Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 18:43     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
Anonymous wrote:I go to a lot of concerts. 9:30 is one of the safer venues. I.M.P. in general is very good at security and running a tight show. Not perfect but definitely the best for DC. Plus, 9:30 isn't huge. The area around it is pretty safe these days too - when it originally opened a very different story. I let my teens go to shows all over DC. Pie Shop is one I get a little stressed about just because H Street can be a little deserted late at night when the concert ends.

I love the Black Cat but I wouldn't let that be their first dance party. It is definitely bigger and very little security presence other than the front door. And some seriously old school bathrooms that lead to interesting events.

9:30 - yes. They can Uber back - always lots of people hanging out after the show to catch Ubers. Atlantis is good. Anthem is fine as well just a little more mayhemy on the big floor they have.


Did you just say that the Black Cat is bigger than 9:30 club?
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 18:25     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
I am not a fan of all ages shows if they serve alcohol. I went to those as a teen and would leave the venue drunk.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 18:21     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
send adult chaperone
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 18:18     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
What kind of dance party?

I'm old now. When I think about dance parties, I think about Buzz in the 90's.

Would I let my 16 year old hang out at Buzz? Hell no!
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 17:52     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
If the kid was under 16, I'd send an adult to chaperone. Over 16 and I think it's fine. Before and after a show there's a huge crowd of people around and so it's perfectly fine.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 17:45     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
9:30 club itself is very safe. the surrounding area made my wife uneasy at night. Howard university is beside the 9:30 parking lot.

Second time, we used spothero and parked at 2031 8th St NW. and it was very safe , right across the street, besides a pizza place for easy dinner before standing in line.

i would let them go with friends that you trust. easy first step to independence.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 17:42     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
I think 16 or 17+ and agree with person who’d want to pick up/drop off (and remind all ages to watch their drink at all times if they get water/soda)
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 17:39     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I go to a lot of concerts. 9:30 is one of the safer venues. I.M.P. in general is very good at security and running a tight show. Not perfect but definitely the best for DC. Plus, 9:30 isn't huge. The area around it is pretty safe these days too - when it originally opened a very different story. I let my teens go to shows all over DC. Pie Shop is one I get a little stressed about just because H Street can be a little deserted late at night when the concert ends.

I love the Black Cat but I wouldn't let that be their first dance party. It is definitely bigger and very little security presence other than the front door. And some seriously old school bathrooms that lead to interesting events.

9:30 - yes. They can Uber back - always lots of people hanging out after the show to catch Ubers. Atlantis is good. Anthem is fine as well just a little more mayhemy on the big floor they have.


I mostly agree with what you said, but to clarify re: Black Cat vs. 9:30 Club, 9:30 Club is way bigger a venue (1200 people) vs. Black Cat which is more like 700. But overall I find both pretty safe and yes, going to bathroom at Black Cat in basement is best done in pairs with young people. I'd let my 16 year old go but I'd probably want to pick them up and make sure they all get into Lyfts/Ubers safely (and just take my kid and any neighbor kids myself).


True but when the Black Cat feels bigger and more rambling - hard to keep an eye on all the corners - do you know what I mean? Just looked up the square footage of both - I'm getting Black Cat as 1000 standing room.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 17:31     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
Anonymous wrote:I go to a lot of concerts. 9:30 is one of the safer venues. I.M.P. in general is very good at security and running a tight show. Not perfect but definitely the best for DC. Plus, 9:30 isn't huge. The area around it is pretty safe these days too - when it originally opened a very different story. I let my teens go to shows all over DC. Pie Shop is one I get a little stressed about just because H Street can be a little deserted late at night when the concert ends.

I love the Black Cat but I wouldn't let that be their first dance party. It is definitely bigger and very little security presence other than the front door. And some seriously old school bathrooms that lead to interesting events.

9:30 - yes. They can Uber back - always lots of people hanging out after the show to catch Ubers. Atlantis is good. Anthem is fine as well just a little more mayhemy on the big floor they have.


I mostly agree with what you said, but to clarify re: Black Cat vs. 9:30 Club, 9:30 Club is way bigger a venue (1200 people) vs. Black Cat which is more like 700. But overall I find both pretty safe and yes, going to bathroom at Black Cat in basement is best done in pairs with young people. I'd let my 16 year old go but I'd probably want to pick them up and make sure they all get into Lyfts/Ubers safely (and just take my kid and any neighbor kids myself).
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 14:18     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
PP - Adding my teens also go/have gone to shows at Lincoln, Brydsong, DC9, Bloom and Ft. Reno without any issues. Some place in Takoma Park too that's part of the local punk scene
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 14:16     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
I go to a lot of concerts. 9:30 is one of the safer venues. I.M.P. in general is very good at security and running a tight show. Not perfect but definitely the best for DC. Plus, 9:30 isn't huge. The area around it is pretty safe these days too - when it originally opened a very different story. I let my teens go to shows all over DC. Pie Shop is one I get a little stressed about just because H Street can be a little deserted late at night when the concert ends.

I love the Black Cat but I wouldn't let that be their first dance party. It is definitely bigger and very little security presence other than the front door. And some seriously old school bathrooms that lead to interesting events.

9:30 - yes. They can Uber back - always lots of people hanging out after the show to catch Ubers. Atlantis is good. Anthem is fine as well just a little more mayhemy on the big floor they have.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 13:55     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)

You may want to make a whole thing of it.

Get a hotel.. stay over night with them in DC .. So you can be close by for drop off and pick up.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 12:12     Subject: Re:9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
I let my daughter go if we communicate who she is going with and how she is getting back
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 10:04     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
Following... I had the same question.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 10:02     Subject: 9:30 club dance parties (all ages)
Anyone let your teens go to these? Mine wants to go with her friends. Is it safe for high schoolers? Tell me what you know.