A nostalgic vinyl fair takes over the Sunset Strip on Saturday. Here are 5 things to know

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On Sunset Strip’s iconic venue, Whisky a Go Go, The Doors served as the resident band during the scorching summer of 1966. Meanwhile, Guns N’ Roses and Bob Marley and The Wailers carved their marks with live albums at The Roxy. Tracing their roots back to Gazzarri’s, a once bustling nightclub, Van Halen found their initial footing. There’s no denying that West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip holds legendary status in the realm of rock ‘n’ roll history.

On Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District is organizing a free event called Spinning Sunset. This event is part of their Summer on Sunset annual initiative, and it’s a fun, family-friendly occasion where you can enjoy vinyl DJ sets, engage with brand activities, and browse through around 55 booths set up by local record stores and vintage merchants. Throughout the day, businesses such as Hotel Ziggy, Andaz West Hollywood, and Book Soup will be offering special discounts, themed around vinyl, and hosting pop-ups.

Entertainment & Arts

Mapping Sunset Boulevard’s musical history

Sunset Boulevard is nearly always connected with the music scene of Los Angeles, frequently appearing in tunes from numerous musicians – such as Steely Dan, Tupac Shakur, Donna Summer, and Grant Lee Buffalo, among others.

Before your visit to the vibrant Spinning Sunset, here are five essential points to keep in mind for a memorable experience.

Yes, there will be vinyl records for sale — lots of them

It’s well-known that vinyl records have seen a resurgence in recent times. In fact, Statista reports that over 43 million EPs and LPs were sold in the U.S. alone in 2023, which is a significant increase from less than one million in 2006. This surge in interest has led to an uptick in vinyl fairs becoming more common as well.

At the Spinning Sunset event, over forty record dealers such as In Sheep’s Clothing, Vinyldigs, and Helix Sounds will be present. For dedicated vinyl enthusiasts, it might be wise to arrive early to snag some hard-to-find treasures.

If you’re still looking for a specific vinyl record, consider visiting VinylCon – an extensive music event happening on August 23rd and 24th at the California Market Center in DTLA. This event was established by Kobi Waldfogel, a passionate record collector and event organizer, based in Philadelphia back in 2023. Making its debut in L.A., VinylCon will showcase over 80 vendors from top collectors across the country, along with professional shops and dealers. The event will also feature vinyl DJ sets for your listening pleasure.

Music

On August 14, the renowned West Coast jazz club chain will officially open, featuring Robert Glasper, an ambassador for Blue Note, who will perform two sets every Thursday and Friday.

You’ll hear the sounds of today’s vinyl DJ scene

People continue to opt for vinyl records over other formats due to a variety of reasons. For one, the audio is richer, delivering a deep bass that resonates within your very core. Moreover, there’s an exciting, authentic charm to the slightly rough and unpolished sound quality that makes it seem as though you are right there in the studio with the artist themselves.

While rummaging through records, you’ll get a chance to feel that same excitement at the fair, where DJs will be spinning live vinyl sets all day long. Among the carefully selected DJs spanning diverse genres are Dino Soccio, El Decomicio, and Chulita Vinyl Club – an all-vinyl collective of female, nonbinary, LGBTQ+, and self-identifying individuals of color. Other artists performing include Adrian Younge, a multiple Emmy winner who’s also the co-founder of Jazz is Dead record label and live concert project, and Mayer Hawthorne, a Grammy nominee.

You can have a drink at the former “Riot House” — and feel the spirit of legendary rockers

For several decades prior, this towering hotel was colloquially known as “The Riot House” because of the boisterous antics exhibited by its illustrious guests before it eventually transformed into Andaz West Hollywood.

In 1966, at this very location, Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, was observed clinging to a balcony by his fingertips, an incident that resulted in his eviction from the hotel. Fast forward a few years to 1972, when Led Zeppelin, known for their rowdy behavior, reportedly commandeered the entire 11th floor and allegedly threw beer bottles and furniture out of the windows, aiming to hit billboards on the street below, as per Harper’s Bazaar. These are but a few examples of the sensational tales associated with this legendary building.

At the Riot House restaurant within the hotel, though rock stars no longer cause chaos there, their essence remains palpable. During Spinning Sunset’s official happy hour, you can indulge in this ambiance while sampling a specially crafted menu. If you need a brief respite from the festival fun, swing by for guacamole and tortilla chips priced at $12, wild shrimp tacos for $18, a refreshing Paloma cocktail for $14, or select wines for just $12.

There’ll be giveaways (just be sure to RSVP)

Absolutely!

Hey there! You’re invited to catch Spinning Sunset for free, but hold on to your seats because this isn’t just any ordinary viewing. By RSVPing, you stand a chance to win an incredible lineup of prizes. Picture this: a one-night stay at the glamorous Mondrian with breakfast for two, followed by drinks at their Skybar. Plus, there are gift cards up for grabs from popular WeHo eateries like Dialog Cafe and Katana. The cherry on top? Complimentary bottle service and entrance to Keys nightclub!

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is snap a photo at the fair, tag @thesunsetstrip, and share it on Instagram. Winners will be announced within 24 hours of the event, but remember, attendance is essential to claim your prize. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and who knows? You might just walk away with some amazing goodies!

Regardless of whether you win a prize at the fair or not, there are still some appealing perks for you! These include a free serving of Dippin’ Dots ice cream and tastings from West Hollywood Edition’s own restaurant, Ardor. Enjoy!

After the fair, continue the party at Hotel Ziggy

The carnival concludes at 7 pm, but the fun doesn’t need to! Swing by Hotel Ziggy, the groovy hotel named after the iconic David Bowie (also known as Ziggy Stardust), for a spectacular after-party. Indulge in a $10 margarita or a $5 draft beer and groove along with Dirty Dave’s vinyl DJ set. The event is free and runs from 6 pm to 9 pm. Following that, Hotel Ziggy will host the Zap Sessions, a live music showcase by upcoming artists, powered by Beach Party Records, from 9 pm to 1 am. This event is also free, but it’s essential to RSVP.

If you’re interested in discovering some exciting spots on Sunset Strip, don’t miss out on Darci at The Roxy or Thorslund and The Stellar Bandits at The Viper Room. Additionally, Nico Bones, Velicious, Rev It Up, and others will be taking the stage at Whisky a Go Go. Enjoy your musical journey!

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2025-08-14 13:33