I love going to sober events! Going to events with other sober (curious) peeps there is so much fun, plus it makes me feel connected. Connected to myself and my choice to stop drinking (which resulted in me doing things close to ME that I like to do and not be expected to do by society), and to OTHERS who made that same choice. What I realized since I stopped drinking is that CONNECTION is everything. And that’s what these events are great for!
So because of this, and in the name of upcoming Sober October 2024, I compiled a list of all the sober events I could find that take place this October in the US & the UK. I divided them into separate groups, so you know where to look😉
Sober Events in the United States
Let’s start with the United States:
Tuesday, Oct 1 in Dallas, Texas
Sober October Panel by Alive and Well – An insightful and engaging discussion on staying sober during October! Whether you’re participating in Sober October or simply curious about the benefits of sobriety, this event is perfect for you.
Tuesday, Oct 1 in Boulder, Colorado
Sober Night Live! by Roots Music Project – A monthly open mic event for sober creatives featuring performances, storytelling, and a supportive community.
Thursday, Oct 3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ZERO PROOF COMEDY – A Sober Standup Showcase! by the new non-alcoholic bar Nutmeg Bar and Market.
Thursday, Oct 3 and 10th in Miami, Florida
Crafting Sober Life: Making Friends after 35+ by Field Workshop Miami: A space where like-minded people can enjoy hands-on crafting projects, from hand embroidery and painting to coloring.
Friday, Oct 4 in Miami, Florida
Mocktoberfest Miami by Mocktail Fest Miami: Sip mocktails, enjoy live DJ sets, and tasty bites—all in a fun happy hour setting, without the alcohol!
Friday, Oct 4 in Redwood City, California
An exciting Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Beer, and Wine Tasting event by The Yard! This is your chance to explore and savor a diverse selection of NA beverages, all while contributing your opinions to help shape their future n/a menu.
Saturday, Oct 5 in Ravenna, Ohio
The Sober October Recovery Fest by O.U.R. Place – Get ready for the biggest recovery celebration of the year! This is a day filled with music, inspiration, and community
Saturday, Oct 5 in New York City
DopeyCon 2024: A live podcast and fan convention for Dopey, the podcast on drugs addiction and dumb shit. Expect thrills, chills, laughs, and delights! Catered by the world-famous Katz’s Deli, with special guests, games, and prizes.
Sunday, Oct 6 in San Francisco, California
Wellness in the Park, by Serving Sundays: A full reset amidst the trees and by the water with restorative movement, mindfulness practices, and heartfelt conversations.
Saturday, Oct 12 in Bristol, Connecticut
Recovery Out Loud, by Laurie Anderson: Let’s come together to share stories, struggles, and triumphs in recovery at Recovery Out Loud – because our voices matter!
Sunday, Oct 13 in Los Angeles, California
Rave Sober by Golden Path: Get ready to dance all night long at Rave Sober, where the music is the only high you need!
Wednesday, Oct 16 in Bend, Oregon
Sober Singles Dating Trivia by Amber Heath: A fun night of trivia and mingling with other singles who are also sober and ready to meet new people!
Thursday, Oct 17 in San Francisco, California
Sober October Social in the booze-free bottle shop The New Bar by SF Social Club x The New Bar: An evening of live music, bites, conversation, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Saturday, Oct 19 in Oakland, California
No Booze Halloween Party at the Rootwater Kava Bar – Two-year Anniversary / Halloween party. Delicious non-alcoholic Kava drinks, Costume contest, Incredible DJs & food.
Saturday, Oct 19 in New York City
NYC Non-alc Bar Hop & Tour by The Bar Nun Life: A fun Halloween-themed night out, hopping between the best non-alcoholic bars in Manhattan!
Sunday, Oct 20 in Chicago, Illinois
Spooky Sober Disco by Hannaniah Whitley: A night of spooky fun and dancing at this Silent Sober Disco – no alcohol needed, just good vibes and killer tunes!
Monday, Oct 21st in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
One Day Sober October Retreat by Angela Mascenik: Non-alcoholic drinks and food, Forest bathing, Group coaching/deep discussions, Sound Healing, Yin Yoga, Reflexology Foot treatment
Tuesday, Oct 22 in Napa, California
One year anniversary mixer at the Arboretum by Sober in the Valley: Come celebrate their one year anniversary with a fun mixer at the ArBARetum from 6pm to 8pm!
Friday, Oct 25 in San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Beach Walk & Guided Meditation for Sober (curious) Women, by Sobertopia – Join me for a fun beach walk and a guided meditation by Tiffany from Healthier Ever After. This walk and meditation will inspire and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
Sat, Oct 26 in Phoenix, Arizona
Halloween Bash by The Sober Collab: A spooky night of fun – costumes, games, and good vibes all night long!
Saturday, Oct 26 in North Little Rock, Arkansas
3rd Annual Sober October Festival by Freshly Renewed Transitional Housing – Come join us for some sober fall fun!!! Food* Games* Music* Prizes* Hot dog eating contest*
Saturday, Oct 26 in Alameda, California
Movie and Mocktails – Sober Saturday, by Sober Socialites. Founder Rachel invites you to her backyard to enjoy a delicious non-alcoholic hot-toddy by the fire before watching a fun Halloween-themed movie on the lawn.
There are more and more people/organizations that are starting to organize regular sober events too, which is awesome!!
For instance Daybreaker. This company organizes a fantastic multi-event this fall: The Purple Tour! This election year, they’re bringing dance parties to polling places around the country for their most extensive tour in Daybreaker history: 50 events in 15 states… And on top of that, all dance events are FREE and offer great DJs and N/A drinks! From Phoenix to Pittsburgh, Seattle, and many more cities, I’m sure you’ll find a Daybreaker’s event near you! You can find all the info on their website.
And then there is The Phoenix. This nationwide organization/community offers LOTS of activities for people in recovery, sober curious, plus supporters. They offer everything from running, bowling, art workshops, yoga, and picnics! All year round, in MANY cities, and mainly FREE, so be sure to check them out if you are looking into meeting new sober buddies! You can find all the info on their website.
Sober Events in the UK
Then, the sober events that take place in the UK:
Saturday, Oct 5 in Otley, UK
Sober October Kick-Off, at and by Functional Drinks Club where you can have a drink and stock up on some of the best NA drinks around.
Saturday, Oct 5 in Leeds, UK
Sober October Kick-off Event by Functional Drinks Club: if you’re doing Sober October or thinking about reducing the amount of alcohol you drink, get yourself down to this free Sober October kick-off event.
Saturday, Oct 5 in London, UK
RISE and SHINE London Relaunch, by RISE and SHINE: Step into a world of wonder at RISE and SHINE, where the vibrant pulse of London meets the magic of mindful celebration. An unforgettable time dedicated to joy, connection, empowerment and dance.
Saturday, Oct 12 in Falmouth, UK
Sexy Sober Socials: Spanish Tapas Buffet, Music and Friends, by Moonchild & The Pirate. A beautiful evening with food and drinks for men and women who choose to be sober with class and style.
Organizations that organize regular sober events in the UK are:
Sober Girl Society is a large, fun community for sober & sober curious (younger) women in the UK. They are organizing a tea-total series in October, where you can enjoy delicious tea mocktails, connect with like-minded girls, and relax in a welcoming, safe space, at the Tea Total Mixers. Imagine an evening filled with lovely conversations, new friendships, and a celebration of the booze-free lifestyle. These are the dates:
Thursday, Oct 3 in London, UK
Wednesday, Oct 9 in Manchester, UK
Wednesday, Oct 16 in Nottingham, UK
Wednesday, Oct 23 in Bristol, UK
You can find all the info on their website.
Club Soda is an alcohol-free tasting Room, bar, and shop in London. They organize lots of fun tastings, workshops, and other events. In October, they have the following on offer:
Tuesday, Oct 8 – Cocktail Club with Giffard
Thursday, Oct 10 – Sober AF Poetry Club Open Mic Night
Thursday, Oct 10 – Sauna and Alcohol-Free Drinks Tasting
Thursday, Oct 17 – Queers Without Beers
Thursday, Oct 24 – Alcohol-Free Wine & Cheese Club
Friday, Oct 25 – Healing Comedy Club
You can find all the info on their website.
Then there is Bee Sober – A non-profit sober community in the UK that offers support, raises awareness, and helps remove the stigma attached to sobriety and alcoholism by providing many services and events. For October, Bee Sober has the following sober events planned:
Thursday, Oct 5 in Cumbria, UK – Bee Sober Cumbria Lunch
Saturday, Oct 26th in Cumbria, UK – Hike Scafell Pike with Bee Sober and The Mountain Girl
You can find all the info on their website.
This was it…
Well, THIS WAS MY OVERVIEW! I hope you can find something fun to do near you, and will have a great time if you choose to attend! In case you know of any events not listed here, feel free to tell me, so I can add the event to the list.
Looking at the number of fun things happening in the sober world, I think we can all agree on the fact that our movement (yes, ours, WE are the ones making changes here, YOU and I!) IS MAKING WAVES, and I’m all for it – are YOU? 😉
Izzy x
PS…
I hear from quite a lot of people that they find it scary to go to sober events by themselves. Especially the first time. And I agree; the first time I ever attended a sober event was a Soberistas Workshop in Dublin in 2019. I was SUPER nervous beforehand and was very happy that some of us connected online before the event.
My tip is to try to reach out / connect with another person before the sober event, and I suggest meeting up somewhere beforehand so you can go there together. If this isn’t possible for whatever reason, know there will ALWAYS be people who feel the same way! Usually, the hosts of sober events are super attentive and will take good care of you, too. Especially if you, befóre you arrive, inform them that you’re coming by yourself and/or are a bit uncomfortable. Just be honest. We have all been there before!
