‘Mad Men’ Star Christina Hendricks Set To DJ At San Diego’s Part Time Lover In North Park

San Diego’s underground music scene is getting an unexpected dose of Hollywood, as Christina Hendricks, best known for her iconic role as Joan Holloway on Mad Men, is scheduled to take over the turntables at North Park’s Part Time Lover.

The Emmy-nominated actress has quietly been building a presence behind the decks at the Japanese-inspired hi-fi listening bar, previously spinning sets alongside experimental harpist Mary Lattimore and teasing her distinct sonic style - which she’s described as “Shoe Pop Dream Gaze,” a blend of shoegaze, dream pop, and atmospheric indie.

Her upcoming April 1 set marks her first solo appearance at the venue, offering San Diegans a rare chance to experience a major television star in an intimate, analog-driven setting that prioritizes deep listening over typical nightlife energy.

Opened in 2022 by Consortium Holdings, Part Time Lover transformed the former Bar Pink space into a Japanese-style listening bar and record shop anchored by Folk Arts Rare Records. The venue has become a favorite in North Park for its high-fidelity sound system, vinyl-only sets, and curated musical programming, making it an ideal landing spot for Hendricks’ low-key but increasingly talked-about DJ appearances.
The timing of Hendricks’ return to the booth also coincides with renewed cultural interest in Mad Men, which has recently seen a surge in popularity following its high-definition re-release on HBO Max. The critically acclaimed series, which aired from 2007 to 2015, continues to resonate with new audiences, with Hendricks’ portrayal of Joan Holloway remaining one of its most celebrated performances.

Born in Tennessee and raised across the Pacific Northwest and Virginia, Hendricks began her career as a model before transitioning into acting, ultimately earning six Emmy nominations and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards. In recent years, she has split her time between New York and Los Angeles, making her continued appearances in San Diego all the more unexpected.
For now, her DJ sets at Part Time Lover remain something of an insider secret, the kind of word-of-mouth event that defines North Park’s creative scene. But with a recognizable name behind the turntables and growing buzz surrounding her appearances, April 1 could draw one of the venue’s most eclectic crowds yet.

Part Time Lover is located at 3829 30th Street in San Diego’s North Park. Hendricks’ DJ set is scheduled for April 1, 2026. For more information, visit parttimeloverhifi.com.

Originally published on March 19, 2026.