admission: 21+ only. $15 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, Y2K Reloaded is the Saturday night move. This weekly Hollywood throwback party serves up nonstop 2000s 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. every Saturday (next: July 5)
Where: Chapter Hollywood, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
Admission: 21+ only. Free with RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
Tokyo Love Song: Anime Edition
If you’re wrapping up Anime Expo and still have energy to burn, Tokyo Love Song offers 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 in Little Tokyo. Plus, there’s a record shop pop-up with some city pop vinyl if you want to dig through some cool finds.
When: 9 p.m.–1 a.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Hello Stranger, 320 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles (2nd floor, Little Tokyo)
Admission: 21+ only. $9.18 at Eventbrite.com.
Afterpunk: Cyberpunk 2077 DJ Dance Night
Step into a neon-lit world with Afterpunk, a 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 a good themed night, this one promises a late-night trip to Night City.
When: 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: 1720, 1720 E. 16th St., Los Angeles
Admission: 18+ only. $17 at Eventbrite.com.
DANG! – A Soulful Electronic Dance Night
Need a dose of feel-good energy? DANG! mixes soulful 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. Friday, July 18
Where: El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Admission: 21+ only. $12.51 at Eventbrite.com.