Photography by Monica McGivern
Audio By Carbonatix
A pendulum swing away from the previously popular clean girl aesthetic, the rise of “Weird Girl” content has flooded social media feeds in recent years. Steering away from slick back buns and matching workout sets, “Weird Girls” champion feelings of otherness and prioritize individuality, regardless of perceived judgment. Rather than stifling the aspects of their personality that might feel less desirable or “weird,” Weird Girls boldly own the traits that make them unique and encourage other women to do the same.
In a cosmopolitan city with a reputation for vanity and rudeness like Miami, it’s easy to feel judged for being who you are, especially when it seems like your style and interests are niche or out of the ordinary. But Miami has plenty of underground and alternative communities — you just need to get out there and find your people.
Wondering where to start? Here’s our guide to living your best alt-girl life in Miami.
Photo by Daniel Betancourt
Where to Party
The Boombox
This unassuming, graffiti-covered warehouse by Tropical Park fits right into the neighborhood, but to those in the know, it houses some of the best underground music acts you can find in South Florida. Reopened last summer, the Boombox is a place “for locals, by locals,” even recently hosting one of the fathers of Miami bass: 2 Live Crew’s Mr. Mixx. The Boombox hosts experimental artists from the worlds of trap, new wave, and hyper-pop — the perfect soundtrack for weird girls to dance. 4447 SW 75th Ave., Miami; theboomboxmiami.com; @theboomboxmiami.
Domicile
For the ravers looking for a taste of Berlin’s infamous Berghain club in Miami, Domicile’s illustrious decks will keep you pulsing into the next day. Recently relocated to Allapattah, Domicile has long been at the center of the local underground music scene, hosting events that bring together techno, goth, and even kink subcultures. Its passion for hard techno extends beyond the late nights, as the venue hosts community events to teach locals how to produce and spin like the club’s best performers. 2900 NW Seventh Ave., Miami; clubdomicile.com; @domicile.miami.
Photography by Monica McGivern
Where to Catch Live Music
Churchill’s Pub
The legendary music venue Churchill’s Pub has been home to generations of weird girls. Host to wicked acts like Iggy Pop and events like the International Noise Conference, the self-proclaimed “home to the weird” is always teeming with talent spanning every genre. Years after the bar’s closure in 2020, Churchill’s reopened last summer and was welcomed with open arms. Since then, the stickered walls and questionable bathrooms of the “CBGB of the South” have bred new memories for local weirdos looking to have a good time with some good people. 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-757-1807; churchillspub.com; @churchills_pub.
Las Rosas
Perfect for the metalheads looking to mosh, Las Rosas in Allapattah has established itself as a haven away from vapid, typical Miami nightlife. As is the case with most places with Sharpied messages sprawled across its walls, the charm and mystique of Las Rosas draws those who feel like outsiders. While the venue and bar platforms all genres of music, Las Rosas is best known for its punk, metal, and darkwave scenes. With great pop-up bar eats and a stacked event calendar, there’s always a reason to visit Las Rosas. 2898 NW Seventh Ave., Miami; @lasrosasmiami.
Photo by Mar Sub Laban/@marsublaban
Where to Find Community
The Corner
A far cry from its nightclub neighbor E11even, The Corner is an intimate late-night-into-early-morning haunt for people who love a bar full of character and interesting conversations. In addition to its great cocktails and charming speakeasy interior, The Corner hosts live jazz nights, Bad Reputation’s biker meet-ups, and Dyke Nite’s queer events. Regardless of when you go, there’s always cool new people to meet at The Corner. 1035 N. Miami Ave. #101, Miami; thecornermiami.com; @thecornermiami.
Dear Eleanor
A creative hub for eccentric locals to listen to live music and explore underground scenes, Dear Eleanor has become a safe space for personal expression. With contemporary dance workshops and events like ADHDnD — a neurodivergent Dungeons and Dragons campaign — all interests are championed here. Coming up, Dear Eleanor has partnered with Easy Peasy Tattoos to host “Easy Sleazy,” a month-long series of sex-positive events and workshops. 148 NE 28th St., Miami; 305-209-0558; deareleanormiami.com; @dear_eleanor305.
Where to Shop
Dolls Kill
Since 2012, Dolls Kill’s online boutique has become a cult favorite for ravewear, festival fashion, and goth and punk styles. With a wide range of alternative clothing options, Miami weird girls are fortunate that Dolls Kill opened its second brick-and-mortar location here, in Wynwood, last year. Always tapped into trends and the tastes of its loyal client base, Dolls Kill’s collaborative collections are truly something to die (or “kill”) for. Recently, the brand released a collection with ‘90s icon Betsey Johnson. It’s also worked with bands like Hole and Slipknot for merch. 2600 NW Fifth Ave., Miami; dollskill.com; @dollskill.
Freak House
New Times Best of Miami Readers’ Poll winner for Best Clothing Store in 2024, Freak House caters to the weird girls with alternative style. Stocked with brands like Tripp NYC, Foxblood, and the highly coveted Demonia, Freak House is the lifeblood of gothic and punk fashion in South Florida. In Miami, it can be hard to find pieces that match your personal style, but this shop makes it easy to achieve the dream alt aesthetic. 9408 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-568-4684; freak.house; @freakhousemiami.
