2025 rave wishlist
2025 Rave Wishlist: Setting intentions for a more caring party scene
It’s 2025 and the rave scene stands at a crossroads. On the one hand, we’ve seen remarkable moments of connection, artistry, and joy. On the other, the challenges of exclusivity and burnout remain. This year, we’re imagining a party landscape that is not just more vibrant but also more caring and inclusive. Here’s our wishlist for the rave world in 2025, paired with some actionable steps for how each of us can contribute to making it a reality.
1. Diverse lineups that reflect the scene
A rave’s lineup should be a reflection of the community it serves. This means more FLINTA (women, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender) artists, more BIPOC DJs and producers, and an embrace of genres beyond the mainstream. Diversity seen as an enrichment and necessity for innovation and representation.
What can we do?
Support collectives and artists that champion underrepresented voices.
As promoters, aim for transparent booking processes that seek out talent from beyond their immediate circles.
2. Harm reduction as standard practice
Rave culture thrives on freedom and self-expression, but that freedom needs mindfulness. We envisioned 2025 as the year when harm reduction becomes a staple at every event, from local gigs to massive festivals. But in fact, it has become across the world more complicated. This means free water stations, accessible testing, and clear policies around consent.
What can we do?
Continue to support initiatives that educate on harm reduction practices and share resources with friends. If you live in Switzerland, the CombiChecker is a great tool. Across the world, these projects might be facing funding, making them more visible surely helps!
Organizers can partner with harm reduction organizations and train your staff on recognizing and addressing risks. Like-wise, train your staff on first aid protocols, to know how to react in case of an emergency.
3. Stronger community bonds
As the scene exands and becomes more commercial, we need tighter community bonds. Group initiatives, collaborative art projects, or simply being more intentional in how we show up for each other, is what we wish for in 2025.
What can you do?
Create or join local collectives and radio shows that focus on community building.
Support venues and organizers who prioritize fostering relationships over or at least as much as profit margins.
4. Accessible venues for all
Access remains a significant barrier for many who want to join the party scene. Whether it’s due to physical disabilities, financial constraints, or geographic challenges, raving isn’t always equitable.
What can you do?
If you are a party organizer, consult with accessibility experts and include those with lived experiences during planning processes.
If you are attending a party, advocate for inclusivity by choosing events that prioritize accessibility or by offering constructive feedback to promoters and venues.
5. Trash-conscious events
After organizing some events, we have become aware of the effort it means to clean after an event. Likewise, as climate change accelerates, the rave scene must reckon with its environmental footprint. From travel to single-use plastics, the impact is there.
What can you do?
Opt for carpooling or public transport when traveling to events.
If you organize an event: include in your awareness concept some mindfulness over trash. Making people conscious about the trash they generate can be a game changer. Additionally, opt for incentives such as compensating financially attendees who bring back bottles and give out bags during festivals so people have where to store their trash.
Manifesting a caring party scene in 2025
It’s one thing to dream up a wishlist; it’s another to put those dreams into action. As we set our intentions for a more caring and mindful party culture, here are some practices to help manifest this vision:
Reflect on your why
Why do you rave? Is it for the music, the escape, the connection? All options are legit, and understanding your motivations can help you contribute to the scene in a way that aligns with your values. For example, if connection is your driving force, consider how you can support self-organized events.
Set clear intentions
Before heading to your next event, set an intention for how you want to show up. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at strangers or offering a snack to someone who seems overwhelmed. Small actions can have a ripple effect.
Example intentions:
“Tonight, I will bring snacks, because everyone loves a snack after a good rave.”
“I’ll make sure everyone in my crew has a safe way to get home.”
Create rituals of care
Care starts with ourselves. Develop pre- and post-rave rituals that prioritize your well-being. This might include clearing your schedule for the next days after a party, stretching before a long night of dancing, staying hydrated, or taking time to decompress afterward.
Amplify voices that inspire you
Care isn’t just a private act; it’s something we build collectively. Use your platform, however big or small, to uplift artists, organizers, and initiatives.
How-To:
Share posts from harm reduction groups or diverse artists on your social media. For example us! Find us on TikTok and Threads.
Start conversations about care within your circle of friends.
Give back to the scene
Volunteer at events, help set up or clean up, or support a friend who just got into Djing.
Ideas:
Help your Dj friends be booked by sharing their sound and art.
Volunteer as a sober buddy for those who need support at parties.
Looking ahead
Raving in 2025 can be whatever we collectively make it. By setting clear intentions and taking actionable steps, we can shape a party scene that’s not only exciting but also inclusive, sustainable, and caring.
What’s on your rave wishlist for 2025? Let us know!
