Contrary to popular opinion, there’s a lot more to nightlife than booze. Whilst it can be fun to enjoy a tipple or two, there’s been a trend of sober curiosity sweeping the world, where more and more people are figuring out how to have a great time without alcohol.
Whether you’re looking for a sober date night experience, an alcohol-free hen do activity, or an eggnog-less Christmas party, if you’re steering clear of the sauce, there’s still plenty for you to get up to when the sun goes down.
Jump right in, as we explore the 13 best activities for a sober night out!
Get active
The last thing you want to do when you’re sober is sit around and watch others drink. Ditch the bar and get moving, with some super fun, active, alcohol-free activities.
1. Immersive experience
It’s like live theatre, but you get to be one of the actors! Dive into the storyline and play the part, from prison tales to cowboy adventures. But don’t worry about taking it too seriously – they’ll giggle all around, especially when they call on you.
If you’re thinking of partaking in an immersive experience, may we suggest Alcotraz? For a night behind bars you’ll never forget, be treated to delicious, bespoke cocktails (or mocktails) that you can enjoy from a highly realistic jail cell – just don’t let the warden catch you! Check out our six different locations to find your closest cell block.
2. Dance class
From ballroom to Bollywood, there are so many different types of dance out there, and we guarantee you’ll have one heck of a laugh mastering them! With classes ranging from complete beginners to pros, you can master a new skill and get your heart pumping at the same time!
3. Bowling or arcade
A little friendly competition and laughter is pretty much guaranteed when you grab your gang and head down to the local bowling alley or arcade. A place you may have spent many weekends as a kid – who said you can’t enjoy it as a sober adult?
Some relaxation
Relaxing doesn’t always mean lounging around with a glass of wine. From spa days to picnics, there are a whole host of relaxing activities you can do, without a tipple.
4. Spa night
It’s not just a daytime activity reserved for hens – many spas offer a wide range of packages, from evening treatments and twilight thermal journeys, to overnight trips. You could treat yourself and friends, or your partner, to a massage or facial (or both!), or just simply enjoy an incredibly relaxing couple of hours moving between steam rooms, saunas, and experience rooms at a leisurely pace.
5. Board game night
This one doesn’t require you to even leave the house (if you don’t want to). If you and a group of friends are into board games, why not take it in turns to host a board game night? You could nominate someone different to cook or bake, and spend some quality time catching up before cracking into a brand new game for the evening. Let the friendly competition begin!
6. Picnic
Best to save this one for when you know the weather’s going to be on your side. Wherever you live, take full advantage of your local park with your other half or group of friends. Pack a picnic full of your favourite foods and head on down, finding a cosy spot underneath a tree – complete with picnic blanket, of course. Leave your phones behind and just enjoy each other’s company and people-watch as the sun goes down.
7. Cooking or baking class
Whether you consider yourself to be a bit of a masterchef, or you’re a complete beginner when it comes to the kitchen, a professional cooking or baking class promises to be entertaining, informative, and tasty! Learn something new and enjoy the delicious results, as the perfect date night activity or evening with the girls.
8. Art or pottery class
Unleash your creativity and possibly discover a brand new hobby, by attending an evening art or pottery class. From something as simple as pottery painting right through to a life drawing class behind closed doors, there’s something for every budding artist and DIY diva!
For the foodie
Replace a cheap meal in or takeaway night on the couch with a food experience for your next night out – and give yourself another reason to get dressed up without hitting the town!
9. Fancy dinner
Who said a fancy dinner had to be for a special occasion? Get all dressed up and step out for a night on the town, hitting up your favourite restaurants and local best kept secrets. This activity pairs well with both a group of friends or your significant other; why not try a brand new restaurant or somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, and maybe even make it a monthly thing? Enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about alcohol pairings.
10. Food tour
Food tours are an exciting way to discover new places, flavours, and cuisines, that you likely wouldn’t have the chance to. They offer a truly unique blend of culinary exploration and cultural immersion – without the price of a plane ticket! Grab your friends and take them on a food journey that’ll fill your stomachs and blow your minds.
Take in some culture
Drinking culture? Never heard of her! There is so much more you can take in and learn, without having a boozy beverage to go with it.
11. Museum or art gallery
Some museums or art galleries – particularly in big cities – will have later opening hours, or exhibits where you can book tickets to visit in the evening. Smaller, independent art galleries will also often host adult-only showings or events, where you can enjoy themed art and mingle with other like-minded art lovers. Wherever you call home, this activity is ideal if you’re itching to be immersed in local culture.
12. Comedy show
You don’t need alcohol to entertain you when you have pure comedy. Make a visit to a comedy club or improv show part of your evening activity plans – just don’t sit in the front if you don’t like to be called on! Expect belly laughs and sore jaws, as the jokes carry themselves throughout the rest of your night.
13. Pub quiz
Check out the notice boards or Facebook pages of your local to see if they ever host a quiz night – many will do it on a weekly basis! From themed nights to general trivia, there’s a quiz for every brainbox group. With prizes ranging from vouchers to use at the bar to cash money, it’s well worth getting a group of you together and coming up with an awesome team name. Just maybe avoid ‘Let’s get quiz-icial’ – it seems to always get snapped up first!
We guarantee that steering clear of the booze and ordering from the mocktail menu will give you just as many amazing nights out! For more nightlife activity ideas, head to our blog or join our mailing list to be the first to hear about our new experiences and offers.