Are Social Clubs Still Around? A 2025 Look at Community Groups

When you hear the word "social club," the first image that pops into your head might be a tuxedo‑adorned ballroom, a weekly card game, or a local Rotary gathering. But in 2025, the landscape has shifted. From coffee‑house meetups to app‑driven hobby circles, the question is: are social clubs still around, and if so, how do they fit into today’s busy, digital‑first lives?

What Exactly Is a Social Club?

Social clubs are organized groups of people who come together around a shared interest, hobby, cause, or simply the desire for regular social interaction. They can be formal (chartered organizations with bylaws and dues) or informal (a group of friends meeting at a park). The core purpose remains the same: create a sense of belonging and provide a regular venue for members to connect.

A Quick History: From Gentlemen’s Rooms to Online Meetups

Social clubs first flourished in the 19th‑century UK and US, serving as networking hubs for businessmen, artists, and philanthropists. The post‑World War II boom saw a proliferation of community‑centric clubs-Rotary, Lions, and local hobby societies-often supported by municipal halls.

Fast forward to the 2000s. The rise of the internet introduced platforms like Meetup and Facebook Groups, allowing anyone to start a club with a click. The COVID‑19 pandemic forced many brick‑and‑mortar clubs to move online, accelerating the hybrid model we see today.

Are They Still Going Strong? Current Data and Trends

Recent research from the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage shows that club membership rose from 23% of adults in 2019 to 27% in 2024, even after the pandemic slump. Wellington alone reported a 12% increase in new community‑group registrations between 2022‑2024, driven largely by hybrid‑event offerings.

Key trends driving the resurgence:

• Hybrid meetings: Clubs now host both in‑person and virtual sessions, widening access.
• Micro‑interest niches: From urban foraging to retro video‑game clubs, people are finding groups that match even the most specific passions.
• Collaboration with local councils: Funding and space support have helped clubs survive rising venue costs.

Traditional vs. Digital Social Clubs: A Side‑by‑Side Look

The table shows that neither model is inherently better; many clubs blend both approaches to stay relevant.

How to Locate a Social Club in 2025

1. Check local council event calendars - many municipalities list community groups that need volunteers or members.
2. Search on Meetup or Facebook Groups using keywords like "Wellington photography" or "NZ hiking club".
3. Visit community notice boards at libraries, cafés, or the local community centre. Posters often advertise monthly meet‑ups.
4. Ask at workplaces or schools - many employers sponsor hobby clubs for staff wellbeing.
5. Explore niche apps like Clubhouse (the audio‑chat platform) for interest‑specific rooms that turn into real‑world gatherings.

When you find a club, look for clear information on meeting frequency, membership expectations, and whether they support hybrid attendance. A transparent club will have a simple website or a public calendar.

Challenges Facing Modern Social Clubs

Even with the boom, clubs grapple with a few hurdles:

• Retention fatigue: With endless digital events, members may feel overloaded and drop out.
• Funding gaps: Rising venue rents push some traditional clubs to the brink, especially in city centres like Wellington’s CBD.
• Digital divide: Older members sometimes struggle with Zoom or Discord, limiting participation in hybrid formats.

Successful clubs address these by rotating leadership, offering low‑cost virtual options, and partnering with local businesses for sponsorships.

Starting or Reviving a Club: A Practical Checklist

If you’re inspired to launch a new group-or bring an old one back-use this quick checklist:

• Define purpose: Write a one‑sentence mission that captures the core interest.
• Choose a name that’s searchable online and reflects the activity.
• Set meeting logistics: Decide on frequency, duration, and hybrid options.
• Pick a platform: Create a public page on Meetup, a Facebook Group, or a simple Google Site.
• Secure a venue (if in‑person): Approach community centres or cafés for free or discounted space.
• Promote locally: Use flyers, local radio, or council newsletters.
• Establish simple bylaws: Membership fees, code of conduct, and leadership rotation.
• Launch with a hook: Host a fun ice‑breaker or guest speaker to attract the first batch of members.

Keep the first few meetings low‑key; the goal is to build camaraderie, not perfect execution.

Future Outlook: Will Social Clubs Endure?

Looking ahead, the evidence suggests that social clubs will continue to adapt rather than disappear. The blend of physical gatherings with digital platforms creates resilience-clubs can survive venue closures, weather disruptions, or even another pandemic.

In Wellington, the local council’s "Community Hubs" initiative, launched in 2023, earmarks funding for clubs that demonstrate inclusive, hybrid programming. Similar policies are emerging across New Zealand, indicating official support for the club model.

So yes, social clubs are very much still around, but they’re evolving into more flexible, tech‑savvy community anchors.