World-class turntable talents like Carl Cox, Erick Morillo and Tiesto combined with over-the-top visuals lure in a sweaty, scantily clad, party-hearty crowd for a guaranteed rave.

Every Saturday, Avalon sets up a stunning visual production, like a space-age circus complete with aerialists, stilt walkers and dancers performing in laser suits. An airplane was once built around the DJ booth; another time, the club was transformed into a haunted mansion. It could seem like a bit much for a night that's all about the DJ, but Avaland will do whatever it takes to beat Giant, who used to promote at Avaland before starting a competing night at The Vanguard. In early 2007, Avaland raised the stakes by bringing Spundae—winner of the International Dance Music Award for Best Event Promoter in 2006—on to help book the DJs for Avaland. Together with the night’s promoter Liquified, they’ve booked megastars Mark Farina, Satoshi Tomiie and Felix da Housecat and live electronic acts like Deep Sky, exciting two to three thousand clubbers a night. It doesn't hurt that the parties often go on until 7am the next day. —Alexandra Le Tellier