Morning Raves: A New Way to Party Without the Booze

In Seoul, a new trend is taking over the party scene. Instead of late-night clubbing, people are gathering early in the morning to dance and have fun without alcohol. This might sound strange, but it's becoming a hit. One person, Park Jihyun, even ran to the party in her running clothes and shoes. She says it's a great way to meet new people and have a good time. The Seoul Morning Coffee Club started these morning raves, called Coffee Raves, in May. People pay about $14 to join and enjoy dancing to music while drinking coffee or matcha. The founder, Park Jae-hyun, says everyone looks happy and excited, even without alcohol. This idea isn't new. Other cities like New York and London have been doing sober raves for years. But now, it's spreading to more places, including coffee shops and bakeries. Younger people, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are into it. They prefer these events because they focus on health, wellness, and community. In France, a DJ named Alexis Duvivier started a bakery rave in Paris. He loved French bakeries and wanted to combine his love for music and baked goods. His first event was a success, and now, other DJs like Bob Sinclair and Peggy Gou are also hosting raves in bakeries.The trend is growing because people are looking for new ways to socialize and have fun without alcohol. In South Korea, where mental health issues are common, these events provide a way to relax and connect with others. Park Jihyun says it helps people feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. In London, DJs Manpal Bhullar and Vishal Kamle started sober raves in coffee shops. They say London's nightlife has become too commercial and expensive. Many young people are going out less often because of financial pressures and safety concerns. In Toronto, Matthew Campoli co-founded The Coffee Party, which hosts sober raves. He believes people are looking for genuine connections after the pandemic. Franklin Vaz, who attended one of these events, met his girlfriend there. They bonded over their love for running and clean lifestyles. These morning raves are changing the party scene. They offer a fresh, healthy, and inclusive way to have fun and connect with others.