A Coffee-Fueled Alternative to Nightlife DJ Sets

By Victoria Hayden

Reporting Texas

DJ Cassidy mixes music on his sound board at Beat, Arts, and Brews March 8. Victoria Hayden/Reporting Texas

The aroma of espresso fills the air as music from outside drifts into a coffee shop in South Austin on March 8.

Beats, Arts & Brews at Dear Austin Coffee Bar is one of many morning DJ events to happen at coffee shops. It offered live mixed music by DJ Cassidy, limited free espresso and a merchandise drop from TVHeadATX.

Austinis known as the live music capital of the world with a vibrant music scene. Coffee DJ events combine Austin’s live music and coffee cultures into a new trend. Thousands have begun to share this new experience on social media, with he most popular-The Morning Spin and LATT3, gaining traction as a clubbing alternative, particularly among members of the Gen Z Sober Curious Movement. 

“I like that it is a thing to do in the morning. There is no drinking involved. It’s more of just a great way to start the day,” Patron Kelsey Bolter said.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many students see drinking as an integral part of their college experience.

“In my area, where I live- my apartment in West Campus, I have noticed that there are lots of parties that involve drinking throughout the night,” said Jackson Burlow, a student at the University of Texas at Austin. “There is a very large prevalence of that on the UT campus.” 

Coffee DJ events offer attendees the party scene without the pressure to drink. 

According to Movendi International, an independent global movement focused on alcohol prevention, the Sober Curious Movement encourages people to think about alcohol in their lives and if it is helping their goals and well-being. It is about reflecting on thought patterns around alcohol and tuning into how alcohol makes one feel. 

“There’s something really wonderful to be said about getting to enjoy the company you’re with and learning to enjoy like those internal feelings, while still being able to be fully present-In comparison to in a lot of social events where substances are present,” said Lilly Ettinger, Director for the Center for Students in Recovery.

The rise of coffee DJ events reflects a shift in how people choose to socialize: embracing music, community and energy without the need of alcohol. As more people seek meaningful and mindful social experiences, these events offer an alternative that fosters authentic connections.

“Being able to be fully sober with other people is something that creates deeper connection, creates safer connection,” Ettinger said.