About 1735 Vine St
Avalon Hollywood is a historic live entertainment venue at 1735 N. Vine Street in Hollywood, just north of the iconic Hollywood & Vine intersection (en.wikipedia.org ). Housed in a 1927 Spanish Baroque theater designed by architects Henry L. Gogerty and Carl Jules Weyl (en.wikipedia.org ), the building retains much of its 1920s glamour – including a famous ornate “crown”-shaped ceiling feature (www.latimes.com ). Over nearly a century it has operated under many names (Hollywood Playhouse, El Capitan, Hollywood Palace, The Palace) and hosted famed acts. Today its 1,500-person capacity is largely general-admission (dance floor) layout (en.wikipedia.org ). The venue’s combination of vintage architecture and state-of-the-art club infrastructure (expanded sound and lighting systems) makes Avalon a unique cornerstone of Hollywood nightlife (djmag.com ) (www.latimes.com ).
The upstairs of Avalon is home to Bardot Hollywood, an intimate lounge and performance space (capacity ~250) with multiple rooms (Mezzanine, Main, Lounge Bar) for smaller concerts and events (avalonhollywood.com ). All told, 1735 Vine is notable for preserving its old-Hollywood theater charm while operating as a premier music venue and nightclub, bridging Hollywood’s Golden Age and modern electronic music scenes (en.wikipedia.org ) (djmag.com ). Legendary moments have unfolded here – for example, The Beatles gave their first West Coast performance on this stage in 1964 (commons.wikimedia.org ) – underscoring why Avalon is culturally significant to Los Angeles. (en.wikipedia.org ) (commons.wikimedia.org )
Events and Programming
Avalon Hollywood hosts a diverse lineup of events, from cutting-edge electronic dance nights and DJ sets to occasional live concerts and special private events (avalonhollywood.com ) (djmag.com ). On most weekends the club features big-name and underground EDM artists: for example, Avalon’s flagship “Control” series on Friday nights showcases contemporary DJs (trap, dubstep, EDM), while Saturday nights focus on house and techno – taking advantage of Avalon's rare 24-hour license (alcohol still closes at 2 AM) (www.latimes.com ). Beyond EDM, the venue’s calendar may include live indie bands, pop acts, anniversary parties, holiday events and community nights. Notable past performances range from legendary icons like Frank Sinatra and Prince to modern stars (Billie Eilish, Skrillex, etc.) reflecting the venue’s ongoing appeal (grokipedia.com ) (djmag.com ). Avalon also serves as a premier nightclub: many events feature VIP sections, bottle service and full production. Typical ticket prices vary widely by event – smaller club nights often start around $20–$50, while big concerts and holiday shows can range over $100 for front-line or VIP access (general admissions and early-sale tickets may be lower). In short, nearly every week offers something from high-energy EDM dance parties to intimate live performances, making Avalon a cornerstone of Hollywood’s nightlife (avalonhollywood.com ) (www.latimes.com ).
Tickets and Booking
You can buy tickets for Avalon shows in advance or at the door. Official presales and advance tickets are available on the venue’s website or through authorized ticket sellers (avalonhollywood.com ). On show nights the on-site box office opens when doors open, selling remaining tickets until sold out (avalonhollywood.com ). For popular concerts or big-name DJs it’s smart to buy early – many shows sell out in advance – while some electronic dance events may offer walk-up sales if capacity remains. Pricing tiers typically include general-standing tickets (cheapest), plus higher-tier options such as “skip the line” passes or VIP table reservations. Avalon frequently offers VIP bottle service packages for groups (with dedicated lounge seating and server), which you can reserve ahead of time. As a tip, signing up for the venue’s email list or following its social media can alert you to presale codes or special deals. Note that ticketing policies follow California law: ID is required at purchase and entry. Signature credit cards may be required for VIP purchases, and you should arrive with your ticket (digital or paper) and ID ready to scan at the door.
Seating and Layout
Avalon’s main room is basically one large open hall with a wide dance floor and high stage – there are no fixed seats on the main floor (all standing room only) (en.wikipedia.org ). The stage proscenium is roughly 38 feet wide by 45 feet high, with a 34-foot-deep performance area and a 71-foot total width including wings (grokipedia.com ). A horseshoe balcony wraps around the room above the dance floor, mostly standing-room but with VIP booths and railing areas. The balcony and mezzanine provide vantage points that look down onto the floor and stage. In practice, the closer you are to the stage or FOH soundboard, the more powerful the audio experience, while the back and balcony can be slightly quieter and give an overall view of the crowd. For viewers, the dance floor in front of the stage is highly energetic (crowded on big shows). The mid-to-rear balcony areas, behind the mix booth and along sides, are good for a more relaxed view. Many guests also prefer the VIP lounge tables at the edges of the balcony or stage sides for comfort. Acoustically, Avalon’s massive sound system (EAW flown line arrays, Void subwoofers, etc (avalonhollywood.com )) is designed to reach every corner, but expect very loud bass at front. In summary, there are no bad seats per se – choose front for maximum immersion or upper levels for perspective – and the intimate Bardot room has its own small stage and seating for up to ~250, used for jazz or smaller concerts. (grokipedia.com ) (djmag.com )
Getting There and Parking
Located at 1735 N. Vine Street (Hollywood, CA 90028), Avalon is a few blocks north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and right across from the Capitol Records tower (en.wikipedia.org ). There is no private Avalon parking lot (avalonhollywood.com ), but patrons can park in a variety of nearby paid garages or meter zones. The Sunset & Vine public garage (1555 Vine St) offers affordable rates on evenings and weekends, and several small lots on Selma, Cahuenga and Hollywood Boulevard serve event-goers (plan on $10–$25 for evening events). Street parking is metered on Vine and Hollywood, free after 6 PM but watch out for permit or tow signs. For public transit, the Metro B (Red) Line’s Hollywood/Vine station is only about two blocks east, so the subway is a convenient option. Several Metro buses also run past Hollywood Blvd and Vine – for example, lines 210/217 and Rapid 780 on Hollywood Blvd and Route 754 up Vine. Rideshare and taxi drop-off is typically done curbside on Vine Street in front of the venue. (Be aware the venue does not allow party buses to block the front curb – they must drop off a short distance north or south on Vine (avalonhollywood.com ).) In short, Avalon is easy to reach by car or mass transit, but arriving early is wise to snag parking and avoid long lines at busy shows.
Inside the Venue
Expect a lively club atmosphere upon entry. Guests queue outside until doors open (usually 10 PM on club nights (avalonhollywood.com )), then pass through ID and security checks. Security typically enforces the no-outside-food/drinks/weapons policy―small bags/purses are allowed but can be searched. Once inside, you’ll find a rugged, dim-lit lobby with ticket booth and merch counter, leading into the grand main room. The club space is lined with decorative columns, LED video panels and vintage architectural flourishes. A massive PA on each side projects crystal-clear sound across the dance floor. Large overhead trusses and 150+ wall-mounted LED panels provide dynamic lighting and video graphics synced to the music (www.latimes.com ) (avalonhollywood.com ). There are two full bars (one near the stage, one by the balcony entrance) serving cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic drinks all night. Restrooms are located on the main floor and near the backstage area; they were updated in a past renovation (no 1927 plumbing here!). Coat check and lockers are usually available for a small fee (ask staff). The venue operates a full live sound and lighting console (e.g. Midas and EAW gear (avalonhollywood.com )) to support touring acts. Overall, the vibe is energetic but well-managed – the combination of historic decor and modern club production gives a festive yet polished feel. Dress to impress (after all, management enforces dress code) and come ready to dance. Lost-and-found is handled through the office, and the staff on the floor can help with any issues – Avalon prides itself on professional, friendly service (www.tripadvisor.ie ). (Tip: earplugs can be a good idea, as the bass is strong!)
Nearby Amenities
In the surrounding Hollywood district you’ll find plenty of pre- and post-show options. For dining, iconic spots like Musso & Frank Grill and Pink’s Hot Dogs on Hollywood Blvd are within a 10–15 minute walk (reservations recommended on busy weekends). There are also casual cafes (e.g. Starbucks, bagel and sandwich shops on Hollywood & Vine) or Mexican eateries like Taco Bell and El Pollo Loco if you’re grabbing a quick bite. Bars and lounges abound: the newly-revamped Virgin Hotel & W Hollywood have bars, or smaller lounges like The Surly Goat (on Selma/Vine) and M Bar at Mama Shelter. If you’re staying overnight, hotels like the W Hollywood, Loews Hollywood & Highland or Dream Hollywood are a 5–10 minute drive away, with several budget motels nearby as well. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is plentiful in this neighborhood 24/7. After the event, the area remains lively — there are food trucks and 24-hour diners on Hollywood Blvd, and Metro runs late (Night Owl buses and early subway trains) to help you get home. In short, Hollywood & Vine is densely served by restaurants, bars, theaters and hotels, so whatever your schedule, you have useful amenities right at hand.
What Makes This Venue Special
Avalon Hollywood stands out for its blend of history, architecture and sound. It’s one of few nightclubs still housed in a preserved 1927 theater, so the ornate Spanish Baroque decor (statuary, grand arches, decorative ceiling) imparts an old-Hollywood feel that modern clubs lack (en.wikipedia.org ) (www.latimes.com ). Legendary (and even presidential) events took place here – from Ken Murray’s record-breaking “Blackouts” burlesque show in the 1940s to Nixon’s “Checkers” speech delivered on this stage in 1952 (avalonhollywood.wordpress.com ) (en.wikipedia.org ). More recently, the venue’s cutting-edge audio and lighting have earned it praise: one EDM artist said Avalon's 2014-installed system was “unreal… loud but perfect” for powerful bass and clarity (www.latimes.com ). Avalon also enjoys a special place in the LA club scene; DJMag continually ranks it among the world’s top club venues (djmag.com ). Artists appreciate its high-caliber production (massive line-array speakers, LED walls, 71-foot rigging height) and patrons love its energy. For example, Avalon’s weekly “Tigerheat” party is known as California’s largest LGBTQ+ dance event, regularly welcoming over 1,000 diverse clubbers each Thursday (commons.wikimedia.org ). (The photo below shows Avalon’s main dance floor during Tigerheat, alive with dancers and laser lights.) Avalon’s role in the community is solidified by such events and its recent sale to Insomniac (Live Nation) – a $15.7M transaction that both underscores its economic value and promises even more big-name EDM programming (grokipedia.com ). In essence, Avalon is special because it is a living piece of Hollywood entertainment history that still throws cutting-edge parties – a place both artists and audiences revere for its heritage, sound, and vibe (www.latimes.com ) (commons.wikimedia.org ).
(commons.wikimedia.org ) *Image: Avalon Hollywood’s main dance floor during a Tigerheat event. Each week Tigerheat draws around 1,000 people to this inclusive dance party (the Beatles gave their first West Coast concert here in 1964 (commons.wikimedia.org )). The combination of original 1920s architecture and modern production technology makes the space feel both historic and cutting-edge.*
Visitor Tips and Information
Avalon is wheelchair accessible (street-level entry and an elevator to the second-floor lounge) (www.tripadvisor.ie ), with ADA-compliant restrooms and viewing areas on the main floor. The dress code is upscale-casual: avoid flip-flops, baseball caps, athletic wear or beach attire (avalonhollywood.com ). Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport) for entry – they strictly enforce the 21+ age rule for weekend nightclub events (avalonhollywood.com ) (only some special events allow under-21 guests, which will be noted on the event’s info). Avalon does not allow re-entry once you leave, and bag searches at the door are standard. Outside food/drinks and professional cameras are prohibited, but small personal items (wallet, phone, compact camera) are fine. Consider earplugs for loud shows. The venue accepts credit cards at the bar, yet many people still carry cash or use ATMs for quick drinks or tipping servers. Arrive early (especially on busy Saturday nights) to avoid long lines – note that doors open generally at 10 PM for club events (avalonhollywood.com ). If attending a concert, check if seats are reserved; for club nights it's all general admission first-come, first-served. Valet parking is not offered by Avalon, and nearby lots can fill up quickly, so plan parking in advance (avalonhollywood.com ). Lastly, have fun but stay aware: cell service is generally good but sometimes drops in crowded shows. Remember it’s a historic building, so please be respectful of the venue’s property and other guests. Good etiquette and preparedness will make your experience smooth and enjoyable. (www.tripadvisor.ie ) (avalonhollywood.com )
What is the capacity of Avalon Hollywood?
Avalon Hollywood’s main room is quite large – it can hold about 1,500 people in a general-admission (standing) configuration (en.wikipedia.org ) (grokipedia.com ). There are no fixed seats on the main dance floor, so the capacity refers to standing spots. The upstairs Bardot lounge adds about 250 more in its three rooms.
Where is Avalon Hollywood and how do I get there by transit?
Avalon Hollywood is at 1735 N. Vine St (Hollywood, CA 90028), just north of Hollywood Blvd and the Capitol Records Tower (en.wikipedia.org ). The closest Metro station is Hollywood/Vine (Red Line), only a couple of blocks away. Several bus lines run on Hollywood Blvd (e.g. Metro 212, 217, 780) and on Vine (e.g. Metro 754). Rideshare apps will drop you off curbside on Vine St, and taxis have easy pull-up access near the entrance.
Is there parking available at Avalon?
Avalon itself has no private parking lot (avalonhollywood.com ). Guests must use nearby parking garages or street parking. Paid garages near Sunset & Vine or on Selma and Cahuenga streets are closest; Hollywood & Vine and Hollywood & Highland have large lots (LAZ Parking) a few blocks east. Metered street parking is also available (free in the evening), but be mindful of signage. If using Uber/Lyft, drop off is straightforward on Vine St next to the club (avalonhollywood.com ).
What is the dress code at Avalon Hollywood?
Avalon enforces an upscale-casual dress code (avalonhollywood.com ). Avoid casual beachwear: no shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, hats or athletic sportswear. Smart casual attire is recommended (e.g. jeans and nice shoes, a dress or button-down shirt). The door staff has final discretion and may turn away patrons dressed too casually, so it’s best to dress as if for a stylish night out.
Are there age restrictions for Avalon events?
Yes. For Friday and Saturday nightclub shows, Avalon strictly requires patrons to be 21 or older (per California liquor laws) (avalonhollywood.com ). All attendees must show valid government ID at the door. Some special events (like early-evening shows or private rentals) may permit under-21 guests; such exceptions will be clearly noted on the event listing. If you are under 21, double-check the event details before buying tickets. Security will refuse entry to anyone underage, intoxicated, or without proper ID on those weekend nights.
Does Avalon Hollywood offer seating or is it standing-room only?
Avalon’s main concert/club space is primarily standing-room (dance floor) only (en.wikipedia.org ). There are some railings on the balcony and side decks where people often stand, plus a few VIP tables at the edges. If your event has reserved seating tickets, those would be on limited platforms or box areas, but most club nights and general shows are all GA. The top-tier VIP bottle service sections do offer seating in booths or high tables (usually along the balcony). Also note that Bardot upstairs has chairs and more traditional seating for the smaller lounge events.
Does Avalon Hollywood have a coat check or lockers?
Yes. Avalon provides a coat check service for a small fee (holiday and big show nights especially) where you can leave jackets or larger bags safely. Staff or security can direct you to the coat check counter. It’s recommended to take advantage of coat check if you have bulky items, since space on the floor is limited and loose items can be inconvenient.
Are outside drinks or cameras allowed inside Avalon?
No outside food or beverages are permitted—Avalon has full bars inside. Small personal items like smartphones and compact point-and-shoot cameras are fine, but professional cameras and audio/video recording devices are usually prohibited unless you have press credentials. Flash photography is not allowed during shows. Security will check bags on entry, so plan to keep belongings minimal. If you have equipment for a performance, check with management in advance for permission.
Is Avalon Hollywood wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Avalon was renovated to comply with ADA requirements. The entrance and foyer are accessible, and there is an elevator to reach the Bardot lounge upstairs (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Designated accessible seating and restrooms are provided on the main floor. If you need assistance or an escort, the staff at the door will help make accommodations. It’s always a good idea to contact the venue ahead of time with specific accessibility questions.
How early should I arrive before a show at Avalon?
Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the advertised door time to queue up, especially for popular events or weekends. Doors typically open around 10 PM for Friday/Saturday shows (avalonhollywood.com ). Early arrival guarantees you a spot closer to the stage on a general-admission night. It also helps with parking or lines at the entrance. If you have VIP tickets or reserved seating, you might not need as early, but it’s still wise to allow extra time for parking and entry.
Does Avalon check identification at the door?
Yes. Everyone must present valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID or passport) to enter Avalon (avalonhollywood.com ). No temporary or paper IDs are accepted. Even if your ticket was purchased already, you will be carded at the door. Failure to show proper ID means you will be refused entry. Security strictly enforces this policy every night.
Where can I leave tips for servers or get cash inside Avalon?
All bars accept credit cards and cash, but it’s common to tip bartenders in cash. If you need cash, there is usually an ATM or credit card fee machine near the bar area. Note that prices for drinks at Avalon are comparable to other large clubs (expect roughly $10–$15 for cocktails or premium shots). Tipping generously is customary in this high-end nightclub setting.
Can I re-enter Avalon if I leave during a show?
Generally no. Avalon does not allow patrons to exit and re-enter on the same ticket during an event. Once you leave the club, you forfeit your entry. This policy is typical for nightclubs to prevent switching between shows. If you have special needs, discuss them with a manager – but plan on not leaving once inside.
How can I keep up with special events at Avalon?
The most direct way is to check Avalon’s official calendar on their website or follow their social media accounts, where they post upcoming shows and presales. You can also sign up for newsletters or guest lists through event promoters. Many events are also listed on large ticketing platforms, but note that the venue’s own site and Instagram/Facebook often have the most up-to-date information about lineup announcements, ticket drops, and age/dress requirements.
Does Avalon host private events or club takeovers?
Yes. Avalon and Bardot are also available for private rentals, corporate events, weddings, or curated takeovers. The three-room layout (main club plus Bardot space) allows for flexible setups. If you need a venue for a large gathering, Avalon can provide production and catering. In those cases, rules (age limit, dress code, food service) are often customized. However, any public events are advertised through the usual public channels.
