Fullerton, CA: Downtown Fullerton, historically a hub for college students and a melting pot of alternative cultures, has always carried a certain charm. Anchored by Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton, the area has long been home to an eclectic mix of hipsters, scenesters, and niche subcultures. By day, you’ll spot alternative crowds drifting through Blackhole Records, Stray Cat Vintage, and Buffalo Exchange. But once night falls, Fullerton’s club scene often felt like a loop of the same hip-hop and reggaeton playlists, the same fashion, and the occasional scuffle outside a bar. It was part of the Fullerton nightlife identity—but it was also beginning to feel tired.
That’s why a recent shift at a long-standing venue has breathed new life into downtown. Ziings, an unassuming two-room space once known for a Chinese bistro and a dueling piano bar, had been a fixture in the nightlife circuit for years. But in 2024, under new ownership, Ziings started redefining what nights out in Fullerton could feel like. Promoters Club Rock It and Club Blue Mondays helped spark the transition, turning the space into a haven for alternative tastes and attracting fresh, diverse crowds that were ready for something different.
Fridays at Ziings quickly became a landmark event for Fullerton’s alt scene. A sharp break from the city’s typical offerings, Friday nights now spotlight darkwave, 80s new wave, indie, and goth. It was a game-changer for a city that had never hosted a night like this. By 10 pm, the line often stretches toward Wilshire Avenue, packed with people in black clothing, goth-inspired makeup, DIY punk looks, and the occasional theatrical costume. For anyone drawn to darker, moodier aesthetics, Fridays at Ziings have become the destination. The venue’s ability to curate a distinct atmosphere and offer a safe space for alternative culture has reignited the local scene, bringing together crowds that were once dispersed across multiple venues.
But the reinvention didn’t stop there. Saturdays posed a challenge at first—reggaeton nights, emo parties, and early-2000s throwbacks each had moments, but none built a lasting identity. Then Charli XCX dropped Brat, and everything shifted. The timing was uncanny. Suddenly, pop had a new heartbeat, and Ziings found the exact energy it needed to transform its Saturdays into a high-octane celebration of “girl pop.”
Saturdays at Ziings now feel like stepping into a neon carnival. Think bright pink cowboy hats, fluorescent fits, glitter, and a loud, joyful atmosphere. The crowd has evolved into a mix of alt-pop fans, LGBTQ+ regulars, and a strong drag presence, making the night both inclusive and unapologetically expressive. The dancefloor pulses with color and personality, from bold fashion to full-throated sing-alongs. As DJ Foreign Warren, a Saturday resident at Ziings, puts it: “You will not hear most of these songs in any other Fullerton nightclub.” Tracks like Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club become instant anthems, with the whole crowd belting every word.
The momentum behind Saturdays hasn’t slowed. The club has become a sanctuary for anyone looking to break free from the expectations of traditional nightlife. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Ziings offers a rare space where expression isn’t just tolerated but celebrated. That sense of belonging has built a loyal following that grows week after week.
Now, Fridays and Saturdays together offer a full spectrum of alternative nightlife—darkwave devotees on one night, girl-pop enthusiasts on the next. Somehow it all works. Ziings has created a scene where goths and pop fans share the same dancefloor on different nights, each gathering finding its own slice of freedom. Its inventive programming and commitment to inclusivity have set a new standard for what nightlife in Fullerton can be.
Ziings’ evolution marks a broader shift in the city’s cultural landscape. It reflects changing tastes while staying rooted in Fullerton’s alternative identity. As both the music and the crowds continue to evolve, Ziings has solidified itself as a cornerstone of downtown—a place where individuality thrives, community grows, and the city’s nightlife finds fresh inspiration. With its bold approach and dedicated following, Ziings is shaping what the future of Fullerton nightlife looks like.
Stay updated on events at Ziings’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziingsnightclub/
