Dancing Towards Wellness, Sustainability & Connection: Behind the Scenes of Coffee & Cacao Morning Rave 3.0 with Nika Moeini

What if your morning started with music, movement, and a heart-opening cacao ceremony — all before 10 a.m.?

The Coffee & Cacao Morning Rave is back for its third edition, and it’s making waves — literally. With an Aquatic theme and a growing community of conscious creatives, this monthly sober dance party is redefining how we gather, connect, and celebrate. We sat down with the visionary behind it all, Nika Moeini, to dive into her “why,” how the event bridges joy with justice, and what we can expect at this weekend’s rave on Saturday, August 9 in Vancouver.

From Bali to Gastown: A Party with Purpose

Inspired by similar sunrise events she experienced while living in Uluwatu, Bali — particularly Rise & Shine Parties and the original Coffee & Cacao Morning Rave — Nika brought the idea to Vancouver after a season of personal transition. “I was coming out of a challenging breakup and wasn’t in a joyful place,” she shares. “But I remembered the impact of community and being at events that helped me reconnect to myself.”

That first party came together in just three weeks with zero initial budget, drawing over 150 people, 20 local vendors, and 15 aligned sponsors. “It was pure serendipity,” Nika says. “It felt so powerful to watch people show up for something that was intentionally wellness-focused, sustainable, and joy-filled — without substances.”

What Makes This Rave Different?

Think: exposed brick, natural light, deep house beats, and heart-opening cacao served in your favourite mug.

The Coffee & Cacao Morning Rave is a sober, family-friendly event that begins with guided embodiment and closes with sound healing. In between: dance floors, local vendors, creative stations, and a curated spread of plant-based snacks and drinks from sustainable, purpose-driven brands like Purica, Herbaland, and Daiya.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mugs and containers, reducing waste while sipping on cacao and coffee. “It’s about showing that celebration can be aligned with wellness and sustainability,” says Nika. “And that we can create high-vibe experiences that honour the planet and ourselves.”

Honouring Culture, Community, and Growth

This event doesn’t shy away from important conversations. From acknowledging the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples, to reflecting on the cultural roots of cacao and the colour red’s significance in the MMIWG2S movement, the rave aims to hold space for learning and accountability.

“We made mistakes in our initial outreach and have since learned the importance of economic reconciliation — ensuring Indigenous communities tangibly benefit from what we’re creating,” Nika explains. “Now, we offer free entry and vendor space for Indigenous guests and businesses, and we’re committed to listening first when it comes to how they’d like to engage.”

As for the cacao? It’s served with intention and acknowledgment. “Cacao is native to the Amazon and was traditionally used by the Mayan and Aztec peoples for healing and community,” Nika shares. “We now include a trained facilitator, and while we’re still learning, we hope to collaborate with facilitators with cultural roots in the practice in future events.”

What’s New for Edition 3.0: Aquatic Energy

This month’s Aquatic Edition invites you to flow into the themes of fluidity, play, and inner calm. Expect the same signature vibes — dancing, DJs, face painting, hair & makeup, sound healing, and a curated community market — all while rocking your best blue, oceanic, or watery looks.

“People can get involved in so many ways,” says Nika. “As volunteers, vendors, conscious brands, or simply as joyful attendees. It’s about co-creating this space together.”

This event aligns with Nika’s wider mission as the founder of Youth Climate Save Canada and Vegan Girls Club. “This rave is another expression of climate justice — showing how we can live joyfully and intentionally, while caring for the planet and each other.”

Come for the Rave, Stay for the Revolution

At its core, this isn’t just a party. It’s a movement.

“Beyond the fun, I hope people walk away with a feeling of wholeness and connection — to themselves, to the Earth, and to community,” Nika says.

So whether you're new to sober events, craving connection, or just love dancing under the morning sun, this is your invitation.

Coffee & Cacao Morning Rave 3.0 — Aquatic Edition

🗓️ Saturday, August 9, 2025

📍 Friendsquarters, Gastown, Vancouver

🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite Link

✨ Use code SUSTAINABLEACT for a discount!

Follow @nika.moeini and @coffeecacaorave for updates.

Get your ticket!