If you’ve seen those viral reels on Instagram of people jiving to house and techno music in cafes in the afternoon, we’re here to tell you now that it’s as every bit of fun in person This fascinating cultural phenomenon has emerged at the intersection of specialty coffee and electronic music: coffee culture raves.
Last month, ELETOM Magazine collaborated with 404 Not Found for a unique coffeehouse rave that had our hearts thumping with DJs Dennis Garra and Mara spinning after lunch. This movement goes to show that you don’t need to drink nonstop to have a good time. The pairing of third-wave coffee and the vibrant energy of underground dance music creates a unique sensorial experience that stimulates both mind and body. But let’s be real: it’s not for everybody.
How Do Coffee Raves Create Community?
The approach to coffee service separates it from conventional daytime parties. Attendees often would often imbibe different single-origin coffees and various concoctions while DJs play music.
While others take a more ritualistic approach by collaborating with local roasters to create signature blends specifically formulated to pair with certain music genres—bright, acidic Ethiopian beans might accompany upbeat house tracks, while deeper, chocolate-noted Brazilian varieties complement bass-heavy electronic music.
But one thing’s for sure, whether it’s in Berlin to Manila or Tokyo to Seattle, coffee culture raves have emerged worldwide, each with regional characteristics reflecting local coffee and music traditions. In Japan, meticulous pour-over demonstrations become performance art alongside minimal techno sets. In Colombia, events celebrate direct trade relationships with local farmers through music that fuses traditional rhythms with contemporary electronic production.
In Manila, it’s becoming a growing phenomenon that is growing underground with third culture coffee houses and hot spots that are beloved to both Millennials and Generation Z.
Whether this trend represents a passing fad or the beginning of a lasting cultural shift remains to be seen. What’s clear is that coffee culture raves have tapped into a desire for community experiences that energize rather than deplete, offering a morning alternative to nightlife that many find refreshing.
