Real connections are back with the rise of offline meetups, as 95% of 18-to-35-year-olds want to turn online interests into real-world connections. New York City reflects that trend, with more than 80 run clubs offering weekly meetups. Rising turnout at these events signals a clear shift in how people form and maintain social ties.
From vibrant book discussions to energized fitness gatherings, offline clubs are transforming how people socialize. Gen Z and millennials are leading this shift, favoring in-person interaction and less screen time.
Book clubs are back
A recent survey shows 95% of adults ages 18 to 35 want to turn digital connections into in-person experiences. That shift is showing up at book-related events where Gen Z and millennials are driving attendance. The rise points to growing demand for face-to-face conversations built around stories, ideas and shared interests.
Book clubs across the United States are shifting into more casual spaces that prioritize real conversation over formal discussion. These groups focus less on formal critique and more on connection over shared reads. Fiction, nonfiction and trending titles all fuel discussion in relaxed, social settings.
Another rising option is PodClub, where members skip books and meet to talk about podcasts. It offers a more accessible way to connect offline for those who prefer audio storytelling. Members listen on their own time, then meet in person to discuss, laugh and learn from one another.
Run clubs take off
The offline shift isn’t limited to book clubs. Runners are joining social fitness groups in large numbers, with over 80 run clubs now active in New York City. These groups go beyond workouts, doubling as networking spaces for entrepreneurs, creatives and newcomers building community.
Many fitness groups now double as social outlets built around consistency and low pressure. Weekly runs followed by coffee or casual dinners turn strangers into friends. The setup draws people who crave both fitness and connection and creates a space where participation beats performance.
Run clubs are becoming a real alternative to dating apps. Singles connect through movement, making conversation easier and more natural. The Lunge Run Club, launched in May 2024, now draws about 1,000 weekly participants and encourages connection through group runs and post-run hangouts. For many, it offers a way to meet people without the pressure of swiping or small talk behind screens.
Creative meetups grow
Across the U.S., creative meetups are gaining traction in places that feel familiar and accessible. Many art centers run painting sessions, collage workshops and community-driven exhibits that invite people to create and collaborate. Even coffee shops are joining in, offering space for sketch meetups, poetry readings and casual maker events that turn a routine hangout into something more interactive.
In Big Rapids, Mich., Artworks, a nonprofit arts organization, hosts free gatherings that include knitting circles, harmonica groups and photography discussions. These spaces give locals a chance to explore hobbies and meet like-minded people without the pressure of constant notifications.
People aren’t just showing up to create. They’re choosing spaces where conversation flows as easily as ideas. Whether it’s making a zine, sharing a song or joining a pottery class, these meetups offer hands-on connections that are hard to find online. Participants leave with more than finished work and often walk away with a sense of community that keeps them coming back.
Game nights return
Tabletop games are drawing new crowds as people look for screen-free ways to socialize. In Miami, Backgammon Social replaces loud bars with relaxed game nights, attracting those who want to talk, play and meet others without phones. Players roll dice, trade stories and connect in ways that digital spaces rarely allow.
In Chicago, Bonus Round Game Cafe brings people together around strategy games like Catan. The space encourages casual interaction and keeps digital distractions to a minimum. The growing popularity of these game cafes reflects a deeper hunger for authentic human interaction and shows how analog games are helping rebuild in-person social scenes.
The shift from online to real life
People are putting down their phones and showing up in person. Book clubs, run groups and game nights are filling local spaces and drawing more people every week. The push toward face-to-face connection is reshaping daily routines and expanding into more neighborhoods. This return to in-person interaction reminds us that real connections happen when you put your phone down and join the crowd.
A luxury travel, food and adventure journalist with a passport full of stories from over 46 countries, Mandy specializes in uncovering unforgettable experiences across the globe. With a deep love for the Far East and a diver’s eye for hidden worlds, she brings readers along on immersive journeys that blend indulgence with discovery, and she shares it all on Ticket to Wanderland.