Toronto is embracing alcohol-free fun this Dry January. Sober social clubs are popping up across the city, non-alcoholic beverage brands are launching initiatives for sober or sober curious folks, and Toronto’s first-ever mocktail competition was held last weekend.
Sober and low-alcohol lifestyles are gaining momentum in recent years, with more Canadians re-examining their drinking habits and considering non-alcoholic options. On Drizly, North America’s largest e-commerce alcohol marketplace, the non-alcoholic category experienced a 62 percent increase in 2023 over 2022. Last year, an Ipsos poll found that 40% of participants cut back on their alcohol consumption, and 18% have participated in a “Dry Month”.
If you’re taking part in Dry January and find yourself in a mid-month slump, there are plenty of events happening across Toronto that encourage booze-free fun, offer tasty non-alcoholic alternatives, and connect you with other sober folks in your area.
“The idea of going Dry or Damp has always been met with the expectation of a month of hermiting, losing the social moments that people have reserved in their mind for alcohol-based occasions,” says Andrea Grand, co-founder of Canadian sparkling water brand Barbet, who are hosting a creative series of sober events this January. “Our event series is meant to bring people together for events that don’t put alcohol at the centre of them and to encourage people to try new things and potentially reset habits.”
From an evening of art to mocktail classes, here are some alcohol-free events happening around the city to take you through the rest of January:
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ZERO Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Classes
Toronto’s first sober bar is offering classes for you to master the art of the mocktail! Mixologists will lead these hands-on sessions at ZERO, where participants can indulge in a flavourful bubbly beverage while learning to craft their own. More info.
When: January 19 and 21
Where: ZERO, 235 Broadview Ave.
Heineken Route 0.0
Hop on this streetcar bar for a free evening of sober fun in Downtown Toronto! With stops at Union Station, King, Queen and Dundas Streets, enjoy an evening of live music, snacks, and Heineken’s non-alcoholic beverages at no cost, plus a pass to skip the lines at partner bars including The Drake Hotel, The Parlour and Three Dollar Bill. More info.
When: January 20 and 27
Where: See stop locations here.
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Playful Sketch Night with Slow Night Art
Unleash your creativity at this chill night of sketching for artists and non-artists alike. Sip on a complimentary can of Barbet and let your imagination run free with playful drawing prompts in a relaxed creative environment. More info.
When: January 26
Where: Sixteen Eleven Studios, 1611 Dundas St W
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Sober Speakeasy
Shhh…just between us, the lower level of the Collective Arts Toronto Taproom is being transformed into a Sober Speakeasy! Sip on exclusive alcohol-free cocktails curated by Beatrice Society and enjoy a different live music performance every week. More info.
When: Every Saturday in January and February
Where: Collective Arts Toronto, 777 Dundas Street W
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