TigerHeat 2026
- January 2025 – December 2025
- Los Angeles, CA
TigerHeat has become something of an institution for queer nightlife in Los Angeles. Every Thursday night for more than two decades the dance floor at Avalon Hollywood fills with a sea of young faces from all over Southern California. The event was launched in the early 2000s by DJs Ray Rhodes, Jason Lavitt and Howie T., who wanted to create a weekly party where people between 18 and 20 could dance and meet friends. At the time there were few nightlife options for those who hadn’t yet turned 21, so the promoters worked with a club in West Hollywood to host a pop‑driven night that felt both safe and celebratory. The formula caught on immediately. While many gay clubs at the time catered to a slightly older crowd and played mostly house music, TigerHeat leaned hard into mainstream Top‑40 hits. That decision helped to define its identity as a fun, youth‑oriented party. Over the years the playlist has evolved, but the spirit has remained consistent: no attitude, no strict dress code, just a chance to dance to pop anthems with friends.
The night’s reputation grew beyond California thanks to the regular appearances of big‑name performers. Christina Aguilera stopped by to sing her single “Beautiful” when it was released; Britney Spears made an appearance in 2008; later on artists like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea dropped in before they were selling out arenas. The event has become known for giving emerging acts a stage to connect directly with queer fans. It’s also a showcase for local talent – the resident DJs mix new remixes with nostalgic throwbacks, and there are often drag hosts, live vocalists and guest dancers. Many of the organizers describe TigerHeat as both a party and a platform: the crowd comes to unwind, but they also discover new music and artists. That combination of mainstream pop sensibility and community support has kept the night feeling fresh even as it has entered its third decade.
In 2025 the party is still going strong. Thursday nights at Avalon Hollywood continue to draw a diverse, intergenerational crowd, though the core remains 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds from around the region. The set‑up is familiar: doors open at 9 p.m., the DJ booth is perched above the dance floor, and giant screens show music videos in sync with the beat. A team of energetic go‑go dancers and performers keep the energy high, and theme nights—ranging from early 2000s throwback evenings to K‑pop or Latin pop specials—encourage regulars to dress up. There’s a bar for those who are over 21, but non‑alcoholic options are available for everyone, and security staff are visible yet friendly. For many attendees, TigerHeat is a rite of passage: a place where they attended their first gay club, met future partners or made long‑lasting friendships. That personal connection is what keeps people coming back and recommending it to others.
Because TigerHeat runs every week rather than on a single date, there isn’t a specific “event date” for 2025. Anyone planning to visit should check the club’s calendar for guest appearances and special themes, since these can vary from week to week. The promoters regularly update the schedule with performer announcements and occasionally take the party on the road to other cities. They also encourage attendees to follow the event’s social media channels for last‑minute changes or ticket deals. While the core of the night remains the same, the team is always looking for ways to innovate, whether by upgrading the sound system, incorporating new lighting effects, or partnering with community organizations for fundraisers.
More than anything, TigerHeat persists because it understands its audience. By staying focused on fun, accessible pop music and maintaining a welcoming environment for young queer people, it has weathered changes in club culture and shifts in musical tastes. Even those who have aged out of the 18‑plus demographic often recall their nights under the flashing lights with afThursday night dancing withIf you're planning to visit Los Angeles in 2025 and want to experience a slice of queer nightlifTigerHeat is a reliable choice. Check out the official TigerHeat website for weekly updates, special guests and ticket information, and get ready to spend a Thursday night dancing with hundreds of new friends.
The night’s reputation grew beyond California thanks to the regular appearances of big‑name performers. Christina Aguilera stopped by to sing her single “Beautiful” when it was released; Britney Spears made an appearance in 2008; later on artists like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea dropped in before they were selling out arenas. The event has become known for giving emerging acts a stage to connect directly with queer fans. It’s also a showcase for local talent – the resident DJs mix new remixes with nostalgic throwbacks, and there are often drag hosts, live vocalists and guest dancers. Many of the organizers describe TigerHeat as both a party and a platform: the crowd comes to unwind, but they also discover new music and artists. That combination of mainstream pop sensibility and community support has kept the night feeling fresh even as it has entered its third decade.
In 2025 the party is still going strong. Thursday nights at Avalon Hollywood continue to draw a diverse, intergenerational crowd, though the core remains 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds from around the region. The set‑up is familiar: doors open at 9 p.m., the DJ booth is perched above the dance floor, and giant screens show music videos in sync with the beat. A team of energetic go‑go dancers and performers keep the energy high, and theme nights—ranging from early 2000s throwback evenings to K‑pop or Latin pop specials—encourage regulars to dress up. There’s a bar for those who are over 21, but non‑alcoholic options are available for everyone, and security staff are visible yet friendly. For many attendees, TigerHeat is a rite of passage: a place where they attended their first gay club, met future partners or made long‑lasting friendships. That personal connection is what keeps people coming back and recommending it to others.
Because TigerHeat runs every week rather than on a single date, there isn’t a specific “event date” for 2025. Anyone planning to visit should check the club’s calendar for guest appearances and special themes, since these can vary from week to week. The promoters regularly update the schedule with performer announcements and occasionally take the party on the road to other cities. They also encourage attendees to follow the event’s social media channels for last‑minute changes or ticket deals. While the core of the night remains the same, the team is always looking for ways to innovate, whether by upgrading the sound system, incorporating new lighting effects, or partnering with community organizations for fundraisers.
More than anything, TigerHeat persists because it understands its audience. By staying focused on fun, accessible pop music and maintaining a welcoming environment for young queer people, it has weathered changes in club culture and shifts in musical tastes. Even those who have aged out of the 18‑plus demographic often recall their nights under the flashing lights with afThursday night dancing withIf you're planning to visit Los Angeles in 2025 and want to experience a slice of queer nightlifTigerHeat is a reliable choice. Check out the official TigerHeat website for weekly updates, special guests and ticket information, and get ready to spend a Thursday night dancing with hundreds of new friends.