The rise of 'Soft Clubbing'

Author

Jessica Smalley
September 01, 2025

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The era of Soft Clubbing

Expensive, drunken, and regretful nights are on their way out.

What’s replacing them?

Early-morning kickoffs at unexpected spots like coffee shops, bakeries, and even bookstores, where the dance floor is fueled by iced lattes instead of vodka sodas.

It’s called soft clubbing, and it gives people the energy and connection of a night out, without the hangover.

As more people embrace a sober or sober-curious lifestyle, the demand for social spaces outside of bars has exploded. People want to dance, connect, and feel part of something bigger, but they also want to wake up the next morning with clarity and a full weekend ahead.

What’s interesting here is how creators are shaping this movement.

DJs are livestreaming soft clubbing sets, fitness instructors are curating dance workouts in coffee shops, and content creators are documenting the whole experience for audiences craving alternatives to the traditional nightlife scene.

Even brands are catching on, like Fenty Beauty, Shake Shack and Nike.

Honestly, I wish this existed when I was in my early 20s.

I wish this were a thing during my early 20s. I’m absolutely here for it.

Socially Updated

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The Dig

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LISTEN: What do serial killers and high lead levels have in common? Well, quite a lot actually. Caroline Fraser, author of "Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers," spoke with Joe Rogan about what she discovered while writing her book and the curious question of why serial killers were most prolific in the 1970s and 1980s.

WATCH: Instagram has launched a new Edits Tutorial series with Adrian Per / @omgadrian, and it is super sleek and simple. Adrian is a delightful part of my internet, and I always walk away inspired to create something after watching his content.