Your LA Fandom Bucket List: 12 Immersive Spots for Every Obsession
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Tim Burton
Location: Hollywood
Like its namesake, Beetle House is a somewhat unsettling adventure into another world. Tim Burton-themed meals, mini shows, and character interactions make this restaurant an immersive experience. Anyone who calls themself a fan of Burton should beeline to this wacky spot, but be warned - reservations are highly recommended, especially approaching Halloween!
K-Pop
Location: Koreatown
If you missed KCON this year, don’t fret! You can feed your need any day of the year at Fandom K and K-Pop Music Town, two stores entirely dedicated to K pop merch, music, and characters. Stop by to check out their photocard collectibles, clothing, music and more.
Link to Fandom K.
Link to K-Pop Music Town.
Horror
Location: Burbank
Fans of horror movies, Halloween, and the chill down your spine flock to Burbank’s “Horror Row” - a few blocks of the Magnolia Park neighborhood home to several year-round spooky shops. Don’t miss: Halloweentown and its sister location just two blocks away, Halloweentown Costumes, The Bearded Lady / Mystic Museum, the Horror Boo-dega, Blast from the Past, Hollywood Book and Poster, Motion Picture F/X, and Vulture Culture Oddities.
Link to article with more details.
Funko Pops
Location: Hollywood
Funko Pops have had a chokehold on pretty much every fandom over the last decade, and in doing so have become a fandom in their own right. In true Hollywood fashion, the brand’s storefront is larger than life (literally), filled with immersive scenes featuring enormous Funko-style characters.
Rocky Horror
Location: Sawtelle
Since 1986, the Landmark Nuart Theater has held weekly midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Complete with a shadow cast from Sins O’ The Flesh, this interactive show is anything but a typical movie screening. Put on your best fishnets and head over on Saturday night to join the fun.
Link to Landmark Nuart Theater.
The Dodgers
Location: Elysian Park
Dodgers mega fans can enjoy a getaway from the chaos of Dodger Stadium…inside it. By right field there’s a subtle door leading to the Vivid Seats Speakeasy - an exclusive midcentury style hidden lounge featuring Dodgers memorabilia accessible only to season pass holders. The lucky folks who get their timing right will be able to watch the visiting pitchers warm up in the bullpen just on the other side of the back windows.
Link to Vivid Seats Speakeasy.
Sci Fi and Fantasy
Location: Hollywood
Not limited to a specific fandom but loosely inspired by Star Wars, Scum and Villainy is the LA geek bar for fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, and all the stars in between. Step into another galaxy with immersive decor, themed menu items, and weekly events like Trivia Quest and Cosmic Karaoke.
Link to Scum and Villainy.
One Piece
Location: Little Tokyo
Modeled after the hit manga series and adapted television series by the same name, One Piece Cafe just opened in the heart of Los Angeles. Fans have been lining up to experience the over the top decor and themed food, so make your way over to join your fellow Straw Hat Pirates.
Link to One Piece Cafe.
Women in Pop
Location: West Hollywood
This isn’t our first time highlighting Fan Girl Cafe - a coffee shop and gift store themed around women, nonbinary, and queer musicians - but we can’t help it if it’s just so perfectly on theme! The cafe just hosted a Lady Gaga fan week celebrating the Mayhem album, but the little monsters of LA can still stop by any time for Gaga gifts and more.
Link to Fan Girl Cafe.
The Sound of Music
Location: Hollywood
If Maria taught you how to sing with DO RE MI, show her how FA you’ve come since then. Join thousands of megafans at an annual singalong - and costume contest! - at The Hollywood Bowl. This year’s show is scheduled for September 20.
Link to The Hollywood Bowl.
Cars (no, not the movie)
Location: Sawtelle
In keeping with LA’s car dependency and obsession, the city is home to Motoring Coffee - a cafe and car enthusiast hub. With several rare cars on display inside and outside, this cafe sits in front of the members-only Motoring Club lounge. This social club not only has the lounge for enthusiasts, but offers events, vehicle storage, and a rental fleet for members.
Link to Motoring Coffee.
Role Playing Games
Location: Burbank
Geeky Teas is a welcoming venue for fans of RPGs, with weekly play and leagues for D&D, MTG, Pokémon and more. This community staple also sells games and merchandise, serves themed teas, and has a dedicated space for rescue cats. What’s not to love?
Link to Geeky Teas.
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