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Jump past the fluff to my personal event suggestions

Note: This is a list of my personal favorite Goth and Industrial events in Los Angeles. It can’t possibly be an exhaustive list, and I rely on friends’ suggestions and word of mouth all the time. Please leave your suggestions and disagreements in the comments! Keep in mind that this page will be referenced often by people looking for events! Feel free to promote yours! I will update this post as I find more events I enjoy. These are my suggestions as of May 27th, 2026.

An Introduction to The LA Goth Scene

Goth is a music-based subculture, and when you’re looking for Goth events, they’re typically centered around the music. Goth can have many nuances and take on many different flavors, but typically it’s music that relates in some way to Gothic Rock. I’ve often found that many people outside of the Goth community misunderstand what Goth music sounds like. You’d easily be led to believe that we’re a humorless bunch who listen to whatever ambient music is playing at a haunted house. Many Goth playlists I’ve listened to made by people who aren’t Goth give me that vibe. People will debate with you about what is and isn’t goth, but I wanted to start by making it clear that this list features events where I feel as though the playlist is accurately Goth.

While Goths are touchy about their playlists, what I’ve loved about the Goth Community is that it’s a haven for free expression, and it’s fairly commonplace to be introverted or dance alone without the expectation of being approached. It’s an overwhelmingly queer scene, and I’m rarely the only transgender person in the room. What some may read as elitism is often an attempt at protecting that space for the weirdos who need it. Dress codes may be annoying, but they do keep at least some of the bad apples away.

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, all I wanted to do was run away to LA and go to Bar Sinister or Das Bunker. It took me a while to understand that Industrial was its own scene with its own offshoots and parallel scenes. Sometimes the Rivetheads and the Goths mix, but often times they diverge. By the time I started clubbing, the rift between Rivetheads and Goths had mostly faded. While many of my Rivethead friends will say the Goth events could play more Industrial, I’ve seen them at the club almost more consistently than the Goths over the past decades I’ve been going out.

I came to Goth through my general love for 80s music, and I’d say the range of music I enjoy is quite wide. These days, it’s still not terribly uncommon for events in Los Angeles and elsewhere to mix Goth and Industrial. It’s not uncommon to hear Front 242 and Siouxsie and the Banshees back-to-back. That said, in recent years, I’ve found myself at “Goth” events that I felt didn’t quite reflect, at least what I’ve understood as Goth. That was more or less how I felt when I eventually made it to Bar Sinister, so I figured I would write a post pointing the more Goth-oriented people in a slightly better direction.

Getting Real About the Scene

I hate to start out with a disclaimer, but it feels necessary in the tense climate we are in.

For many of us, Goth is political. As stated, Goth is an overwhelmingly queer subculture, and many of us are leftist and find community within the club or at various shows and gatherings related to the subculture. However, there is indeed a Trumpian bent to the scene right now. The reality is that many of the smaller, more local events like Communion, Mal, and all the various LA Dead nights I used to love so much have stopped happening, mostly because of either businesses closing down or political disagreements. Many of the venues in LA are owned by Trump supporters.

Drachaus, for example, is run by a pretty bold and unashamed black Trump supporter who, on more than one occasion, has threatened people for calling them out for it. You probably won’t get that impression at first because it’s an underground space with an edgy vibe and a black owner. However, stuff like that isn’t too terribly uncommon. I’d really keep that in mind if you’re new to the scene.

In my view, many people want to capitalize on the Goth subculture, mostly for its aesthetic. I have found that when an event is primarily promoting the idea of hot Goth women being there, it’s probably going to have a bad playlist and a normie, sex-pest crowd. There is a distinctly capitalist element within the LA Goth scene that often doesn’t align with the music or the subculture. Some of my older Goth friends say the scene is on its deathbed. There are a lot of people I know who either refuse to go out anymore or have only decided to attend smaller events because of the political climate and the presence of MAGA Goths.

What I’ve noticed is that the small local goth events attended by the core of us in the city who love to dance and love the music often die because we were the only people supporting them. Part of why I’m making this post is that I know that these events, if they are going to keep happening, need support.

While there’s a part of me that worries about making this post and blowing up my favorite spots, I support Goth events in principle because I want them to continue for us. From what I’ve gathered, Goth music is less popular than what people imagine hearing at a Goth event. I get the vibe that Bar Sinister exists to feed this need for a Goth club-like environment with less of a focus on the music. It’s an event I find quite frustrating because I have to leave the house just to hear Goth music. But aside from particular bands playing, I don’t know many people who go to Bar Sin for the music. It’s essentially the Disneyland equivalent of a Goth club where the aesthetics are on point, but the music is often a miss. Great bands, but a BDSM club that’s really only appealing if you’ve never been to one, and a DJ set that will occasionally have top 40s music that I think many of us aren’t expecting to hear at the Goth Club. It’s also pretty expensive, which limits who can go. Some of my friends know a guy who can get in for free, but I’ve noticed all of those friends are white. The LA Goth scene is quite diverse, but white supremacy is still an issue within the subculture for the more capitalistic elements of the scene. Bar Sinister is a great club for a newbie, but a frustrating one for someone who is trying to do more than socialize and peacock.

Following the Scene

Goths are typically a bit older…which means many of us use Meta. I’d say one of the only reasons I still use Meta is that it’s how I find many events. That said, if you’re trying to avoid creating a new Meta account, you can check out public Instagram pages like LAgothscene or Gothic.Losangeles for a really comprehensive and well-curated list of events. Knowing some of the people behind these pages personally, I trust their judgment and commitment to cultivating a positive, safe environment for Goths.

ADVICE: Dresscodes

People freak out a lot about the dress code at Goth clubs, and I think those people are partially right to do so. While a dress code is often seen as elitist, what I’ve found is that when it exists, it’s typically a sign of a good event that centers subculture over capitalist gain. It’s in most businesses’ best interest to let as many people in as possible. At a club like Boarders/Bar Sinister, they’re explicitly trying to ward off drunk people who wander into the club who may not be very respectful of the people at the club. It’s a precaution, though I recognize it’s one that will often exclude people who may not have the resources to buy things within dress code. However, that’s where I think some people do over-think it.

There is no one way to look or dress “Goth”. Frankly, I shift between so many different aesthetics that it feels silly to nail myself down to just one. When I first started going out, I would spend a long time on my makeup and outfit, but these days I essentially just put on the bare essentials of makeup and pop on a black outfit. Before getting dressed, ask yourself what you wanna do. Do you wanna sit around and perch on the patio, or do you want to actually dance? If you want to dance, you’re probably going to sweat. If you’re gonna sweat, you may not want to bring a huge jacket, etc., etc. Think about the fact that it’s a crowded club, and you might need to have good places to put your things, and you may not be able to rely on stashing your stuff under the dance box. I had to figure out that if I didn’t have a waist bag or a backpack, I was likely to lose my shit. From that point, start getting creative.

When getting dressed for the club, don’t think too deeply about how others will feel about what you’re wearing. If you’re worried about fitting in with the other Goths, you’re already overthinking it. Be yourself, even if, and especially if it’s “cringe”. One thing I’ll say about fashion within the club is that everyone has their own unique thing they’re cultivating. It’s a thing that comes from years and years of cultivating a particular persona that externalizes their specific entry point to the subculture. For me, I often dress in a way that honors my burlesque baby sensibilities. Sometimes I’ll just wear a skirt that I love dancing in. I go to the club to dance and express myself, so I dress in a way that facilitates that.

While there are a lot of people who will debate with you about this online, the Goth subculture has always had a sex worker presence. While it’s very true that BDSM used to be less intertwined in the Goth subculture, the truth is, there’s always been a massive intersection of those of us who are in both communities. The BDSM club is where I wear most of my leather gear and most of the things I’ve purchased at Folsom Street Faire. I say all that to say, if you wanna dress sexy, dress sexy. If you have an odd latex outfit that you’ve always wanted to wear out, this is the time to pull it out.

When all else fails, just wear black with black shoes. You will be completely fine in an all-black outfit for most places you can go, and I think if you vibe with Goth music, that probably won’t be hard for you. But I get it, I am also a non-conformist, and I will commonly wear an outfit that isn’t just black to the goth club. I am often the only person wearing red at the club. But you can do that. If you want to wear color, you can… but I’d say if you do, you’d better be pulling a serious look. I find that if you dress with intention, you’ll be fine. And when I say that, I don’t mean that you have to go out and spend a bunch of money on an outfit. BE CREATIVE.

ADVICE: Follow the DJs

If you’re really looking to find your way in the Goth scene, my advice is to FOLLOW THE DJs. I can be pretty touchy when it comes to my playlist and these are some of my favorite Goth/Industrial DJs in the city whose work I try to follow when I can because I consistently enjoy what they spin.

Steve Skeletal – Great DJ who spins a lot of DeathRock, Post Punk and Gothic Rock

Chrystal Medina – Occasional DJ at Noctis LA who spins Industrial, Goth, 80s, and Dark Wave!

Dôrmencẽ – Really appreciate his range and his hard-working spirit. He’s a very busy DJ, and you can catch his mixes on TikTok live! One of the most socially media literate LA-based DJs. Very accessible even to people outside of the city.

Ashley Bad – The very glamorous DJ who often spins in the Goth Room at Lesbian Goth Night.

JPEG – JPEG is a DJ with a very wide range of events. I’d say that JPEG is a good DJ to follow if you’re trying to find what flavor of the scene you enjoy. He’s DJ’d many of the events I’ve gone to. Tends to play the same stuff over and over again, but I do enjoy it.

Voz – Voz is a multi-talented artist, musician, designer, and DJ who occasionally spins at the Slipper Clutch!

DJ Franckhbomb – I’ve definitely loved my time dancing to whatever he’s spinning in the noise room of Das Bunker.

NMX – The lead DJ behind the underground event, Fallout. I am a huge fan of his passion for music, and I absolutely love watching him spin. Always putting together a really great playlist and curating a great event with a diverse, but iconic lineup.

My Favorite Goth Events in LA

These are my favorite events, in no particular order.

1. Wenzday Party – Wednesday Nights at Boardners in Hollywood

I know some people are already rolling their eyes because, after slandering Bar Sinister, I am presenting the same venue as a good event to attend. However, Wenzday Party is actually my home club where I usually dance with the same group of people I used to dance with at old LA Dead events. In my opinion, this night has a much better playlist, a much better crowd, and most importantly, IT’S FREE. I’ve been attending this event since it started, and it’s the one I attend the most consistently. I love this club on a Wednesday for all the reasons I dislike this club on a Saturday. So if you’ve been to Bar Sinister and felt that it wasn’t quite Goth, I’d suggest this one.

If you were visiting from out of town and I had to take you to one Goth event, this is the one I’d take you to!

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2. Leviathan – at The Earl Gallery in Mid-Wilshire

Leviathan is a very special Goth event. If you’re looking for the more artsy side of the goth community, this is a great place to start. The event’s organizer, Shane Izykowski, is an amazingly talented artist who uses the event as a platform for other artists and creatives in the Goth scene. I’ve purchased a lot of art from vendors at this event, and I’ve even judged a costume contest for one of their events! I think of it as where the “rest” of my strain of the Goth scene is.

Leviathan is an aquatic-themed Goth event that takes on different themes every event. You’re encouraged to dress up and showcase your creativity alongside your style.

3. Obelisk- every 2nd Thursday at Risky Business in North Hollywood

Obelisk is one of my favorite little events, and it’s hosted by a handful of people I’ve been dancing next to since I’ve been in the scene! This event is hosted by fellow CalArts grad, Vesta Vaingloria, a common host of The Poetry Brothel in LA. For me, this event feels like a more intimate gathering where I catch up with people over a glass of Absinthe. Though in more recent years, it’s become much more popular! From my perception, I hear much more 80s music here than on most nights I go to, which I’m a huge fan of.

This event also has a theme that they highly encourage you to participate in.

4. Purgatory at Mal’s Bar in DTLA

Club Purgatory is THE club to go to if you’re a bit more into Death Rock. I used to pop in when they were still hosting at the Redwood Bar forever ago, but haven’t being since it’s been at Mal’s. You’ll have to let me know how it is, but this is one of the events where I know I’m going to have a good time.

5. Club Fallout at Coyote Studios in Boyle Heights.

I go to Club Fallout when, lowkey, I want to completely disassociate and dance to some really great music that’ll get me there. Club Fallout is the only “underground” club on this list, and from time to time, they’re able to get some really great acts to perform. This is the event I’ve probably seen the most performance art, especially that of a BDSM flavor. Fallout is also quite firmly oriented towards justice. They have come together for good several times and it’s an event where I certainly feel the political roots of the underground scene, and I love that.

LA Based Goth Events I’ve Not Attended That Are Endorsed by Friends

1. The Breakfast Klub – Wednesday Nights at Cities

Admittedly, because I am typically at Boardners, I haven’t been to The Breakfasts Klub, but I have enough friends who swear by it to feel confident putting it on my list. I hear the parking lot is lit! Hahaha

2. Lesbian Goth Night – The Moroccan Lounge in Little Tokyo

This is another event that I haven’t been to. I’m honestly not sure I can since I am a straight woman….but my friends swear by this one! As I write this, I’m realizing that maybe this event is the answer to my desire to follow more woman DJs. This event is obviously one where sapphics generally and Lesbians specifically are celebrated. This is a meaningful difference as many Goth-themed events (read: ironically capitalist) tend to be catered to men or are otherwise far too patient with their bullshit. Many of my sapphic friends stop coming to clubs because of the annoying trend of dudes who come to the club to pick up on goth girls. This is a solidly lesbian centered space and Lesbian Goth Night is fairly popular!

3. Club Disintegration – Every 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Saturday at The Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown and 3rd Fridays of the month at the Que Sera in Long Beach.

This is another event that has been heavily praised by many of the people whose opinions I trust. I haven’t been to this event so I cannot speak to how good it is, but I will come back to this and other posts once I’ve been and formed my own opinion. However, I trust the opinion of many of the people who’ve attended this event regularly.

Venues to check out

I felt the need to add a section of this post for venues that tend to host alternative events. I don’t get out as much as I used to so I haven’t been able to make it to as many events at these venues, but they’re pretty consistently spaces where the thing is very much happening.

1. Mal’s Bar in South LA– Mal’s Bar has a handful of regular events from Rock En Español, 80s and Goth. Great space with a strong Chicano presence and good vibes. I’ve been there for Purgatory and a few nights where DJ Franck has spun. Purgatory and Noctis are the nights I’d suggest.
2. Knucklehead in Hollywood is primarily a music venue that does not maintain consistent programming. However, it is often where you can find a good band playing. They have a lot of Metal bands and will occasionally throw a Goth night.
3. The Offbeat Bar in Highland Park– This is definitely an 80s bar with a very long-standing New Wave karaoke night hosted by Jay Tando! This charming little bar has a ton of fun events, and it’s a great time.
4. Bricks Rock Bar in Maywood – Another space where you will indeed hear a lot of Rock en Español (which I love) that has a strong Chicano presence! I’ve been to a few pretty wild events here and the drinks are noticeably affordable!
5. The Slipper Clutch in DTLA – This tiny punk bar in DTLA has something kinda magical in it. I’ve gone to a few goth events and a few industrial events here and there. The space is intimate and sweaty, but it feels real. There’s also a smoking patio, basically directly next to the dance floor, which I absolutely love lol.

Orange County Goth Events

I moved to LA from the OC, and back when I lived there, from what I knew, all of the goth events were on hiatus. Since leaving the Orange curtain, it seems like a handful of events have started to take shape and many of my friends adore them. I figured I’d share some of the OC based events for Goths cuz I know how frustrating it is to be out there lol.

1. Chamber Sunday Nights at Bravo Night Club in Anaheim
   Chamber is a really fun event that I really wish I had known about when I was living in the OC and was starved for events. If you are looking for an escape and an enclave of gothy weirdos, just go.

2. Aráchne Goth Nights every Thursday at The Copper Door in Santa Ana

I’m hearing a lot of buzz about this event from the people I see at the local clubs! Where I’d be if I was still in OC.

That will complete my list for now. I will occasionally update this list from time to time.

(Last Updated: May 27th, 2026)