Atlanta’s rising “espresso get together” motion invitations early risers to take pleasure in daytime, caffeine-fueled gatherings targeted on reference to much less alcohol.
ATLANTA — Atlantans strolling into West Midtown’s Palo Santo final Saturday have been greeted with a change of their repeatedly scheduled programming. DJs spun funk and home music whereas guests danced and socialized throughout the rooftop — all on the crisp hour of 9 a.m.
Whereas passersby may shrug the scene off as typical for a bar, it wasn’t simply alcohol fueling these company, however espresso. Welcome to Atlanta’s rising “espresso get together” motion, a daytime, caffeine-fueled and sober-ish celebration.
One of many authentic contributors to this motion is Espresso Get together Atlanta, recognized for his or her “Home Mix” that includes a sequence of DJs on the Beltline. What started as a pop-up at artisan market Social Area advanced right into a free month-to-month ritual for Atlanta’s early risers, sober-curious and people bored with the clubbing-to-hangover pipeline.
Espresso Get together Atlanta co-founders Hunter Smith, recognized by his DJ stage title Bathtub Toiz, and cell espresso store Second Cup collaborated to rethink the social house on the town, specializing in connection with out the alcohol. Smith mentioned they bought the concept after watching a TikTok video and now have about 250 folks come out to their occasions.
“I simply need folks to really feel that in case you’ve began a household, or perhaps you’re sober and you do not like going out at night time — and since loads of that’s alcohol-fueled — that this turns into a spot which you can nonetheless have enjoyable and revel in what you liked about digital music or golf equipment,” mentioned Smith.
Espresso Get together Atlanta argues that persons are in search of a distinct sort of get together, one thing that retains a excessive stage of power however doesn’t revolve round consuming.
“Membership tradition is dying — we invite you to assist us construct a brand new sober motion in Atlanta,” Espresso Get together Atlanta writes on their Meetup web page.
The Morning Groove has taken an analogous method as they characteristic stay DJs and low distributors at numerous Atlanta places. They publish the main points of every occasion and promote tickets by way of their Instagram, with earlier meet-ups at El Ponce, Lady Diver and Stroll Atlanta.
In the meantime, different Atlanta venues are including espresso day events to their calendar of occasions. Palo Santo’s “Home Brew” sometimes runs from early morning to mid-afternoon. At the newest pop-up on June 7, tickets have been $10 and Palo Santo supplied a inventive costume code on their web site, with kinds starting from “Wake & Vibe” to “Caffeinated Stylish.” Movement Espresso Roasters made signature drinks, and non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0 was readily available with assist from Purple Bull.
Financial and societal impression
Espresso Get together’s occasion construction could also be tapping into a bigger cultural want brewing throughout the U.S. The variety of Individuals who drink was right down to 58% in 2024, the bottom charge since 1996, in response to analysis from Gallup.
On the similar time, the Nationwide Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism believes sober-curious younger folks within the U.S. could also be altering the dialog round alcohol, specializing in a extra aware method to alcohol consumption. Actions like espresso events level again to those nationwide traits, however with a distinctly Atlanta spin.
The motion may additionally function one key within the chain of options wanted for Atlanta’s nightlife trade. Practically half of Atlanta’s nightlife patrons are going out lower than they have been a yr in the past, in response to the Metropolis of Atlanta’s 2025 nightlife economic system report.
With this decreased time spent on consuming, eating and music, Atlanta’s $5.1 billion nightlife trade and the 44,000 jobs supported by it may face income penalties. Espresso events and comparable daytime capabilities create a brand new house for nightlife workers and venues to generate income exterior of their typical hours.
“I am turning 30 this yr, so I am getting a bit bit older,” mentioned Smith. “A late night time DJ scene, as enjoyable as it’s, just isn’t jiving with my schedule as a lot and my skills as a human. So I actually like the concept.”
Espresso Get together Atlanta’s subsequent occasion is scheduled for July 28. Palo Santo is internet hosting one other Home Brew on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
