Sober Summer Fun in Houston

Having fun as a sober person has been a recurring theme throughout this blog. With summer approaching quickly, I thought now would be a great time to suggest some activities that are a blast but will not endanger your sobriety. 

On Sunday, May 21, from 12 - 6 p.m., the Party Sober Partnership is hosting Fest 2023: Recover Out Loud, a family-friendly live music event at White Oak Music Hall. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are $20 at the door, but scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance. In addition to enjoying live music from bands and artists spanning across a variety of genres, attendees can plan to grab a bite to eat at the food trucks on-site and shop around the vendor’s market. 

Justice Forward is a founding member of the Party Sober Partnership, and together with 14 other local nonprofits, the collective puts on sober social events for people in the recovery and mental wellness communities.

Another organization that offers sober events in Harris County is The Phoenix. The only cost of membership to be part of The Phoenix community is 48 hours of sobriety. From workout sessions to ice skating, rock climbing and trivia nights, The Phoenix provides an endless list of activities meant to connect those in the recovery community with each other.

Although people think of Houston as a concrete jungle, we actually have some of the best parks in the country! Some even host free events, including Discovery Green. Catch a movie on the lawn during the summer or join a free yoga or Pilates class. If you are looking for a unique outdoor experience, take a trip to visit the new Kinder Land Bridges at Memorial Park. Set out a picnic on top of the tunnels and see an amazing view of the downtown skyline. I would also highly recommend exploring the Houston Arboretum. During certain months, you’ll be able to watch as goats “mow” down invasive species and clear the Arboretum’s woodland understory. Don’t forget to check out the free activities at Levy Park as well.

Some final recommendations include browsing a local farmer’s market like the one at Heights Mercantile or spending a day at one of Houston’s fascinating museums. On Thursday afternoons, admission is free at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston and The Health Museum.

This list of fun sober summer activities is just the tip of the iceberg. Houston has a million things for people in recovery to do. You just have to know where to look!