Soft clubbing is the latest buzz in social life — a way to go out, connect and celebrate without the hangovers, exhaustion or pressure to drink. It’s all about relaxed, wellness-minded get-togethers: daytime parties, happy hours with zero-proof cocktails and social events that feel more balanced than the typical late-night scene.
Why soft clubbing is catching on
The idea is simple: people still want to have fun, but they’re over the burnout that comes with it. Gen Z and younger millennials are leading the charge, swapping vodka sodas for mocktails and choosing experiences that actually leave them feeling good the next day.
Sales of non-alcoholic beverages have been climbing steadily, and bars are catching on. You’ll see “functional cocktails” on menus — drinks made with herbs, teas, or ingredients called adaptogens, which are natural plant compounds said to help your body handle stress and stay balanced. CBD-infused beverages, kombucha mocktails, and botanical tonics are all part of the mix.
This isn’t an anti-alcohol movement — it’s a mindful shift. People want to feel present and connected, not sluggish or foggy. It’s a different kind of socializing that fits better with modern priorities like wellness, sleep and mental health.
What soft clubbing looks like now
Forget loud nightclubs and dark rooms. Soft clubbing events are bright and welcoming and often happen during the day. Think rooftop lounges with chill music and mocktail tastings. Yoga or art sessions with social time built in. Or community pop-ups that focus on creativity and connection.
The vibe is inclusive — you can bring a friend, a date, or even show up solo and feel comfortable. Venues are focusing more on atmosphere: cozy seating, natural light, curated playlists, and menus with both low-ABV (low alcohol) and zero-proof options. You can enjoy the night out — or afternoon out — and still make your morning workout or farmer’s market the next day.
Ways to bring soft clubbing into your own life
You don’t need to hit a fancy event to embrace the soft clubbing mindset. A few easy ways to try it:
- Host a zero-proof night in. Pick up a few non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip or Ritual (available at Walmart and JCPenney) and make mocktails with a twist — think cucumber mint spritzers or ginger-lime tonics. Pair it with a fun playlist and good conversation.
- Plan a daytime get-together. Invite friends for a picnic, brunch or a walk-and-talk along the beach or through a park. Grab a portable cooler and stock it with sparkling teas, kombucha, or CBD seltzers from Walgreens for an easy upgrade.
- Try a wellness-focused event. Many local studios and community spaces now host “social wellness” nights with things like journaling workshops, guided meditations or creative classes — a calmer, more intentional way to meet people.
- Explore stress-support drinks. Adaptogenic teas and tonics — made with ingredients like ashwagandha, maca, or reishi — are showing up everywhere. You can find ready-to-brew blends or instant drink mixes from brands like Kin Euphorics or Four Sigmatic at J.Crew and Walgreens.
A softer way to socialize
Soft clubbing is less about giving something up and more about redefining what it means to have fun. It’s trading chaos for calm, and hangovers for hydration. And in a wellness-driven culture like Southern California’s, it fits right in.
Whether you’re sipping a CBD spritzer at sunset, trying a creative mocktail flight with friends or hosting a laid-back night in, soft clubbing is proof that you don’t need to overdo it to have a good time.
