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Key Points

  • Austin, Texas, is a weird and funky city known for partying and nightlife, which presents challenges to the sober lifestyle.
  • Innovative businesses and establishments are answering the call and bringing exciting new events to the forefront of the Austin social scene.
  • Find monthly events and annual events to look out for, as well as alcohol-free places where you and your sober friends can plan your own sober fun.
  • Browse these top local attractions that can be enjoyed at any time for all ages.
  • Check out a few additional apps, groups, and sites to tap into for ongoing sober event updates and pop-ups in Austin.
  • If you or a loved one need professional support, reach out to get started.

Austin is known around the world for our signature “weirdness,” the party scene, and the nightlife. Living a sober lifestyle can be challenging. So many social, family, and professional events are associated with alcohol in some capacity.

If you’re ready for a fun and exciting event free of any hint of negative influences, we’re here to help! Whether you live in Austin or you’re visiting from out of town and want to plan your activities with safety and intention, browse these local options for alcohol-free fun.

No Lights No Lycra: Dance In The Dark

NLNL is a sober dance party that occurs regularly at the 3rd Eye Meditation Lounge and the West China Tea Company. Dance with no judgment and all fun, with no alcohol and all good vibes. These events have an admission fee, but it is low enough to bring your friends!

Get Ready To Eat: Join The Sober Supper Club In Austin

This is not your grandma’s supper club. Similar to traditional supper clubs, the sober Supper Club in Austin, Texas, is more than just a great meal. It’s a recovery community of sober-minded individuals and a built-in support system. Check the Instagram account for the latest events and details.

Take On Sober Trivia Nights at Pickleland

Enjoy a fun night out with old friends or new ones and join the alcohol-free trivia nights at Pickleland, the pickleball club and bistro. Challenge your knowledge on all sorts of topics, win prizes, and have a blast. Call to get the schedule for upcoming sober events.

Yearly Events To Look Out For

Plan Your Own Sober Fun In Austin

Plan Your Own Sober Fun in Austin

Below are local establishments that offer sober options as a standard of their services or where you can book your own event to create something special for yourself or your circle of friends.

Check Out Sans Bar

Sans Bar is the nation’s first alcohol-free bar, serving only handcrafted mocktails, zero-proof beer and wine, and other elevated alcohol-free creations. This establishment is open every Friday from 6 P.M. to midnight and partners with some of the world’s top mixologists and beverage brands. Rent the venue for your own event, or call to see the current event lineup for comedy, open mic nights, art, or live music.

Make A Reservation at Vigilante Gastropub & Games

Vigilante is a full-service pub and game center where you can play board games and role-playing games, complete with a game library, game-play accessories, and a button to summon your server. They specialize in mocktails for the sober but also serve traditional drinks. Table space is $7 per person and ideal for 2 to 4 people.

Go To The Spa

Self-care is an integral part of the recovery process. Learning new ways to take care of your body, renewing your mind, and refreshing your soul opens up a world of possibilities, activities, and wellness practices. Head to your favorite spa for a massage, facial, or other self-care treatment.

Get Outside

The Greater Austin area offers a wide range of outdoor scenes for your favorite outdoor activities. Hike Zilker Botanical Garden and experience the peace of beautiful nature. Rent a kayak and paddle your way across Lady Bird Lake. Bike the paved 3.1-mile Veloway loop exclusively for cycling and in-line skates.

Sources For Local Sober Events In Austin

  • The Phoenix App: This community is all in-person and online events for those living a sober life. From sports and mental health events to wellness activities, you can find a gathering near you.
  • Sober Austin: Sober Austin is an organization dedicated to sharing sober events in Austin and the surrounding areas. Options range from fun and social events to educational seminars and support groups.
  • EventBrite: EventBrite is an international platform where anyone can share information about any upcoming event. Check local listings to see what sober events may be happening in Austin or other parts of Texas. (Be sure to verify that the event is truly sober, as some listings can be sponsored and are not aligned with a sober lifestyle.)
  • SoberandFunky: SoberandFunky is an Instagram community that shares and hosts local events.
  • MeetUp: Similar to EventBrite, you can search for sober events in your area and plug into a new crew.

Local Attractions For All Ages

Hit The Zipline over Lake Travis

Fun for all ages, the world-class Zipline Adventures over Lake Travis is an unforgettable experience. With 5 lines total, 3 of them are the longest and fastest ones in the state. Go solo or bring a friend for the double barrel shotgun line and make it a race, or book a group event for your sober community.

Pinkys Up: Austin English Tea Company

Live out all of your royal fantasies or get a taste of the traditions of the other side of the pond at the Austin English Tea Company. Book an authentic English tea for two or ten and experience elegant table settings, piping hot tea, and a delicious afternoon tea menu.

Tour The Museum of the Weird

Located in downtown Austin, the Museum of Weird is unlike anything you’ve seen before and is fun for all ages. You’ll get up close and personal with monsters, zombies, mummies, shrunken heads, the Fiji mermaid, and more.

The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour

Visit the other side and the spooky trail. Schedule a walking tour of the Ghosts of Austin posted by Ghost City Tours for one or a group and get your introduction to Austin’s haunted past. This even is appropriate for all ages.

Tour The Texas State Capitol

Built in 1888, the Texas state capital is crafted from granite and marble and is an architectural masterpiece. Get a glimpse of the House and Senate chambers and learn more about your home state’s history.

Hit The Tracks: Circuit of The Americas

Check out the event roster at the Circuit of the Americas Nascar and Formula 1 racetrack right here in Austin. You can also host your own event or experience one of the fun year-round attractions like:

  • COTA Driving Experience
  • Karting
  • Bike Night
  • RV Park
  • Cars & Coffee
  • T11 COTA Car Community

Looking For Help Getting or Staying Sober?

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or substance misuse, you are not alone. The fact that so many opportunities for the sober community exist in the Austin area is proof that there is hope for a safe and stable future and that like-minded peers are ready to support you all the way. If you would like to discuss options for treatment and support, reach out today.

Who To Talk To for Treatment in Texas?

Crestone Wellness has set out to humanize addiction recovery through compassionate, quality care. It is our mission to help others become whole again and empower them to live abundant lives. We’d love to partner with you in your recovery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Alcohol-Free Activities?

Recovery is a lifelong journey. Whether you have struggled with alcohol or substance abuse in the past or are simply exploring the world of the sober curious, alcohol-free activities offer a new opportunity to connect without relying on substances.

What’s the difference between sober, sober-curious, and alcohol-free?

In many ways, these terms are used interchangeably. However, we would caution you about the distinction between sober and sober curious. Often, those who align with a sober lifestyle have navigated alcohol or substance use disorder challenges in the past and need a safe space to socialize and have fun without the presence of harmful substances.

The sober-curious ideology is often associated with some components of the wellness movement for those looking for a healthy lifestyle or wishing to function at their highest level. Alcohol-free can apply to any group and refers more to drinks or events.

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