Can You Really Enjoy a Festival Without Drinking?
When you think of festivals, what often comes to mind is large crowds of people, loud music, and alcohol. Drinking seems almost intertwined with festival culture, so for many people, it is nearly impossible to imagine how it could be possible to attend a festival without drinking, let alone enjoying it! However, you can enjoy the experience without alcohol. Skipping the drinks can open up an entirely new, refreshing way to experience festivals. This blog talks about how to enjoy festivals sober and the benefits of doing so.
1. A Clearer Experience
One of the most significant advantages of staying sober is enhanced mental clarity. Without alcohol clouding your senses, you can fully absorb the music, the atmosphere, and the people around you. It gives you the chance to be more present for the moments you came to enjoy – from your favourite artist’s set to the spontaneous connections with other festival-goers. In addition, you will remember everything the next day, which is usually not the case after a night of heavy drinking.
2. Better Energy and Stamina
Festivals can be quite physically demanding because you are spending long hours on your feet, dancing, walking between stages, and enduring the heat that often accompanies Maltese summers. Alcohol, while fun at first, is a dehydrating depressant that drains your energy. Without it, you are much more likely to feel energised, hydrated, and able to last from the first act to the event’s headliner. Water, electrolyte drinks, and good food are alternatives to keep you feeling great instead of sluggish.
3. Deeper Connections
Many people use alcohol as a social lubricant to be able to ease their anxiety and spark conversations with other people. However, staying sober does not mean missing out on connections. If anything, it can help you to foster more genuine ones. When you are fully present, you engage with the people you meet more meaningfully. Conversations flow better without the blur of intoxication, and laughter feels more authentic.
4. Saving Money (and a Hangover)
Let’s face it – festival drinks are usually quite expensive. A few beers or drinks can easily cost as much as the festival ticket. Staying sober lets you spend that money on better things, such as festival merchandise, food, or a ticket to the next festival! On top of that, you get the bonus of avoiding that dreaded hangover the next day, making sure you are up and about to go on with your day rather than spending it in bed.
5. Embracing the Vibe Sober
There is a common fear that without alcohol, you will feel awkward or out of place. The truth is, the vibe of a festival is powered by the music, the crowd, and the collective energy, not what is in your cup. Once you let go of the idea that you need to drink to have fun, you may find the experience even more rewarding. Let loose, dance like no one’s watching, and embrace the atmosphere without the fog of alcohol.
Conclusion
Enjoying a festival without drinking is not about being anti-alcohol. Instead, it is about realising that you can make a conscious choice and still have a fantastic time without it. Whether you choose to stay sober for health reasons, to save money, or simply to try a different kind of experience, festivals are about the music, the people, and the memories – and none of those require a drink in hand.
Pamela Borg is a counsellor who enjoys working therapeutically with adults
experiencing various issues. These include general mental health and wellbeing,
gender, sexuality, and relationship issues.
References
DrinkAware (2023). Benefits of Being Sober at a Festival and Packing Checklist. Retrieved from: https://drinkaware.ie/benefits-of-going-to-a-festival-sober-packing-checklist/
Ceol Digital (n.d.). The Biggest Sober Festival Benefits: Fun Without Alcohol. Retrieved from: https://ceoldigital.com/b/sober-festival-benefits/
Photo by Globelet Reusable on Unsplash
