In Amsterdam in 2023, three friends in their mid-20s launched a series of events focused on genuine presence.
The idea was simple: Ilya Kneppelhout, Jordy van Bennekom, and Valentijn Klok were creating offline experiences where people disconnected from their screens and reconnected with themselves.
“It helped us stop the constant noise of the rat race of life and escape the online chaos for a bit,” Jordy explains.
“We live in a world with so much external stimuli because of digital technology, which has become addictive in nature. That has caused us to feel overwhelmed and not hear our own thoughts and feelings anymore.
“People feel more isolated and lonelier than ever. There’s a lack of deep social connection. We solve both problems by removing the bombardment of external stimuli and smartphones, and creating spaces that facilitate organic, real-life connections.”
The Offline Club has grown in popularity with each event, weaving its way into bars, restaurants and cafés, and resonating with people worldwide who feel liberated by the concept.
Regular events are now held in Amsterdam, London, Milan, Barcelona, Paris — and now, for the first time, in Australia, making its debut through Illuminate Adelaide.
Across immersive locations from the city to the regions, each experience is designed to help people embrace creativity and truly connect with themselves, each other and their surroundings, without the distraction of phones.
“Mostly, people read, write, draw, knit and just have deep and fun conversations. We’ve seen so many hobbies at our events,” Jordy says.
“Illuminate aims to inspire and bring people together. That is very much in line with what we do as well — to bring people back into the present moment and experience it together, to facilitate connection.”
Illuminate co-founders and creative directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi agree that The Offline Club takes their goal to facilitate connection to the next level.
“Offline Club’s mission is to create spaces where people can disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them,” Lee says.
“It has become a big movement in Europe, and we are thrilled to have the founders introduce the concept to Adelaide audiences.”
Jordy hopes people walk away from The Offline Club events feeling inspired to be fully present and undistracted.
“Real connection flows easily when you create the right circumstances for it,” he says.
“We aim for The Offline Club to be a third space for people to feel at home — where they can be themselves and find like-minded people who support each other.”
Here’s our breakdown of The Offline Club program >>
SATURDAY 05.07 // Offline Hangout: The Pear
49 Sussex St, Alberton 5014
1pm – 3pm
The Offline Club series is softly introduced at The Pear — a vine-draped, 100-year-old western suburbs home turned coffee house. With phones tucked away, guests are invited to slow down and settle into a gentler pace at this intimate offline gathering.
Tea or coffee is served on arrival, with a curated spread of mindful, crafty and collaborative activities. All materials are provided to write, draw, fold, colour and relearn a forgotten skill.
Between activities, chat with friends or strangers and sample The Pear’s snacks made from local ingredients. The lo-fi afternoon closes with a gentle group discussion — an open space to share reflections or simply listen in.
SUNDAY 06.07 // Offline Lunch: Papershell Farm
203 Almond Grove Rd, Willunga South 5172
12pm – 4pm
The Offline Club heads regional to regenerative almond orchard Papershell Farm in Willunga for a long lunch inspired by Italy’s agriturismo experiences. The day begins with a guided tour of the organic orchard, where each guest will have the chance to plant their own tree.
Attendees then drink and dine together between the branches and in a rustic, timber-lined space. Think farm-to-table lunch featuring dishes like chicken satay with crispy noodle salad, and lamb koftas with tabouli and yoghurt.
The afternoon flows into a live set from Papershell’s owner and former Empire of the Sun member, Surahn Sidhu, followed by a vinyl takeover that’ll stretch the event well into the evening.
THURSDAY 10.07 // Offline Hangout: The Queens Theatre
Playhouse Lane & Gilles Arcade, Adelaide 5000
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Often clanging and buzzing with gigs, Australia’s oldest purpose-built theatre slows things down for an atmospheric weeknight session. Inside the heritage walls of The Queens Theatre, settle into the vintage lounge bar’s low lighting, velvet chairs, soft records and old books to flick through.
Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival, then lean into creative prompts — write in a journal, fold origami, sketch a passing thought or try a mindful game. Additional drinks and small bites will be available as the evening unfolds into quiet conversations and a relaxed group discussion.
SATURDAY 12.07 // Offline Hangout: McGregors
196 Hindley Street, Adelaide 5000
10am – 12pm
Just down the road from Peter Rabbit café is its whimsical sister space, McGregors, where the quaint, cottage-like venue is ideal for a dreamy Saturday morning reset. With a hot drink in hand, you’re invited to settle into mindful exploration through painting, writing, journaling and quiet games.
The heritage storybook setting makes it easy to let the mind wander. The session closes with shared reflections in a gentle circle of voices and ideas.
SUNDAY 13.07 // XL Special Offline Hangout: LUMEN Bar
Goodman Lawns, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000
12pm – 4pm
The Offline Club goes big for its final event, setting up at LUMEN Bar, Illuminate Adelaide’s retro-inspired pop-up space complete with 1970s-style conversation pits.
At this large-scale hangout, with records spinning in the background, guests can hop between curated activity stations — journaling with a drink, building a collaborative art project or playing analogue games with new friends.
There’s no agenda. Just creative freedom in a screen-free space and a final moment to connect, reflect and chill out in great company.
Illuminate Adelaide: Wednesday July 2 to Sunday July 20
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