Coffeehouse DJ sets: San Antonio's next big trend
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Vince Gacilos (left) during a recent Sunrise Saturday session. Photos: Courtesy of Industry Influence
Local DJs are putting the "house" in coffeehouse.
Why it matters: As nightlife habits shift, these daytime DJ pop-ups in coffee shops offer an alternative for music lovers — especially younger generations — who prefer daytime socializing.
How it works: Coffeehouse DJ sets combine a relaxed atmosphere with the energy of a dance party — except during the day. Patrons can dance or sit and sip their latte.
- Shops typically don't charge a cover fee.
Zoom in: Sunrise Saturdays, a collective of DJs founded by Vince Gacilos and Alejandra Sanchez, runs the show at The Newstand, a Broadway coffee shop that's an early adopter of the trend.
- The Newstand's trial run was in November, followed by a launch on New Year's Day. Owners Page Pressley and DezArey Rodriguez booked an Austin DJ and kept social media promotions minimal to see if people would show up organically, without relying on local connections.
The Newstand event gained traction quickly, and sessions now often have standing-room only.
- Events are so popular that the coffee shop now offers reserved seating, as people have been arriving as early as 9am to claim spots for noon shows.
Flashback: Gacilos tells Axios he was motivated to bring the idea to San Antonio about six months ago after seeing a video of a similar concept in Los Angeles.
- "The fun doesn't always have to be at night. Everyone always talks about going to Austin, but why not here in San Antonio," Gacilos, who spent over a decade working in nightlife, tells Axios.
The vibe: His sets lean into jazz, disco, Latin and funk, creating a high-energy atmosphere without the late-night commitment.
- "The crowd's energy is similar to a club. It's very energetic but it doesn't have to revolve around alcohol. Families can now come and enjoy the music," he says.
- While the Newstand does sell alcohol, owner Page Pressley tells Axios the goal is inclusiveness — whether customers want to day drink or stick to coffee, the setting makes either choice feel natural.
Zoom out: Press Coffee is launching its own series called Fresh Start on Saturday.
- Crème, a coffee shop at The Creamery, has also hosted DJ sets.
The big picture: San Antonio is staking its claim in a trend that first gained traction in Los Angeles last fall with groups like AM.Radio as a response to the decline of club culture.
- The trend has quickly grown across the U.S. with Austin, Dallas, Houston and Washington, D.C. tuning into the movement
What they're saying: "I think COVID changed the interest of a lot of people, they realized they didn't need (clubs) in the same way they thought they did." Pressley says, adding that the concept aligns with coffeehouses' role as community hubs.
- "Even I'm saying I want to do more stuff during the day. The older I get, the more I want to enjoy my days and be in bed early," Gacilos says.
What's next: The Newstand's next event is noon-3pm Saturday, featuring the full menu plus a few special treats.
What we're watching: Gacilos and his team are planning a 72-hour festival with a collective of DJs, aiming to increase foot traffic and good vibes for local businesses.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Newstand has a co-owner, DezArey Rodriguez.