Veterans of E3 are well aware of this—but for you newcomers, let us share a bit of sage advice: It’s party central. To help you navigate this game-y, booze-y, network-y good time, here’s your guide to the E3 parties of 2017.

Note that E3 badges are not required, unless otherwise noted. While not all events specifically say they are restricted to ages 21-and-over, be prepared to show ID if alcohol is served—and please celebrate responsibly.

EA Play Fanfest

Are you a fan? Are you feeling festive? Well, EA has an event with your name all over it. It’s the EA Play Fanfest, and it’s happening the weekend before E3. EA says it will be “one of the biggest pop culture events of the summer,” but you can be the judge of that. It will feature 11 new games across more than 140 demo stations and daily concerts headlined by Nas, DJ Green Lantern and Dave East.

When: Saturday, June 10 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 11 from 12 to 6 p.m.
Monday, June 12 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Obtain a free ticket online or use those ninja skills you’ve been practicing since you were eight.
Price: Free (sold out)

Vital VR

This unofficial E3 pre-party is a gathering of AR/VR game companies and brand activations. The party features game demos, networking and “spreading positivity” . . . by punching the president in VR.

When: Saturday, June 10 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Fabric Studios LA, 201 San Juan Ave., Venice, CA
Requirements: Register here.
Price: Free

AlienwareLIVE

If you’re looking for the latest outer space fashions, this event is not for you. However, if you’d like to preview and perhaps get friendly with the latest gaming computers from Alienware and Dell, you’ve come to the right place. Get your geek chic on with cocktails, munchies and music by DJ Tay James.

When: Monday, June 12 from 8 to 11 p.m.
Where: Undercurrent, 417 East 15th St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: RSVP here and/or show up until the fire marshall kicks y’all out.
Price: Free

FaceIt X Monstercat AFK

Esports community FaceIt and music label Monstercat say this party is the “only way to get ready for E3,” although we do recommend putting pants on. Music by NGHTMRE, Slander, Rickyxsan and Gavin Ryan.

When: Monday, June 12 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: Exchange LA, 618 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: 21-and-over with ID, E3 badge required, by invite only—register here to request an invite.
Price: Free

Gay Gaming Professionals (GGP)

GGP’s ninth annual outing promises an evening of cocktails, revelry and live DJ sets from MidLifeCrisis & CAPNSMAK.

When: Monday, June 12 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Redline Food and Bar, 131 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: 21-and-over.
Price: Free

Big Indie Pitch & Big Indie Drinks In Los Angeles With Samsung

Indie developers who sign up can pitch their games to an expert panel for a chance at the Big Pitch Crown and a $5,500 marketing package. Spectators welcome.

When: Tuesday, June 13 from 5 to 11 p.m.
Where: Shoo Shoo, Baby, 717 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Games must be registered by June 11 to participate.
Price: Free

8BitLA + Play It Loud! Present Hack The Multiverse 2017

Concerts, drinks, E3 peeps.

When: Tuesday, June 13 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where:  The Airliner Nightclub, 2419 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: 18-and-over with E3 Badge.
Price: $10 for 21-and-over before 8 p.m., and $7 afterward; $5 for ages 18-to-20

LA Houdini User Group E3 Party

Pictures show arcade games and it takes place at a brewing company for you wheat water lovers.

When: Tuesday June 13 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Arts District Brewing Co., 828 Traction Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Need to show RSVP at the door.
Price: Free (sold out)

Digital LA Games Mixer

Get drunk and take pictures with video game standees.

When: Tuesday June 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: CTRL Collective, 833 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Show up.
Price: Free with E3 badge; $10 without

AVENUE—A Videogame & Entertainment Networking & Unifying Event

When just drinking won’t do, show up in cosplay and party with video game composers Gerard K. Marino (God Of War I, II, III) and performer Shota Nakama (Final Fantasy XV, Capcom Live).

When: Tuesday June 13 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: The Mayan, 1038 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: 21-and-over.
Price: General Admission $10; At the door $15

Women In Gaming

Something for the ladies, but men are not excluded from attending. A nearly decade-long tradition hosted by Xbox. Networking and good times over food and drinks.

When: Tuesday, June 13 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: P.Y.T., 400 South Main St., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Don’t be a jerk.
Price: Free

MediaMation

Check out MediaMation’s motion seating and 4D effects esports concept on the E3 show floor, then head down to Hollywood to keep the party going.

When: Wednesday, June 14 from 7 p.m to 12 a.m.
Where: TCL Chinese Theater, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA
Requirements: Invite only, register here.
Price: Free

Other Happenings . . .

World 8 Art Show

While not technically associated with E3, World 8 is timing this event to “sell the hard-to-find gaming nostalgia to the masses.” The indie game store is celebrating its opening night of a video game tribute art show with a video game cosplay contest.

When: Saturday, June 10 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: World 8, 1057 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Requirements: Like video games.
Price: Free, no tickets required

Sonic Revolution 2017

Gotta go fast to this celebration of all things Sonic the Hedgehog. Special guests include game developers, writers, voice actors and more.

When: Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Hall, 12703 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA
Requirements: Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Price: $15; print out ticket for faster admittance