The only shots at Rise and Vibe will be espresso, served alongside strawberry matcha, croissants and club beats.
Regulars at Queen Amann Bakery are in for a surprise this month when they discover that their local cafe has transformed into a nightclub, complete with thumping electronic music and a writhing dance floor.
On Saturday, February 28, at 8am, the Bowen Hills bakery will host Rise and Vibe, a cafe rave event of “beats, brews and bakery eats”, presented by King Street and Good Food Events, in collaboration with AM Social.
For the uninitiated, cafe raves have been trending across the globe, spurred on by Gen Z and Millennials, many of whom are drinking less – or not at all. The daytime clubbing event sees guests dance, catch up with friends and enjoy music without the alcohol, late nights or risks of the nightlife scene.
“The amount of young people drinking is declining, but the desire for connection and entertainment is stronger than ever,” says AM Social co-owner Cameron Stallard, who runs the business with his brother Nicholas and hosts a monthly Brisbane cafe rave.
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Unlike a nightclub, the music at a cafe rave has to be good, says Stallard. “People are sober. They’re there to listen to the music. It can’t just be doof doof doof for hours.”
Like all soft clubbing events, Rise and Vibe will be alcohol-free. The only shots at Rise and Vibe will be espresso, served alongside strawberry iced matcha and lychee coconut water.
There will also be live sets by DJs Talisha and Teeks, with a special guest appearance by Ghanaian-Australian sister duo Briony and Savannah Osei, better known as Kinder.
“DJ Talisha is one of the best DJs in Australia and Kinder has millions of Spotify listeners, and has opened for artists like Hugel in Europe and Australia – and they’ll be performing in a bakery on King Street. It’s never been done,” says Stallard.
The music will cover a range of styles, from hip hop and R&B to techno and house, alongside Afro-Brazilian, Latin and other global sounds.
The bakery will serve its full menu, including its signature kouign-amann – a golden, caramelised croissant pastry – as well as bagels, baguettes and focaccia sandwiches.
Queen Amann Bakery owner Larry Lim said it would be the first time he has hosted an event like this. “Bakeries are already social spaces. Adding music just amplifies whatʼs already there. A cafe rave feels like a modern take on community – and weʼre excited to be part of bringing that to Brisbane.ˮ
Rise and Vibe is part of King Street Uncovered, a series of events running from February to the end of May that showcase everything King Street has to offer. The program invites people to explore the Bowen Hills precinct in new ways, from its restaurants, cafes and bars, to its live music and cultural scene.
Rise and Vibe is a free event, simply register below to attend.
Rise and Vibe with AM Social, 8am – 11am, Saturday, 28 February. Registration available here.
Erina Starkey – Erina is the Good Food App Editor for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Previously, Erina held a number of editing roles at delicious.com.au and writing roles at Broadsheet and Concrete Playground.
