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

Megan McNeilJune 17, 2016Lifestyle + Culture
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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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Jan 27

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In Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci’s 1996 film Big Night, there’s a scene in which Tony Shalhoub’s character Primo is in the kitchen of his small trattoria, ruminating on the joys of Lasagna Bolognese as the eyes of a rapt love interest dart between the chef and his busy stovetop. “You can’t believe how good this is. And when my uncle, in Rome, at this restaurant, when he makes this,” he begins, before bursting out, “You eat and then you go and you kill yourself, you have to kill yourself. After you eat this, you can’t live!”

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Read more about Bar Dough here: https://303magazine.com/2023/01/new-and-improved-bar-dough/
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In Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci’s 1996 film Big Night, there’s a scene in which Tony Shalhoub’s character Primo is in the kitchen of his small trattoria, ruminating on the joys of Lasagna Bolognese as the eyes of a rapt love interest dart between the chef and his busy stovetop. “You can’t believe how good this is. And when my uncle, in Rome, at this restaurant, when he makes this,” he begins, before bursting out, “You eat and then you go and you kill yourself, you have to kill yourself. After you eat this, you can’t live!”

This is one of two scenes in the movie in which the ecstasy caused by Italian food gives rise to violent outbursts where threats of murder or thoughts of suicide are only barely presented as hyperbole. In the best of cases, the cuisine is all about passion.

Read more about Bar Dough here: https://303magazine.com/2023/01/new-and-improved-bar-dough/
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Jan 26

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The 32nd annual International Snow Sculpture Championships will return to Breckenridge from Jan. 23 – Feb. 1, 2023. Teams of sculptors from around the world will descend on Breckenridge to carve 12-foot-tall, 25-ton blocks of pristine man-made snow into intricate works of art.

Link in bio to read more about the international snow competition in Breckenridge!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

#303magazine #breckenridge #snowsculpturecontest #snowsculpture #internationalchampionship

The 32nd annual International Snow Sculpture Championships will return to Breckenridge from Jan. 23 – Feb. 1, 2023. Teams of sculptors from around the world will descend on Breckenridge to carve 12-foot-tall, 25-ton blocks of pristine man-made snow into intricate works of art.

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Jan 25

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It’s no secret that the Denver fashion scene focuses on being sustainable and RE.STATEMENT is no different. Creator Hannah Le spent 10 months listening to designer’s stories, researching consumer behavior trends and building the online marketplace: RE.STATEMENT. It was created to help small business designers and artists upcycle used clothing into wearable art. 

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#303magazine #303fashion #sustainability #sustainablefashion #clothingswap #thrifting

It’s no secret that the Denver fashion scene focuses on being sustainable and RE.STATEMENT is no different. Creator Hannah Le spent 10 months listening to designer’s stories, researching consumer behavior trends and building the online marketplace: RE.STATEMENT. It was created to help small business designers and artists upcycle used clothing into wearable art.

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“New year, new me,” – it’s the phrase that makes its rounds every January. Maybe the new year holds no significance to you or maybe this is the year you really are trying to kick old habits and start new ones.

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Link in bio to read more about activities to spice up the end of dry January!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Movement Englewood

#303magazine #coloradothingstodo #endofjanuarythingstodo #dryjanuary #newyear

“New year, new me,” – it’s the phrase that makes its rounds every January. Maybe the new year holds no significance to you or maybe this is the year you really are trying to kick old habits and start new ones.

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Jan 20

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The National Western Stock Show leaves the Mile High City at the end of this weekend on Sunday, January 22nd. Fret not though, as the final days promise to go out with a bang. 

To start your Western weekend right, 303 Magazine is here to give you the Hoedown Lowdown on everything you need to know about the show’s final days.

Link in bio to read more about the National Western Stock Show!
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📝 @devinfisch 
📸 Photo courtesy of the National Western Stock Show

#303magazine #denverstockshow #nationalwesternstockshow #stockshow #westernstockshow

The National Western Stock Show leaves the Mile High City at the end of this weekend on Sunday, January 22nd. Fret not though, as the final days promise to go out with a bang.

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📸 Photo courtesy of the National Western Stock Show

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Denver has a wide range of activities to offer this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz and burlesque acts or country music and rodeos, there’s a place for you to spend time. You can learn about Denver’s breweries, the history of Colorado’s barbecue, or test your own science knowledge. 

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Link in bio to read more about unique things to do in Denver this weekend!
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📸 Photo by Number Thirty Eight

#303magazine #denverthingstodo #303music #303food #denverfood #denvermusic

Denver has a wide range of activities to offer this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz and burlesque acts or country music and rodeos, there’s a place for you to spend time. You can learn about Denver’s breweries, the history of Colorado’s barbecue, or test your own science knowledge.

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With Denver’s diverse and extensive culinary scene, many locals search for ways to make the most of the unique dining opportunities surrounding them. However, customers often lose the push to try new spots when the price of a good time is more than most are willing to spend. 

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Link in bio to read more about Eat + Drink Denver Pass!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Mythology Distillery

#303magazine #303food #denverfoodie #denverfood #denverdrinks #localbars

With Denver’s diverse and extensive culinary scene, many locals search for ways to make the most of the unique dining opportunities surrounding them. However, customers often lose the push to try new spots when the price of a good time is more than most are willing to spend.

As ’23 begins, now is not the time to play it safe or resort back to all the same places you visited last week. Instead, the Eat+Drink Denver Pass is the perfect way to broaden your tastebuds and plan a date or night out with friends without breaking the bank.

Link in bio to read more about Eat + Drink Denver Pass!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Mythology Distillery

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Jan 14

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After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Keystone’s snow fort returns this year and it’s even bigger and better than before. The World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort opened at Keystone Resort this last December showcasing a massive footprint with new designs. 

Link in bio to read more about the snow fort returning to Keystone!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Katie Young, Keystone Resort

#303magazing #keystoneresort #snowfort #coloradowinter #ketstonecolorado

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Keystone’s snow fort returns this year and it’s even bigger and better than before. The World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort opened at Keystone Resort this last December showcasing a massive footprint with new designs.

Link in bio to read more about the snow fort returning to Keystone!
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📸 Photo courtesy of Katie Young, Keystone Resort

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Jan 13

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@xgames #xgames 

Aspen is back with the world’s best ski & snowboard athletes and special musical performances by @kaskade, @yunggravy, @nighttalesmusic, @modsun, @madds, and @girlfriends, and an all-new interactive X Fest Snow festival experience. 

Go to XGames.com for more info!

#sponsored

@xgames #xgames

Aspen is back with the world’s best ski & snowboard athletes and special musical performances by @kaskade, @yunggravy, @nighttalesmusic, @modsun, @madds, and @girlfriends, and an all-new interactive X Fest Snow festival experience.

Go to XGames.com for more info!

#sponsored
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Jan 13

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When it comes to stand-up comedy, “Denver has always been a do-it-yourself scene,” says Denver comic Ben Bryant. With this knowledge, Bryant set out to do just that and started Denver Comedy Underground (DCU). Perceptive Sherlock-like readers might deduce that Denver Comedy Underground would be located underground, and they would be absolutely right. 

The venue is located at the corner of 14th Ave. and North Williams Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. There you see the beautiful and historic building that is home to the Althea Center For Engaged Spirituality.

Link in bio to read more about the Comedy Underground!
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📝 @devinfisch 
📸 Photo courtesy of Comedy Underground

#303magazine #comedyunderground #denvercomedyshow #comedyshow #localcomedy

When it comes to stand-up comedy, “Denver has always been a do-it-yourself scene,” says Denver comic Ben Bryant. With this knowledge, Bryant set out to do just that and started Denver Comedy Underground (DCU). Perceptive Sherlock-like readers might deduce that Denver Comedy Underground would be located underground, and they would be absolutely right.

The venue is located at the corner of 14th Ave. and North Williams Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. There you see the beautiful and historic building that is home to the Althea Center For Engaged Spirituality.

Link in bio to read more about the Comedy Underground!
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Jan 12

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This week in concerts, Carly Rae Jepsen, Belinda Carlisle and They Might Be Giants perform at Mission Ballroom to celebrate Governor Polis’s Inauguration. Trapt arrives at Herman’s Hideaway to promote their latest album, Shadow Work, and Jersey Shore‘s DJ Pauly D plays at Temple Denver. 

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Link in bio to read more about concerts in Denver this weekend!
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📝 Andrew Venegas
📸 Photo courtesy of Carly Rae Jepsen

#303magazine #303music #denverconcert #denvermusic #carlyraejepsen #missionballroom #mightbegiants #denvermusicscene

This week in concerts, Carly Rae Jepsen, Belinda Carlisle and They Might Be Giants perform at Mission Ballroom to celebrate Governor Polis’s Inauguration. Trapt arrives at Herman’s Hideaway to promote their latest album, Shadow Work, and Jersey Shore‘s DJ Pauly D plays at Temple Denver.

Additionally at Mission Ballroom, check out the two-day “Denver Comes Alive” event with Yonder Mountain String Band, Lettuce, Word and many more.

Link in bio to read more about concerts in Denver this weekend!
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📝 Andrew Venegas
📸 Photo courtesy of Carly Rae Jepsen

#303magazine #303music #denverconcert #denvermusic #carlyraejepsen #missionballroom #mightbegiants #denvermusicscene
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Jan 11

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The Duckman himself @rileyduckman is headed to Mission Ballroom on Feb 26 and we're hooking you up with two tickets! 

All you have to do is like + tag a friend for your chance to win!

#sponsored

The Duckman himself @rileyduckman is headed to Mission Ballroom on Feb 26 and we're hooking you up with two tickets!

All you have to do is like + tag a friend for your chance to win!

#sponsored
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