Get Ready to Roll-er Skate
Roller rinks, pop-ups and custom skates in LA
For the better part of two years, roller skaters were limited to skating laps around the block or practicing roller disco moves from TikTok. Now, Los Angeles is ready to roll. From family-friendly open skates, to pop-ups and classes, venues across the city are ready to host skaters of all ages and skill levels. Read on for our guide to roller skating in LA, and be sure to stop by the featured roller skate shops so you'll look great showing off your moves in your custom skates.
NOTE: Hours and opening dates change frequently. Check individual websites for updated information.
Rinks
The Cage Roller Hockey Rink
The Cage (11455 W Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood 91601) is best known for roller hockey, featuring Adult, Adults 40+ and Youth leagues. The Cage also hosts pick-up games on Sundays from 11:30am to 1pm.
During the summer, the outdoor rink hosts a Saturday night skate event. DJs spin a mix of music from 7pm to 9pm for the all-ages party. Bring your own quad or inline skates, as there are no rentals available at The Cage. Cover is $15 and tickets can be purchased in advance.
Moonlight Rollerway
Since it originally opened as Harry’s Roller Rink in 1956, Moonlight Rollerway (5110 San Fernando Rd, Glendale 91204) has been a favorite for locals ready to lace up their skates. All-ages skates are scheduled throughout the week, including the LGBTQ+ centric Rainbow Skate Night on Wednesdays from 8pm - 11pm. On Saturdays, the family-friendly Kids Skates (ages 12 and under) take place from 10am to noon.
For newbies, there are numerous skating classes, priced at $25 each ($6 skate rental):
- All Ages (Saturday 12:45pm - 1:30pm)
- Adult Beginner (Tuesday 7-8pm)
- Adult Intermediate/Advanced (Thursday 7-8pm)
- Beginner Kids Under 16 (Saturday 9:15 - 10am)
- Super Skater Kids (Saturday noon - 12:45pm)
Tickets to classes and special events are available at Eventbrite. Moonlight Rollerway is also available for parties during public skate hours and for private events.
Pop-Ups
Downtown LA Skaters
Downtown LA Skaters is an expanding crew of skaters that have banded together to roll around urban destinations. The group was founded by Tony McCoy, who had recently moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco. Downtown LA Skaters meet up at The Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo (152 N. Central Ave, Los Angeles 90012) at 7pm on Fridays. McCoy and guest DJs play the tunes on his sound system for what’s known as the FriYay DTSK8. The crew also meets up for their Skate Picnic at 11am on the third Sunday of every month at Los Angeles State Historic Park (1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles 90012).
They’ve been drawing dozens of participants, and while it's mostly adults, people are welcome to bring their kids with them. You don’t have to be a roller skater to hang out with the crew - all wheels can jam. Follow @dtla_sk8_cru on Instagram to keep up on events.
LA Skate Hunnies
Jennifer Yonda started LA Skate Hunnies because she was tired of roller skating alone. Her first meetup brought together about five people. Now, up to 50 folks meet at 7pm on Thursday nights at destinations on the Westside. These skate sessions are open to all ages and "all wheels" are welcome, so if you’re more comfortable on a skateboard or bike, you can certainly roll along with them. Yonda wants people to see that they can use roller skates as a means of transportation and a "catalyst for their adventures" and invites anyone looking to try a new skate route to join them. Follow @la.skate.hunnies on Instagram for meetup dates and locations.
The Sk8 Pop Up
The Sk8 Pop Up rolls through Southern California with skate sessions for youth and adults at locations like the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center (3211 W. Victory Blvd, Burbank 91505) and Skate Express (12356 Central Ave, Chino 91710). The pop-ups vary in structure - the crew has held late night skates and family-friendly sessions in the early evening. DJs spin everything from hip-hop and R&B to disco and 90s jams. Follow @thesk8popup on Instagram to see upcoming skates and music lineups.
Shops
Roller Skates of America
Want to take your Doc Martens out for a roll? Roller Skates of America (16726 Hawthorne Blvd., Lawndale 90260) can help. This family-owned shop has been around for more than 40 years and they’ve turned everything from Docs to cowboy boots and stiletto heels into skates. Roller Skates of America is open from 11am to 6:30pm on Tuesday through Friday, and 11am to 5:30pm on Saturdays. The shop is also available for emergency service and after-hours appointments. Roller Skates of America handles repairs for both quad and inline skates, and also carries K2 and Sure Grip models.
Sk8 Fanatics
If you want a set of wheels that truly reflects your style, Sk8 Fanatics (14037 Garfield Ave, Suite H, Paramount 90723) is a go-to for custom quad skates. This Paramount shop has built an international clientele for its ability to transform the shoes of your choosing, from sneakers to boots, into a pair of roller skates. They can also rev up your old pair for the rink with new wheels or refurbish the set you found at a thrift store. In addition, they carry skates from brands like Moxi, Riedell, Sure Grip and vegan-friendly Impala. Stop by the shop (Tuesday-Saturday, 10am - 3pm) or place your orders online.
Roller Derby
L.A. Derby Dolls
The famed L.A. Derby Dolls were founded in October 2003 by Rebecca Ninburg (aka Demolicious) and Wendy Templeton (Thora Zeen). The league has since been granted 501c3 nonprofit status, and is now a thriving volunteer-run organization of more than 150 adult and junior skaters, referees, and trainers. After a two-year COVID related hiatus, the L.A. Derby Dolls are once again hosting roller derby games at the Dollhalla in Vernon.
The L.A. Derby Dolls offer training programs for those interested in joining the league. "Fresh Meat" is for woman identifying and non-binary folks ages 18 and older - designed to create, condition, and mold competitive roller derby athletes. The Junior Derby Dolls is open to skaters of all skill levels ages 7 to 17.
Los Anarchists
LA's own championship-winning junior roller derby team, Los Anarchists host an open skate session on Sundays from 11am to 12:30pm at the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center (3211 Victory Blvd, Burbank 91505). Youth of all genders between the ages of 5 and 17 can learn how to skate and pick up some of the skills to participate in roller derby themselves. The first session is free and it’s $10 a session after that, with loaner gear available for the kids. You will need to reserve a spot in advance.
Private Lessons
LA Roller Girls
You may have noticed the LA Roller Girls skating in music videos for artists ranging from Purple Disco Machine to Gwen Stefani to Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars. The local skate entertainment troupe also hosts workshops or all ages and skill levels. Check their website for upcoming dates and don’t forget to bring your own skates. If you can’t make it to a public class, they also offer private lessons and have video courses available through their website.
Carhops
Cupid's Hot Dogs
Cupid's Hot Dogs was originally established in 1946 as Walsh's Hot Dogs by Richard and Bernice Walsh - Richard soon changed the name to Cupid's (Bernice's nickname). Known for its signature chili dog, the Valley institution is now in its third generation of family ownership, with sisters Kelly and Morgan Walsh at the helm. Every Sunday, the Winnetka location (20030 Vanowen St, Winnetka 91306) offers Carhop Service from 3-6pm. Order online and Cupid's will skate the food out to you. Be sure to include your space number under special instructions at checkout.
Frisco's Carhops
Founded in 1981 by Greek immigrant Takis Stathoulis and his wife Joanne Frisco Stathoulis, Frisco's Carhops (16460 Whittier Blvd, Whittier 90603) features a retro 1950s decor and classic diner fare. Servers on roller skates glide through the indoor-outdoor space with trays of favorites like "The Original" Frisco Burger, chili cheese fries and signature milkshakes.
The DiscOasis
In the summer of 2021, roller disco lovers headed to South Coast Botanic Garden (26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula 90274) for The DiscOasis, featuring music curated by the legendary Nile Rodgers and out-of-this world lights and installations. Surrounded by the lush beauty of the gardens, The DiscOasis hosted a DJ set from hip-hop icon Grandmaster Flash; a night helmed by Black Charmed, the producers of inclusive LGBTQ+ party Ostbahnhof; and a live performance from house singer Ultra Naté. Sign up for The DiscOasis mailing list to stay updated on the next season.
