Sober morning parties are the hottest new trend in Toronto
Published February 18, 2025 at 11:47 am
Parties have a reputation for being late night, booze-fuelled experiences, but some people in Toronto are now working to change that with sober morning parties.
People in Toronto are now heading to restaurants, cafes and non-alcoholic drink stores to party in the morning with a coffee in hand and a DJ turning up the volume. Liu Loqum has been hosting morning DJ sessions at their cafe space, and phenomenon Reunion Dance Party has been taking over the party scene with their sober all-women dance socials.
The Coffee Party is a travelling morning event where for a flat price of $15, you get access to all the coffee you can drink and pastries you can eat, and are invited to socialize with the crowd as energetic music plays.
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“Our team has always been passionate about coffee, upbeat music, and fostering a health-conscious community. While nightlife events have their place, we recognized a growing desire for daytime gatherings that focus on connection and wellness. This enthusiasm for an energizing start to the day, supported by great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, is at the heart of The Coffee Party,” co-founder Zohaib Aziz tells YourCityWithIN.com.
“Our mission is to create a fun, seamless, and energizing morning experience. Guests enjoy high-quality coffee, delicious pastries, donuts, smoothies, and more. Above all, it’s about bonding with like-minded individuals and leaving with a positive outlook for the rest of the day.”
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The Coffee Party takes place at Toronto venues like King West restaurant Baro’s rooftop patio and Italian restaurant Nodo in Liberty Village. The team behind The Coffee Party has worked for Honeycomb Hospitality, Imploy Canada, Glorious Athletics, and RSDENCY Real Estate, and has years of experience in events and hospitality.
“While we appreciate both daytime and nighttime gatherings, mornings offer a special opportunity to create uplifting experiences that resonate all day long,” says Aziz.
“There’s a unique energy that comes with starting the day in a fun, invigorating environment. People are naturally more refreshed and ready to engage. Plus, the emphasis on coffee, wholesome treats, and wellness adds a positive spin that sets the tone for the hours ahead.”
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Cristian Villamarin is familiar with the need for people to find community outside the ritual of drinking due to operating booze-free drink shop Bevvy’s, and also has experience promoting DJ events back in university.
“I think morning parties offer a completely different energy; no late nights, no drunk crowds, just pure music and movement. It fits naturally into a wellness-focused lifestyle. You can start your day dancing, meet like-minded people, and still have the entire day ahead of you to be productive,” he tells YourCityWithIN.com.
“I also feel like the conversations and connections are more intentional and meaningful. There’s something special about sharing a dance floor in the morning when everyone is fully present and aware.”
Recently, he decided to start hosting morning parties of his own at the space, especially in the wake of throwing a bash called Soberish Fest, which was attended by over 1,000 people.
“Attending music events sober in the last few years, like Veld, Boiler Room, and local concerts, gave me a whole new appreciation for the music and experience. Without alcohol, I felt more connected to the sound, the energy, and the people around me,” says Villamarin.
“At the same time, I noticed a growing trend emerge: morning dance events and coffee shop parties that brought people together in a different way. Toronto didn’t have anything like that, so I saw an opportunity to create our own version, one centered around great music, a vibrant community, and an alcohol-free experience.”
Sunday After at Bevvy’s is totally free, and you can expect high energy music like Afrobeats and electronica along with non-alcoholic drink options.
“It’s the perfect way to kick off your Sunday, you can dance, meet new people, and still have the rest of your day to do groceries, visit family, or hit the gym,” says Villamarin.
“The response has been incredible, especially considering we haven’t done any formal marketing. Every event has drawn more people through word of mouth, and we’ve had DJs and attendees reaching out, asking when the next one is happening. That organic excitement tells us we’re onto something special, and we’re excited to see these events continue to grow.”
The Coffee Party is poised to grow too, and they’re taking things global with an upcoming event in Miami, hoping to host pop-up events in major cities across North America as well as in places like London and Dubai.
“Ultimately, we want to share this concept on a global stage, establishing The Coffee Party as a worldwide phenomenon,” says Aziz. “Our vision is to continue pushing boundaries and driving positive change in this ever-evolving events space.”
“We want to keep building this community and growing these events organically. Over time, we see them evolving from intimate gatherings into larger-scale experiences that blend music, movement, and mindfulness,” says Villamarin.
“There’s a growing global trend of morning dance parties that combine wellness and nightlife in a fresh way, and we’re excited to carve out our own unique space within that movement here in Toronto.”