A Magical Evening with Costumes, Merchandise, and Cinematic Wonder for Invited Press Media
Overview of the Event
On November 19, 2025, Alamo Drafthouse LA set the stage for an unforgettable evening as it welcomed invited members of the press and media to its annual party, highlighted by an exclusive pre-screening of the eagerly awaited film, “Wicked: For Good.” The night promised—and wholly delivered—a captivating blend of cinematic spectacle, themed treats, networking opportunities, and engaging festivities, all in a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
This was our first visit to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema LA. It was easy to find, with plenty of parking adjacent to the theater. Visitors get a special rate of $1.00/hour for the first five hours with theater validation. The venue is a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the financial district at 7th and Flower on the third floor the Bloc shopping center. We entered the theater and made our way to our seats and discovered a special Wicked themed merchandise gift waiting for us on each seat tray! What a great way to welcome us to the event!
True to the spirit of the Land of Oz, the theater was decked out with fantastical touches, illuminated in shades of emerald and violet. Some of the attendees embraced the occasion by donning elaborate, “Wicked”-inspired costumes, turning the venue into a living tribute to the beloved story. This made for a visually dazzling and immersive experience as guests mingled and posed for photos before the show.
Food, Drinks, and Wicked-Themed Treasures
The evening’s culinary offerings delighted with both their creativity and quality. Feast your eyes on these bewitching bites and drinks, including:
- Pink & Green Pizza – Roasted garlic, mozzarella, and parmesan on a thin crust, striped with basil pesto and tomato cream. Add broccoli and red bell peppers “for good,” or make it “wicked” with pepperoni and sausage.
- The Good-wich – Sliced chicken breast, red bell peppers, caramelized onions, lemon-garlic aioli, arugula, and tomato in a warm pita with spinach-basil pesto. Served with fries & ketchup.
- Kahlua Twister – Kahlua, vodka, and vanilla soft serve topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
- Green Elixir – Malibu rum, melon liqueur, pineapple and lime juice, finished with a cherry.
As an extra treat, invited media received a special Wicked-themed merchandise item—exclusive lunch boxes, shimmering goblets, or metallic popcorn buckets—serving as both functional mementos and coveted collectibles from the night’s festivities.
Costume Contest and Media Community
We enjoyed watching the spirited costume contest open to all media attendees who were wearing costumes. Participants were called to the front of the room by one of the male hosts who was dressed up as Glinda the Good. After having the participants assemble in front of the screen, he introduced each of them and had them model their creative ensembles before the appreciative crowd, with laughter and friendly competition infusing the event with extra magic. Then, the audience voted by applause for each of the contestants until they picked the top three, and from that the final winner was chosen to receive the grand prize of a Wicked blanket. The contest fostered camaraderie and helped break the ice, further encouraging professional networking and genuine connection among the press community.
The Exclusive Pre-Screening: “Wicked: For Good”
The highlight of the gathering was the private pre-screening of “Wicked: For Good.” Prior to the film, Alamo Drafthouse’s programming director offered a lively introduction, sharing insights about the highlights of the Alamo Drafthouse history and ideals. The seats were very comfortable and reclined at the press of a button. We were thrilled with the state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, which brought the dazzling visuals and powerful musical performances to life, drawing the mesmerized audience deep into the world of Oz.
Enthusiastic applause and animated conversations followed the closing credits, as media guests lingered to discuss the film and their favorite moments, adding to the energy and excitement of the evening.
Final Impressions
Alamo Drafthouse LA’s annual party and exclusive pre-screening of Wicked: For Good was a resounding success. Seamlessly blending hospitality, showmanship, and a dash of playful competition, the event reaffirmed the venue’s reputation as a premier destination for film lovers and industry insiders. With its immersive atmosphere, memorable take-home treasures, and unforgettable cinematic journey, the evening left attendees eagerly awaiting next year’s celebration!
Alamo’s annual holiday party was a chance for them to show off what makes movie-going a special experience at their theaters around the country:
- comfy reclining seats and extensive food & drink menu AT YOUR SEAT,
- pop-up menus throughout the year,
- instead of pre-screening ads, they screen 30-minutes of content curated for each film prior to the film’s start,
- DTLA boasts 12 auditoriums w/ first-run features AND lots of specialty programming,
- an assortment of Movie Parties and Q&A’s (live & livestreamed) every month,
- free video rentals,
- and all of Alamo’s pop-up & weekly events in its Video Vortex (bar/lounge/event space),
- plus occasional off-site events too!
If you haven’t been to the Alamo Drafthouse LA yet we HIGHLY recommend seeing your next film there! Check out their films at: https://drafthouse.com/los-angeles
Note: The Wicked themed treats menu will be available to all theatergoers to order from your seat through January 5, 2026.