Sydney’s Early Morning Parties Are Replacing Traditional Nightlife
Sydney’s nightlife has long faced criticism for being underwhelming, with limited dining hours and few options beyond bars. However, a viral video recently captured a new wave of revelry. Surprisingly, the party wasn’t at midnight—it was at 9am. The clip, showing a packed warehouse of energetic dancers, highlighted a growing shift in how Sydneysiders prefer to socialise.
This shift has been championed by Connor Cameron and Tay Gwyther, co-founders of the Maple Social Club. Since launching in November 2024, their mission has been clear: bring people back together through real-world connection. “We’d seen how well run clubs were doing, but that’s for a very specific subset of society that wants to get up and run at five in the morning,” Mr Cameron explained.
Maple Social Club Sparks a Daylight Revolution in Sydney
The social initiative began with a simple dinner between ten friends, each asked to invite another guest. It quickly evolved into a citywide phenomenon. Today, weekly events attract up to 1000 attendees, offering fresh ways to connect. Events range from “Affogato Hour” at Blooms in Potts Point to pop-up Messina gatherings in car parks and stylish wine tastings at The Winery.
Among their most talked-about concepts is a Saturday morning DJ set paired with coffee. “It seems to be quite a global trend, this concept of dancing with a coffee in hand,” Mr Cameron said. One of the largest events to date featured a collaboration with Messina, drawing a massive crowd and reinforcing the club’s growing popularity.
The diversity of Maple Social Club’s schedule is a key factor. While some members attend every gathering, others drop in only for events that resonate personally. Importantly, most events are scheduled during the day—usually Saturday or Sunday mornings, or on a relaxed Thursday evening.
Sydney’s Social Landscape Is Changing—And Fast
Mr Cameron believes the daytime party trend fits Sydney’s natural rhythm. “There are very few places in the world as busy at sunrise as Sydney—especially Bondi at 6am. It’s just as alive as it is at 6pm,” he observed. “We’re an early rising city—maybe because we don’t have much in terms of late-night options.”
This shift reflects a broader global trend. Socialising no longer needs to revolve around alcohol or midnight outings. Daytime events offer inclusive ways to meet others. “The novelty of being at a big party on a Saturday morning is astounding. The dancefloor has more energy than a club at midnight,” Mr Cameron said.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One user posted, “Forget Saturday sleep-ins. I want to Maple Saturday sesh.” Another exclaimed, “This is hectic.” These testimonials reflect a broader cultural moment: people are hungry for meaningful social engagement without the traditional nightlife pressures.
Cameron says the events work because they create low-pressure, high-engagement spaces. Activities aren’t so niche that people feel excluded. “It’s easier to meet people here than in a bar,” he explained. Sydney might not be tougher than other cities, but there’s a strong desire to rebuild connection post-COVID.
Thanks to that demand, Maple Social Club continues to thrive. Their events are announced via Instagram, and attending is as simple as RSVP’ing.
