Andrew Yang is hosting a party. No, it's not political Nicole Fallert, USA TODAYSeptember 18, 2025 at 5:01 AM 0 Andrew Yang is running a different kind of party. This Thursday, the former Democratic presidential candidate and Forward Party founder will host his fifth Offline party in New York City.
- - Andrew Yang is hosting a party. No, it's not political
Nicole Fallert, USA TODAYSeptember 18, 2025 at 5:01 AM
0
Andrew Yang is running a different kind of party.
This Thursday, the former Democratic presidential candidate and Forward Party founder will host his fifth Offline party in New York City. Revelers will jam into a midtown nightclub for a free night of dancing — and ditch their phones.
And yes, Wang, 50, boogies with partygoers, posing for grainy film photos with sweaty dancers.
Comments on Wang's social media reflect others want in. But some also question why a businessman-turned-presidential-candidate traded debates for disco.
"We get together about half as much as we used to, that made me very sad, I think our phones have a lot to do with it," Wang told USA TODAY.
Wang is aiming to reintroduce Americans to unplugged connection as a means of cultural healing, he says. People across the country report loneliness at epidemic levels as social media makes it harder to get outside and meet one another. In addition to doomscrolling, a 2021 survey found Americans prioritize work over friendships amid high living costs.
"It's very clear overuse of our screens and social media is making us sadder not happier," Wang says.
Wang's solution? Free tickets. Phones in baggies. Good music.
"Americans are going through some real struggles right now, but that shouldn't preclude people from seeking joy," says Wang. "I believe in the personal and structural ... We have to do things ourselves and live the lives we want in order to effect the big picture."
Is the solution to our disconnection to disconnect?
Whether for politics or fun, party promotion is core to Wang's ethos: He ran parties under the name "Ignition NYC" when launching his business career in his 20s. (Wang pays ode to this era by requesting "Ante Up" by M.O.P. play at Offline events.)
This background informed Wang's instinct that parties could encourage Americans to unplug, he says, adding he relates to the pressure to be chronically online.
"Even I feel it," he says. "Often I'll come off [my phone] and feel gross."
He hopes the feel-good message of phone-free parties inspires people across the country to come together, whether its a barbeque or a book club.
"If you imagine using our phones less, then we might get together in our neighborhood, and maybe it wouldn't be Instagram-worthy, but it would be personal, local and substantial," Wang says. "This is something everyone can do in their own lives."
Is party culture dead?
These packed events are a reminder that party culture isn't extinct, but changing, according to Ed Gillett, journalist and author of "Dance Music and the Making of Modern Britain." Promoters are struggling amid high operational costs and customers struggle to pay bar tabs, he says. Wang's party is an important reminder of these industry conditions, he says.
"Grassroots culture is as diverse, inventive and creative as ever," Gillett says.
Wang doesn't claim Offline is a universal fix, but events like it can remind people it's OK to feel happy and fun can look like whatever you want it to.
Conrad Taylor, 29, with Andrew Yang at the first-ever Offline no-phone party on April 17, 2025 in New York City.
"People don't want to stand at a table, pay for overpriced bottle service and wake up hungover the next day," says Conrad Taylor, 29, the Brooklyn-based DJ who will be playing Thursday night's Offline, stacking songs and seeing "strangers befriending strangers."
"Party culture isn't dying, but what worked 10 years ago isn't working today."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andrew Yang once ran for president. Now, he's hosting Gen Z parties.
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