ArtsQuest is pleased to announce that SoberPlatz presented by Northampton County Council in partnership with Sync Recovery Community will return to Musikfest. This free, inclusive, alcohol-free space on the SouthSide of Musikfest offers guests a welcoming place to relax, enjoy food and mocktails purchased at the ‘Fest and take part in new interactive, creative and playful activities.

“We are proud to continue hosting SoberPlatz as part of the Musikfest experience,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer at ArtsQuest. “Musikfest is about bringing people together, and SoberPlatz provides a welcoming space where guests can connect, recharge and enjoy the festival in a way that supports their personal choices and well-being. Through our partnership with Sync Recovery Community and Northampton County Council, we’re creating an environment that is welcoming, engaging and accessible for everyone who attends.”

Activities

at SoberPlatz

Throughout Musikfest, guests can visit SoberPlatz for creative, interactive and playful experiences designed to be enjoyed at their own pace. Activities include community art, music, games, photo opportunities, recovery-focused resources and special events throughout the festival.

SoberPlatz kickoff hour: Friday, July 31, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Start your SoberPlatz experience with the official opening hour, a gathering that launches 10 days of activities and offers visitors a chance to mark the beginning of Musikfest together. Featured activities or special guests will be announced closer to the event.

Ongoing Activities During Musikfest Hours

• Message Wall: Share Your Voice – Add a few words or a short message in response to guided themes, read what others have written and watch the walls evolve into a shared story of connection and community.

• Recovery Rocks: Create Your Piece – Decorate a rock with markers and stickers, then take it home or leave it on display to inspire others throughout the festival.

• Sync Recovery Community Playlist: Add Your Song – Scan the QR code to suggest a song for the SoberPlatz 2026 Edition of the Sync Recovery Community Playlist, which will be shared after Musikfest.

• Photo Spot: Capture the Moment – Stop by the SoberPlatz photo area to take a quick snapshot, gather with friends or mark your time at Musikfest.

• Relax & Connect — Pull up a chair, enjoy Musikfest-purchased food or mocktails, join casual activities like cornhole and yard games and take in music from nearby stages.

• Harm Reduction Resources & Education – Access free, confidential overdose prevention supplies, educational materials and harm reduction resources, including Naloxone (Narcan), with on-site instruction available.

• Connect with Sync Recovery — Meet Sync Recovery Community staff and volunteers, learn about upcoming recovery-centered events and outdoor activities and get a preview of the upcoming Cinema in Sync film series at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Special Event

Activities

• Silent Glow Disco presented by Silent Fun – Friday, July 31 and Friday, Aug. 7 | 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Dance with glowing, noise-canceling headphones, switch between channels of disco, pop and other high-energy music and enjoy glow stick wearables under the stars.

• Therapy Dog: Meet Axel – Friday, July 31 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. & Sunday, Aug. 2 | 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Enjoy a relaxing visit with certified therapy dog Axel and his handler, JC. In the middle of the sights and sounds of Musikfest, time with a therapy dog offers a calm, grounding break – easing stress and anxiety while fostering comfort, connection and mindfulness.

• Recovery Scavenger Hunt – Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2; Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9

• During Musikfest Hours. Follow clues, complete recovery-themed challenges and explore Musikfest’s SouthSide area. Prizes will be awarded each day.

• Book Signing: Meet Author Mike Shooty – Saturday, Aug. 1 | 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Meet Michael Shooty, author of “Lost in London: A Journey from Insanity to Acceptance,” a memoir on his path from addiction to a life of recovery and purpose. A Certified Recovery Specialist and founder of Just-Today LLC, Shooty also hosts the Just-Today Recovery Podcast. Stop by to meet him, hear his story and receive signed copies of his book.

• Henna Tattoos: A Mindful Artform – Thursday, July 30 – Friday, July 31 & Monday, Aug. 3 – Friday, Aug. 7 | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 – Sunday, Aug. 2 | 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

• Slow down for a moment of mindfulness with henna, a natural plant-based art form used for centuries to symbolize joy, celebration and new beginnings. Henna Chakra founder Sophie will be on hand creating temporary designs that stain over 24–48 hours and last one to two weeks.

“The entire Sync Recovery Community team of volunteers, supporters and staff are thrilled to welcome all visitors to SoberPlatz. We’ve designed an engaging space filled with activities that show where recovery finds community,” said Laura Waits, Executive Director at Sync Recovery Community. “There is a growing, vital movement toward creating sober spaces at music festivals. We are proud to partner with ArtsQuest and Northampton County Council to champion inclusivity and provide a supportive, fun environment where everyone can ‘fest together.”

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