More and more, the idea of drinks being conducive to a great night out is growing outdated. While alcohol has long acted as the go-to “social lubricant”, younger generations are eschewing drinks from the “fun evening out” equation more and more.
Whether you’re doing it as part of the burgeoning “sober-curious” movement, or you’re looking to cut back on drinks because of health concerns (after all, cutting out alcohol is usually a pretty quick ticket to addressing a lot of common health problems), however, staying sober does not at all have to mean that you’re giving up having fun, or that your options for doing so are limited. Today, more and more venues and events have sprung up around the idea that you can have a great time, with friends or by yourself, without needing to drink – and we’re here to highlight some of the best events that offer opportunities to let loose without alcohol.
DISCONNECT AND DETOX WITH ECSTATIC DANCE
If you look up Ecstatic Dance, you might come away confused at why it’s notable at all. Take a look at the pictures on their site or social media, and you see a bunch of people dancing in a club, or at a rave. So what’s the big deal?
Well, as its inclusion on this list should tip you off, Conscious Clubbing is a rave, but with rules – no alcohol, no marijuana, no drugs of any kind, in fact. That’s not all, either, because Ecstatic Dancing also asks that you turn off your phone and smartwatch. It’s a chance to dance, and lose yourself to the moment. It might feel awkward having to dance sober, and to be honest, it definitely is at first; but that initial awkwardness melts eventually and makes room for a euphoric social experience the likes of which you probably haven’t had yet.
Ecstatic Dance has a location in Toronto that opens up every Thursday evening; additionally, Ecstatic Dancing events are also held in Vancouver and other major cities. They also tend to cost $20-$30 per person for the whole evening, which is a very cheap ask for a great evening out.
SWAP ALCOHOL FOR CAFFEINE AT THE COFFEE PARTY
The Coffee Party is one of the frontrunners of the alcohol-free fun trend for sober curious people. It is, essentially, a daytime rave, except the drinks you have are caffeine rather than alcohol. You have a hip and young crowd dancing away here, and some high-energy dance hits and Afro-House music.
It’s extremely popular – these went viral on Instagram, so you should expect long lines and tickets selling out – but boy is it well worth it. Much like Ecstatic Dance, The Coffee Party has an official location in Toronto, but Coffee Party events are also held in other Canadian cities.
THIS ALCOHOL FREE BAR GIVES YOU A FUN NIGHT OUT WITHOUT THE HANGOVERS
The Zero Cocktail Bar in Toronto really wears its mission statement on its sleeve. The pitch is simple – a venue for a great evening out, including drinks, but no alcohol. And it works! By taking the focus away from inebriation, you get the ritual of having a night out (complete with the lighting, ambience, and atmosphere that you expect or associate with such an outing), without the pain and headaches (literally!) that come with that.
The Zero Cocktail Bar also offers trivia nights, as well as classes teaching you how to make great zero-proof drinks for yourself, essentially allowing you to bring the alcohol-free experience home and keep it going beyond just this one outing.
VANCOUVER’S GROWING MOCKTAIL SCENE OFFERS OPTIONS
Unfortunately, Vancouver right now does not have a dedicated alcohol-free bar or pub like Toronto does; but never despair! Because while it may not have dedicated alcohol-free locations, what it does have is multitudes of options for the sober curious among our number. Vancouverites should look especially at SUYO, PiDGiN, and Carlino, all of which have been highlighted by the Michelin Guide as premiere venues offering alcohol-free drinks and experiences in Vancouver.
You might not get an outing where the freedom from alcohol is the point – but in many regards, that might almost be better. You still get to go out with your friends or partner, you don’t need to find a whole special place dedicated to your tastes and preferences – and you still get a great sober experience, if you want it.
What more could one ask for?
