After some research – as well as first-hand experiences – I’m wrapping my head around the concept of clubbing in 2025.

We all know very well how for decades, clubbing, has been a strong form of culture: finding out what was ‘the plan’ for the weekend – and eventually where’s the rave at – was basically dogma. Also, raves and nightclubs were places for self-expression in years of strong societal taboos. In other words, places of bonding and belonging.

Fast forward, the internet culture and social media – along with the cost of living, the pandemic and more – have contributed to changes in the places that have always represented nightlife, as well as the behaviors and needs of those who frequented them.

Now, I’m for sure oversimplifying the story – which is dense and complex – but today I see a kind of polarization of clubbing.

On the two side of the spectrum we have:

a fluid, fragmented, and decentralized “club culture”

a massive entertainment-based event scene

The share of small- to medium-sized venues intended for a certain type of clubbing has all but disappeared and is struggling through a complex issue of cost and taxation.

Kind of deepening the two side of the spectrum… Decentralized Clubbing

could take place literally everywhere but at the club – in coffee shops; kebab dealers; a garage; someones house; on the actual streets
it is affordable – often free to join
it primarily serves communities of like-minded people
it often goes beyond just a party, the name of the event, becomes a brand, and activities ranging from workshops to dinners are developed around it – the point is still bringing the people together to overcome loneliness, individualism, and so on
it is driven by small, self-managed and often self-financed “entities”

Entertainment-based Scene

runs in large, epic, technologically advanced venues – i.e. The Sphere
accessible for a few
yes, it brings people together but they’re mostly there for the entertainment, for the big show – you feel part of something, but I feel like you have less chances to have a casual - chat with other attendees
driven by established music/entertainment brands or by media corporates

Santi's Love and Country County Fair (2024) - Santi Henderson