Piggybacking on my “Things To Do With Friends (Without Drinking)” post, here are my favorite sources for “alcohol not required” events and fun in the Detroit area. Items with an asterisk do serve alcohol, but are so entertaining that you won’t even miss it!

Bars & Restaurants:

1. Castalia at Sfumato*: Every fragrance has two “paired” cocktails, one with and one without alcohol. Bonus, my tab was pleasantly affordable after 4 mocktails! Their menu changes seasonally.
2. The Congregation Detroit*: They have cocktails, but they also have some delicious coffee selections and non-alcoholic cocktail options, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s a rehabbed church.
3. Dragonfly & Freya*: Freya’s dinner reservations are pay in advance. When selecting your drink package, you can select alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic options will be crafted by the bartenders at Dragonfly, a low/non-alcoholic drinking spot.
4. Two Birds*: Two Birds has a few hand-crafted non-alcoholic cocktails including Casamara Club on rotation, which are made locally on Detroit!

Where To Buy Non-Alcoholics: These stores have a growing selection of zero-proof spirits/spirit alternatives, non-alcoholic beer and wine, and CBD/adaptogenic mocktails and refreshers.

1. Berkley Coffee– Hands down, the best bottle & specialty selection you’ll find in this area in person
2. Village Market Grosse Pointe- Great selection of AF beers and CBD pre-mixed non-alcoholic cocktails
3. Holiday Market Royal Oak- Great selection of AF beers and a few wines

Sporting Events:

1. Detroit Roller Derby*: Currently on pause due to pandemic, very much looking forward to this coming back. They play at the Masonic Temple and it is a blast!
2. Detroit City FC*: I have not been to a match yet, but it’s on my short list.

Relaxation:

1. The Schvitz: Spend the afternoon easing away tension with a Sauna and cold pool plunge. There are women’s, men’s and co-ed hours, and are usually pop-up food options and massages, facials, and all sorts of other fun things like Tarot readings. Bring a robe, a swimsuit if going during co-ed or if you’re not into hanging out with your BFF’s naked (like me) and a lock for your locker.

Workshops:

1. Glass Academy: Offers glass-blowing workshops and classes.
2. Brightly Twisted Detroit Dyehouse: Offers tie-dying workshops and their fabrics are oh-so luxury in feel. You can bring your own cocktails, which means you can drink your favorite NA drink while your friends drink their favorite drinks of choice!
3. Pewabic Pottery: Offer both wheel and hand-building workshops.
4. Sugar Hill Clay: Offers workshops and lessons for all levels.
5. Post Detroit: Offers all kinds of workshops by their various artists, such as weaving, printing, jewelry-making, macrame and so, many more!
6. Unity Vibrations*: Ypsilanti-based Kombucha brewer with workshops and other events.

Coffee/Tea Houses:

1. Boston Tea Room: Drink tea and get a Tarot or psychic reading.
2. Socra Tea: A hole in the wall with AMAZING tea and great seating space. I love the Pistachio Pu-Erh Latte and Blueberry Ginger tea.
3. Red Hook Coffee West Village: This coffee shop is in my favorite Detroit neighborhood and I just love the vibe. I like to come hungry and get multiple baked goods and eat until I’m stuffed!
4. Drifter Coffee: Not only a coffee shop, but they also host events & workshops!
5. Berkley Coffee: Open for pick up only right now, Berkley Coffee will feature a non-alcoholic bar and bottle sales.

Activities:

1. TreeRunner Adventure Park: Bonus, you can bring the kids, but you will also have fun without them. I love that my super athletic husband has just as much fun as my middle-schooler. You won’t be able to do a ton of socializing, but you will have stories to share when you are done!
2. Detroit Axe*: I am terrible at axe-throwing, but it’s fun to think I might get the hang of it!
3. Feather Bowling at Cadieux Cafe: A combination of bowling and Bocce Ball is a blast. Public rental is available around league play.
4. Fowling Warehouse*: This “f” stands for football, not feather. Enjoy a sport few are excellent at, just know that your throwing arm is going to be sore the day after!
5. Topgolf: It’s a hike from downtown Detroit, but one that’s worth it if you enjoy playing golf year-round.
6. Citizen Yoga: They have so many retreats, challenges and workshops, it’s hard not to find one of interest.

Cooking Workshops

1. Marrow “Meatings”: Learn how to butcher your meat! Many classes all meat-related for those who don’t want to keep buying vacuum-sealed boneless-skinless chicken breast.

Other Events

1. Detroit History Club*: Some events are boozy, but most are not alcohol-centric.
2. Planet Ant: Check out local improv talent!
3. The Moth: I love a great Moth show, and you can see local storytellers on stage in Detroit at one of their many StorySLAM events.

Antiques & Vintage:

1. Mama Coo’s Boutique: Packed with awesome vintage clothes and accessories.
2. VivianVintage8: Open by appointment and for select holiday events.
3. Fred’s Unique Furniture & Antiques: This place is so weird. And so fun. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for antique furniture.
4. Max & Ollie’s: Located in Mt Clemens, this place is adorable and well-curated. They have antique clothes and house stuff mostly.
5. Time Warp: I cannot get enough of this kitschy vintage store. It’s so well organized and fun to shop.
6. Peacock Room: There are two locations, and both are fabulous. You can find antique clothing as well as replica jewelry, perfume and gifts.
7. The Vintage & Art Collective: One of my favorite vintage shops, Bloodhound Vintage has teamed up with Vine Ripe Vintage and Vintage Soul Resale to create the a Vintage & Art Collective in Birmingham, MI. They will also be hosting workshops!
8. John King Books: You can smell it already can’t you? Old books line every wall and most of the floor in this multi-level antique and used bookstore. I usually shop King Downtown for the full experience.