Lina LecaroAnother year ends, and another huge nightlife decision begins. Many of our New Year's Eve party picks from last year were such big hits, they're back for more, with bigger and better DJs, venues and crowds to keep you pumping and thumping into 2016. When it comes to doing to a massive gathering on the most important night of the year, we say go with a trusted promoter, and a party that has proven itself all year long. Our picks here are all from established clubs and venues, so prepare for risk-free raging (as long as you don't drink and drive).
Rhondapolis – CANCELED
Rhonda gives you the biggest bang for your buck once again, with its annual night of hedonistic immersion at the Standard. “Thirteen stories, 207 guest rooms, 150 vertical feet, and every last drop of open bar in a total towering takeover” is how they tout it. Of course, killer DJs including Felix Da Housecat, DJ Harvey, Jackmaster (Glasgow/Numbers), XxXy, Dauwd, L-Vis 1990, Solar, Goddollars, Paradise, and many more. Dress to excess. At the Standard Downtown LA, 550 S. Flower St., downtown, 5 p.m.-4 a.m., $60-$199, www.rhondainternational.com/nye. [Note: On Dec. 24, Rhondapolis announced that it was being canceled.]
Club '90s New Years Eve 2016
Flashback to the future with this poptastic party showcasing the newly remodeled Jewel’s Catch One and fave retro DJs from Clubs 90s and Juicy including Jason Lavitt, Bruce Perdew, and more. At Union Nightclub (formerly Jewel's Catch One), 4067 W. Pico Blvd., Arlington Heights, 9:30 p.m.-4 a.m., $15-$20, www.facebook.com/club90sla.
Vendetta New Year's Eve
LADEAD and Swingtronic blast off at their seventh prohibition-era party and “murder” on the dance floor is promised. Vintage vinyl jazz and cocktails kick off the evening, followed by the dark and decadent sounds of Xian Vox and Professor Watson until late. Midnight toast and balloon drop, host Rev. Jeffrey Damnit, champagne, photo booth, a blackjack speakeasy and more macabre madness. Dress code: mobsters, (gothy) goodfellas, (fetishy) flappers, (dark) dappers, burlesque babes, or formal black and white attire, are all recommended. At the Monte Cristo, 3100 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown, 9 p.m.-3 a.m., $10-$20 with RSVP, $30 general admission, www.facebook.com/ladead.
Drag in full effect at Queen Kong's; Credit: Courtesy of Boulet Brothers/Rolling Blackouts
Queen Kong's Big Gay DTLA New Year's Eve Ball
Mistresses of ceremonies the Boulet Brothers and co-hosts James Saint James, Kiki Xtravaganza, Nigel Zeff, Israel Zimora and Bennett Anthony offer this brash and pan-sexy mega-bash featuring eight queen-tacular performances from local drag houses including: Planet Queer (Ian Mackinnon, Cupcake Canne & Cake Moss, Ursula Major); House Of Dvil (Saint Peter Dvil, Dakota Dvil, Abortia Clinik, Mentle Clinik); Dollz Haus (Rudeness, Crystal Mess, Honey Bee, Londyn Bridgeness); and House Of Spreads (Rubella Spreads, Judas Joe Manson, Tito Soto). DJ Nelstar provides the big, bodacious beats all night. At Precinct, 357 S. Broadway, downtown, $10, 8 p.m.- 2.am., www.facebook.com/bouletbrothersevents.
Club Underground at Grand Star Jazz Club; Credit: Courtesy of Club Underground
Underground New Year’s Eve 2016
Indie, Britpop, electro-pop, twee, postpunk, new wave and more on a light-up dance floor with “L.A.’s cutest crowd” in Chinatown. Drink specials, giveaways and a complimentary champagne toast. DJ sets by Larry G. (Underground), Kaos Ray (Smiths/Moz, Depeche Mode Convention) and Diana (Underground). Dressy attire encouraged. At Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway, Chinatown, $10-$15, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m., www.clubundergroundla.com.
Avalon New Year's Eve
As always and as expected, Avalon goes big for the New Year. Ringing in 2016, the DJ lineup includes a three-hour set by Morgan Page and an extended after-hours set by Gabriel & Dresden, rocking the laser-filled room till the wee hours and beyond. At Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood, 10 p.m., $70-$135, avalonhollywood.com.
AC Slater on the Night Bass stage at EDC Vegas; Credit: Marco Torres
Night Bass New Year's Eve
Sound promises an explosive bass house affair to wrap up 2015, with a line-up including London duo Jack Beats, party prince AC Slater, Bot and more, all amidst a hot-to-trot Hollywood crowd. At Sound, 1642 Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, 10 p.m., $40-$75, soundnightclub.com.
Minimal Effort: NYE
The essential underground electronic dance party series returns to the Belasco Theater, showcasing non-stop international house and techno from some of the best: AndHim, H.O.S.H, Danny Daze b2b Jimmy Edgar, J. Phlip, Fur Coat, Louie Fresco, Marques Wyatt, Droog and more, in four different rooms. Other deck dynamos include Human Resources, Jeniluv, Lee K, JIA, Tara Brooks, Whitney Fierce, Lights Dow Low, Black Asteroid, Silent Servant, Corey Sizemore, Richie Panic, Masha and Adra. At the Belasco, 1050 S. Hill St., downtown, 10 p.m.-4:30 a.m., $60-$120, minimaleffort.net.
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