Let’s get one thing straight: this ain’t my first rodeo at SOBER AF Bottle Shop in Tacoma—and I guarantee it won’t be my last. Why? Because the space is hella cool, the vibes are immaculate, and Stephanie (the fearless founder and Chief Curator of All Things Fun) has built a sober sanctuary that gives Studio 54 a run for its money—minus the hangover and questionable life choices.
And, okay fine, it’s also 20 minutes from my house. So yes, I’m biased. And yes, I will absolutely keep writing about it. Feel free to send all complaints to my curated Lego collection, which I acquired at a previous event (more on that in a sec).
In case you missed it, you can catch my first swoon-fest over SOBER AF here:
👉 SOBER AF in Tacoma is a Sober Party Vibe
🍸 Building Blocks and Booze-Free Bliss
Last week’s Retro Night was straight out of a Technicolor dream. Think fabulous non-alcoholic cocktails and grown adults deep in focused silence while assembling Lego roller skates, cameras, and record players. (Some might call it “healing your inner child”—I call it Thursday.)
Ticket prices? Accessible and genius. $25 gets you entry and one mocktail. Upgrade to $45 and you get to take your Lego masterpiece home. Obviously, I shelled out for the keepsake—this is a Curated Crafts column, after all. It was like summer camp meets sober speakeasy, and I chatted with more new friends in two hours than I did on all of Hinge last year.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Check out my IG Reel of this event HERE.
🎨 Disco Ball Cherries? Yes, Please.
But the recent Paint and Sip event? It filled my curated crafts love tank right to the brim. The Sober Curator PNW Squad showed up in full force—shoutout to Sarah Alaimo and Carolyn Bunn for rolling deep and rolling brushes.
The task of the evening: Paint your very own disco ball cherries. I mean, is there a more iconic metaphor for sober sparkle? I think not. The instructor, who also happens to be the mural mastermind behind the artwork on the walls at SOBER AF, guided us step-by-step, letting our inner Picassos shine.
And yes, we sang, we joked, and we even cried (happy tears only) while celebrating a 5-year sober milestone for one of the guests. Stephanie, of course, was the hostess with the mostest—think mocktails, disco playlist, light snacks, face glitter, and even a little disco ball to take home. ✨ Because who doesn’t need a disco ball in their car? (It’s called driving with flair, Karen.)
🪩 Why It Matters
Let me be blunt: we need more places like this. Stephanie is doing the Lord’s work (or at least the Craft Goddess’s) by creating real-life, screen-free, judgment-free, alcohol-free experiences where folks can connect, laugh, get their hands dirty with paint or plastic bricks, and maybe even heal a little. If you’re anywhere near Tacoma, make SOBER AF Bottle Shop your next stop. It was recently featured on KING 5 Evening Magazine, so you know it’s the real deal. #IYKYK
🔮 Final Thoughts
Between the playlists, paint, and people, these events are a blueprint for what the future of sober socializing looks like—welcoming, weird, and wildly fun. So pull out your glittery pants, grab a friend, and check the event calendar. Because whether it’s disco cherries, Lego cameras, or a mocktail tasting flight, SOBER AF is the vibe we’ve all been waiting for.
Stay curated, stay crafty, and stay sober AF. #becausedrunkneverlooksgood
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Check out my IG Reel of this event HERE and be sure to follow @soberaf253 on the ‘Gram.
CURATED CRAFTS: You got sober; what will you do to keep your hands busy? And no, you don’t have to take up knitting. Although, if you enjoy it, get your knit on, homie!
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. You may be the next Sober Picasso, or you may be the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creatively creating something with your hands and expanding your mind. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.
Are you addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting is not your jam, but you may love to read. Head to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.
SOBER IN SEATTLE-TACOMA DMA: Get ready to dive into Seattle’s sober scene—where zero-proof and sober-curious vibes are as iconic as our city’s Space Needle! We’re your go-to guide for all the coolest spots to enjoy elevated, alcohol-free experiences. Picture this: vibrant venues where unforgettable moments happen, from chic NA bottle shops to electrifying recovery game nights with the Seahawks or Mariners. Our community is shaking up social norms and turning wellness-focused lifestyles into a new trend.
Whether you’re a Seattle native, just passing through, or somewhere in between, everyone’s welcome to raise their glass—without the booze. Discover why Seattle’s sober scene is as refreshing as a sunrise over the Puget Sound. Trust us, you’re in for an amazing time!
Got an event, product, restaurant, experience, or story rooted in the Emerald City? We’re all ears! Drop us a line at thesobercurator@gmail.com or slide into our DMs on social media.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
