October 21, 2025

Are You Taking a Break? Sober Curious? Or Sober? You Belong Here.

by tcole
Featured image for “Are You Taking a Break? Sober Curious? Or Sober? You Belong Here.”

Are You Taking a Break? Sober Curious? Or Sober? You Belong Here.

Here’s something we know to be true at Creative Collective: every person’s journey is their own, and every journey deserves support. But here’s what else we know—we’re stronger together. The paths we walk alone become lighter when we walk them alongside others who understand.

Maybe you’re taking a break from alcohol—for a month, a season, or just to see how it feels. Maybe you’re doing an intentional fast and exploring what life looks like without drinking. Maybe you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol. Maybe you’re in recovery. Maybe you just prefer spaces where you can be fully present without the buzz. Maybe you’re supporting someone you love. Wherever you are, whatever brought you here—you belong.

We’re honored to be part of a community where our members are creating spaces that meet people exactly where they are. No pressure. No explanations needed. Just genuine connection, creativity, and the quiet understanding that everyone’s doing their best.

Creative Collective Community Cares

Our members are showing up for you with creative offerings and more. What moves us most about these events isn’t just that they’re alcohol-free. It’s the care behind them. It’s the way our members are saying, “We see you. We’ve got you. There’s space for you here.” What excites us most about the sober and sober curious movement within Creative Collective and our community is its beautiful diversity. These aren’t cookie-cutter events—they’re authentic expressions of creativity, healing, community, and art that simply happen to be alcohol-free. Here’s what our members are offering:

When You Need Recovery and Support Vibrant purple fabric with bold yellow letters: "OLD SALEM GROUP..."—uplifting Essex County spirit and unity. Faint stain in center.

Every Tuesday at 7:30 PM and Friday at 8:00 PM, the Old Salem Alcoholic’s Anonymous Group gathers at St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church. Some weeks are harder than others. Some weeks you need to hear that you’re not alone. This group shows up, week after week, holding space for healing. That’s community.

When You Need The Music

MOON is Salem’s only all-ages, sober music venue, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for underground music lovers. Moon Base One hosts diverse live music acts spanning indie, punk, experimental, and folk genres. As a completely sober space, MOON provides a safe, welcoming environment where artists and fans of all ages can experience live music without alcohol, making underground shows accessible to everyone in the community.

When You Need Creative Expression

MOON’s All Originals Singer-Songwriter Open Mic understands something important: your voice matters, with or without liquid courage. In fact, sharing your original work in a sober space can feel terrifying and freeing all at once. This isn’t about performing perfectly—it’s about being seen and heard as you are. Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

When You Need Artistic Connection

Special October Event: On October 23rd from 6:30-8:00 PM, The Satanic Temple’s Salem Art Gallery is hosting a SOBER SIP N’ PAINT. Picture this: you’re hauntedly painting with instructor Hannah, surrounded by others, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks within reach, all your supplies provided. No hangover tomorrow. Just the memory of an evening where you were fully present and maybe surprised yourself with what you created. All skill levels and ages 12+ welcome—because art doesn’t ask you to be anything other than willing to try.

When You Need Intentional Community Vibrant flyer for "Sober Curious Sister Circle" at the Garden Yurt, showing a joyful woman with red flowers, fostering Essex County community, Oct 23 in Ipswich, $60.

Mindful Constitution’s Sober Curious Sister Circle knows that sometimes the most powerful thing is gathering with other women who get it. Maybe you’re the only person in your friend group who’s questioning drinking. Maybe you feel alone in this. You’re not. These circles exist because connection heals, and sometimes we need people who understand without us having to explain. Monthly in-person and virtual!

A Spectrum of Sober Spaces 

Look at that list again. Recovery support. Music. Art. Painting. Women’s circles.

This is what non-judgment actually looks like—not one type of event or one way of doing sobriety, but a whole ecosystem of choices. Because there’s no single “right way” to be sober or sober curious. There’s just your way, and finding the spaces that feel like home.

Some people need structure and accountability. Others need creativity and play. Some need to talk it through. Others need to paint it out. All of it is valid. All of it matters.

You Don’t Owe Anyone Your Story

A vibrant logo with a yellow crescent moon rising over lively green peaks on black, boldly uniting Essex County through MOON music.Here’s what we love about our members who host these events: they’re not asking you to prove anything or explain yourself. You don’t need to share your why. You don’t need to label yourself. Whether you’re taking a permanent break, a temporary one, or just trying it out for the night—you just need to show up if and when it feels right.

Maybe you’ll try one event and it won’t be your thing—that’s okay too. Maybe you’ll find your people at a paint night. Maybe you’ll find your voice at an open mic. Maybe you’ll find strength in an evening group. Maybe you’ll try them all at different points in your journey. Our members are always creating ways to show up for you and us.

The door is open. That’s what matters.

We’re Here, Come Join Us!

Creative Collectives exists to connect people—to art, to opportunities, to each other, and to the parts of themselves they’re still discovering. Supporting sober and sober curious spaces isn’t separate from that mission. It’s at the heart of it.

Because real community doesn’t just celebrate the easy stuff. It shows up for the hard stuff too. It makes room for every version of you—the one who’s struggling, the one who’s thriving, the one who’s somewhere in between.

So whether you’re counting days or just taking a break to reset, whether you’re exploring what a month without drinking feels like or committed to a longer path, whether you’re certain of your journey or still figuring it out—these spaces exist for you. Our members created them with intention and care. They’re waiting to welcome you.

You’re not alone in this. You never were.

Find Your Space  A bold black symbol with a goat skull over an inverted pentagram, circled and marked "S", "T", "T"—sparking creative pride in Essex County.

Ready to explore? Check out these events and the incredible community members making them happen!

For more information about the events, please visit:

For more information about the members, please visit: 

Whatever you’re going through, wherever you are on your journey—we’re here. And we’re glad you’re here too.