Where to go soft clubbing in NYC

Sauna clubs, coffee shop dance parties and... rooftop smoothie raves?

The term “soft clubbing” is everywhere these days - from ticketing platform Eventbrite to mainstream media outlets like Vice and The Cut, everyone’s reporting on the trend towards more laid back party experiences. What does “soft clubbing” mean? Vice summarizes the value shift of soft clubbing as follows:

• Decentering alcohol and drugs.

• Recognizing economic realities by prioritizing less expensive events.

• Prioritizing authentic connection through immersive experiences, including entertainment, art, and music.

• Offer safer, more accessible forms of socializing.

Of course, New York City is one of the cities leading the way in “soft clubbing” - and since I’m all about sober-friendly partying, here’s a list of the best places for soft clubbing in NYC, including sauna raves, afternoon parties, outdoor dance parties and coffee shop raves.

Daybreaker

I’d claim that Daybreaker is the OG soft clubbing experience in the US. The traveling series of early morning dance parties has been going for over a decade, touching down in NYC at parks, rollerskating rinks, coffee shops, and the top of the Rockefeller Center. Most recently, they’ve been taking over Othership, a sauna and cold plunge space in Flatiron, for evening parties, and a coffee shops around the city. The music is mostly focused on danceable house. Follow them on social media and sign up for their mailing list to stay in the loop on upcoming events!

for the people

My buddy Aneesh has been throwing his substance-free dance parties in Bushwick since last year. for the people is for the serious dancers - the sound is excellent and the DJs don’t shy away from some deep cuts. We recently teamed up with for the people for our first ever afternoon dance party in Bushwick, and we’ve got more coming up. Follow along on Instagram and keep an eye out for updates on this Substack!

ZeroProofNY

ZeroProofNY launched last year with the goal of bringing sober partying to the crowds. They’ve been taking over various locations including the Wandering Barman in Bushwick with evening and daytime parties. Their last Cafe Session in July was absolutely bumping, and I’m super stoked to see what they have up their sleeves for next time!