The city’s social rituals underwent a functional shift this year. Activities like coffee raves and communal supper clubs became standard fixtures by combining health-conscious habits with networking.
Casual jamsCasual jam sessions transitioned from a niche activity to a major social ritual in 2025. The appeal lay in the creation of low-pressure environments for music and self-expression, says Vishwas Prakash, founder, Do with Lit. “When we started two years ago, most venues misunderstood the concept. Now, support has grown alongside our turnouts. People sing everything from Telugu hits to Hindi classics; most aren’t musicians, but they value a space where they can express themselves without judgment.”
Supper clubsSupper clubs quietly emerged as one of the most notable culinary trends, offering intimate dining in private homes where people could meet new friends and share meals. Darini Janarthanan, host of the city supper club The Social Brew, says, “Many attendees had grown tired of dining at the same old places and wanted experiences beyond typical networking. Around six supper clubs run regularly in the city, often in apartments. People keep coming back for the sense of community, which is why the trend has been gaining strength, and I plan to host supper clubs more frequently in 2026.”
Sound bathsSound baths became a growing wellness trend, offering participants a way to relax to calming sounds and restore balance. Deepti Shetkar, co-founder of Sunshine Weekends, says, “Most participants were over 35 corporate professionals and homemakers, looking for better sleep, focus, or emotional grounding. Mornings are ideal for sessions, as instruments such as metal and crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, frame drums, handpans, ocean drums, and tuning forks create vibrations that release tension and calm the mind. The trend has grown because it combines wellness, mindfulness, and a soothing experience not easily found elsewhere.”
Coffee ravesCoffee raves struck a chord by turning coffee shops into inclusive, music-filled spaces where people can dance, connect, and unwind. “Social spaces used to revolve around alcohol and noise, but coffee raves offer something inclusive and experiential. Immersive lighting and high-energy beats create a unique vibe — coffee fuels the energy, and music amplifies it. It’s trending because it’s fun, safe, and lets people choose happiness over hangovers,” says Bharath Suthapalli, city-based content creator.
Run plus sessions‘Run plus’ sessions like Run and Brew made fitness social, fun, and rewarding. “These runs combine exercise with community, which is why they’re gaining popularity. On average, around 35 people attend each session. This year, six runs were held, usually on weekends from 6 to 8 am, starting at Durgam Cheruvu and passing through KBR Park, Tank Bund, and Necklace Road, before ending at a coffee shop to slow down and connect. People enjoy it because it shows that fitness can be fun,” says Siddharth Duddu, co-founder of 365 Run Club.— Biswajit Talukdar & Divya Shree
