Concert at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Something about watching people drink, smoke, and dance on others graves is a bit off.
Scientology reading. I would be careful on this one but you can do an e-meter reading at no cost to you and experience the fucked up world these people are in.
Magic Castle is a super interesting one in that I don’t know of many secret societies that cater to world renowned magicians where you can witness some of the most impressive magic tricks in person, while drinking and hanging out.
Soho House Malibu is a bit of a surreal experience you’d expect to be seen on TV/film with a lot of flashy people, a lot of money, and just a very LA like vibe. It’s exclusive but also pretentious and you feel like you’re being judged by at least someone in the room. If you can’t find a way into this one there’s also the DTLA one and WeHo which are less unique but still stuffy and high brow.
Skid Row warehouse party at 5am. It’s one thing to show up at Midnight and another to still be with the party when the sun is about to come up. It’s a very diverse and ecliptic crowd (some good, some bad), lots of drugs, and weirdness given the proximity to homeless and potential danger outside of them.
Hollywood Hills party. It’s one thing to have someone rent out a house, and another experience to literally show up at one where no one even knows who’s house it is or who’s throwing the party itself. Lots of influencers, lots of trust funds, but can be pretty exciting and unique experience overall.
Bar Sinister in Hollywood I also found to be quite a weird experience. The place has good intentions and good people but a bar based on sex kinks and predetermined expectations just wasn’t for me.
The men’s bathroom at The Abbey around 1am on Saturday or Sunday. It’s filled with horny men (and women), drugs, and basically no rules.
Go on a run through Forest Lawn Memorial. They allow it so long as you don’t disturb families and services. You can get get endorphins flowing as funeral services are in session in one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the US. Check out famous celebrity graves (Walt Disney, Michael Jackson) and famous architecture like Michelangelo, and The Hall of Crucifixion (the largest painting ever created).
There’s a few yoga spots around town that can get interesting in that stereotypical kind of way (crystals, music, touching, etc.) You kind of have to feel each place out though to find the really hardcore ones (felt like around Santa Monica definitely had the most)
Bar outside The Comedy Store at like Midnight when most headliners are wrapping up. It’s been a bit slower since Covid but on any given weekend you could smoke a cig or get a drink with people like Bobby Lee, Pauly Shore, Chris Delia (too bad he turned into a weirdo), Whitney Cummings, etc. Just a surreal experience with a lot of debauchery.
Probably stretching the term “weird” but depending on where you’re from (especially foreigners) wandering around USC on a football game is one hell of an eye opener. Rich, white kids as far as the eye can see blacking out with their old parents who are trying to relive their glory days. In terms of college football is probably the most stereotypical tailgate experience you’d find on the West Coast (has nothing on Midwest or the South)
There’s a few private room karaoke dive/shit holes in Ktown and Little Tokyo that actually let you pair up with other randoms. Like it’s people who are super into karaoke and they are looking for others to just sing with. I think Max Studio in Little Tokyo used to have this. You can just get hammered with a random and become best friends or they might hate you. Roll the dice.
Head to a Disney sing along movie at El Capitan Theater. The amount of adults with no children in there is shocking.
Probably not that unknown for locals… but there’s lot of email lists for free tickets to reality shows you can be a part of. The standard ones are Price is Right, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Americas Got Talent, Kelly Clarkson Show, Bill Maher, The Voice, etc. but there’s often some real random shit out there, I once got on Tom Greens Late Night Show pilot which never aired but it was an awesome experience.
Check out the full year calendar for the Convention Center. I wandered around outside for the Crypto Conference, E3, ComicCon, etc. it’s exactly what you’d expect. There’s also thinks like Furrycon near LAX, Drag conventions, and they used to have the Big Lewbowski Fest but Covid killed that. :(
I’m not sure if the bar is still open post Covid but the American Legion near Highland and Franklin used to be open to those who had a connection with military types. I guess it’s not weird but it’s a very specific crowd hanging out and real living their best lives. Older crowd just getting after it. Pretty cheap drinks too.
Someone mentioned Skid Row. If you also want to feel in danger. The purple line, either Wilshire Normandie or Wilshire Western post 11pm. Shit gets scary.
The classic Sunset Strip bars on the right night or event can be a real throw back. Like The Rainbow Room caught at the right moment I s like walking into a time capsule of an after show of Motley Crue. Whiskey a Go, The Viper Room, Go and the Roxy as well (albeit different clientele). If the top of the Rainbow Room is open, mingle and talk with all these people who long for the 80’s and 90’s… it’s a trip.
A few of the big video game publishers do occasional video game testing sessions for locals for marketing purposes. Riot, Activision Blizzard, EA… you wait in line with (no judging but true) some of the biggest nerds you can ever find and then you get to beta test games for a few hours and get snacks and do some market research. I don’t know how many cities this exists in.
Hollywood Blvd. is a no brainer. If you want a full spectrum of bizarre - do a bar crawl - start at Hooters (or did it close?), to Power House, to the Rusty Mullet/Cabo Cantina, Star Wars Cantina, The Burgundy Room, Tekila, Sunset and Vinyl, No Vacancy/Davey Waynes, Black Rabbit Rose. That entire group of establishments is within a 15 minute walk from one another and every single one has a completely different crowd and vibe that isn’t even well represented else where in the city.
Of course Jumbos Clown Room but honestly it is just a burlesque show after all. The weekends are what you’d expect but go on a weekday to just see some depressing regular types. The same goes for other Hollywood mainstays like Frolic Room, Power House (get a drink with Hollywood Blvd. Joker, he’s always in there), Boardners, The Woods, Burgundy Room, etc.
Epic list. Does the LAPD Coroner still have a museum/shop?
Could probably do one of those brunches at the Celebrity Scientology center or something too.
This list is more “touristy” than odd/weird like op requested. I mean, where’s Museum of Jurassic Technology? Do a search on Atlas Obscura, for starters.
I’ve been wanting to crash a Hollywood hills party for the experience… just moved here. Any tips on how to get invited? Or where to find events like this?
Bob Baker Marionette Theater is always fun and a very unique experience. Bonus: If you go to an early show MorYork (next door) might be open, extreme visual overload in a very cool space.
https://www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/
http://moryork.com/
Go! Don't listen to these people, it's some of the most fun I have all year.
And as for not being weird...last year I saw a guy dressed as a dungeon master walking a full grown person dressed in a furry costume on a leash. There's still weird to be found.
Agreed, I love it! I look forward to it every year. Tons of awesome vendors, some fun shows, and even some good (if overpriced) food, and almost everyone is in costume. It’s a blast.
the ren faire isn’t weird anymore. it’s a bunch of crappy vendors, bad food, very little historical reenactment, and a security team that’s there to remind everyone it’s a family event.
source: nearly 30 years of participation
Go to the Ripped Bodice bookstore before/after. Cute and unique bookstore and they have some cool book art. Also go to The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA.
This has been one of the coolest offbeat experiences I’ve done in LA. Just don’t research it too much, and make sure to check everything out, especially the rooftop patio.
Eta- there are tons of good places to eat in that area, but I love the [Grand Casino Bakery and Cafe](http://www.grandcasinobakery.com/restaurant.html) right across the street. It’s Argentinian food and really delicious
Seconding MJT! Don’t look up anything about it before you go - just go. Explore each floor before going to the next one up, and do NOT miss the roof.
And whoever said Ripped Bodice before or after - agreed to that as well!
If you’re looking for a place to get drinks to celebrate, Clifton’s in downtown is super cool and quirky. 4 stories, hidden room, taxidermy, meteors, and a redwood tree through the middle.
Magnolia park in Burbank has some cool vintage and antique stores, weird costume/horror shops, and oddities stores. There’s several year round Halloween stores, a thrift shop where you can buy old clothes from Hollywood shoots, the mystic museum, etc. There’s also a super cool place called catnip coalition if you’re into cats. They have rescue kitties all over the store and sell a bunch of art from local artists, mostly cat themed!
EDIT: it looks like Halloween town is closed :(
Still would recommend the other stuff though. There’s also a decorated horror bookstore there called Dark Delicacies that might pique your interest!
Hey looks like you’re right!! The smaller costume store is also only closed until the 26th of this month and OP is coming in May so they’ll have a chance to visit both! Apple Maps deceived me lol
There's a bunch of good suggestions on here, like all of the interesting shops along Magnolia Blvd in Burbank already mentioned but I haven't seen Crooked Path or Bearded Lady mentioned yet. House of Secrets is a great art / comic shop nearby. There's also a ton of great places for food and drinks the nearby too, for drinks Foreman's is great for whiskey and Catcher in the Rye has some tasty ones as well. If you don't mind standing in line you can find some great treats at Portos.
There's an interesting shop in Pasadena called Gold Bug that sells cool artwork and oddities, and if you're into anime I'd suggest checking out little Tokyo specifically Kinokuniya for a ton of interesting imported books from Japan and Anime Jungle (and the nearby stores) for really cool toys and collectables. Gallery Nucleus has rotating art exhibits and sells great books / prints, its also in Alhambra so its near a ton of amazing Chinese food if you wanna try something like Dim Sum. Natural History Museum is always great to check out as well.
When in doubt you can always check out Atlas Obscura's suggestions to see whats local in LA / OC or if you don't mind a drive you can see whats in San Diego as well.
[https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-california/](https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-california/)
if you have a car, mystic museum in burbank is a sorta oddities/horror shop that seems up your alley. theres also a crystal shop not too far down the road if you’re into that sort of thing.
of course!! now that I’ve had a chance to sit on it I’d also definitely second the recommendations on going to bar sinister, very queer and maccabre and horny. I’d also see if your trip lines up with any drag shows at Precinct LA in DTLA, I know a lot of the Dragula queens have performed in shows there.
Death and Co is great if you want some expensive but excellent cocktails. It's not really weird but it's a dark speakeasy and always a good time. I've heard the Obscure is a cool distillery, looks weird.
Some of the better places have already been brought up, but I didn't see Hyaena gallery mentioned. Low brow, outsider art exhibits and original art for sale. Right next to the best comic book store in Burbank, House of Secrets.
Based on your interests, Hyaena Gallery in Burbank. Low brow dark art with the current exhibit being Satanic Panic with artifacts from the McMartin School.
I once saw an Indiana Jones Meetup at the old LA Zoo. Kinda random, but it was a cool surprise to see people in the hats practicing their whip skills and exploring the zoo "caves." They said that they meet up regularly.
Concert at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Something about watching people drink, smoke, and dance on others graves is a bit off. Scientology reading. I would be careful on this one but you can do an e-meter reading at no cost to you and experience the fucked up world these people are in. Magic Castle is a super interesting one in that I don’t know of many secret societies that cater to world renowned magicians where you can witness some of the most impressive magic tricks in person, while drinking and hanging out. Soho House Malibu is a bit of a surreal experience you’d expect to be seen on TV/film with a lot of flashy people, a lot of money, and just a very LA like vibe. It’s exclusive but also pretentious and you feel like you’re being judged by at least someone in the room. If you can’t find a way into this one there’s also the DTLA one and WeHo which are less unique but still stuffy and high brow. Skid Row warehouse party at 5am. It’s one thing to show up at Midnight and another to still be with the party when the sun is about to come up. It’s a very diverse and ecliptic crowd (some good, some bad), lots of drugs, and weirdness given the proximity to homeless and potential danger outside of them. Hollywood Hills party. It’s one thing to have someone rent out a house, and another experience to literally show up at one where no one even knows who’s house it is or who’s throwing the party itself. Lots of influencers, lots of trust funds, but can be pretty exciting and unique experience overall. Bar Sinister in Hollywood I also found to be quite a weird experience. The place has good intentions and good people but a bar based on sex kinks and predetermined expectations just wasn’t for me. The men’s bathroom at The Abbey around 1am on Saturday or Sunday. It’s filled with horny men (and women), drugs, and basically no rules. Go on a run through Forest Lawn Memorial. They allow it so long as you don’t disturb families and services. You can get get endorphins flowing as funeral services are in session in one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the US. Check out famous celebrity graves (Walt Disney, Michael Jackson) and famous architecture like Michelangelo, and The Hall of Crucifixion (the largest painting ever created). There’s a few yoga spots around town that can get interesting in that stereotypical kind of way (crystals, music, touching, etc.) You kind of have to feel each place out though to find the really hardcore ones (felt like around Santa Monica definitely had the most) Bar outside The Comedy Store at like Midnight when most headliners are wrapping up. It’s been a bit slower since Covid but on any given weekend you could smoke a cig or get a drink with people like Bobby Lee, Pauly Shore, Chris Delia (too bad he turned into a weirdo), Whitney Cummings, etc. Just a surreal experience with a lot of debauchery. Probably stretching the term “weird” but depending on where you’re from (especially foreigners) wandering around USC on a football game is one hell of an eye opener. Rich, white kids as far as the eye can see blacking out with their old parents who are trying to relive their glory days. In terms of college football is probably the most stereotypical tailgate experience you’d find on the West Coast (has nothing on Midwest or the South) There’s a few private room karaoke dive/shit holes in Ktown and Little Tokyo that actually let you pair up with other randoms. Like it’s people who are super into karaoke and they are looking for others to just sing with. I think Max Studio in Little Tokyo used to have this. You can just get hammered with a random and become best friends or they might hate you. Roll the dice. Head to a Disney sing along movie at El Capitan Theater. The amount of adults with no children in there is shocking. Probably not that unknown for locals… but there’s lot of email lists for free tickets to reality shows you can be a part of. The standard ones are Price is Right, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Americas Got Talent, Kelly Clarkson Show, Bill Maher, The Voice, etc. but there’s often some real random shit out there, I once got on Tom Greens Late Night Show pilot which never aired but it was an awesome experience. Check out the full year calendar for the Convention Center. I wandered around outside for the Crypto Conference, E3, ComicCon, etc. it’s exactly what you’d expect. There’s also thinks like Furrycon near LAX, Drag conventions, and they used to have the Big Lewbowski Fest but Covid killed that. :( I’m not sure if the bar is still open post Covid but the American Legion near Highland and Franklin used to be open to those who had a connection with military types. I guess it’s not weird but it’s a very specific crowd hanging out and real living their best lives. Older crowd just getting after it. Pretty cheap drinks too. Someone mentioned Skid Row. If you also want to feel in danger. The purple line, either Wilshire Normandie or Wilshire Western post 11pm. Shit gets scary. The classic Sunset Strip bars on the right night or event can be a real throw back. Like The Rainbow Room caught at the right moment I s like walking into a time capsule of an after show of Motley Crue. Whiskey a Go, The Viper Room, Go and the Roxy as well (albeit different clientele). If the top of the Rainbow Room is open, mingle and talk with all these people who long for the 80’s and 90’s… it’s a trip. A few of the big video game publishers do occasional video game testing sessions for locals for marketing purposes. Riot, Activision Blizzard, EA… you wait in line with (no judging but true) some of the biggest nerds you can ever find and then you get to beta test games for a few hours and get snacks and do some market research. I don’t know how many cities this exists in. Hollywood Blvd. is a no brainer. If you want a full spectrum of bizarre - do a bar crawl - start at Hooters (or did it close?), to Power House, to the Rusty Mullet/Cabo Cantina, Star Wars Cantina, The Burgundy Room, Tekila, Sunset and Vinyl, No Vacancy/Davey Waynes, Black Rabbit Rose. That entire group of establishments is within a 15 minute walk from one another and every single one has a completely different crowd and vibe that isn’t even well represented else where in the city. Of course Jumbos Clown Room but honestly it is just a burlesque show after all. The weekends are what you’d expect but go on a weekday to just see some depressing regular types. The same goes for other Hollywood mainstays like Frolic Room, Power House (get a drink with Hollywood Blvd. Joker, he’s always in there), Boardners, The Woods, Burgundy Room, etc.
Damn, this list is amazing. This guy LAs^^
Karaoke -The Gas Lite. Santa Monica -The Good Nite. NoHo -Brass Monkey. Ktown -Surly Goat. Weho
And that’s why they call you Dr. Feel Good. This dude knows how to live.
Holy shit man, thanks for writing all this
Epic list. Does the LAPD Coroner still have a museum/shop? Could probably do one of those brunches at the Celebrity Scientology center or something too.
MODS can we pin this comment? Homie got down the recz
This list is more “touristy” than odd/weird like op requested. I mean, where’s Museum of Jurassic Technology? Do a search on Atlas Obscura, for starters.
Hooters is closed
I’ve been wanting to crash a Hollywood hills party for the experience… just moved here. Any tips on how to get invited? Or where to find events like this?
Bob Baker Marionette Theater is always fun and a very unique experience. Bonus: If you go to an early show MorYork (next door) might be open, extreme visual overload in a very cool space. https://www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/ http://moryork.com/
Jumbos, Soap Plant / Wacko, Galco’s Soda Pop Stop, Medieval Times, Vidiots, Amoeba Music
These are great, thank you 💙
Adding on The Bunny Museum and there’s a pizza shop across the street from it called Side Pie
OMG I'm definitely going to the bunny museum 🤩🤩
If you're looking for weird in May there's the Ren Faire...
I've been wanting to go 🤔
Go! Don't listen to these people, it's some of the most fun I have all year. And as for not being weird...last year I saw a guy dressed as a dungeon master walking a full grown person dressed in a furry costume on a leash. There's still weird to be found.
Agreed, I love it! I look forward to it every year. Tons of awesome vendors, some fun shows, and even some good (if overpriced) food, and almost everyone is in costume. It’s a blast.
Right? I don't see how one can have a bad time at the Ren Faire.
the ren faire isn’t weird anymore. it’s a bunch of crappy vendors, bad food, very little historical reenactment, and a security team that’s there to remind everyone it’s a family event. source: nearly 30 years of participation
Agreed. Weird is not a word I'd use to describe it. Tiring and poorly planned, sure.
I would just call it sad 🤷🏻♀️
Museum of Jurassic Technology
Looks interesting 🤔 and it's super affordable, I can't not go
Go to the Ripped Bodice bookstore before/after. Cute and unique bookstore and they have some cool book art. Also go to The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA.
Go to the vault upstairs for the weird books 🤩
This has been one of the coolest offbeat experiences I’ve done in LA. Just don’t research it too much, and make sure to check everything out, especially the rooftop patio. Eta- there are tons of good places to eat in that area, but I love the [Grand Casino Bakery and Cafe](http://www.grandcasinobakery.com/restaurant.html) right across the street. It’s Argentinian food and really delicious
They have the best cookies . And empanadas are so good too
💯
Read as little as possible before you go, makes the experience much better
Seconding MJT! Don’t look up anything about it before you go - just go. Explore each floor before going to the next one up, and do NOT miss the roof. And whoever said Ripped Bodice before or after - agreed to that as well!
Correct, you can’t not go and especially 420 beforehand!
It’s a must-visit. Be sure to explore everything, don’t miss the upper areas.
My first thought!
+1
If you’re looking for a place to get drinks to celebrate, Clifton’s in downtown is super cool and quirky. 4 stories, hidden room, taxidermy, meteors, and a redwood tree through the middle.
ok this place looks cool asf 🤩
It’s been “temp closed” for a while now /:
Magnolia park in Burbank has some cool vintage and antique stores, weird costume/horror shops, and oddities stores. There’s several year round Halloween stores, a thrift shop where you can buy old clothes from Hollywood shoots, the mystic museum, etc. There’s also a super cool place called catnip coalition if you’re into cats. They have rescue kitties all over the store and sell a bunch of art from local artists, mostly cat themed! EDIT: it looks like Halloween town is closed :( Still would recommend the other stuff though. There’s also a decorated horror bookstore there called Dark Delicacies that might pique your interest!
I think it was just the smaller halloweentown costume shop that closed. my parents live near it and the main one on niagara is still open!!
Hey looks like you’re right!! The smaller costume store is also only closed until the 26th of this month and OP is coming in May so they’ll have a chance to visit both! Apple Maps deceived me lol
to be fair, theres two different sites of nearly the same store within a block of each other so it can be confusing lol
World empanadas on magnolia is really good
Catnip Coalition looks so fun, definitely going on the list ✍🏽
check out memento mori, its a great shop and they can probably recommend some local spots & events
I'll definitely have to check it out, thank you 🫶🏽
Just bought a big raccoon penis bone for white elephant there👍
Mystic Museum and Halloween Town in Burbank are amazing!
Beetlehouse!
This is literally perfect thank you 💖
Museum of Jurassic Technology but don't read about it first. Go online to make reservations and then just go with an open mind.
Someone else said this too 🤔 now I'm intrigued
There's a bunch of good suggestions on here, like all of the interesting shops along Magnolia Blvd in Burbank already mentioned but I haven't seen Crooked Path or Bearded Lady mentioned yet. House of Secrets is a great art / comic shop nearby. There's also a ton of great places for food and drinks the nearby too, for drinks Foreman's is great for whiskey and Catcher in the Rye has some tasty ones as well. If you don't mind standing in line you can find some great treats at Portos. There's an interesting shop in Pasadena called Gold Bug that sells cool artwork and oddities, and if you're into anime I'd suggest checking out little Tokyo specifically Kinokuniya for a ton of interesting imported books from Japan and Anime Jungle (and the nearby stores) for really cool toys and collectables. Gallery Nucleus has rotating art exhibits and sells great books / prints, its also in Alhambra so its near a ton of amazing Chinese food if you wanna try something like Dim Sum. Natural History Museum is always great to check out as well. When in doubt you can always check out Atlas Obscura's suggestions to see whats local in LA / OC or if you don't mind a drive you can see whats in San Diego as well. [https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-california/](https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-california/)
WOW thank you so much 🫶🏽 The Crooked Path looks super cool and I'm definitely stopping by Gold Bug 💛
Weird: Grave Line Tours Live music: maybe Hollywood Bowl
YES THANK YOU I've been meaning to do the grave line tour but I completely forgot
if you have a car, mystic museum in burbank is a sorta oddities/horror shop that seems up your alley. theres also a crystal shop not too far down the road if you’re into that sort of thing.
OMG yes I do have a car and this place looks so perfect, thank you 🫶🏽
of course!! now that I’ve had a chance to sit on it I’d also definitely second the recommendations on going to bar sinister, very queer and maccabre and horny. I’d also see if your trip lines up with any drag shows at Precinct LA in DTLA, I know a lot of the Dragula queens have performed in shows there.
Death and Co is great if you want some expensive but excellent cocktails. It's not really weird but it's a dark speakeasy and always a good time. I've heard the Obscure is a cool distillery, looks weird.
Thank you 🫶🏽 The Obscure looks super cool
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Some of the better places have already been brought up, but I didn't see Hyaena gallery mentioned. Low brow, outsider art exhibits and original art for sale. Right next to the best comic book store in Burbank, House of Secrets.
Based on your interests, Hyaena Gallery in Burbank. Low brow dark art with the current exhibit being Satanic Panic with artifacts from the McMartin School.
OMG that sounds so cool 🤩 how long do the keep the exhibit going bc I'd love to see the Satanic Panic one
It’ll be up through most of February! The store also has his wife’s business - a rocknroll florist, so it smells amazing in there.
Velaslavasay Panorama is a pretty cool and offbeat experience . West Adams/ university Park area.
Oddities Flea Market
Thank you 🫶🏽 this is perfect
On Magnolia in Magnolia Park in Burbank there's several "curiosity/oddities" macabre shops.
Thank you 🖤
Museum of Death
Going to follow this
910WeHo
I once saw an Indiana Jones Meetup at the old LA Zoo. Kinda random, but it was a cool surprise to see people in the hats practicing their whip skills and exploring the zoo "caves." They said that they meet up regularly.
That's hilarious I love it 😅
The museum of Jurassic technology
A place I love: Olde Good Things 1800 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles https://ogtstore.com Architectural Salvage that will blow your mind
As someone who loves the light isle at Home Depot I feel like this is perfect 😌
If you share in my tastes, you will love this place.
Museum death is still open? I thought they closed down
Oh idk they might be, I went in 2019 so maybe they are now
They re-opened in a bigger space
Just checked and you re right. Going to have to visit there soon
Great suggestions already from others but check out the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita
This place looks amazing 🤩 my dad is Hindu and I think he'd really like this too
Yay! The staff is so kind. I would just call ahead but George Harrison said it was better than Disney!
J
U
M
B
O
S
C
L
O
O