Are Social Clubs Still Relevant in 2025? Modern Clubs, Membership Trends & Community Impact

You’d think social clubs were a relic, like old typewriters or payphones. Yet, here we are in 2025, and the story isn’t as simple as “they’re gone.” In fact, the world of social clubs has been quietly adapting while most folks got distracted by social media and Netflix. Some old-school spots cling to their traditions with starched napkins and mahogany bars, while new clubs ditch all the fuss in favor of yoga, gaming, and activism. Surprising, right? Just take a look – the faces have changed, the causes are different, but that craving for a “third place” hasn’t disappeared at all.

The Evolution of Social Clubs: From Secret Societies to Modern Hubs

The idea of the social club isn’t new, but the way clubs fit into our lives keeps shifting. A quick rewind to the early 1900s: country clubs, Masonic lodges, ethnic societies, and fraternal organizations thrived. Membership carried big social currency, shaping careers, marriages, all sorts of life choices. Fast-forward to today, and while those original clubs still exist (the Elks, the Rotary, the VFW), their numbers have been dipping for decades. U.S. census data actually shows formal membership in classic fraternal clubs plummeting by over 40% since the 1970s. Some blame longer work hours, suburban sprawl, or endless streaming options at home. Others point to clubs’ long-standing issues—exclusion, expensive dues, or just feeling out of touch with the real world.

But let’s not call it the end just yet. In cities like Austin, London, and Seoul, new waves of clubs are rewriting the playbook entirely. Today’s social clubs blend coworking, wellness, arts, activism, even tech. Popular chains like Soho House (founded in London, now in fifty cities), The Wing (focused on women), and The Assemblage (prioritizing consciousness and impact) combine the appeal of communal spaces and networking with a more inclusive, impact-driven vibe. Some groups, like The Battery in San Francisco, focus on creatives and entrepreneurs, while others are for book lovers, gamers, hikers, or improv comedy diehards. A Statista survey found that club membership among Americans ages 18-29 has doubled since 2016 in the category of "interest-based" club spaces.

There’s actual data to back up this shift. According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, nearly 28% of Americans claimed some type of "active membership" in a social, cultural, or hobby club in the previous year. That was up from just 17% a decade earlier, even as membership in older, "traditional" clubs continued to drop. What’s the catch? Younger adults, women, and people of color are likelier to seek out mission-driven, activity-based spaces, not just status or tradition. Today’s club scene might be more fragmented, but it’s a lot more diverse.

The pandemic years pushed this evolution hard and fast. Physical spaces were forced to adapt—virtual clubs popped up for everything from sourdough baking to coding sprints. As clubs reopened, tech stuck around: digital memberships, app-based event schedules, even hybrid online/in-person mingling became the norm. The main point remains unchanged: people want to find their tribe, share experiences, and escape their screens for something genuine. Club culture just follows the times.

Why Do People Still Join Social Clubs?

If everything’s online, why get dressed and show up somewhere at all? Humans are wired to crave connection, and solo scrolling on your phone just isn’t the same as a belly laugh with real people. In a 2023 Harvard study on belonging and well-being, people who spent time in clubs or organized groups scored nearly 25% higher on life satisfaction, compared to those who only “socialized” online. Another quirky stat: the CDC actually tracks “social disconnectedness” as a public health risk, right up there with smoking and obesity.

People join clubs for tons of reasons: real friendships, networking, learning new skills, filling gaps left by work or family, or even just because they moved to a new city and want to skip the awkwardness of starting from scratch. For some, it’s pure escapism—a space to obsess over board games, try improv, or debate the finer points of British Bake-Off. Others are drawn to clubs supporting activism, sustainability, or mental health. Community gardening groups, book swap collectives, and environmental action teams now run regular meetups in nearly every metro area, proving that the urge to gather is strangely resilient, even when everything else changes.

It’s not just introverts overcoming their shyness, either. Clubs are often where new leaders get their start: running an event, helping with fundraising, or orchestrating group projects. It teaches people how to disagree, organize, and make something cool happen with total strangers—all skills sorely needed in today’s poke-and-scroll culture. Plus, social clubs are often where volunteers step up after disasters, or shape long-term projects for the wider community.

One real-life example: Los Angeles’ Sustainable Little Tokyo club started as a tiny storefront for artists and activists sharing ideas about safer streets and community gardening. Within five years, they’d attracted hundreds of members, won grants, and helped transform city policies on green space. Another: Dinners hosted by the Dinner Party project, which brings young adults coping with grief together over meals in 89 cities, have led to new friendships, marriage proposals, even startups. These stories aren’t rare. Even the loners and introverts among us sometimes need a place to land.

What’s Different About the Social Clubs of 2025?

Walk into a new-style club in 2025, and you’ll see and feel a different vibe. There’s less handshaking, more “What are you into? Let’s do it.” Clubs today focus on shared passions, not just networking or resume padding. That means running groups, VR gaming meetups, language exchanges, chess nights, adventure travel camps, foodie collectives, parent circles, and wellness retreats are all thriving under the big umbrella of social clubs.

The average age is younger than you’d expect, with club spaces in urban areas often buzzing with folks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Accessibility and inclusion have become non-negotiable: sliding-scale dues, gender-neutral bathrooms, wheelchair-friendly spaces, and firm zero-tolerance policies for harassment. It’s no accident that more than a third of new clubs popping up in cities are started by women, BIPOC organizers, or LGBTQ+ folks, according to the 2024 "Clubs and Communities" report by CivicLab NYC.

Clubs have caught on to the power of technology, too. Some use apps (like Meetup or Discord) to organize events and communicate. Others live stream their workshops or offer hybrid memberships for remote access. The old velvet-rope exclusivity is fading. Even the most “private” venues now publish public event calendars to lure new faces. More elegant spaces (think Soho House or Common House) still offer the allure of privacy—no phones at the pool, members-only movie screenings—but they’re not exclusively for the elite anymore.

Interestingly, people now shop for clubs much like they do for gyms or dating apps: based on vibe, location, and value. Younger members expect substance—opportunites to collaborate on projects, volunteer, or actually learn something. The days of joining just because Dad did are fading fast. Club committees now design “impact calendars,” track their donations, and show off results. For a taste of what’s out there, check out:

• The Battery (San Francisco) – Luxury meets creativity and activism, with acts from local artists and politicians alike.
• Common House (multiple U.S. cities) – Cozy, inclusive, and known for eclectic workshops (think beekeeping, pottery, or pop-up jazz).
• Sunday Assembly (global) – A secular, “church without religion” space designed for storytelling, singing, and themed talks.
• League of Kitchens (New York) – Hands-on cooking clubs led by immigrant women, celebrating food and culture swap.
• Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals – Blending networking with on-the-ground volunteering for folks under 40.

This kind of variety is why so many clubs are springing up alongside classic organizations. The game has changed, but the need to belong to something bigger than yourself hasn’t gone anywhere.

Tips for Finding the Right Club (or Starting Your Own)

If all this has you itching to join, here’s how to make it work. First, think about what excites you or what’s missing from your current routine—is it a fitness goal, a creative hobby, deeper friendships, or a cause you care about? Then, check club directories (Meetup, Eventbrite, Facebook Groups, or even Reddit’s "Find a Club") and see what’s out there. Don’t be afraid to attend a few “open house” events before committing. Most modern clubs ditch the old gatekeeping rituals and invite newcomers to try before buying in.

Ask these questions when shopping for a club:

• Are there membership dues, and what do they cover? (Some clubs offer student or income-based discounts.)
• Is it inclusive and accessible?
• How active is the club—weekly meetups, annual “dead zone,” or vibrant community throughout the year?
• What’s the core purpose? Is it clear, or all over the place?
• Are there opportunities to get involved, volunteer, lead a project, or just hang out?

Thinking about starting your own club instead? You don’t need a fancy space. Most new clubs begin in living rooms, coffee shops, or online. Keep the vibe open—let members shape events and traditions together. “Micro-clubs” (10-20 folks) are thriving because people crave quality over quantity. If you want to grow, try partnerships: local businesses may want to co-host events or sponsor supplies, especially if your club helps build community pride or increase foot traffic downtown.

And, if you’re worried you’ll end up in a weird cult or stuck with annoying people, don’t be. Go in with curiosity, and be ready to bail if it’s not a fit. There’s a club for everyone somewhere—even if your thing is “people who love moth memes and midnight grilling.” The good ones, whatever their focus, aren’t just about an activity—they’re where you find a sense of belonging. The key is showing up, not just swiping and scrolling your way through life.

So yes, social clubs not only still exist—they might be more important than ever, especially if you’re looking for genuine connection, fresh skills, or simply something new to do offline. The form has changed, but the heart remains the same. If you’ve been putting off joining, maybe it’s time to show up and see what you’ve been missing.