nightclub

Nightclub, also known as a club, is a venue that operates mainly at night to provide music, dancing, and social interaction, typically featuring a dance floor, a DJ or live performers, professional sound and lighting systems, a bar, and seating areas. Patrons usually enter after the evening hour and may pay a cover charge. Most clubs serve alcoholic beverages and may offer bottle service or VIP areas. Entry is often subject to age restrictions and dress codes varies by location.

Music and entertainment form the core activity, with patrons dancing to curated music commonly electronic dance music, hip hop, R&B, or pop, presented by a DJ or live acts. Some venues host themed nights, guest DJs, or live performances. The atmosphere is created by lighting, smoke or haze machines, and immersive visuals.

History traces modern nightlife venues to earlier taverns and ballrooms; the nightclub as a distinct concept emerged in the early 20th century in major cities, expanded with disco in the 1970s, and evolved with electronic dance music and club culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The term can also apply to large clubs that host international touring artists.

Operations and governance require licenses for alcohol service, late operating hours, and capacity limits. They employ security personnel and staff for admission, age verification, and crowd management. Safety concerns include intoxication, crowding, harassment, and emergency egress; many jurisdictions mandate safety plans, surveillance, and responsible service of alcohol.

Impact and variation: Nightclubs are part of urban nightlife economies, offering employment and tourism draw but also drawing criticism for noise, crime, and gentrification. Styles range from intimate underground venues to large multi-room clubs that host international DJs. The culture surrounding clubs emphasizes fashion, nightlife sociology, and shared social spaces beyond daily routines.