At the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, college students are embracing a new approach to socializing on weekends, trading traditional late-night, alcohol-fueled parties for daytime wellness-focused gatherings. Events such as “wellness parties” combine physical activities like yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with amenities such as cold plunges and saunas, attracting participants who prioritize health and moderation over heavy drinking.

One recent event featured a blend of yoga, fitness challenges, and nonalcoholic beverages, drawing hundreds of students eager to engage in a vibrant, yet health-conscious social environment. Olivia Suskowicz, a sophomore who attended the event, described the experience as aligning with the growing wellness trend among her peers. “I’m really into wellness; I feel like kind of everyone is right now,” she said, adding that the $10 ticket price was reasonable for the activities offered.

These wellness gatherings have gained momentum on social media platforms like TikTok, where users often juxtapose videos of their generation’s raucous frat house parties with the more subdued, health-oriented events now popular on campuses. While some alumni from the millennial and Gen X generations defend the traditional party scene filled with late-night dancing and alcoholic drinks, many current students maintain that these wellness parties supplement rather than replace conventional socializing.

Tori Keghlian, a physician assistant and millennial, shared videos recalling her college days at Binghamton University, highlighting large-scale, high-energy parties with DJs and alcohol consumption. She expressed some bemusement at the wellness trend but acknowledged the changes in college culture brought by the digital age. Similarly, Rachael Field, a Northwestern University alumna, reminisced about the wild nights of her youth, contrasting them with the current era’s focus on documented wellness activities.

Organizers of these newly popular events describe their purpose as bringing together the energy and camaraderie of college parties with a healthier, more mindful approach. Aydan Child, founder of Peak Pulse, admitted that the term “wellness darty” (a portmanteau of “day” and “party”) serves partly as playful provocation aimed at older generations. Marty Mocs, who started Sweat & Soak and coordinated the University of Alabama event, said the goal is to provide a “high-energy, partylike atmosphere” that leaves participants feeling good afterward.

While drinking habits have generally softened among Generation Z, some students note that this does not signal an end to traditional partying. Riley Meyer, another University of Alabama sophomore, pointed out that more conventional parties still occur alongside wellness events, emphasizing that balance is key during college years. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Weidenbruch, a University of Florida student, pushed back against criticisms from older generations, arguing that the ability to attend daytime events soberly reflects a positive shift in college culture.

The evolution of campus social life underscores broader generational differences and ongoing debates over drinking, wellness, and social media’s impact on youth behavior. Some observers view the wellness parties as a natural adaptation to changing attitudes toward health and recreation, while others see nostalgia for past college experiences informing critiques of the new scene. Nonetheless, students like Suskowicz view their dual participation in both wellness and more traditional events as a balanced way to enjoy college life. “Isn’t it a good thing that we care about our bodies and care about what it’s healthy for us?” she asked.