The Labubu bomb has dropped in Las Vegas and crash-landed at Area15. We’ve been to Area15 for other raves, and most recently, Labubu Rave. A Labubu Rave is exactly what it sounds like, whilst simultaneously being a complex result of pop culture microtrends and the rise of blind boxes. 

The Labubu trend is largely credited to Kpop star Lisa from Blackpink, who is unabashedly a fangirl of the fuzzy monster series. Lisa has been spotted with Labubu attached to her designer purses and has been indulging in collecting the creatures from Pop Mart. Since she was first photographed with a Labubu, the trend that started in Asia has made its way worldwide. The obsession has driven legions of collectors, flippers, and fans to snatch up the coveted blind box Labubu nonstop. Now the trend has made its way to the United States, it has naturally evolved into something equal parts silly and indulgent – Labubu Rave.

Labubu Rave is the brainchild of Cool is Dead, the same group behind the ironically iconic Shrek Rave. When the event took place in Las Vegas, it occupied the same space as the last Shrek Rave – The Portal at Area15. The Portal uniquely offers 360° projections across all walls, delivering a psychedelic sense of immersion. In short, it’s beautiful but can be intense.

With the scene set, let’s check out the Labubu Rave.

The Labubu Rave at Area15 is 18+ but still offers a full bar for guests 21+. DJ Melissa Brooks had the gargantuan task of spinning for Labubu enthusiasts and rave attendees but executed that balancing act flawlessly. Early in the set, she was spinning club classics to get the party started. Once the dance floor filled out, she got funky with it, dropping in audio clips from Love Island with back breaking beats. She even did a performance of an original song with sharp choreography – an absolute bombshell move.

On the dance floor, we saw a lot of Labubu socializing with each other. Labubu chaperones (humans) were bringing their fuzzy friends out and having them dance along to the beat. For those who didn’t come prepared, Toy Box LV had a pop-up presence where they were selling brand new Labubu boxes. Pricing for individual Labubu started as low as $30 and ranged up to $250 each for exclusives from Singapore. In addition to Labubu themselves, Toy Box LV also sold accessories custom-made for Labubu such as clothes, glasses, purses, and cowboy hats. God forbid your Labubu show up to the function without a purse or matching cowboy hat. 

The rave itself was a celebration of joy, community, and the pointy eared princes of Pop Mart. The fully immersive space was constantly lit up with animations of Labubu stomping around, dancing, and having as great a time as the human attendees. But that begs the question – how did we get here?

We’ve noticed a pattern of pop culture parties at The Portal, one of Area15’s event venues. This series of fandom fests is continuing to expand through the year’s programing, and we sat down with Area15’s VP of Creative, AJ Annunziata, before the event to understand the method behind the madness of Labubu Rave and beyond. 

First of all, tell me what happens at a Labubu Rave. 

The Labubu Rave is going to be a visual overload in the best way possible. Inside The Portal, our 360-degree projection-mapped venue, guests will step into a surreal, colorful world inspired by the wildly quirky designer toy character Labubu. From curated beats and neon visuals to immersive projections, it’s a celebration of art, music, eccentric creativity and pop culture. It’s a night where guests can really let loose and be part of something joyfully weird.

What inspired the Labubu Rave coming to Las Vegas?

We’re always looking for unconventional pop culture icons that spark a sense of wonder, nostalgia, or just plain delight. Labubu, with its quirky, chaotic charm and cult following in the designer toy scene, felt like the perfect muse for our next immersive party. The character’s offbeat aesthetic lends itself beautifully to our world of projection mapping and art-forward nightlife. It’s a celebration of subculture and creative remixing—exactly what AREA15 is all about.

Is there an importance to having 18+ raves versus 21+ raves?

Definitely. Opening up certain events to 18+ allows us to welcome a younger crowd that’s deeply tapped into internet culture and fandoms—audiences that live online and are often the first to embrace trends. It gives us the flexibility to build community around culture-forward events that aren’t solely about alcohol or bottle service. It’s more about the shared experience, the visuals and the vibe across all age ranges. 

Labubu Rave is the latest event in a fantastic year of programming—kicking off with Video Game Rave at the beginning of the year. How do you curate a series of pop culture–themed raves?

Our curation process blends instinct, internet culture, and a willingness to take risks. We look for themes that resonate deeply with communities—whether that’s nostalgia, fandom, or underground trends—and then reimagine them through the lens of nightlife, immersive tech, and music. We don’t just follow trends; we innovate them. From our Video Game Rave to Shrek and Teletubbies dance parties, every concept is about creating an unforgettable experience that goes beyond just a DJ and a dance floor.

Does the AREA15 team have a hand in the artistic direction of raves in The Portal?

Yes, absolutely. While we often collaborate with producers and creatives, the AREA15 team plays a big role in shaping the visual and thematic direction of every event—especially inside The Portal. It’s not just a venue, it’s a canvas. We work closely with projection designers, lighting teams, and visual artists to ensure that the content aligns with the overall concept. Every detail, from music to motion graphics, is designed to pull guests deeper into the experience.

Were there any events that were surprisingly popular?

The Teletubbies Rave caught us off guard in the best way. We knew there was nostalgia there, but the level of enthusiasm and the costumes people showed up in exceeded every expectation. It was one of those moments where you realize just how much people are craving unexpected, joyful weirdness—and that they’ll show up in full force for it.

What can we expect next for AREA15’s event series?

More genre-bending, pop-culture-fueled experiences. We’re leaning even deeper into immersive storytelling, unexpected mashups, and audience interactivity. From themed raves and experimental theater to fandom-inspired gatherings and beyond, our fall and winter lineup is stacked with events that continue to break the mold of what a Vegas night out looks like. We’re also exploring new cultural crossovers and creative partnerships that will push our event programming to the next level.

We had a great time at Labubu Rave and look forward to more ridiculously fun fandom events in the future. Would you go to a Labubu Rave? Is your FOMO raging? Let me know in the comments, and check out our social media for video coverage of the rave!

I attended this event as a guest of The Vox Agency, receiving complimentary tickets.