With all things analog trending and an appetite for nostalgia, screenless nights with friends are the ideal way to get your group together in 2026.
Sparked from a hilarious conversation between Caleb Hearon and Brittany Broski on the So True podcast, a “screenless night with friends” is all about connecting without distractions and spending meaningful time IRL.
I mentioned this in our latest newsletter here, but wanted to dive a little deeper with five ideas you can take right now to plan your next group hang—screen free of course.
Why go screen free for a hangout?
If you’ve been craving a night where everyone’s fully there—not half-texting, half-scrolling, or half-watching something—this is your sign to plan a night of analog fun.
We don’t realize how often our attention is split until it’s not. When the screens disappear, the energy changes. Conversations get a little deeper, laughter comes easy, and you leave feeling more genuinely connected to friends you may not get to see all the time.
Five Analog Activity Ideas for Screenless Nights With Friends
1. Game Night (Board Games, Trivia, or Your Own “Traitors” Night)
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game night.
Pull out your favorite games (or have everyone bring one then vote). Anything from Rummikub and Codenames to Clue or Monopoly. Or, even better—learn something new like Mahjong.
Not into board games? Do trivia. Pick a theme (2000s pop culture, your friend group lore, niche internet history) and keep score on paper like it’s that serious.
Feeling dramatic? Host your own “Traitors” night inspired by hit reality show. Secret roles. Accusations. Suspicious eye contact. Over-the-top speeches before voting someone out. Add wine and this will make for a hilarious night.
2. Book Swap (Low Pressure, High Vibes)
A wholesome option for all the book lovers out there.
Everyone brings a book they loved or a book they swear they’re going to read
You go around, give a quick pitch (no spoilers!), and swap. You can even write a little note inside explaining why you picked it.
It’s cozy, thoughtful, and a great way to discover what your friends are into!
3. Cook Something Together
Cooking together is the best way to bond, in my opinion.
Put on some music and pick something slightly ambitious — homemade pasta, dumplings, a layered cake — and divide the tasks. Someone’s chopping. Someone’s stirring.
There’s something so grounding about creating a meal together and then sitting down to actually enjoy it.
4. coffee walk & Catch Up
This one is for when everyone wants to hang out… but no one wants to host.
Pick a local coffee spot, grab your go-to order, and go for a walk.
There’s something about walking side by side that makes conversation flow way easier. Less pressure than sitting across a table. Fewer distractions. More “so tell me what’s actually going on” energy.
Fresh air, daily movement, chisme. Elite combo.
5. Craft Night (No Talent Required)
Crochet. Paint canvases or plant pots. Try air-dry clay. Make beaded bracelets. Collage old magazines. Attempt something you saw once and thought, “That looks relaxing.”
Put on music. Spread everything out on the table. Let the conversation flow while your hands stay busy.
Craft nights should be low-pressure—this is not about being perfect or even good. There’s something about doing something tactile that makes people open up more. And even if your clay mug turns out… questionable? It’s now sentimental.
The Real Point
Screenless nights aren’t about being anti-technology. They’re about being intentional.
It’s choosing eye contact over notifications. Choosing shared laughter over parallel scrolling.
Start small. Pick one of these. Text the group chat (ironically). Set a date. Then put the phones in a pile and focus on quality time.
