How to Go Clubbing

Co-authored by Bridgette Borzillo and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: June 29, 2024

Looking to have a fun night out clubbing with your friends? Before you call a cab, make sure you're dressed for the club and you have your wallet and ID on you. When you arrive, you may need to wait in line and show a bouncer your ID. Once you make it inside, you can grab a drink or head onto the dance floor with your friends!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Ready

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Put on something you feel confident in. Clubbing is about having fun, and you’ll have more fun if you feel great in your outfit! Just make sure you're dressed appropriately for the club you're going to. Avoid things like sweatpants, t-shirts, and sneakers (unless the club you're going to is casual). If you're going to a high-end club, call ahead or check their website to see if they have a dress code.^{[1]
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- A button up shirt and slacks or a shorter dress are always safe outfit choices for the club.
- Wear shoes you won’t mind dancing and walking around in all night (just avoid sneakers and flip flops).
Clubbing is more fun when you’re with friends. Text or call your friends and ask if they want to go out clubbing with you. Invite them over beforehand so you can all ride to the club together. You can even invite them over early so you can all get ready together!

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If you and your friends plan on drinking alcohol at the club, designate someone to be the sober driver. If everyone wants to drink, order a cab, Uber, or Lyft to bring you to the club.
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Bring your wallet and ID. You'll need money to buy drinks and pay the cover charge if the club has one. Make sure your ID is in your wallet; you won't be able to get into the club without it. You can use your license or passport as your ID.^{[2]
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- Make sure your ID is valid and current or you won't be able to get into the club.
- If you don't have any pockets to carry your wallet in, bring a clutch with a wrist strap to carry your money and ID in. Don't bring a large handbag unless you won't mind carrying it around the club all night.
Anuschka Rees, Personal Style Expert

When preparing your clubbing outfit, think sexy yet classy. Avoid anything too revealing or sloppy—a short skirt or dress styled with heels and accessorized with jewelry creates an alluring look that says you made an effort. For men, choose a button-down or nice shirt with dark jeans or pants and dress shoes.

Part 2

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Getting into the Club

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If you’re going clubbing on a busy night, like a Friday or Saturday, there may be a line to get inside. Get in the back of the line and chat with your friends while you wait. The line should move quickly!
Most clubs have a bouncer standing outside that checks everyone’s IDs to make sure they’re old enough to get in. Take your ID out before you get to the bouncer so you're ready when it's your turn. Be polite and respectful! The bouncer can turn you away if you're group is being rowdy or rude.^{[3]
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Some clubs charge people at the door to get in. Use cash in the exact amount if you have it. If you’re using a card, you may need to sign a receipt.
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Let the bouncer or attendant put a wristband on your wrist. The wristband is so the bartenders and security know you’re of legal age and that you paid to get in. If the bouncer doesn’t put a wristband on you, there may be an attendant inside that will.
- Don’t take off or lose your wristband or you could get kicked out of the club!

Part 3

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Having Fun at the Club

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Order a drink at the bar if you’ll be drinking. Go up to the bar in the club and wait for the bartender to ask what you'd like. There may not be a drink menu, so have an idea of what you want to order beforehand. After you get your drink, wait for the bartender to bring you your receipt so you can pay for it.^{[4]
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- If you're not used to drinking alcohol, come up with a drink limit for yourself so you don't accidentally drink too much.
- Keep a tab open and leave your card with the bartender if you plan on ordering multiple drinks throughout the night.
- Never leave your drink unattended. There is a chance it might get spiked.
- Don’t forget to leave a tip!
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Dance with your friends. Bring your drink on the dance floor if you have one, but be careful not to spill it. Try to dance along with the kind of music that's playing. If you're not sure how to dance, just try to keep timing with your feet. Try out some basic club dance moves like nodding your head or rolling your shoulders.
- Be respectful of other people on the dance floor. Don't dance with someone unless they make it clear they want to dance with you too.
Make sure the booth isn't taken already. If you see a lot of drinks and bottles on the table, someone could be sitting there or it could be reserved for a party.
It’s easy to get overheated when you’re dancing and drinking all night. Go up to the bartender and ask them for a water. At most clubs, water is complimentary, so you can have as much as you want!

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Question

How can I enjoy clubbing if I have low vision and can't see well due to the dim lights?

Community Answer

It's not always all about what you see, it's also about what you hear. Enjoy the music and just dance like nobody is watching.

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What is the minimum age to go to a club?

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Most clubs require you to be the minimum age to legally purchase alcohol.

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Can 30 or 40 year old people go clubbing too?

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Of course! Anyone can go clubbing if they want to! As long as they are over the legal age (eg, 18 or 21).

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