Sober Curious in Boulder: Discovering Fun Beyond the Bar Scene

In Boulder, the idea of having fun without alcohol isn’t just a possibility—it’s a lifestyle many embrace. Whether it’s to sharpen their edge in sports, boost overall health, or simply enjoy life’s moments more fully, Boulderites are finding that sober fun can be even more rewarding than the alternative. Here’s the how and why (in reverse order).

Why Go Sober in Boulder?

• Memorable Moments: Being sober means being present. You’ll remember the laughs, the conversations, and the stunning views without the haze of alcohol. It’s about truly experiencing the moment and being able to share those stories later.
• No Regrets: Skip the hangover and the bad decisions. Sober fun means you won’t have to deal with the aftermath of a night out gone wrong. You’re in control, feeling great, and free from the worries that come with drinking.
• Self-Discovery: Without alcohol, you might find new hobbies or talents you never knew you had. It’s a chance to see yourself and others in a different light, uncovering passions and stories that might otherwise remain hidden.
• Peak Performance: Going sober can help you achieve peak performance by enhancing your focus, mood, energy, and health. No more hangovers mean through-the-roof productivity in the mornings, whether that’s at your work desk or out on the trails.

How to Go Sober in Boulder I:  Outdoor Adventures

Boulder’s natural beauty offers endless opportunities for sober fun. Here’s a taste of what you can do:

• Hit the Trails: Whether you’re hiking, biking, or skiing, Boulder’s playground landscape offers adventure at every turn! Here are a few of our favorite spots:
  • Chautauqua Park.
  • Mount Sanitas.
  • Walker Ranch Meyers Homestead Trailhead.
  • Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
  • Eldora.
• Water Fun:
  • Take a cold plunge in Boulder Creek.
  • Spend a summer day at the Boulder Reservoir.
• People Watch:
  • The Pearl Street Mall any time of year.
  • The Boulder Farmer’s Market in the summer.
• Day Trips: Boulder has no shortage of day trip options. We recommend:
  • Eldorado Springs.
  • Nederland.
  • Estes Park.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park.

How to Go Sober in Boulder II: Indoor Escapes

When you’re not soaking up the sun, Boulder’s indoor scene has plenty to offer too:

• Improv: Join Boulder’s vibrant theater community by joining an improv group or watching an improv performance at The Improv Collaborative, Monkey Butler Improv, or Off Broadway School of Fine Arts.
• Open Mic: Share your talents at an open mic night at The Root Cava Bar, Trident Booksellers and Café.
• Dance The Night Away: Join a group dance lesson at Avalon Ballroom (open to all levels); check out an ecstatic dance or skate night for extra adventure.
• Live Music: Check out a musical event at The Fox Theatre, The Boulder Theater, Roots Music Project, The Gold Hill General Store or one of Boulder’s many other venues.
• Mocktails & Botanicals: There is no shortage of great mocktails in Boulder. Make it a point to try them all! Our favorite non-booze bevy locations are:
  • Tonic Alchemy Lounge offers botanical elixirs, an oxygen bar, kava, and more! Leave feeling better than when you walked in!
  • The Root Kava Co. offers kava, kombucha, ethnobotanical teas and tonics, and great laid-back vibes.
• Join the Coffee Culture: Drop into The Trident Booksellers and Cafe or a Musical Event, Open Mic Night, Chess Night, Language Night, or just to engage in friendly banter with the legendary Dr. Joel Rauchwerger.
• Meditate: Find peace at Boulder’s Shambhala Center.
• Solve a Murder: The Gold Hill Inn and Bluebird Lodge offers Murder Mystery nights year-round.

• Tap into Boulder’s Sober Community. Sober A.F. Entertainment (SAFE) seeks to cultivate a vibrant and supportive sober community in the Boulder area where sober-centered locals can meet other sober friends and attend group sober events and activities, including concerts, festivals, sports games, yoga, meditation, and more. https://soberafe.com

Conclusion: A Sober Boulder Awaits

Choosing to explore Boulder sober doesn’t mean missing out—it means discovering new ways to have a blast! It’s about connecting with friends, nature, and yourself on a deeper level. So, whether you’re scaling a mountain, sipping coffee at a local café, or dancing the night away, you’ll find that Boulder’s sober scene is as vibrant and full of life as any other. Embrace the clarity and joy that comes with sober curiosity and let Boulder’s spirit uplift you.

Brenna Bray

Dr. Brenna Bray, a local health and wellness coach, stress researcher, associate professor, and avid ultra-marathon mountain runner, holds PhDs in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, and Complementary and Integrative Health. Her journey through an eating disorder fuels her dedication to coaching, merging personal experiences with scientific expertise. Through her practice, Bray empowers clients to access and harness their innate healing abilities and achieve remarkable health and wellness transformations. Committed to community engagement and holistic well-being, Dr. Bray shapes a brighter, healthier future for all. Learn more about Dr. Bray at www.brennabray.com.

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