7 Queer Sober Activities That Are More Fun Than Drinking
Find sober, queer community in New York City with these activities.
It’s no secret that it’s beyond difficult to be queer and not drink. For decades, bars have provided safe spaces we couldn’t access elsewhere, so it makes sense that we gravitate toward drinking culture. However, in this day and age, the sober options are bountiful. We’re here to offer some fun, dry alternatives to a night out at the bar where you can still have tons of fun and make some great memories (you can actually remember the next day).
Village PRIDE LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 10 AM and 11 AM
I know a walking tour in the winter might sound treacherous, but hear me out! It’s 2025. We have hand warmers, feet warmers, and the resolve of decades of oppression to keep us warm. Believe me, you’ll get fired up when you learn about what happened on June 28, 1969 and see where it all went down right in the heart of Greenwich Village. Plus, you’ll get to check out the NYC AIDS Memorial, The Gay Liberation Monument, The LGBT Center, and more. Tours are every Saturday and Sunday starting, starting at McCarthy Square. Tickets are $54.13.
The Langston Hughes House
OPEN EVENTS EVERY MONTH
Take this sober opportunity to delve into queer history by visiting The Langston Hughes house in Harlem. Built in 1869, the house once belonged to one of the most beloved writers from The Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes. The openly queer writer used his work to celebrate Black culture and challenge societal norms. Honor his legacy by attending one of the many events the space offers. From drum circles to poetry workshops, you’ll surely find something that interests you. Events can be found here.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives
VISITORS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT
Do you fancy yourself a lesbian history buff? You’ll love checking out The Lesbian Herstory Archives in Prospect Park. The archives house one of the most extensive collections of lesbian records in the country, where you’ll find magazine clippings (including old copies of GO!), letter correspondences, recorded interviews, and more. Take this break from drinking to learn about what our foremothers did years ago so we can live our best lives today. Schedule a visit here.
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art
OPEN WEDNESDAY 12 PM-5 PM, THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 12 PM-6 PM
As the only dedicated LGBTQ+ museum in the world, Leslie-Lohman offers a unique experience for art aficionados and art newbies alike. The rotating exhibits feature queer folks from across the globe, so you may just discover your new favorite artist if you stop by. The museum also hosts a queer salon series where peeps can gather to discuss the issues that are most important to us. Entry is free; however, the museum suggests a $10 donation.
Big Gay Icecream Shop
HOURS VARY BASED ON LOCATION
The saying goes, “Pick your poison,” and since your poison isn’t booze, why not make ice cream? Spoil yourself with sprinkles, fudge, caramel sauce, and, of course, signature soft serve (instead of your usual dirty martini). My personal favorite confection the Big Gay Icecream Shop offers is their “Salty Pimp” cone with vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche sauce, a hot chocolate shell, and a little pinch of salt. Just get it and thank me later.
The Male LGBTQ+ Figurative Drawing Group
EVERY SATURDAY 10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Try your hand at sketching in this three-hour session with a male model and get your artsy fartsy pants on. For beginners and pros alike, this meeting will create a safe, fun space for you to try a new skill and maybe even discover you’re a fantastic artist! The best part is that it happens every Saturday, so if you’re hooked, you can go back again and again! Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis for $20 per slot.
Queer NYC Pickleball
EVERY FRIDAY 6 PM-8 PM AND MONDAY 6:30 PM- 8 PM
Even if you’ve never played this hot, trendy sport, you’ll have a blast getting your sweat on and meeting fellow queers at this bi-weekly pickleball meet-up! You can find the group every Friday at CityPickle LIC and every Monday at Goodland in Greenpoint. Don’t worry if this is your first time! Everyone is super welcoming, and you may even learn that this is the sport you’ve been looking for your whole life! More info can be found on their Instagram page here.
From walking tours to shoving your face with ice cream, you can still live your best queer live sans dirty martini. And just because you’re keeping the booze from flowing, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
