SOCIAL
STUDY 2026
THE EVENT
TRENDS SHAPING
IRL CULTURE
Welcome to the Reset to Real era
Our 2026 Social Study theme, Reset to Real, captures a cultural shift back to live experiences that feel human, unfiltered, and alive. See what’s driving the next wave of IRL culture.
Experiences that break from the norm help pull us into the present. These events are about being in the moment, shaking up routines, and embracing experiences that feel truly unique, maybe even once-in-a-lifetime.
Urban Afro music rooftop events +444% (UK)
Forest bathing events +25% (US/UK)
say it's important that events feel spontaneous or unpredictable
say spontaneity helps them feel more present or breaks them out of routine
more likely to attend “if it’s at a unique or exciting venue”
Looking for deeper insights?
Takeaways for organizers
Create experiences that feel real, participatory, and open to discovery.
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Save and share the complete report with all data, trends, and insights in one place.
Experience the trend IRL with our curated It-Lists:
Doing things together is in, but on softer terms, without the pressure to be social. More people are signing up for shared experiences — from flower-arranging classes to bingo bar nights — where connection just happens naturally, no networking required. And we think these low-stakes hangs are just getting started.
Flower arranging events +282% (UK)
Caffeine tastings +80% (UK)
Puzzle competitions +151% (US)
Music bingo attendance +149% (US)
say socializing is “somewhat important,” but prefer when it's not the main focus
say “I like to control how and when I interact”
say “I prefer to focus on the experience itself”
Looking for deeper insights?
Takeaways for organizers
Create experiences that feel real, participatory, and open to discovery.
Download a PDF version
Save and share the complete report with all data, trends, and insights in one place.
Experience the trend IRL with our curated It-Lists:
It feels good to contribute, not just consume. Events that invite people to take part (think art builds and community brainstorms), rather than just watch from the sidelines, are seeing a real surge. These IRL experiences let us create and connect in real time, a welcome relief from scrolling and commenting online.
Tree planting events grew 31% (UK)
Clothing swaps attendance up +40% (US)
more likely to attend a cause-based event because it gives them a reason to show up beyond fun or escapism
1/3
hope for more ways to participate actively, not just watch, at future events
of US respondents attend cause-based events to support their communities
Looking for deeper insights?
Takeaways for organizers
Create experiences that feel real, participatory, and open to discovery.
Download a PDF version
Save and share the complete report with all data, trends, and insights in one place.
Experience the trend IRL with our curated It-Lists:
Neighborhoods are having a moment. After so much life online, there’s a shift to rediscover the faces, places, and rhythms close to home. Events that celebrate community, from block parties to small business pop-ups, are helping people feel rooted again, offering a sense of place that stands in contrast to the placelessness of digital life.
Local art walk attendance +49% (US)
Craft fairs and markets +16% (UK)
Downtown tours attendance +21% (US)
say it's important that an event helps them feel connected to their local community
want to support more local businesses
like discovering local hidden gems
Looking for deeper insights?
Takeaways for organizers
Create experiences that feel real, participatory, and open to discovery.
Download a PDF version
Save and share the complete report with all data, trends, and insights in one place.
Experience the trend IRL with our curated It-Lists:
More events are tapping into niche communities that blend interests and identities. Today’s scenes thrive on specificity — like indie book clubs that double as wine tastings or queer line-dancing collectives. Personal taste is becoming less about labels and more about the mix of passions and perspectives that help people find their people.
Coffee + running events attendance +233% (US)
Anime/cosplay raves +82% (US)
Sip & needlework events +87% (US)
want to attend more events that combine different worlds or interests
are interested in mashup events “to try something I've never done before”
are “curious about how different cultures or scenes interact”
Looking for deeper insights?
Takeaways for organizers
Create experiences that feel real, participatory, and open to discovery.
Download a PDF version
Save and share the complete report with all data, trends, and insights in one place.