Living alcohol-free in the Garden State is anything but boring. From statewide fitness
meet-ups to hyper-local street fairs, you can fill your calendar with fun, community-building experiences
that fully support recovery. Below you’ll find two sections:
- Statewide Highlights — recurring or easily accessible sober activities anywhere in NJ.
- Bergen County Spotlight — date-specific events and ongoing resources in towns like Paramus,
Hillsdale, and Ho-Ho-Kus.
1 | Statewide Highlights
| What | Why It Rocks | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| The Phoenix — Sober & Active NJ | Free yoga, CrossFit, dance-fitness and weekend hikes for anyone with 48 hrs of sobriety. Events rotate through Belmar, Medford, Paramus, and more. | Create a free account on Meetup (“Sober and Active New Jersey”) to RSVP. |
| Mocktail Mixology Nights | New Jersey’s bar scene is embracing zero-proof: venues from Tinton Falls to Jersey City now headline crafted NA cocktails, proving “Dry” can still be gourmet. | Follow local restaurateurs on Instagram or Eventbrite; look for Dry January and summer pop-ups. |
| Regional Sober Meet-Ups | Grass-roots groups like NNJ Sober Friends host outdoor picnics and game nights—great for widening your sober network. | Search Meetup > “sober” + your ZIP to discover weekly gatherings statewide. |
2 | Bergen County Spotlight
| Date / Frequency | Event & Town | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fri Aug 1 2025 5–8 p.m. |
Sober Fun in the Sun — Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (Paramus) | Live music, lawn games, inspirational speakers, and plenty of mocktails on the hospital lawn. Free admission. |
| Every Wed 7–8:30 p.m. |
Parent2Parent Support Group (Fair Lawn) | Peer-run, no-cost meetings for caregivers navigating a loved one’s mental-health or recovery journey. |
| Sun Aug 24 2025 7 a.m. |
Pascack Valley Triathlon (Hillsdale) | Sprint triathlon plus youth aquathlon—perfect for sober athletes chasing an end-of-summer goal. |
| Sat 8 a.m. (May – Oct) |
“Yoga in the Park” by Flow Yoga NJ (Ho-Ho-Kus / Ridgewood) | Donation-based sunrise vinyasa at Hollywood Ave Park; mats provided. |
| Sat Sept 6 2025 11 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Elmwood Park Community Day Street Fair | Food trucks, live music, kids’ rides, and craft vendors—easy to enjoy alcohol-free. |
| Sat–Sun Sept 27–28 2025 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival (Overpeck Park, Ridgefield Park) | 75+ exhibitors, farmers market, petting zoo, carnival rides, and 4-H demos—family-friendly and dry. |
| Year-round | Mocktail Tour: Bite Food + Coffee Co. (Fair Lawn & Hackensack) | Named one of Bergen’s top mocktail spots—try the seasonal Coconut-Ginger Fizz. |
| Ongoing | The Phoenix Bergen Meet-Ups (Paramus & county-wide) | Free dance-fitness classes, indoor climbing sessions, and volunteer projects—just 48 hrs sober required. |
Getting the Most Out of These Events
- RSVP early. Many sober gatherings cap attendance to keep environments supportive and intimate.
- Bring a friend (ally or sober-curious). Community grows when allies feel welcome.
- Share your success. Post pics or tag
#SoberNJto inspire others and learn about last-minute pop-ups. - Add structure. Pair social outings with your existing recovery plan—e.g., attend a meeting before hitting the festival.
- Stay informed. Subscribe to email lists from Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Flow Yoga NJ, and The Phoenix so fresh events land in your inbox first.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re road-tripping down the Shore for a Phoenix beach yoga class or cheering friends across the
finish line in Hillsdale, New Jersey offers a thriving sober landscape. Use the statewide ideas to keep
your weekly routine vibrant, then dive into these Bergen County gems for hyper-local camaraderie. With
mocktails in hand, sunrise yoga on the horizon, and festivals every few weeks, the Garden State proves
that life in recovery can be active, social, and seriously fun.
See you—sober and smiling—out there!