ANAHEIM, Calif. — With big-name artists hitting the road in 2023 on massive arena tours, several of these large-scale events sold out in mere minutes. Fans that missed out on the opportunity to see the real deal can still participate in the fun and fandom at a local tribute party.
The pop-up dance and disco nights have been slowly, but steadily taking over Southern California venues and this year there are already several to attend. Whether you’re a Swiftie who couldn’t snag a ticket to the Eras Tour at SoFi Stadium on time, a 9-to-5 working woman who adores Dolly Parton, a Bad Bunny stan or an indie rock or emo music lover, there’s a party for everybody.
Here’s a list of some of the upcoming themed events. Be sure to check the official venue websites and ticket sellers for the most current event information and ticket pricing.
Bad Bunny Nights
Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny’s music will keep the clubs poppin’ with hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Me Porto Bonito,” “La Canion,” and other perreo-inspired tracks. Some of these Bad Bunny parties will play a mix of Benito and reggaeton classics, while others will solely focus on the Latin star. Make sure to check the respective sites for more details because, like with anything that becomes popular, there is more than one promoter. 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at The Regent Theatre, 448 S Main St, Los Angeles. 18+. Tickets start at $10 at Ticketmaster.com; 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan 15 at The Reserve, 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles. 21-and-older. Tickets are free until 11 p.m. with VIP options starting at $20 at Eventbrite.com.
Emo Nite
The ultra pop-punk and emo dance party is making its 2023 debut with nights in Pomona and San Diego. Creators T.J. Petracca and Morgan Freed brought Emo Nite to life by shuffling a playlist on an iPad at a bar in Echo Park and eight years later, it’s become one of the most in-demand and immersive experiences around. Music from artists such as Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance and A Day To Remember will likely be played during these evenings and you never know which popular emo artists may actually show up to join in on the fun. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at The Glasshouse, 200 West 2nd Street, Pomona. All-ages. 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at the Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. 21-and-older. Tickets start at $16 at emonite.com.
Indie Sleaze
The Indie Sleaze era took place from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s and took pride in non-matching fits made possible by American Apparel and amateur flash photography Polaroids that were quickly posted on Tumblr. The bands that pushed this movement were artists like The Strokes, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party. Even though the hype of that area may have cooled, it seems to be making a return with a swing of Indie Sleaze dance parties. This particular event will be playing bands like Arctic Monkeys, Two Door Cinema Club, Crystal Castles, MGMT, LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix and more. The party will have two designated rooms, go-go dancers and photo booths by Say Cheese And Die. 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Boardners by La Belle, 1652 N Cherokee Ave., Hollywood. 18-and-older. Tickets start at $15 at Eventbrite.com.
Daft Punk Disco
Daft Punk might be on a hiatus, but Daft Disco is still alive and well. The French house and Daft Punk-themed party will play all the hits from the “Get Lucky” house DJs and hits from groups like Phoenix, Disclosure, Stardust, St. Germain, Cassius, Neon Indian, Breakbot and more. 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at 1720, 1720 E. 16th St., Los Angeles. 21-and-older. General admission is free before 10 p.m. and tickets start at $15 for guaranteed entry at Eventbrite.com.
Dolly Disco
The touring disco party is a Dolly Parton-themed country western disco extravaganza with the theme Rainbowland to match the affair. Other ladies of disco and country will be played in the mix including Tina Turner, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, The Chicks, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego. 21-and-older. Tickets start at $17 at Thedollydisco.com.
Electric Feels
The experimental dance party is stopping in Los Angeles and Pomona during its nine-city tour to play a blend of indie dance music from throughout the ’00s. With a party-festival feel, attendees will be transported by LED visuals, various DJs playing specific themes and special guest appearances. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 at The Glass House, 200 W. 2nd St., Pomona. 18-and-older; 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. 21-and-older. Tickets start at $18 at electricfeelsparty.com.
Taylor Swift nights
With Swifties struggling to get tickets for the recently announced North American Eras Tour, fans can still experience the fun with the Taylor Swift-inspired Taylor Parties making their way to Southern California. Each stop will consist of Swift’s most popular hits, Swift-inspired decorations and fans celebrating the “Anti-Hero” popstress throughout the decades. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, 3485 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside. 18-and-older; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego. 21-and-older. Tickets start at $18-22 at Taylorswiftnight.com.
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