The Cost of Late Stage Partyism

Ticketed parties have dominated the scene for years, offering exclusivity, great DJs, and a built-in social atmosphere. This became especially true post-pandemic when leaving the house and having fun felt like a luxury. With nightclubs feeling outdated, growing disinterest in “section culture” and playing Bad Bitch Olympics, Gen Z turned to casual and inclusive parties at large venues. 

Ticketed parties aren’t a novel concept. When I moved to New York in early 2022, I realized these events were the backbone of NYC’s nightlife for Black and brown young adults. Attending Everyday PPL, South House, or wherever DJ Mike Nasty was spinning during these party collective’s growing “iykyk” stage felt like winning a golden ticket and guaranteed a great time. 

Their occasional nature in large cities like New York or LA made them appealing, but the elusiveness has worn off as they’ve become more frequent. Now, if you miss one party, another pops up in a few weeks. The market has become oversaturated with new collectives trying to mimic the success of established ones. Not to mention everyone seemingly becoming DJs overnight. We love exploring new hobbies, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s a social media clout chase rather than genuine music lovers wanting to curate a vibe. 

With rising demand comes rising costs, as ticket prices have almost doubled in the last three years. This, plus astronomical drink prices, has me questioning if it’s even how I want to spend my money. If I'm paying $50+ for a ticket and $20 per drink, financially, I’m no longer having fun. (R*cess*on indicator?)

Meeting people at parties can be fun, but with hook-up culture changing (see: declining), Gen Z is searching for more meaningful relationships. You meet someone on a drunken night and exchange socials in passing, but likely have low intentions of taking them seriously because of how you met–be honest.

image source: https://nypost.com/2023/07/22/inside-gen-zs-surprising-post-pandemic-priorities/ 

Not to say the love of your life isn’t on the dance floor. Maybe they are! But these settings don’t always foster something long-lasting. Even platonically, when I experience the female rite of passage of bonding with another drunk girl in the bathroom and exchanging Instagrams, she still ends up becoming another random person whose stories I passively watch but never get to know. 

Sometimes, you just need a night of debauchery to dance wildly with friends, though. At that point, I’d rather just go to an actual club and embrace section culture. But where do you go if you want to have fun AND meet people? 

It’s almost like we need to go back to basics. The best part of the night is often the pregame anyways, so it’s only natural that collectively we’re recreating its best aspects. This is where the rise of more intimate gatherings comes in. 

House parties have always been spaces for good vibes: they’re generally low-cost and comfortable because you either know or know of the host and other attendees. From a relationship-building aspect, I’m all about vetting people romantically or platonically. It’s unsettling getting someone’s Instagram at a party and having no mutuals. Knowing the person you’re romantically interested in has ties to your social circle makes diving in feel safer. It’s also easier to establish new friendships when you already have friends in common.

image source: https://ra.co/news/82026 (Damballa) 

These intimate settings allow actual conversation without having to yell over ear-piercing music. (There's nothing worse than a guy trying to talk to you at the bar of a loud event, and he's low-key spitting in your ear.) The liquor is free, and sometimes there's food! The only dilemma? Most of Gen Z does not have homes, and the way the economy is looking...will we ever? Naturally, we’re finding other ways to mirror this energy. 

Vinyl bars and listening parties are popping up all over New York. With a more laid-back, sexy feel, these spots are also great ways to discover new and niche music. I’m personally advocating to try new bars rather than a typical party every weekend with friends. 

Wine For Me is a wine party that has been gaining traction by adding a new flair to the typical party scene. Speed dating events advertised around Valentine's Day had lots of interest, but I also predict more “flirting parties” popping up closer to summer. 

image source: https://www.eavesdrop.nyc/ 

There will always be the desire to party, but the landscape is evolving, and party groups are pivoting. From live sets like Black House Radio, Aprtment Life, Boiler Room, and now South House Live and South House Run Club, these groups understand the changing social space and the desire to party with a purpose to build community. 

Maybe it’s a symptom of getting older or the fear of monotony, but the same old format is boring and played out. I’m not even advocating for parties and clubs to disappear–there will always be a time and place for them, like visiting a new city or holidays. I just think a switch up on nightlife is imminent.

What I'm searching for is balance—dancing, questionable but fun decisions, and real connection in new and exciting settings. Because at the end of the day, people want to connect more than they want to party—and they want it cheaply. So that’s what I’m chasing, and I intend to find it.