The term afterparty, after-party, or after party refers to a phenomenon in modern culture often seen in the hospitality or entertainment industries and among college and high-school circles in society, which involves a planned celebration following a significant event attended by guests associated with the main event or occurrence.

It can typically be a gathering that occurs in a week after a wedding

Wedding

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage or a similar institution. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes...

, an event such as a prom, formal after party or ceremony, a music concert

Concert

A concert is a live performance before an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band...

, a premiere

Premiere

A premiere is generally "a first performance". This can refer to plays, films, television programs, operas, symphonies, ballets and so on. Premieres for theatrical, musical and other cultural presentations can become extravagant affairs, attracting large numbers of socialites and much media...

 or the closure of a nightclub

Nightclub

A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...

. The atmosphere is usually relaxed, however, some notoriety has formed in certain parts of the world regarding the rowdiness (and often illegality) of after party culture, namely in parts of Australia. Afterparties are sometimes exclusive events with only select members being invited. Related colloquialisms include "after the party there's the afterparty," referring to the necessity of a party before the afterparty.

Melbourne's Formal After Party Culture

Since about 2002, a growing after party culture has been present in Melbourne like no where else in the world. The parties are often illegal as they are done in venues that do not hold the proper government permits to have events, sell liquor without a licence and do not enforce liquor licencing laws. The parties can be dangerous if there's a lack of organised security but some "after party companies" manage to portray an image of legitimacy and safety when organising these events.