About TBA
TBA in Los Angeles isn’t a traditional, permanent venue at all but rather shorthand for “To Be Announced” in event listings. In practice it refers to secretive or pop-up event spaces whose exact address is withheld until shortly before the show (ra.co) (ra.co). There is no publicly branded nightclub or theater literally called “TBA” on the LA map – instead promoters list events as “at TBA” to preserve mystique and control capacity. (Interestingly, one ticket listing does give an address — 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Street in Inglewood (www.ticketsmarter.com) — but as of 2025 that appears to be a not-yet-open event space with no confirmed shows.) In short, “TBA” is a code name used in Los Angeles for events in hidden/undisclosed locations rather than a fixed building. As such, its “history” is essentially the rise of underground and pop-up events in LA nightlife, tapping into a long tradition of speakeasy-style and secret rave parties. These events draw a crowd looking for an offbeat, immersive experience rather than a famous address.
Signature features of TBA events include anonymity and surprise. Attendees sign up or get tickets online, often via platforms like Eventbrite or Resident Advisor, and only learn the venue details at the last minute (ra.co) (ra.co). The emphasis is on atmosphere: past TBA parties in LA have taken the form of open-air “garden” raves or industrial loft gatherings under the stars (ra.co) (www.alexandriaballrooms.com). Organizers sometimes transform warehouse spaces, rooftops, or historic sites (like the Sears building in Boyle Heights) into dance venues. Indeed, one recurring location dubbed the “Dock” at the historic Sears building exemplifies the style – an exposed-brick, cement-beam industrial hall accommodating around 1,000 people (www.alexandriaballrooms.com). In that sense, TBA matters to the local scene as a symbol of LA’s creative dance culture: it represents the city’s appetite for new experiences, underground energy, and immersive party themes.
Events and Programming
The programming at “TBA” is eclectic and Event-centric. Because TBA is not a single space but a placeholder, what happens there changes often. From 2020 through 2025, events billed as “at TBA” have included day parties, after-dark dances, and themed showcases spanning many genres. For example, one recent “Garden Party” billed at TBA was a daytime open-air festival of house and disco, complete with fairy-garden decorations and live DJs (ra.co) (ra.co). In contrast, an Afterlife Collective event in winter 2024 used TBA as the location for a high-powered bass music night with multiple EDM and hip-hop DJs (ra.co). Many of these past events featured lineups of local and international underground artists – from melodic house to trance and techno – all under the hopeful LA sky (Bass, house, psytrance, and even psybient acts have all played TBA gigs) (ra.co) (ra.co).
Some events at “TBA” have been one-off affairs (like a special Valentine’s Eve bass “No Broken Hearts” party) (ra.co), while others recycle a brand (e.g. “Secret Party LA” or “Garden Party LA”) intermittently. Ticket price ranges reflect this variety: we’ve seen presale and tiered prices from about $11 up to roughly $33 on one event (ra.co), and other secret gigs have charged in the teens or low-$20s (one party was $15-$40 on door (ra.co)). Often prices are kept moderate to midrange for an LA club night. Because events are irregular and invite-driven, there’s no standing “season” or weekly lineup – shows happen sporadically. When a TBA event is announced, tickets typically sell out quickly, so fans track promoters’ social pages and email lists to know the moment tickets drop.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for TBA events must be purchased in advance through online channels – there is usually no physical box office. Promoters typically use ticketing sites (Eventbrite, Dice, RA tickets, or a branded site) and social media to sell tickets. For instance, a recent TBA party’s listing explicitly directs buyers to Eventbrite with tiered pricing (ra.co). Another example offered a presale code in its online post, selling tickets at a flat $20 before giving out the secret address (ra.co). There is often no door-sale or will-call unless explicitly stated. Because the venue is hidden, tickets are delivered digitally or via email, and might require a photo ID at entry just like a typical club event. When an address is finally given (often only hours before the event, sometimes via text or email), ticket-holders simply show their confirmation to staff at the secret door. In summary: monitor event listings, buy as soon as possible, and expect to receive location details via email or message shortly before showtime (ra.co) (ra.co).
Seating and Layout
“TBA” events are almost always general-admission dance parties rather than seated shows. Attendees usually stand or dance throughout rather than sit in fixed seats. The temporary layout depends entirely on the rented space. For example, some events have been set on rooftops or outdoor patios, others in large lofts or industrial halls. In one noted case (the Sears building “Dock”), the space is an industrial ballroom with loft ceiling and exposed brick (www.alexandriaballrooms.com). A promoter might bring in staging and lounge furniture – one event even featured a “beautiful rooftop lounge” capitalizing on skyline views (ra.co). Overall, expect an open dance floor, some lounge areas, and bars. Best viewing spots are usually up front near the DJ stage or on any raised periphery. There are no reserved seats to avoid; instead guests haggle for vantage on the crowded dance floor or gather on the sides. As one description fanned out, it’s a “lovely dance space” in a downtown loft (ra.co) – meaning good acoustics and an intimate club vibe, but not stadium seating. In short, plan to be on your feet, with cameras out of the way of other dancers, and feel the bass for full immersion.
Getting There and Parking
The exact travel advice depends on the final location revealed, but there are general tips. If a TBA event ends up being downtown, it will often be near public transit hubs – for example, some secret parties have occurred in the mid-city and downtown core. The LA Metro (subway/red line) and DASH buses can be convenient for DTLA venues. For the rumored Inglewood site at 3400 W Arbor Vitae (www.ticketsmarter.com), attendees could use Metro’s K Line (Crenshaw Corridor) – the Crenshaw/Arbor Vitae station is a short walk away – or take the LAX FlyAway bus 111 which stops nearby. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are popular for secret parties since they can drop you off at discreet meeting points near the venue. Driving is an option too, but parking can be sparse. If near Downtown, paid parking garages or street parking (in city lots) will be your best bet. For the Inglewood/Arbor Vitae location, parking garages around Hollywood Park or local street parking would apply. Always allow extra travel time, as ride-share drop zones or garage access points may only be revealed with the address. The key is to check official communications (text or email) for final coordinates and recommended travel when that becomes available.
Inside the Venue
Expect a hidden-gem club atmosphere. Security may pat you down or check IDs at the door (for example, a platform listing notes will-call pickup with “valid photo ID required” (concerts.consequence.net)— a standard procedure). Once inside, the vibe varies by theme. Some organizers go all-out with decorations and integrated experiences. For example, one “Garden Party” styled itself as an enchanted fairy garden, complete with green carpets and herbal tea lounges (ra.co). They even set up tarot readers, photo op backdrops, and complimentary artisan garden cocktails from a sponsor (ra.co) (ra.co). Other events lean clubby: a recent secret party ad encouraged attendees to “pull out the leather, the lingerie, the face paint” and be ready for a misty, fog-filled dance floor (ra.co). In every case food is minimal or catered – often just bottled water or soft drinks. Many venues will have an on-site bar (as in typical clubs). Merchandise booths are uncommon unless the event brands itself. Restrooms will be basic (indoor venues have bathrooms; outdoor garden events may use portable toilets). Overall, TBA soirées tend toward a more immersive, interactive crowd experience rather than a formal concert setting. People dress up – sometimes wildly (see the mystical dress code in one ad (ra.co)) – and socialize freely on the dance floor. Sound and lighting are usually top- notch: promotional blurbs brag about “state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems” that make the production feel immersive (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, inside the venue you’ll find a high-energy, immersive party environment where the crowd is as much part of the show as the performers.
Nearby Amenities
Since TBA can literally be anywhere in the wider LA area, nearby amenities depend on the neighborhood. If the secret location is in Downtown or Mid-City, there are many restaurants and bars within a few blocks. Pre-show diners often head to popular spots – for instance, DTLA offers everything from fast-casual taquerias to sit-down Korean BBQ near train stations, whereas Mid-City has trendy cafes and gastropubs. If an event turns out to be in the many residential neighborhoods (like East Hollywood or Silver Lake), there are cozy pre-show bars and late-night eateries along Sunset or Glendale Blvd. Inglewood (the supposed Arbor Vitae location) is now part of the redeveloped SoFi/Forum district: it boasts chain restaurants, food markets, and even new hotels like the YouTube Theater that could serve as meeting points. Because the reveal is late, some event-goers simply grab a quick bite at a 24-hour diner or order delivery to a nearby afterparty spot. Late-night transport should be arranged – Uber/Lyft usually run 24/7 in these areas, and if near the Metro there are late buses or rail service. In no case would one rely on public transit after certain hours without checking schedules. A sensible plan is to get dinner in the general area (based on early hints from social media) and allow about 30–60 minutes to actually reach the hidden address once it appears. Overall, prepare for anything – coordinate with friends on meeting spots and remember LA’s lot of nightlife options means there’s usually something open nearby at the last minute.
What Makes This Venue Special
The “specialness” of TBA events comes from their secrecy and creativity. It’s less that a fixed building itself is historic, and more that each event transforms a space into a momentary cultural hotspot. For example, when TBA events use the historic Sears building’s Dock, you’re partying in an early-20th-century landmark with chic industrial architecture – high ceilings, brick walls, and original cement beams (www.alexandriaballrooms.com), a stark contrast to a normal nightclub. But equally, one night it might be an urban rooftop garden or shadowy club warehouse (one ad literally calls it a “midnight secret party” in DTLA (ra.co)). Over time, organizer collectives have built a kind of lore around it: attendees love the idea of discovering the location only when they know they are definitely allowed. It plays into LA’s fascination with exclusivity. Famous performances are rare since promoters tend to book underground or niche acts. Yet well-known local DJs and indie artists have guested – in that Live From Earth example, Lauren Nikohl and Maya Coline headlined (ra.co), while another lineup featured big names from the global digital scene (the 100 gecs co-founder Dylan Brady was on one TBA bill (ra.co)). In effect, TBA shines by making *every* night feel like a special, invite-only party. It underscores a sense of community: fans of electronic and underground dance music eagerly swap whispers on social channels about the next TBA date. So culturally, TBA events reinforce LA’s underground dance culture, giving audiences a shared secret and a break from mainstream clubbing. Architecturally and experientially, each event is unique – one might find themselves in a polished brick loft on Broadway, and the next in a candle-lit garden in Boyle Heights. This element of surprise – never knowing quite what venue or theme you’ll get – is what makes “TBA” events distinctively exciting. (ra.co) (www.alexandriaballrooms.com)
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Because the actual address changes, verify ADA accommodations when details are revealed. Industrial lofts may have elevators, but an outdoor lot might not. Always contact the promoter if you need ramps or seating. Many events list “accessible seating” or similar options on their Facebook/RA page in advance.
What to Bring: Bring your ID and your ticket (digital is fine). Wear steady shoes and comfortable clothing that fits the event’s theme. For example, one TBA party suggested guests “dress as your highest mystical self” (ra.co) – think costumes, face paint, flamboyant outfits. Feel free to get creative with your look. Also consider a small crossbody or pocket bag, water bottle (if allowed) and any personal medication. Plan for being outside late: bring layers if it’s an open-air event. Phone cameras are usually okay, but be courteous (on some underground parties, organizers ask that guests keep phones down on the dance floor to preserve ambience).
Common Pitfalls: Don’t arrive too late – since location is a secret until hours before, organizers often have a short window once they announce the address. Traffic in LA can be heavy, and last-minute guests often miss parts of shows. On arrival, expect a discreet entry (often a non-descript door or side entrance). Lights are typically dim or strobed, so watch your footing when walking in. Check the email or text message carefully: directions sometimes say “meet at [cross street] at [time], look for [clues] – do not be on main street too early.”
Age and Rules: Most TBA parties in LA have been 18+ or 21+. One secret party was explicitly 18+ (ra.co). Always check the event page: illegal substances are prohibited, and outside alcohol or large bags are usually not allowed. Bag checks and security screenings are routine at entry. If the weather is an issue (rare rain), events generally go on as planned unless explicitly canceled. Dresscode rules can be strict in a fun way – as noted, one event even encouraged elaborate costumes (ra.co) (ra.co). Follow those suggestions to enhance your experience (and insider credibility!).
“TBA” parties are all about adventure and trust in the promoter. Make sure your phone is charged, plan your ride in advance, and keep an eye on official alerts. When the night finally arrives, you’ll get a hidden address, a private password ("TBA" itself!), and an evening of music in a unique LA setting – which is exactly what makes it so special.
