What we’re about
Welcome to "The Best Part of Alcohol-Free Living!" A community for anyone seeking connection, fun, and good company, without the booze!
Whether you're sober-curious, newly alcohol-free, or years into your journey, you’re welcome here. You don’t need a rock-bottom moment to explore life without alcohol. Millions of people are waking up to the insidious effects alcohol has on our health, relationships, motivation, and potential. It’s time we all normalize choosing not to drink.
Even though more and more people are ditching alcohol, the hardest part of living alcohol-free is often going against the grain of our culture. From happy hours to live music, and backyard BBQs, alcohol is everywhere—even at "family-friendly" events.
This group was created by someone (hi, I’m Melanie 👋🏼), a 47-year-old introverted, highly sensitive human navigating life alcohol-free in Ann Arbor. I’ve looked for a local AF community that isn’t rooted in powerlessness, rehab, or recovery, and couldn’t find it. So, I decided to create a community grounded in freedom, choice, and self-love instead. (And yes, if you’re in AA or recovery, you are absolutely welcome here too!)
Here are some ideas:
✅ Take a stroll through the Arb
✅ Take a cooking class a Sur Le Tab
✅ Sourdough bread making class @ Zingerman’s
✅ Take swing dance lessons in Ypsi.
✅ Yoga class
✅ Run hill sprints at Vets Park
✅ Coffee at Dozer
✅ Enter Warrior Dash or Race together
✅ Try a new restaurant downtown
✅ Meet for a book club
✅ Ideas welcome!
This isn’t necessarily a support group for sobriety, but community is the #1 protective factor in maintaining your goals! So, if it's your goal to try alcohol free living, please join us!
✨ Come as you are. Bring your curiosity, your commitment, and courage to try something new, and maybe your favorite alcohol-free drink. 😄
Upcoming events
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Ita Yoga & Brunch @ Songbird Cafe
Ita Yoga, 2745 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor , MI, USITA Yoga + Brunch at Songbird Café
I know the timing of this class may not work for everyone, but if it does, I’d love to practice together! If not, please consider joining the 30-Day “Love My Alcohol-Free Life” Challenge to stay in the loop for other fitness, yoga, and community get-togethers happening throughout November.
You can also check out ITA Yoga’s full schedule and see if there’s another class that fits your routine better. Let me know; I’ll do my best to join you!
ITA Yoga Schedule (book 9:45am Monday 11/3 to join me)
After class, we can head to Songbird Café next door for a cozy post-yoga brunch, (or you can skip yoga and join for brunch!)
Monday, Nov 3
Class: 9:45 AM — Grounding Flow (All Levels) see description below
Brunch: 11:00 AM — Songbird Café
Songbird Café WebsiteITA Yoga offers a $59 new student membership for 30 days of unlimited classes — a great deal if you’d like to explore more yoga during the challenge.
You can also join our local Facebook group to meet others in Ann Arbor participating in the challenge and share your experiences!
***grounding flow all levels 🔥***
This class combines movement and held postures to increase strength and flexibility. Longer posture holds allow the student to adjust, modify, build patience and endurance.
We emphasize pranayama (breath work), an integral part of yoga practice. The student is encouraged to establish a deep connection to the breath in order to bring balance to the mind and body.
Great class for beginners needing a slower paced class with more detailed instruction and for students of all levels needing to slow down and pay more attention to their posture alignment.
Classes are geared towards all levels of practice and students are encouraged to make modifications as necessary to take care of themselves.
The temperature in this class reaches 90 degrees.
Infrared Heaters are used in all classes.1 attendee
Trivia @ LowerTown Bar and Cafe (Non-Alcohol Friendly!)
LowerTown Bar & Cafe, 1031 Broadway Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Ann Arbor, MI, USWe had a great time, so let’s try this again!
"TRIVIA TUESDAY: BRING YOUR SMARTEST FRIENDS"
Regular Tuesday trivia continues with Sporcle hosting two rounds of questions that'll test everything you think you know.
Two games at 7pm and 8pm, perfect for teams of 5 or fewer. We've got drink specials running all night, plus plenty of non-alcoholic options if that's more your speed.
Winners take home gift cards - $20 for first place, $10 for second. But the real prize is getting to show off that random knowledge you've been carrying around all week.
Tables fill up pretty quickly on trivia nights. The GM is kind enough to reserve a booth for us, which comfortably seats 6. If we max out, the seating is first come, first serve. (Several seats opened up for the second game at 8pm).
When: Tuesday 11/4 @ 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Lowertown Bar & Café, 1031 Broadway Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Parking: It’s free but a little tricky. Be sure to check the parking map before you go!The Kellogg Eye Center lot is free after 5 (I would avoid the Michigan lot attached though. Not sure about that one).j
4 attendees
SPENGA 3 Pillars of Fitness (Spin, Strength, Yoga)
SPENGA Ann Arbor, 859 West Eisenhower, Ann Arbor, MI, USSPIN - STRENGTH - YOGA
Experience the perfect blend of Spin, Strength, and Yoga in one energizing 60-minute class. SPENGA’s signature 20-20-20 format keeps workouts fresh and balanced: 20 minutes of heart-pumping spin, 20 minutes of full-body strength training, and 20 minutes of yoga to restore and reset.
Special Offer for The “Love My Alcohol-Free Life” Challenge Participants:
Get 3 FREE trial classes at SPENGA Ann Arbor!Please book the class by emailing info@spengaannarbor.com to get your trial classes. Book early to get your spot!
Learn more about the FREE 30 Day “Love My Alcohol-Free Life” Challenge here.
2 attendees
Theatre NOVA presents: DRY SUMMER
Theatre Nova, 410 West Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI, USThis looks like a special Ann Arbor event that directly supports the conversation around sobriety and alcohol-free living.
We had to reschedule this showing because the actor was sick and cancelled. 4 of us are rescheduled 11/7 @ 8pm in Row D1-D4. It's a tiny venue so grab a seat where you can.
🎟️ Learn more here: Theatre NOVA — Current Show
📍 Location: Theatre NOVA, 410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor (also the Greenroom Church)
💬 Plan: Meet before the show for a quick hello, and let's walk over to Fleetwood Diner (on Ashley) to hang out and chat about the show (if anyone is interested).Showtimes are
Fridays 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays 2pm
Tickets: $30 general*
$25 for 65 and over
$15 for students with ID4 attendees
Past events
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