Does Gen Z Like To Party? - The Rise of Raves and Fall of Clubbing Culture

There's a common theme among news outlets and within social media that Gen Z is no longer partying. Compared to the early 2000s and 2010s party culture, it seems Gen Z is rejecting the partying lifestyle. 

According to Give Us The Night, a group campaigning for positive changes in the nightlife industry, there are 23 nightclubs in Dublin County, with a total of 83 in Ireland. They reported a 84% decline in public spaces for dancing since 2000. 

Hazel, box office manager of The Grand Social, has worked in the industry since 2007. She described how there are fewer people across all ages going clubbing. In the past 10 years, she noticed a general decrease in turnout. Hazel blames the cost of living as a major reason people are choosing not to go out. Gabriel, a bouncer for Lost Land who has seven years experience, also noticed that in general people were not going out as much. He believed that the pandemic further worsened an ongoing problem within the industry. 

Among university students, the overall price of a night out is not financially sustainable. Ben, a first-year Maynooth student, said, “Clubbing is unaffordable”.

So, where does this leave Gen Z? 

Well, young people aren't just staying in their homes every weekend, and the club is not the only place Gen Z can have fun. Selma, a 19-year-old DCU student, said, “I do other things, get drunk in pubs, board game nights, house parties”. Alexandra, a second-year NCAD student mentioned, “I don't like clubbing, it is extremely outdated”. She explains the energy of clubs is mostly about appearance and finding someone to hook up with. She prefers raves, where there is a greater sense of community and better music. 

Although nightclubs may be dwindling in numbers, illegal raves are thriving. They challenge modern clubs by lasting late into the night and offering a cost-free musical experience. 

Illegal raves are more spontaneous, as the location often changes, and allow techno lovers a haven to enjoy music. DJ/ producer DC Swede told The Liberty, “I loved the atmosphere around it, the freedom and the different kinds of music that you wouldn't get in a nightclub. The whole adventure of finding a party is a big part of the magic”. 

Instead of Gen Z in general being labeled as a no-partying generation, maybe clubs are just not satisfying the average young partier. Gen Z has been forced to reimagine the party scene with rising costs, strict nightclub laws, and an overall jaded feeling toward a club atmosphere.

Written by Maria Wolfer (@hangyouferns)

Edited by Alex Kelleher (@alex_kelleher)