Work?

Check out comic/game shops near you. New Dimension Comics holds D&D and MtG nights that are open, no alcohol necessary.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing?

There's practically a music/food/culture/media festival/convention every weekend, most of them are not drinking focused. Even Picklesburgh, which is famous for pickle beer, is still mostly just about food and local crafts.

There are world class parks, amazing bike trails, tons of fantastic restaurants, and a lot of local clubs. The car scene is huge, there's a strong antiquing culture, and a lot of small music venues. It really depends on what you like to do.

I’m in my late twenties and I also do not drink anymore. It is very difficult to find activities that don’t revolve around drinking or where drinking is the reward at the end. Something that I’ve been doing is going to climbing gyms and meeting people that way.

Lunch and membership at the aviary.

It might be helpful for you to clarify what you mean by "based around drinking."

To my mind, things "based around" drinking would include beer/wine/cocktail festivals, and going out to bars, but a Steelers game? Sure, most people drink, but it's based around football. Concerts, again, most people drink, but it's based around the music performance.

Put differently: Are you trying to avoid alcohol? or drunk people? or both?

To be fair, I absolutely feel OP’s pain regarding concerts. It varies a bit show to show, but I’ve been to a lot of concerts here where most of the audience is clearly treating the show as an opportunity to get drunk and rowdy and hear some music, in that order. It’s fine when the band is playing a fast, loud song that everyone knows and wants to sing along to, but I’ve spent way, way too much time struggling to even hear bands play quieter songs over the din of drunk people having shouted conversations over top of music they’re clearly not paying attention to. Yes, this happens everywhere, but as someone who frequently travels to see shows, it’s notably worse here. This is the only city where I’ve actually seen artists stop mid-song and ask the audience to quiet down so they can hear themselves play.

This happened when The National played a few weeks ago at Hienz Hall. Two different groups behind me kept talking loudly throughout the songs. It was incredibly frustrating.

Carnegie Library has a bunch of programs and events.

For Magic, checkout commander. Its a 4 player variant with tons of social interaction. Phantom Greentree has a lot of Commander players. Also, cant recommend enough finding a role playing group.

As a recent transplant myself these were some of the things I was looking into to make friends.

Book clubs, gyms, gardening clubs, outdoor groups/recreational sports leagues, joining a church/community group.

Those are just my interests though. I've heard the Meetup app is fairly successful for people, you could browse that and see what strikes your fancy.

Meetup! FB also has some active groups too

Who among us Pittsburghers hasn't endured the "Woo Guy" (or worse, the "Freebird Guy"... or even worse, and more local, the "Ah Leah Guy") at concerts and sporting events? The Pittsburgh Kenny Chesney concert is practically world-famous for the bad behavior that occurs.

If you like running then join a local run group (city of bridges run club). There are runs most days of the week and get to make lots of new friends.

Have you found a gardening club or rec sports league? I moved here just before covid and have been having a hard time.

Yep check out meetup!

I’d suggest looking into cycling events through BikePGH or Pro Bike + Run but even their events involve beer. The people are much more mellow from the endorphins though.

Look for a Meetup or a Because I said I Would group. Those are usually centered on shared passions, hobbies, interests, or charity events.

Google Tuesday evening folk dancing

If you like tabletop games, Take a look at the multiple board and war game groups in pgh. Most are active in FB rather than Reddit, but they are welcoming and a good place to meet people with similar interests. Im a member of GASP which is south hills based, but there are several around the city.

It usually means someone testing the waters of sobriety and feeling conflicted on how to express it. This isn't a term i would ask someone to clarify, just offer some suggestions where alcohol is completely absent or at least very cloistered.

Edit: Don't forget Sober October and other cessation experiment months are out there. Probably expect more of this question in January.

Climbing at iron city boulders. For an individual activity, I sure have meet a lot of really nice people there.

PSL is the main rec sports league. There's also Stonewall if you're of the limp wrist persuasion.

I’m that guy who politely asks them if they can be quiet. We were in the second balcony level for The National and I’ve never seen so many people get up so many times for drinks during a show.

Some guys were talking loudly in another row, and a girl behind them pulled out her phone and put the bright light on them from behind until they stopped, turned around and said “what the fuck?” She was like “I’m sorry is that distracting you?” I swear this was such a great solution, but I don’t have quite the balls for that!

Pittsburgh sports league as a free agent

Check out Venture Outdoors. They have outdoor group activities where you can meet people. Kayaking, hiking, and more!

https://www.ventureoutdoors.org

I don’t drink either but you to a lot of concerts. It’s basically a second job and I travel the country for shows. I don’t get the drinking at shows. I don’t see how music and drinking mix. I’m not saying I’m sober at shows, but I don’t drink. Good luck finding something!

I’m kind of in the same boat. Moved here in Oct and I’m still getting a feel for what’s out there. I don’t mind some drinking, but it seems like it’s a really large part of the culture here. I had never tailgated until recently or lived in an area where that’s huge. I admit I had a ton of fun, but the hangover the next day was anything but.

If you don’t have hobbies, pick one. I like to grab one of my cameras and walk different neighborhoods to get some shots. Pbgh is great for street photography. Pick one new park to visit on your days off. Check out the library for free museum passes. Visit independent bookstores (are there any here?🤔). If you drive, explore some of the small towns nearby. Learn a new craft. I saw a FB ad for glassmaking the other day. Like I said, I’m still pretty new here, but there are a lot of things to do here.

Perhaps look into groups that do activities? Like trail maintenance, hiking, gardening, glass blowing, knitting, e.t.c. You could volunteer with a local group maybe?

I struggle with this as well and have lived in Pittsburgh for the past 20 years. There are plenty of day things to do in this city, but where I struggle is with night time entertainment that doesn't include going to a bar.

Some of the things I do enjoy in the evening is bowling at Arsenal Lanes, Kickback Cafe for pinball, catching movies, but after those are exhausted I'm not really sure what other options are out there.

Check this out https://www.facebook.com/empath.pgh

Try meetup app, plenty of things that people get together & have fun. Games, outdoors...

For me it seems to depend on the size of the event. At smaller shows, most people aren't getting wasted, even when it's a show at a bar. But if it's at the arena or Burgettstown or something like that, there's more people partying beforehand and drunk by the time they get to the show. The bigger the show, the more it seems like everyone's drunk.

There are so many trails in PA, and a lot of activities in North Park and South Park. The cultural district has great small shows that are not soaked in alcohol. Running clubs are all around. Museums. Ice rinks. Indoor pools. And many good coffee shops. Maybe volunteer with an organization too?

There is an F1 watch group that typically meets at bars but the meetup is really around watching the races. Check them out @pghf1fanclub on instagram for updates on future races. Usually brings a good crowd of 30-50 people from all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re fairly fit or want to get fit, check out the Ascent rock climbing gyms. They are usually pretty full during the evenings and it’s east to socialize with strangers when your climbing different routes

Find a nonprofit you care about and start volunteering. It's a fantastic way to make friends because there's built in social interaction. It's also free and you get to do something good for the community.

There's always the guy who randomly screams the name of the most popular song, as if it's not going to be the encore. I doubt many acts change their set lists because of some drunk in the balcony.

Softball, bowling, fitness, darts, basketball, man there's so many. Also accept that you're in the Burgh now and the age group you are looking does find a way to include alcohol in everything they do.

Are there any sports you like to play? There's a bunch of local sports leagues and pickup games, so maybe that's something worth checking out. PUMP PSL is one of such programs and they have leagues ranging from flag football, softball and basketball to bowling and cornhole. And there's different levels of play as well.

Second this! Let us know what you like to do (or what you're interested in trying). There is probably a group in the area that would let you join in!

Con Alma is a cool place. Yeah it’s a cocktail lounge, but they play live jazz and plenty of people in that age group there.

Were you able to make friends as a result of your efforts?

I play sports (soccer, pickleball, disc golf) all at Schenley and Frick near where I live. Going on hikes/camping. Skiing in the winter. I also have a few friends who get together for chess at new coffee clubs. For solo activities, museums and libraries are nice way to spend a day.

Check out green tree Sportsplex for all year sports leagues. You can sign up as a free agent for any league. M-F 9-12 they have pickleball. Other leagues around the city, but this is a reliable one.

I believe CLP main has a chess club. I see people playing there often, if you want to join my small casual group DM

I’m sorry but Picklesburgh has been a truly awful experience for several years. And not because of the alcohol, it’s the crowd size and lack of crowd control that has made it a miserable event.

Your statement is totally accurate sans this reference.

If you don’t drink or aren’t into sports, it’s rough out here lol.

Lmao

I ran into the same issue. I moved away for 8 years and despite my best efforts, by the time I moved back, the Pittsburgh friends weren't friends anymore. And it's almost impossible to get into friend groups around here because most are from when they were kids. I've been back two years and haven't made any new friends unfortunately. My boyfriend and I even happened to have moved next door to someone who I actually in the same friend group with in high school. I thought that was an in to make some friends but it unfortunately has not been because they aren't interested.

It was actually easier to make friends when I had moved away from Pittsburgh but I'm not sure if it was because I was younger or what.

My partner and I don't really drink either (maybe a beer or glass of wine every month or two). So it's extra challenging to find soical events and meet people.

Edit I should add it's doubly hard because I'm physically disabled which makes some clubs/activities not really doable and people tend to be uncomfortable with disability.

Kind of a niche hobby, but disc golf is a blast and there are a lot of good courses in the pittsburgh area as well as tournaments and leagues. Mountain biking is also great, and good access to trails at places like Frick park and north park with groups that meet up to do rides.

I think I was sitting by you! There was a ton of drinking and people being obnoxious at the show. I turned around and full on stared at a woman who was basically drunk shouting during a song. I also didn’t have the balls to tell her to STFU. She left shortly after.

Climbing gym is a social place. It’s close enough to a bar where people don’t drink. 3 rivers outdoor company has some events that look interesting to me

there's a new place on Babcock too, can't remember the name

Give pinball a try! There are usually people drinking at tournaments but it's never the main focus, and everyone I have met is super ok with people not drinking. There are tournaments and places all around the city to play. If you are interested there are weekly tournaments on Wednesdays. More info can be found at flippgh.com for the weeklys.

I don't live in Pittsburgh but grew up nearby. As a transplant in my 30s I've found the gaming community to be the most enjoyable social experience for non alcohol based activities. Specifically I play a game called blood on the clocktower that I play with a nearby group I met on Reddit. I also have a dungeons and dragons group I play with weekly. These semi structured events force socializing in a unique way that's engaging and light hearted. I would try to find groups that do things like this if I were in your shoes.

When I was into MTG I couldn't stand commander. Idk why but it just never caught my attention and I hated that that's what everyone wanted to play.

Black Lotus is good for that, I hear.

Check out Ventures Outdoors for activities

Next show we can get a block of three tickets and I can be the designated shamer.

Sounds perfect!

Aye. It's such a nice place to spend time in.

That’s exactly what I was gonna say. Dean and the gang over there have created such a great environment. Great way to get active. Challenge yourself and meet cool people. Definitely recommend ICB

It may have been mentioned, but ax throwing is fun! You can go with a group and some places have leagues you can join. Definitely not a good place to be drinking!

go fuckyaself bub!

Check the Meetup app for groups

Or just come to the Harp & Fiddle for some Ceili dancing Tuesday evenings

Gamemasters got a new place on perry highway!

Look kids a real live jagoff.

As a more recent member of the warhammer community can confirm there are tons of great places/groups around south western PA.

Look kids a real live homosexual who likes to make fun of myself!

Wow you really are that pathetic huh.

Hiking, museums, public events sponsored by museums, public markets, antiquing, the Pittsburgh parks were doing yoga in the park this summer.

And if you're sans alcohol, a local coffee shop is my go to for getting a drink somewhere.

Definitely need to check out meetup myself but depending on your interests, I'm sure there's something there.

I've always wanted to get into a D&D style game . Love these idea ..thank you

In the same boat as you.

I've been going to museums, different restaurants of ethnic variety, aviary, zoo, cultural events, etc. I haven't had any issues not drinking here. Lots of bougie coffee shops. I hope you find what works for you!

Come learn sword fighting? We have an open house this Friday at 7pm. There is drinking but plenty of non drinkers. https://fb.me/e/3EecVxWJB

Good luck getting in, I've tried this a few times now. If you are a girl, odds are better.

Do they have any newbie events?

I never heard of Because I said I would. What's that about? I looked up their homepage, but don't know how you find groups around here, if what I had looked up is even the same thing.

>Book clubs, gyms, gardening clubs, outdoor groups/recreational sports leagues, joining a church/community group

I'd second all of these. OP, you mentioned you're pretty flexible - but what do you like to do, if it is just you choosing?

I don't drink either. Tried it, didn't like it, so I never did it again.

My family and I are members of the local astronomy club, and we have free public star parties.

If you like Irish/Celtic music, Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle is a great place. Corner of Penn Ave & 24th Street in the Strip. Also has trivia nights some times. A friend of ours is from England, and she says the Harp is the only place to get genuine fish & chips.

Steel City Con happens a times a year.

Unfortunately the Pittsburgh Renaissance festival ended its run for the year last Sunday. But there is next year.

The Holiday Season is coming up so there will be many model railroad displays opening up.

Christmas in the Woods.

Just found that place. Food’s great, and so is the vibe

Finally someone who feels the same as me lol

I mean I'm super recent, only been here a week haha. But so far so good. I've met a few people though my drinking activities (love breweries and I brew beer, so homebrew clubs) but not applicable to OP.

I just met someone today after a church service who is super into gardening and he invited me over to his garden/flower shop. So I'd say fairly successful in the short time so far.

I've only been here a week so not super into it yet and frankly haven't looked into rec sports yet. But I was planning on trying to get in touch with Grow Pittsburgh, which seems to be an active community gardening club.

Flesh and Blood is a newer card game that is thriving big time in Pittsburgh. Greentree Sports Cards, Heroes Ink and 4 Horseman all have weekly events.

They have high school, college, adult, corporate/club chapters, prison programs.

https://www.instagram.com/becauseisaidiwould/?hl=en

Many groups are open to the general public to join. Some are closed/available only to those in a school district or on a campus, and their invitees.

It’s like a Meetup group, but with area organizers, centered around performing charity or volunteering in the community vs. meeting up to go hiking together, or to attend a cultural event.

Friends in PA elsewhere have participated, and in OH not too far from here. I’m not certain where chapters here are located.

They have workshops for beginners, but also most other climbers are down to help if you decide to give it a try. The only thing is it’s bad form to give someone unsolicited advice so you’d have to ask. Weekday evenings and weekends are the busiest.

A random person asked to join my trivia team on a trivia night. We now count this person as a member of the team and invite them when we go back. It helps that the person is actually good at trivia.

Maybe not the most common suggestion, but try swing dancing! There's a local group here that just moved venues and has lessons and a dance on Wednesdays at the Hill District Academy Theater, it's a good crowd!

Disc golf is a great social activity. Lots of beautiful courses in the area and the scene is very welcoming to all new players. Very active social media scene to connect with others.

https://www.pfds.org/

I've been quiet , but have been looking at all the responses. I'm blown away about the amount of interaction -- thank you !! ( For real thank all of you , new to reddit & this sub reddit loving it)

Just to clarify, I'm fine with drinking & being around it... I'm more talking about people who want to drink miller lights until they can't see straight & that's the sole purpose of going to said event. It seems to happen with almost every large event in this area. Maybe slightly elitist, but going out to have a nice cocktail, quality beer, or wine & you happen to have too many -- all good.

As I got older just can't understand how so many adults get off, with taking a picture of a truck load of natty light going golfing.. (Not judging or hating, personally done much more damage with substances far more harmful that alcohol - so I get it )

> moved here in Oct

it's only 2.5 been days. give yourself some time.

Actually Black Lotus isn't really all that good in a format where you only run one in your 100 card deck. Sure, it's awesome if you get it in your starting/first few draws but if you get it mid-late game you're probably not hurting for mana.

Now a standard game of magic where you're playing a 60 card deck and can run 4 copies... Your odds of drawing and taking advantage of it early are pretty damn good so it's quite powerful.

But unless you can use it as a combo piece or something it's cool rather than good in commander (not that it's bad, it just isn't crazy).

October 2021 🤣

Black Lotus, as in the pizza shop that hosts Magic games. I don't play Magic in any meaningful sense, but friends who do seem to love this place.

The Harp & Fiddle is hardly an alcohol-free or even low-booze respite. Just sayin'. I've legit seen people barf right on their table, not to mention all-out fights there on multiple occasions. It's fun. And you can have fun there without drinking, but let's not kid ourselves: It's a bar.

In case you’re not familiar with it, check out the Eventbrite app. You input your city and any search terms and it tells you anything that’s going on in the city for any certain date.