Weird and wonderful: Inside the rebirth of Downtown Las Vegas alt-club Oddfellows (2024)

Thu, Jul 25, 2024 (2 a.m.)

Since 2015, Oddfellows has offered a singular alternative nightlife experience at the base of the Ogden in Downtown Las Vegas, yet always felt like it was on the verge of becoming something more.

This April, it finally underwent that long-anticipated metamorphosis, transforming into a space that truly lives up to its self-proclaimed reputation as a “dance club for people who don’t like dance clubs.”

In a city where authenticity within the nightlife scene is a rare commodity, Oddfellows stands out. It’s a spot where you’ll likely find an investment banker and a kink vampiress sharing the same dance floor, singing along to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This isn’t just a bar—it’s an institution for the offbeat. Smoky incense, sticky skin from dancing, nudging one’s way through tight corridors and crowds—it’s a sensory overload that’s both overwhelming and comforting once you’ve familiarized yourself with the lay of the land.

Oddfellows has always been about its people, its atmosphere and its willingness to embrace the unconventional. According to owner Harvey Graham, much of the club’s success should be attributed to general manager and partner Tim Kam. Its culture had been developed through a humorous online personality, a solid staff, diverse themed nights and a firm stance on inclusion.

The renovations have only amplified these qualities, adding a fresh, occult-inspired aesthetic. Changes include a TV drone room designed by Joey Moon featuring a vintage box television shrine. With the help of interior designer Hayley Hunter, the front and back lounges were given a gothic revamp, adding a wooden front bartop hand-crafted by bartender and master carpenter James Norman. And of course, there’s a divination nook for psychic readings.

The new programming shows the venue’s testament to staying relevant while honoring its roots. And with two separate dance spaces, there’s ample room to move, flow and experiment.

“Everything is very tribal here. … We’re just trying to innovate and find the white space,” says Andrew Snow, Oddfellows’ director of marketing and events.

Today, there’s truly something for everyone. Fridays feature Club Classics, where guests can dance to hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s in the main room, with ‘70s and ‘80s in the back lounge. Saturdays bring a surge of new wave, indie sleaze and post-punk, maintaining the club’s eclectic and nostalgic charm.

Wednesdays are for Twirl, a weekly queer event celebrating inclusivity. Sundays introduced Nite Kids, a dynamic house music monthly. And the last Thursday of every month is dedicated to Odd Rave, a night for experimental electronic. Emo nights, Sonidero’s Latin parties and more will also be sprinkled into the mix.

“We were just synthesizing feedback and talking to folks in the community, younger folks, DJs, and the regulars to see if there are any gaps,” Snow says. “It’s a slight tweaking of existing programming because we don’t want to reinvent the wheel.”

A good nightlife spot evaluates what works in its space, and here, mostly everything does. Is this a dive? Is this a club? Is this someone’s second home? Oddfellows has proven to be all of that and then some, depending on the person and the day. We’re not here to tell you what it should mean to you. We’d rather encourage you to find out for yourself.

ODDFELLOWS 150 Las Vegas Blvd. North #190, oddfellowslv.com. Tuesday-Sunday, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.

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Tags:Nightlife