The Evolution of Lifestyle Events

I just got back from Love Burn, a Burning Man regional, and it was an amazing experience. I had a blast but couldn’t help thinking about how lifestyle events might look in the near future.

Lifestyle events sure have changed over the years. I remember going to my first lifestyle event, and it felt more like a prom with balloons tied to the chairs and a DJ who talked more than he played music.

Recently, I read an article about how hard it is for clubs to stay open in New Orleans these days. When I lived there, I used to go out on many Tuesdays and Wednesdays to local music venues that played New Orleans jazz in the Bywater, on Frenchman St and Uptown. Today, many of those clubs are struggling to bounce back from COVID-19 because people are not coming out as much; many wait for big-ticket tours instead of going out to see local music.

The same thing is happening at lifestyle clubs and events.

I have been attending music festivals like EDC, Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and the annual Burning Man and other Burning Man regionals to see how other events are bouncing back from COVID-19 and what is bringing in the big crowds these days. I have learned a lot as I go to different festivals, lifestyle clubs, and events, and this is what I am finding:

1. Connections are a priority
   While playrooms are still important at lifestyle clubs, the energy seems to be focused more on hanging out and meeting people and less on the playrooms.

2. Music is more important
   The type of music being played in lifestyle clubs is changing and becoming more and more like what I am seeing at music festivals. I am seeing more and more Electronic Dance Music (EDM) being played at clubs that seem to attract a more diverse crowd.

3. Interactive games are popular
   Whether it is filling up a virtual passport or playing a scavenger game, people are seeking out experiences rather than just sitting and listening to music. Playing the games allows them to interact with others they may not have met otherwise and creates a fun atmosphere.

4. Instagramable moments matter
   I see a lot of “selfie booths” and places designated for people to take selfies with cool backgrounds that they can easily share on social media.

5. Art is making a comeback
   I see more and more art at festivals, and it really does add to the atmosphere. Most people love art, and when you can combine a cool theme night with cool art, then you have a winner.

6. Visuals add to the ambiance
   I remember back when video DJs were the cool new thing. Now we can have video mapping on the fly, with sexy and trippy visuals that turn a ballroom into a spectacular event. We are proud to be one of the first lifestyle events that has added video mapping to our themed erotic balls.

7. Inclusiveness is important
   Naughty Events gives our members the option to add pronouns to their profiles; we sell poly passes to triads so that they can add ALL of their partner’s names so no one gets left out. We are open to all forms of sexuality and sexual expression.

I am excited to see the changes that are happening in our industry. It means the industry is evolving. I feel that if event producers and club owners do not evolve, they will eventually die out.