Where to find sober-friendly metal shows in LA
Below are **venues and spaces** in the LA area that are either explicitly alcohol-free, all-ages (which often provides a safer, lower-alcohol environment), or sober-oriented social spaces. Each listing links to the venue or resource so you can confirm the next show and the venue’s current policies. No images for each listing (per your request).
Recommended venues & sober venues (5 picks)
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The Smell — Downtown LA (all-ages, alcohol-free DIY)
Volunteer-run DIY space focused on punk/experimental/noise — explicitly all-ages and alcohol-free, often hosting heavy / underground lineups. A top pick for sober concertgoers who want an intense show without alcohol on site.
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Chain Reaction — Anaheim (all-ages, historically alcohol-restricted)
Small, beloved all-ages room for punk/hardcore/metal from the OC/greater LA scene; Chain Reaction has a long history as an all-ages, low-alcohol environment (check event notes for specific door/age rules).
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First Street Pool & Billiard Parlor — Boyle Heights (local heavy / underground nights)
Eclectic venue that runs metal/hardcore nights and DIY shows — check event pages for age limits; many shows are 18+/all-ages and are scene-driven with a community vibe that’s easier for sober attendees to navigate.
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The Glass House — Pomona (frequent metal bookings, often all-ages shows)
Larger indie venue that regularly books heavy national and local metal acts. Many shows are all-ages or have explicit sections for under-21 attendees — useful option if you want a traditional venue environment but with all-ages listings.
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Free Spirited — Alhambra (100% non-alcoholic lounge / sober social space)
Not a metal venue, but a sober craft-cocktail lounge ideal for after-show meetups, decompression, and sober socializing. Great option if you want a late-night place that explicitly supports sober people.
Late-night & emergency NA options (after a late show)
If you need a meeting or support after a late show, these resources are reliable for night-of / late-hour options:
- Greater Los Angeles NA – meeting finder: local meeting schedules and directories (in-person meetings across neighborhoods). greaterlosangelesna.org
- Virtual NA: online meeting listings and 24/7 virtual meetings if you can’t make an in-person meeting immediately. virtual-na.org
- N.A. 24/7 marathon (online): always-on online meeting room (useful if you need a meeting at 1–3 AM). nana247.org
Practical tips when you plan a sober night at a metal show
- Check the event listing for “all-ages” or “alcohol-free” language — venues and promoters usually note age/policy details on the event page.
- Arrive early and scope the room: pick a quieter spot to decompress between sets (back wall, outside chill area, or near the door).
- If you need an immediate NA meeting after a show, virtual/24-hr meetings are the fastest option; bring headphones and a QR for the meeting link if the venue has spotty service.
- Use sober lounges (like Free Spirited) or late-night coffee spots as sober hangouts after shows when available.
