Club Getaway brought an immersive, adult summer camp experience to New York City, transforming Time Out Market Union Square into a high-energy social playground for its Spring Kickoff, which is setting the tone for its upcoming 50th anniversary season.
An Experience That Pulled You In
From the moment guests stepped inside, the atmosphere felt distinctly different from the typical New York City event. The energy was immediate, representing a collision of nostalgia and nightlife that encouraged participation rather than observation.
Instead of small talk and static mingling, the space moved with intention. Guests were drawn into the experience organically, whether arriving solo or with friends. The environment made connection effortless, turning what could have been a standard gathering into something far more interactive.
Where Adventures Took Center Stage
The evening unfolded through a series of camp-inspired games that brought structure to the chaos in the best way possible.
The “Waist Ball” basketball showdown delivered high-energy competition, while the doughnut-eating contest quickly became one of the night’s most animated moments. The toilet paper mummy race had teams fully locked in, and across the room, glimpses of Simon Says, and hula hoop challenges revealed a crowd fully leaning into the experience. Even from a distance, the energy surrounding the monkey tail game made it clear it was one of the standout attractions of the night.
I stepped into the doughnut-eating contest myself, fully committed, fully focused… and not walking away with the win. Let’s just say my doughnut didn’t exactly cooperate the way it should have, but it made for a moment that captured the spirit of the night. Competitive, slightly chaotic, and all in good fun.
More than anything, the structure of the games eliminated the usual social barriers. No one was simply watching, and everyone was involved in some way.
A Social Rhythm Built Around the Bar
The drinks were less of an accessory and more of an extension of the experience.
Throughout the evening, Time Out Market’s happy hour offerings kept the energy balanced & light enough to stay social, but elevated enough to match the setting. Cocktails leaned refreshing and layered, from citrus-forward vodka blends to tropical rum combinations that subtly echoed the summer theme.
For those opting for something more relaxed, spritzes added a crisp, easygoing feel, while wine and beer selections kept the options accessible. Shared pitchers naturally became part of the flow, turning quick trips to the bar into moments of connection.
Between rounds of competition, the bar functioned as a central hub where conversations started, regrouping happened, and the momentum of the night never stalled.
Balancing Energy With Ease
To ground the high-energy atmosphere, guests were able to step away and recharge with wood-fired pizza from Fornino.
The layout encouraged movement without pressure. Guests could move freely between games, food, and conversation, creating a rhythm that felt natural rather than scheduled.
It wasn’t about rushing through activities; it was about settling into the experience at your own pace.
Beyond the City: The Club Getaway Concept
For many in attendance, the event served as an introduction or reminder of what Club Getaway offers beyond the city.
Located in Kent, Connecticut, Club Getaway has built its reputation as a destination for adult and family camp experiences, blending outdoor adventure with social programming and team-based activities.
With its 50th anniversary season approaching, the brand is expanding its offerings, positioning itself as both a nostalgic escape and a modern social experience set to return Memorial Day Weekend 2026.
A Shift in Social Experience
What distinguishes an event like this is its ability to rethink how people engage in social spaces.
Rather than relying on traditional formats centered around conversation alone, Club Getaway introduces interaction as the foundation. Games become entry points for connection, replacing awkward introductions with shared experiences. In doing so, the event removes much of the friction that often defines social gatherings in a city like New York.
There’s also a deeper appeal rooted in familiarity. By reintroducing elements of childhood play within an adult setting, the experience feels both nostalgic and new, although structured enough to guide interaction, yet open enough to feel spontaneous.
In a landscape where many events blur together, this approach offers something distinct: a sense of escape without requiring distance.
Final Impressions
Club Getaway’s Spring Kickoff delivered more than just a themed event, which created an environment where participation drove the experience.
By blending competition, social interaction, and a carefully paced atmosphere, the event stood out as both engaging and accessible. It captured a balance that can be difficult to achieve in New York City: high energy without pressure, structure without restriction, and connection without force.
As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary season, the kickoff offered a clear preview of what continues to make the concept resonate then and now.
