The best sober parties and events in Chicago

If you’re into “all of the party, none of the hangover,” check out NAPS: Non Alcoholic Party Scene. With a mission of rewriting the narrative around celebrations, this sober social group partners with businesses around the city to strengthen their NA menu options and host one-of-a-kind parties and experiences. Recent collaborators include Neon Gardens, Professor Pizza, Second City and 90th Meridian. Happy hours at various Chicago venues happen every other week and if you’re willing to take a short drive, events like murder mystery parties and Taylor Swift-themed nights pop up in Indiana and Wisconsin.

Check Instagram for updates.

“Our bodies want to dance,” says Nightclub at Noon founder Kimberly LaPaglia, “and there aren’t a lot of places to do it at a time that works.” This impetus, along with her craving for nature, intergenerational spacesn and family-friendly, sober fun and connection led her to develop Nightclub at Noon. These gatherings in Chicago feature breathwork, dance, yoga and other movement, all in nature and all during the day. The goal is that you leave feeling exhilarated, not exhausted.

The next event is on October 19 at LaBagh Woods.

Alcohol-free sapphics, take note: Lez Get Together founder Daniela Cabada wants you to have social spaces focused on friendship, connection, and community outside of the traditional bar scene. Lez Get Together hosts mixers with mocktails, wellness events with built-in social time and even queer style and photography nights. Ages range from under 21 to up to 50—all are welcome.

Check Instagram for upcoming events.

Chill monthly hangouts and a tight-knit social sober community focused on fun? Sign us up. Chicago Sober Society hosts intimate monthly meetups and gatherings to build community while showing that Chicago is a city full of connection and possibilities—without alcohol.

“You can still have a fun, meaningful life, especially in a big drinking city,” says organizer Hannah Burke.

Activities include coffee meetups, wellness events and, of course, meeting up at bars or clubs for sober dancing, plus collaborations with events like Strength in the City and non-alcoholic shops like In Good Spirits. There may even be an alcohol-free celebration to ring in 2025. Open dialogue about your alcohol-free journey is always welcome, but this group focuses on social interaction rather than structured recovery and support.

Check Instagram for meetup updates.

Chicago’s favorite indie live music venue Empty Bottle is taking a revolutionary stance on what it means to be a musician and love rock: It doesn’t have to include substance, and by association, substance abuse. Paving the path for sober-curious artists and attendees, the venue launched Nothing Assumed, a N/A concert series earlier this year. Events feature zero proof cocktail menus in collaboration with Ritual Zero Proof and have included Bully and Lala Lala.

The next event is on October 22. 

Bars, nightclubs and drinking may be synonymous with the LGBTQIA+ community, but Queer Sober Social provides members new ways to socialize. Whether you’re in recovery, sober or simply curious, the group’s mission is making queer folks feel safe. Upcoming events include a spooky silent disco, tarot card readings and tea sipping. As the organizers say, "You are queer enough. You are sober enough. You are enough."

Monthly virtual Queer Sober Socials are the first Sunday of the month at 11am. Check Instagram for updates.

Chicago AF (“alcohol free,” not “as f*ck”—but an argument could be made) has been organizing alcohol-free social outings and events since 2020. Between coffee meet-ups, brunches, mocktail tastings, a book club, Lincoln Park Zoo’s Oksoberfest and even a no-booze party cruise, you’ll be booked and busy. Although you don’t have to be sober to enjoy the alcohol-free scene at Chicago AF, the group’s emphasis on providing practical tips and encouragement to avoid relapse is particularly helpful for those in recovery.

Virtual sobriety support meetings on Mondays at 7pm and men’s virtual meetings on Wednesdays at 7pm. Upcoming social events listed on Chicago AF's website.

Get your body moving and the day started on the right foot with Daybreaker, which offers infectiously invigorating atmospheres and rave-like conditions—all before sunrise. These pre-work parties pop up throughout the year in venues across the city, like the John Hancock Observatory and Park West. Partygoers “wake up and dance” and also practice yoga, listen to live music and artist performances, and snack on breakfast treats while surrounded by bright lights and beats. Daybreaker hosts events in 33 cities around the world and is as close to sober Coachella as you’re going to get, so grab your best rave outfit and set your alarm. Time to dance.

Check Instagram for updates.