Generation Z is currently on track to be the most sober generation on record. These trends have been studied by addiction specialists for years, and the evidence is undeniable. A 2025 survey of Gen Z adults ages 21-27 found that 3 in 5 respondents drink rarely or not at all, 21.5% don’t consume alcohol at all and 39% drink only occasionally.
Gen Z has even dubbed the term “sober curious” to describe a desire to experiment with a more alcohol-free lifestyle, while not committing to cutting out the substance entirely. They have even taken the movement inspired by the month-long abstinence challenge known as “Dry January,” a step further by attempting a year-long endeavor into the sober curious lifestyle.
The reasoning behind this generational shift can be attributed to a variety of factors, but amongst the most popular are a genuine lack of interest, a rise in concern surrounding health risks and fear of addiction.
Bars, pubs and clubs once functioned as a social heart of communities; a place where friends could get together and catch up over a glass of wine or a pint of beer, or even dance until sunrise amidst strobe lights and DJ sets. As alcohol-based environments lose traction amongst younger generations, where are Gen-Zers finding themselves instead?
This opens the door to the concept of “third places,” which refers to a space separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and workplace (“second place”)
A third place can be anything from a public library, park, cafe, gym or anywhere that can function as a hub for social congregation. As Gen-Z decenters alcohol from their everyday lives, they have begun to redefine the scope of third places amongst several categories.
Fitness:
In fact, one of the leading factors of the shift in Gen-Z towards sobriety is a deep concern with maintaining progress within their fitness regime. In line with the rise of a fitness-obsessed youth, run clubs and workout classes have become popular third places in Los Angeles.
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Truly a place for everyone, run clubs have managed to hit pretty much any demographic imaginable, with organizations such as “The Running Mamis,” which aim to create safe spaces for Latina moms who run, and “Carb Loaders Run Club,” which integrate a new food spot into every run.
Young people have even gone so far as to claim that run clubs are the new dating apps, after attesting to numerous love-related successes that have been sparked over time and miles.
Outside of running, Gen-Z remains physically active in other ways as well, with 73% being members of a health club or gym, opposed to 54% of Gen-Xers. Workout classes have also piqued the attention of younger generations, as Gen-Z and Millennials collectively make up over 80% of fitness class participants.
Ranging from pilates, strength training, dance, boxing and more, the results are in — if it’s fitness-related, there’s bound to be Gen-Zers there.
Arts and Entertainment:
From drop-in hobby nights to specialized workshops and community classes, Los Angeles creatives have found a home away from home in the city’s various arts and crafts clubs.
These Hands Makers Collectives is a creative hub in L.A. that hosts anything from private classes, birthday parties, team workshops and corporate events. Their services include, but are not limited to, pottery sessions, welding and ring-making workshops, and upcycling meet-ups and they pride themselves on their range of services that appeal to the interests of everybody.
Comedy clubs, concerts and live theater have a vibrant presence in L.A. as well, with iconic venues such as the Kia Forum and the Hollywood Bowl boasting some of the music industry’s largest names and garnering massive crowds.
The highly regarded Comedy Store has a location in Los Angeles, and so does the Laugh Factory, where young people have been gathering with friends to enjoy stand-up sets and good company.
In terms of film and television, the movie theaters have become a highly popular third place amongst younger generations. In fact, Gen Z is now the most active cinemagoing demographic, averaging about 7 trips to the cinema per year.
Major blockbusters including Michael, Project Hail Mary and Toy Story 5 — a sequel to a childhood classic that many Gen-Zers grew up on — have been climbing the charts this year. In turn, cinema has proven not to be a dying art, which can be largely attributed to Gen-Zers flocking to theaters to enjoy the experience of watching a movie in a reclining seat with a blue-raspberry ICEE.
Dining:
For foodies, or just anyone looking to enjoy the company of others over a meal, there are a variety of dinner clubs and culinary experiences that range from completely free of cost to high-end.
The DTLA Dinner Club is a free, celebrity chef dinner party organization that has been gathering the community of Downtown Los Angeles residents around tables of food prepared by elite chefs since 2011.
On the pricier end lies ILÉ, a West African private dining room that makes dinner a theatrical experience by esteemed chef Tólùlọ́pé Eros, and the Rosalynn Supper Club, which brings fine dining and hospitality to Beverly Hills, hosted by Head Chef Jasper Lynn.
The Butcher’s Daughter, a vegetarian restaurant and Venice Beach staple, just launched its own monthly vegan supper club that welcomes 14 guests to their cozy back patio every Tuesday to try a selection of plant-based cuisine.
Young adults have been sharing their own dinner parties online, with creators such as Isabelle Heikens, who has a series titled “Dinner with Isabelle,” in which she hosts a monthly themed dinner party that pertains to seasonal produce and always includes her signature elegant presentation.
While the majority of these events do not go out of their way to exclude alcohol, the element of drinking is certainly not the primary draw for attendees. From fitness, food and art, Gen-Z is blazing the trail in finding new and engaging ways to socialize and connect without a drink in hand.