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How to be Sober in a Buzzed City – 5 Tips for Denver’s Non-Drinkers

Megan McNeilJune 17, 2016Lifestyle + Culture
Home
303 Magazine
6 min read

When I moved to Denver, I was impressed by how active people are and how much of the culture here revolves around drinking. No way could I go out on a Friday and wake up for a run on Saturday—what is your secret, people of Wash Park? There are over 200 breweries in Denver. The Rocky Mountain water has blessed beer itself. And while Denver is a great place for brewery tours and beer tastings, it’s also a great place to be sober.

I took a step back from drinking a few years ago because I was tired of the bar scene and waking up on a Saturday with a small panic attack after checking my bank account or throbbing headache from shots and poor decisions (because let’s be honest, what good comes after three tequila shots?) I don’t have a drinking problem, nor do I avoid alcohol all together, I just avoid it as much as I can. Alcohol isn’t bad; it can bring people from all walks of life together. We’re all part of this crazy, quirky city we call home, and we can have fun at a local brewery or hike a fourteener, be sober or happily intoxicated. But, there are so many things to see and do than just drink in Denver. After all, Colorado isn’t Colorful because of neon lights.

Go to a Bar with More Than Booze

Photo courtesy of RheinHaus on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of RheinHaus on Facebook.

You need a social life even if you’re not drinking. Check out bars that have more to offer than just drink specials. Both Rhein Haus and Punch Bowl Social have ton of activities, as well as several bars for your drinking friends. Bowl a game, play a round of bocce or even take your shot at some pool. 1-Up is another great place to be active and occupied while others can drink. Play retro-arcade games, Skee-ball, and even giant Jenga while your friends can drink any of the 14 beers on tap. If you don’t need liquid encouragement to sing in front of a crowd, try Armida’s for some light-hearted karaoke. Order drinks or food between sets and prepare to people watch.

Check Out a Nightlife Event Not Focused on Drinking

Photo courtesy of Roll Denver on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Roll Denver on Facebook.

 

If you want to avoid bars altogether, Denver still has plenty of events to check out. Keep your active routine with a nighttime 5k like the Blacklight Run or Foam Glow. Skate the night away at Roll Denver for a funky and fun adult skate night at EXDO from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. If you’ve got groove (or if you don’t), try swing, tango or blue’s dancing at the Mercury Café. For an even spicier adventure, try pole-dancing lessons at Tease Studio.

Diverge From Day Drinking

Photo courtesy of B-Cycle Denver on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of B-Cycle Denver on Facebook.

It’s Denver, and drinking doesn’t just happen past 10 p.m. Instead of a Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, try an easy hike (use our 101 Most Beautiful Colorado Hikes guide to find one your whole group can do) and bring along a picnic—views without brews. Sometimes, a beer festival in unavoidable, but Sesh Fest is a beer fest that only features beers under 5 percent ABV. Get out on the town and get a workout. Ride around town to pubs or book clubs with B-Cycle. A bike is $9 a day or $15 for a monthly pass.

Explore Denver’s Music Scene

Photo by Kyle Cooper.

Photo by Kyle Cooper.

One advantage of not drinking, is the extra money in your bank account. Instead of spending $60 or more in one night of drinking, spend that on some concert tickets for memories and music you’ll never forget. And, since we’re living in one of the coolest spots for live music, ehem, Red Rocks (check out their summer line-up here), this is a great way to socialize and be sober. If you’re wanting an intimate night of music, Denver had some great venues. Check out Hi-Dive,  La Cour, Swallow Hill or staples like the Ogden Theatre, the Gothic and the Bluebird.

Find Like-Minded People

Photo courtesy of Gociety

Photo courtesy of Gociety

Find people who have similar hobbies to you, and that are interested in more than just drinking. If you’re the active and outdoorsy type, Gociety is the friend version of Tinder If books, coffee and writing are more your style, get creative with other writers at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop (they have Lit Fest once a year) or get carried away in a book at Tattered Cover Bookstore. Yogies can unite at yoga festivals like Yoga Rocks the Park or Yoga on the Rocks. And if you’re just not sure what group you fit into, meetup.com has a meetup for every lifestyle, from volunteering to gaming or even ghost hunting.

1-up303 MagazineArimda'sBest bars for sober people DenverGocietyLighthouse Writer's Workshopmeetup.comMegan Carthelnon drinking activities in DenverPunch Bowl SocialRhein HausRoll DenverSesh FestSober denversober living DenverWhat to do in Denver if you're no drinkingYoga Rocks the Park

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Megan McNeil

Megan is a writer, scuba diver, book worm, flip-flop enthusiast and thrill-seeker. She has the coolest bow-tie wearing cat in town named Fitzgerald, and she can be found spending her Monday nights watching the Bachelor or Bachelorette (what's up with Chad this season?). Don't be fooled by her blonde hair, Megan enjoys politics, political theory and is usually trying to learn something new.

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Ah what a beautiful day. This shot was taken at the legendary #DanielsPark. Located just south of Denver, this gorgeous open space has everything from beautiful sunsets to herds of buffalo 🦬 Want to know more? Head to the link in bio for how to get there and some fun facts about its history. .
 
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Ah what a beautiful day. This shot was taken at the legendary #DanielsPark. Located just south of Denver, this gorgeous open space has everything from beautiful sunsets to herds of buffalo 🦬 Want to know more? Head to the link in bio for how to get there and some fun facts about its history. .

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📝/📸: @jlhindesign
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #coloradosunset #coloradosky
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Are you a stylist looking to offer the highest quality hair extensions with extreme longevity? @cocomariesalon is one of the industries fastest growing hair extension lines and even better news, they are local! They offer hair extension training, Hand Tied Wefts, Satin Wefts and 16 different colors in five different lengths! Sign up at cocomariesalon.com to become a professional and receive wholesale pricing if you are a licensed cosmetologist. 
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There’s a new incline just south of Denver. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as Manitou but it does come with a view at the top. Head to the link in bio for the full details. .
 
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There’s a new incline just south of Denver. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as Manitou but it does come with a view at the top. Head to the link in bio for the full details. .

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📝/📸 : @jlhindesign
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🎊@doughnutclub_ Giveaway 🎊

😱 Who loves a good 🍩?! Everyone is raving about how delish and creative their doughnuts are. Get ready because @doughnutclub_ is proudly opening up a NEW store in Lakewood this weekend and rumor has it, they're thinking about Central Park TOO!  #KEEPYOURHOLE
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🚨 Winners will be chosen on Monday 1/18
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🎊Grand Opening Info:
📍Denver: 7281 W. Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO
📆 Grand Opening on Friday, Jan. 15th @8am
☎️ 720-763-4655 / Email: info@doughnutclub.com

#sponsored

🎊@doughnutclub_ Giveaway 🎊

😱 Who loves a good 🍩?! Everyone is raving about how delish and creative their doughnuts are. Get ready because @doughnutclub_ is proudly opening up a NEW store in Lakewood this weekend and rumor has it, they're thinking about Central Park TOO! #KEEPYOURHOLE
-
RULES:
1️⃣ Like this photo
2️⃣ Tag your friends and set your doughnut date up!
👌 Three LUCKY people will win a half dozen doughnuts from @doughnutclub_
🚨 Winners will be chosen on Monday 1/18
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🎊Grand Opening Info:
📍Denver: 7281 W. Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO
📆 Grand Opening on Friday, Jan. 15th @8am
☎️ 720-763-4655 / Email: [email protected]

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Echo Mountain is open for the season, so grab some fresh mountain air! Ski, board, and tube at Denver’s closest, and most affordable ski area. Take a break and hit the slopes for night skiing and boarding every Wednesday-Saturday! #echomntn #sponsored

Echo Mountain is open for the season, so grab some fresh mountain air! Ski, board, and tube at Denver’s closest, and most affordable ski area. Take a break and hit the slopes for night skiing and boarding every Wednesday-Saturday! #echomntn #sponsored ...

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There are few simple pleasures more satisfying than being a “regular” at your local spot. But when the pandemic hit, these small but mighty communities dissolved overnight. So we checked in to see how these regulars have held up. Link in bio for the full story. .
 
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📝: @jessrendall 
📸: @giacomo_d237 
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There are few simple pleasures more satisfying than being a “regular” at your local spot. But when the pandemic hit, these small but mighty communities dissolved overnight. So we checked in to see how these regulars have held up. Link in bio for the full story. .

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📝: @jessrendall
📸: @giacomo_d237
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #denverrestaurants #denverbars
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Despite the hardships of this past year, Denver creatives haven’t stopped inspiring us. This includes these five local designers. From elegant gowns to streetwear, these designers should be on your radar for 2021. Link in bio. .
 
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📝: @paigevon17 
📸: @mrm_photog_pics // @rmt4evaclothing 
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Despite the hardships of this past year, Denver creatives haven’t stopped inspiring us. This includes these five local designers. From elegant gowns to streetwear, these designers should be on your radar for 2021. Link in bio. .

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📝: @paigevon17
📸: @mrm_photog_pics // @rmt4evaclothing
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Announcing the Together is Better Giveaway with @realmdenver!
Attention all Denver small, local and independent businesses—we have partnered with Realm for a giveaway of a full day at Realm to host your very own photo and/or video shoot, complete with a 303 feature! ​**Head to the link in bio to enter!**
This is the perfect opportunity for any local business (including product and service-oriented businesses and nonprofits) that could benefit from an opportunity to create content on behalf of your business’ mission and connect with a larger audience in Denver.
Each of the three selected submissions will receive:
-Full 10 hour day at Realm
-Interview Feature in 303 Magazine featuring the final concept -Behind the Scenes Video created by the Realm team
Submissions are due by end of day January 31, 2021
The three chosen submissions will be announced February 10, 2021
While this past year has posed many challenges, we are hopeful that by coming together, we can continue to strengthen and energize our local community. After all, together ​is​ better.
To enter, you must be local to the Denver area and a minimum age of 18. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.
 
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 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denvergiveaway #coloradogiveaway #denversmallbusiness

Announcing the Together is Better Giveaway with @realmdenver!
Attention all Denver small, local and independent businesses—we have partnered with Realm for a giveaway of a full day at Realm to host your very own photo and/or video shoot, complete with a 303 feature! ​**Head to the link in bio to enter!**
This is the perfect opportunity for any local business (including product and service-oriented businesses and nonprofits) that could benefit from an opportunity to create content on behalf of your business’ mission and connect with a larger audience in Denver.
Each of the three selected submissions will receive:
-Full 10 hour day at Realm
-Interview Feature in 303 Magazine featuring the final concept -Behind the Scenes Video created by the Realm team
Submissions are due by end of day January 31, 2021
The three chosen submissions will be announced February 10, 2021
While this past year has posed many challenges, we are hopeful that by coming together, we can continue to strengthen and energize our local community. After all, together ​is​ better.
To enter, you must be local to the Denver area and a minimum age of 18. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

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#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denvergiveaway #coloradogiveaway #denversmallbusiness
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This year straight up sucked. But there are people that turned pandemic lemons into... ice cream (and other tasty treats). Find them on a list of 17 individuals who turned 2020 side hustles into culinary businesses. Head to the link in bio to see the sweeter side of 2020. .
 
.

📝: @denver.foodie 
📸: @pintspeak / @mcmacstudio // @linjimarket / @aldenbonecutter // @ohgollydumplings / @nosferatune 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

This year straight up sucked. But there are people that turned pandemic lemons into... ice cream (and other tasty treats). Find them on a list of 17 individuals who turned 2020 side hustles into culinary businesses. Head to the link in bio to see the sweeter side of 2020. .

.

📝: @denver.foodie
📸: @pintspeak / @mcmacstudio // @linjimarket / @aldenbonecutter // @ohgollydumplings / @nosferatune
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
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This year has been rough. Let Molly's help you give 2020 the sendoff it deserves! Pre-order your NYE bubbles for pickup or delivery from @MollysSpirits today. 🍾 🥂 

Don't worry: If you need something a bit stiffer to ring in the new year, they've got some of that, too. 😉 

#mollysspirits #denverdrinks #drinkdenver #sponsored

This year has been rough. Let Molly's help you give 2020 the sendoff it deserves! Pre-order your NYE bubbles for pickup or delivery from @MollysSpirits today. 🍾 🥂 

Don't worry: If you need something a bit stiffer to ring in the new year, they've got some of that, too. 😉

#mollysspirits #denverdrinks #drinkdenver #sponsored
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We have something *very* important for you to read: our list to the best dumplings in and around Denver. If you love 🥟 like us, you understand how essential this is. Head to the link in bio for more. .
 
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📝: @mister.wrenn 
📸: @aldenbonecutter // @nosferatune 
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We have something *very* important for you to read: our list to the best dumplings in and around Denver. If you love 🥟 like us, you understand how essential this is. Head to the link in bio for more. .

.

📝: @mister.wrenn
📸: @aldenbonecutter // @nosferatune
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #303eats #303food #303foodie #denverfoodie #denverrestaurants #denverdumplings #dumplingsfordays
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And all was merry and bright. Happy holidays, from ours to yours. .
 
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📸: @mr._ford // @jchapell 
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 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #coloradosky

And all was merry and bright. Happy holidays, from ours to yours. .

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📸: @mr._ford // @jchapell
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#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #coloradosky
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