A Wild Halloween at Only the Wild Ones, Venice

Halloween in Venice does not have to mean a packed bar crawl. On Saturday, October 31, Only the Wild Ones on Abbot Kinney Boulevard opens its doors for A Wild Halloween, a four-hour party built around vinyl, dancing and the chance to show up as someone else entirely. If you are mapping out things to do in Los Angeles on Halloween night, this one trades the usual wall of noise for a smaller room and a record crate.

When: Saturday, October 31, 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM Where: Only the Wild Ones, 1031 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice Price: $33.99 on DICE

What to expect

The hosts, Only the Wild Ones and Force of Nature, ask guests to come as their alter ego. The night is billed as one of vinyl, dancing and questionable identities, so think less about a store-bought costume and more about committing to a character. The flyer promises a vinyl DJ set, a photo booth and a costume contest with prizes for the best looks. DJ Morse Code is the artist listed on the DICE page for the night.

This is a dance night more than a concert. Expect a selector working through records rather than a headliner on a festival stage, which suits a room this size. It sits closer to a house party with good taste than to the large-format EDM Los Angeles is known for, and that is the appeal. The disco ball on the flyer is a fair hint at the mood: warm, a little theatrical and built for people who like to move.

Costumes and the photo booth

Because the contest comes with prizes, the crowd will likely show up dressed to win. Simple and clever tends to read better in a small room than something bulky, so pick a character you can dance in for four hours. The photo booth gives everyone a keepsake of the alter egos before the night gets loose, and it is a good excuse to arrive early.

Practical info

Tickets are sold through DICE, and the listed price is $33.99. Because the venue is a compact Abbot Kinney space, it is worth buying ahead rather than counting on the door. Halloween Saturday is busy along the whole Venice strip, so plan on extra time for parking. A rideshare drop-off is the easier call, especially if you plan to enjoy the bar.

Abbot Kinney is walkable, so you can eat nearby first and stroll over for the 9:00 PM start. The party runs until 1:00 AM, which leaves room for a late finish without turning into an all-night commitment.

Why go

Plenty of LA events this weekend will lean on spectacle. This one leans on atmosphere: good records, a costume contest that rewards creativity and a neighborhood known for its independent spirit. For Venice locals and anyone willing to cross town for a more intimate Halloween, A Wild Halloween is an easy pick. Browse more nightlife in Venice or see other picks in our EDM events section.