A Sober Summer Guide to Grand Forks

There are all sorts of reasons people decide to cut back on drinking or skip alcohol altogether. Some are in a long-term recovery, others are thinking about their health, worried about addiction, or trying to avoid the high cost of drinking. Some folks are driven by their faith or just want to be fully present and enjoy life without a buzz.

Throughout the year, you’ve probably heard of things like Dry January or Sober October – times when people hit pause on drinking to reflect and refocus. Summer might not have an official “sober” theme, but it’s just as good a time as any to take a step back from alcohol.

For many people, faith plays a big role in their decision to avoid alcohol. For example:

• Christians often give up something during Lent, and that sometimes includes alcohol.
• During Navratri, many Hindus go alcohol-free and stick to a vegetarian diet.
• In Islam, drinking is completely off-limits.
• Certain Buddhist teachings also encourage avoiding alcohol altogether.
• And even in Judaism, where wine has religious significance, there’s still awareness around the risks of overdoing it.

On top of that, things are changing. I chatted with Jonathan Holth, North Dakota’s Commissioner of Recovery & Reentry, and he said he’s seen a major shift in how people think about sobriety. “The sober lifestyle is way more accepted now than it was five or ten years ago,” he told me.

I also spoke with Cindy McMillan, an addiction counselor here in Grand Forks. She pointed out a positive trend: fewer people in the 22–32 age group are drinking heavily, and that could mean real long-term change. Still, she said holidays like the Fourth of July can be tough — with the warm weather, barbecues, and friends around, it can be hard to say no.

Summer can be full of triggers — from backyard parties to lake weekends. But it doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol. In fact, 25% of all pub visits around the world in 2023 were alcohol-free. There are a ton of benefits to staying sober: clearer mornings, better sleep, more energy, and honestly, better memories.

If you’re just starting out or exploring sobriety, here are a few beginner-friendly tips:

• Start small. Holth suggests picking just one event to go alcohol-free. You don’t have to commit to a whole month. Try it once. See how you feel.
• Just listen. McMillan recommends checking out a local 12-step meeting, even if you’re not sure it’s for you. You can go and just listen to it, no pressure.
• Try alternatives. Grand Forks liquor stores now carry more non-alcoholic drinks than ever — from refreshing mocktails to legit-tasting NA beers.

Summer can be a tricky season for those attempting to avoid alcohol. With holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, plus weddings, class and family reunions, time at the lake, and backyard games, it can feel as though every occasion calls for a drink. But there’s plenty of fun to be had in this world without alcohol. For me, I gave up alcohol when I started chemotherapy. I have found that the most challenging thing is to be in social situations without a drink in my hand. That’s why I’m tremendously thankful that bottle shops, lounges, and restaurants offer more choices than ever. The benefits are immense and diverse, and you’ll enjoy summer more if you wake up each day without a headache!

If you’re newly sober or sober-curious, our experts shared some tips. McMillan said there are many 12-step programs to go and just listen. Holth encouraged everyone to just try one event where you might usually consume alcohol and try it alcohol-free. He added that a person doesn’t need to make a month-long or year-long commitment, just try one day or event, see how it goes, and then evaluate if you want to continue. Holth went on to say that he knows several people who have decided to take a break from alcohol temporarily, only to decide that they’d like to make it permanent.

Avoiding bars? No problem — there are plenty of events and hangouts that don’t revolve around drinking. Some fun, alcohol-free options include:

• Concerts in the Garden (North Dakota Museum of Art)
• Movies in the Park (Grand Forks Park District)
• Grand Forks Street Fair
• Cruz-In Vintage Car Shows
• Local fests like Larimore Days, Northwood Old Fashioned Days, Thompson Days, and Reynolds Steak Frys
• Book clubs at your local library
• Sky-Vu Drive In Movie Theater in Warren, Mn

Pro tip: Keep an eye on Visit Greater Grand Forks or the Downtown Development Association calendar for even more events.

Let’s face it — North Dakota summers are short, so soak up that sunshine! There are tons of sober-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors:

• The Greenway: 2,200 acres of riverfront trails, parks, and space to walk, bike, or just chill.
• Turtle River State Park: A peaceful spot for hiking, camping, or fishing — a great place to reset.
• Disc Golf (aka Frolf): Cheap, social, and fun. Grand Forks has several courses and leagues.
• Farmers Markets: Wander around, check out fresh produce, local crafts, and live music. It’s all vibe, no booze.

If bugs and heat aren’t your thing, there are still great ways to stay busy indoors:

• Summer Performing Arts (SPA): Local students put on musicals and concerts all season long — great entertainment for the whole fam.
• Empire Arts Center & Fire Hall Theatre: Plays, art shows, music — lots to see and do without any alcohol in the mix.
• Fitness Studios & Classes: From yoga to martial arts, moving your body feels good and builds community.
• Community Events for Military Families: Grand Forks AFB and local rec centers often host sober family events.
• New in town? Groups like Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals are a great way to meet people and get connected.

Cindy McMillan said it best: “The first step to getting help is the hardest. But you’re always worth it.” Whether you’re cutting back for a season or going all in on sobriety, there’s a whole community ready to support you.

Want to find more sober events and resources? Check out the Grand Forks Public Library or browse more sites below:

• Agassiz Associates
• Alcoholics Anonymous & AlAnon
• Celebrate Recovery
• Face It TOGETHER
• Freedom Through Recovery
• Northeast Human Services / Free Through Recovery Region 4
• Sober App
• Spectra Health
• 7 Feathers Wellbriety by White Bison