A Reddit thread on r/festivals sparked a great conversation for anyone thinking about staying sober at a music fest — especially Lightning in a Bottle (LIB). One poster celebrated 32 days alcohol-free and wondered whether to drink at LIB/birthday or challenge themself to go sober. The replies were full of practical tips and encouraging stories from people who’ve done exactly that.
Quick context: Lightning in a Bottle is known for a mindful, community-driven vibe and — according to multiple commenters — an active sober presence on-site called “Lightning Without a Bottle.” If you’re newly sober (or just sober-curious), festival-goers say LIB is one of the easier festivals to try it out at.
What real attendees recommend
– Find the sober meetup: Several users mentioned “Lightning Without a Bottle,” which holds multiple meetings per day and is often located in the campgrounds just outside the main fest entrance. If you want a contact, commenters offered to DM and connect people — look for the meeting area on LIB maps.
– Bring tasty non-alcoholic options: NA beers, ginger beer, adaptogenic drinks, and herbal “elixirs” are festival staples now. One commenter suggested seeking the elixir or cacao vendors for heart-opening, ceremonial vibes.
– Use the safe/recovery spaces: Most festivals have a “safe space” or recovery room/AA/NA meetings (Wharf Rats at Dead shows is an old example). These can be lifesavers if anxiety spikes.
– Buddy up or make a sober crew: Meet fellow sober attendees ahead of time on Reddit, Facebook, Discord, or in the festival’s community channels. Accountability and company make the night-to-morning transition way easier.
– Plan your schedule around the music: Sober festival-goers say the music, fireworks, lasers, and crowds deliver huge natural dopamine — often more memorable than drinking. You can hit yoga, morning sets, and actually remember your favorite moments.
What people said about the experience
– “LIB wasn’t a drunk-heavy festival — much more mindful.”
– “I was so happy being sober: I could meet people, remember everything, and make it to yoga in the morning.”
– “I went sober once and quit drinking for good.”
– “You’ll be surprised how many people go to events sober.”
Practical tips for festival sobriety
– Pack NA beers and your favorite sober treats. Save money and energy.
– Learn where sober meetups and the safe space are on the map before you arrive.
– Make a meetup plan with one or two sober friends so you always have a fallback.
– Try cacao or adaptogen vendors for a mellow, social booster.
– Don’t be afraid to ask staff or volunteers where recovery meetings are held.
Bottom line: If you’re 30+ days sober and considering trying LIB without alcohol for your birthday — go for it. The consensus from festival regulars: you’ll likely have a clearer, deeper, and more memorable experience. And if you want community support, Lightning in a Bottle seems to have one already ready for you.
Happy (and safe) festivaling — and congrats to anyone hitting sobriety milestones while planning a trip to the fest.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/festivals/comments/1rb6t7c/festival_and_sobriety/