7 Sober Gay Events in London That Don’t Include Bars & Clubs
Discover London's most unique and meaningful gay events in 2025, including conscious dance, wellness gatherings, and community-focused experiences that offer something different from the typical nightlife.
The Evolving Landscape of Gay London Events
London has long been celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with iconic venues like Heaven, G-A-Y and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern forming the backbone of the community's social life for decades. While these legendary club nights and bars continue to thrive, 2025 has seen an exciting evolution in the types of events available to gay men in the capital.
More than ever, gay Londoners are seeking diverse experiences that complement traditional nightlife – events that foster genuine connection, wellness, personal growth and community building in alcohol-optional or entirely substance-free environments. Whether you're sober-curious, tired of the typical scene or simply looking to expand your social horizons, these emerging spaces offer fresh ways to meet like-minded gay men and fellow LGBTQ+ friends.
Here's our curated guide to the most innovative gay events happening in London this year, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the familiar club circuit.
1. Pleasure Medicine: Sensuality Workshop & Ecstatic Dance for Gay Men
Where: Green Place Studios, 127A Elderfield Road, E5
When: Twice Monthly
Price: £15-20
Leading the movement of conscious events for gay men in London, Pleasure Medicine combines elements of 5Rhythms, Ecstatic Dance and embodiment practices to create a unique dance experience. Unlike typical gay dance events, this alcohol and drug-free gathering focuses on authentic expression, sensuality practices and genuine connection.
"I don’t think I’ve ever experienced being sensual without being sexual," says Michael, 34, a regular participant. "I forgot we were all gay, we were just men enjoying each other!” said another.
Each event features a facilitated journey and live DJ set through music and movement designed specifically for gay men looking to explore new ways of connecting with themselves and others. Faciltated sensual and intimacy practices provide an opportunity for deeper connection. No dance experience is necessary – just an openness to experiencing something different from the usual London gay scene.
2. Gay Men's Tantra, Naked Yoga & The Cuddle Exchange
Where: Various venues in London
When: Weekly
Price: Ranges
If you’re interested in connecting with other gay men in a more authentic, conscious and embodied way, Andy Butterfield’s classes and workshops offer opportunities to do that. Andy is a somatic therapist, coach, yoga, tantra teacher and reiki master with 20 years of experience and has developed a series of workshops that explore different ways of awakening the body and connecting with yourself and others safely through play, movement, healing touch and massage. Some workshops are clothed and some are naked to offer a rich variety of experiences. The Cuddle Exchange and Discovering Tantric Connection are among the series and each occurs monthly whereas naked tantra yoga is weekly. Check out
3. Queer Book Club at Gay's The Word
Where: Gay's the Word, 66 Marchmont Street, WC1N
When: Various
Price: Free (book purchase recommended)
London's iconic LGBTQ+ bookshop hosts one of the city's most intellectually stimulating gay events. The Queer Book Club offers an opportunity to engage with queer literature while meeting thoughtful, culturally engaged gay men in a relaxed setting.
"It's become my favorite thing to do in London as a gay man who loves reading but also wants to make meaningful connections," explains James, 42. "I've made some of my closest friends here, with conversations that started about books but quickly deepened into real friendship."
The club rotates between fiction, non-fiction, classics and contemporary works, ensuring there's something for every interest throughout the year.
4. Gay Men's Connection Group: The Erotic Gateway Workshop & Play Party
Where: Private venue in Central London (address provided upon registration)
When: Last Saturday monthly, 11:00am - 10:00pm
Price: £85
These boundary-expanding event creates a space for gay men to explore consensual erotic connection through structured workshops followed by facilitated play opportunities. With clear agreements and skilled facilitation, these gatherings offer a safer, more conscious alternative to traditional sex-focused venues.
The evening begins with communication exercises and boundary-setting, creating a foundation for meaningful exploration in a container of mutual respect.
5. Gay Sunday Walking Group
Where: Various locations around London and surrounding countryside
When: Every other Sunday, year-round
Price: £12-£17 per year membership
One of London's fastest-growing gay social groups combines fitness, nature, and social connection. The Gay Men's Hiking Collective organizes regular walks ranging from gentle urban routes exploring London's parks to more challenging day hikes in the surrounding countryside.
"It's completely transformed my weekend routine and my social circle," says Tomas, 29. "As someone who found the club scene overwhelming, being able to have actual conversations while enjoying physical activity and nature has been incredible."
The group welcomes men of all fitness levels, with different route options available for beginners and more experienced hikers.
6. East London Life Drawing
Where: The Cart & Horses, 1 Maryland Point, Stratford
When: Every Tuesday
Price: £12-£48
Combining creativity with body positivity, these weekly life drawing sessions feature diverse queer models and create a uniquely affirming atmosphere. No artistic experience is required – materials are provided, and supportive facilitators make beginners feel welcome.
“We zip through some quick 60-second sketches to warm up and get into gradually longer 15 and 20 minute poses, 20 minute break in the middle, some more warmups, and ending on a 30-35 minute pose. At the end of the session, if you're curious about what other people have been drawing, we lay out the work we're willing to share and take a peek at how other artists responded to the same stimulus”
7. Gay Men's Chorus Open Rehearsals
Where: Various locations in Central London
When: Monthly on Thursday evenings
Price: Free introductory sessions
London's celebrated Gay Men's Chorus regularly opens its doors to potential new members and visitors, offering one of the most uplifting things to do in London for musically inclined gay men. These special open rehearsals welcome anyone curious about choral singing in a supportive gay environment.
No audition is required to attend open rehearsals, making them accessible to curious newcomers.
Why London's Gay Scene Is Evolving
This diversification of gay events in London reflects broader social trends within the community. While traditional venues remain important cultural institutions, many gay men are seeking complementary experiences that address evolving needs:
Digital burnout: After years of app-based connections, in-person events with designated purposes provide refreshing alternatives to screen-mediated interactions.
Wellness focus: Increasing attention to mental and physical wellbeing has created demand for gay spaces that support healthy lifestyles without sacrificing social connection.
Sober curiosity: With more gay men exploring reduced alcohol consumption or sobriety, alcohol-optional or substance-free events are gaining popularity.
Identity expansion: Many gay men are seeking spaces that celebrate multiple aspects of their identities beyond sexuality, including cultural background, creative interests, and spiritual practices.
Gay Events in London: Finding Your Place in London's Gay Community
Whether you're new to London or a longtime resident looking to expand your social horizons, these diverse events offer entry points to community that go beyond the traditional scene. The most rewarding approach is often to explore widely, attending different types of gatherings to discover which spaces feel most authentic and nourishing for you.
As Gary Albert, facilitator of Pleasure Medicine, observes: "The beauty of London's gay scene in 2025 is that there truly is something for everyone. The days of one-size-fits-all gay spaces are behind us. Now gay men can find or create exactly the type of community they want and need”.
