The Smell, Underground music venue in Downtown Los Angeles, United States
The Smell is a music venue in Downtown Los Angeles occupying a space at 247 South Main Street with multiple functions under one roof. Inside you'll find a performance area, a vegan snack bar, a library, and an art gallery.
The venue opened in 1998 in North Hollywood before relocating to Downtown Los Angeles in 1999 when rising rents made the original location unsustainable. This move positioned it as a gathering place for alternative music culture in the city's core.
This volunteer-run space operates as a platform for experimental music, punk rock, and artistic expression without age restrictions, welcoming performers and audiences of all ages. The ethos reflects a commitment to accessible art and community-driven creative practice.
The venue is easy to reach with parking options in nearby lots and a garage adjacent to the building. Events happen throughout the week, so it's worth checking the schedule before planning your visit.
The name comes from a distinctive smell in the back alley where visitors slip through an unmarked door to enter the space. This inconspicuous entrance adds to the hidden, underground quality that many visitors come to experience.
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