IRL Phone free events are booming globally as Gen z want time away from devices and with communities of real people instead.
Gen Z is at the forefront of a dramatic shift in social culture, pioneering the rise of IRL phone-free events and real-life communities that prioritise connection, intention, and collective wellness over digital distractions.
This trend, visible across global cities from London to Bondi Beach, is reshaping how young people gather, exercise, and socialise, with brands, fitness groups, and hospitality businesses racing to join the movement.
The Phone-Free Revolution
Phone-free events have become a sought-after solution for Gen Z in response to omnipresent technology and screen fatigue.
Clubs like The Offline Club in London attract thousands of 20- to 35-year-olds who check their devices at the door, seeking meaningful face-to-face connection and digital detox evenings.
Stag and hen parties, sleepovers, supper clubs, and experiential gatherings increasingly follow this lead, offering moments of pure presence and authentic engagement.
Rise of IRL Run Crews and Fitness Communities
Run crews and fitness collectives represent one of the biggest surges within this ecosystem.
According to recent trend data, running club memberships have jumped 59% in 2024 alone, with most new members under 30 and eager to meet “IRL” rather than just online.
Iconic examples include global crews like Mikkeller Running Club, which balances fitness with socializing, and Midnight Runners, who organise volunteer-led, device-free workouts in 18 cities worldwide.
Brands are creating new touchpoints, like Nespresso’s “Happy Hour”—early morning runs followed by coffee and DJ-led raves—reflecting Gen Z’s appetite for sober, energetic collective experiences at sunrise.
The Supper Club and Wellness “Fourth Spaces” Boom
The concept of “Fourth Spaces” is redefining community for Gen Z—these are hybrid gathering spots that bridge digital and physical worlds, focused on interest-based connection, wellness, and creativity. Supper clubs, sauna raves, cold plunge meetups, and creative workshops are booming, with 79% of the 18–35 demographic drawn to events blending fitness, food, culture, and wellbeing.
Supper clubs are evolving far beyond dinner, mixing nutrition, conversation, and creative activities in phone-free zones. Sauna raves, like those hosted at The Sanctuary wellness collective in Shoreditch, combine hot/cold therapy, movement classes, and plant-based dining—often running in tandem with music or morning raves. These events reframe socialising as co-created rituals, favoring presence, personal growth, and deep friendship over transactional encounters.
Global Brands Capitalise on the IRL Movement
Major wellness and fitness brands are rapidly adapting, shifting away from digital-only engagement to engineer connection in real spaces.
Nespresso, Athlete’s Foot, Puma, and LSKD have all partnered with cafes, run clubs, and wellness venues to host phone-free experiences combining movement, music, and healthy recovery rituals.
Early-morning events, sun-drenched recovery parties, and even ice bath mornings are now common activations, offering a new entry point for community-driven brand engagement and social wellness.
Data: Why Gen Z Chooses Real-Life Presence
Surveys and cultural intelligence studies reveal overwhelming support for this trend:
- 95% of 18–35-year-olds want to explore online interests in person rather than on screens.
- 84% have made a close friend through interest-based, in-person events.
- Fitness event attendance has risen by 146%, and alcohol-free events have grown by 92% in the last year.
- Sober raves, run clubs, and wellness-inspired gatherings offer a sense of belonging more valuable than traditional nightlife.
Looking Forward: The Future of Wellness Is Hybrid, Social, and Present
Gen Z’s pursuit of real-life communities and phone-free events signals a deeper social transformation.
They are building intentional, inclusive “Fourth Spaces” where identity, purpose, and genuine interaction replace shallow online connection.
Brands joining this trend must prioritise presence and engineered connection—not just wellness products—to matter to the new generation.
Run crews, supper clubs, sauna raves, and innovative wellness spaces are more than trends—they are the blueprint for a future where health, happiness, and community thrive in the here and now.
