What is a Mindful Drinking Festival?
The Mindful Drinking Festival will have a range of innovative low and no alcohol drinks to taste and buy, tasting events with the producers, talks, workshops, and much more. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our Summer 2020 and October 2021 Festivals were global virtual ones, so some things were a bit different in those…
And what’s this “mindful drinking”?
It could be cutting down on alcohol. Or doing a sober sprint. Or even going completely alcohol-free. It is really up to you. We try to explain the ideas behind mindful drinking in more detail here.
Who or what is Club Soda?
Club Soda organises these Festivals. We are a Mindful Drinking Movement, supporting people who want to change their relationship with alcohol, helping everyone find new drinks, and much more. You can find out more about us at the Club Soda website.
So you’re against alcohol?
Not at all! We have nothing against alcohol (in moderation). There are plenty of beer festivals and other such events, and that’s great. But at these festivals we usually only have drinks that are either alcohol-free, or under 0.5% ABV (you may call them “low alcohol”, “alcohol-free”, or “non-alcoholic” depending on your definition, legally it’s all a bit complicated…). At some Festivals we may also have a few lower alcohol drinks – these will always be clearly marked for anyone who isn’t interested in them.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! The Festival is free to attend for everyone. We do ask that you sign up to our mailing list in advance though, as we will use daily emails to tell you about the programme for each day. Just click here to sign up.
Where and when is the next festival?
The ninth Club Soda Mindful Drinking Festival is taking place online in October 2021. We are thinking about our plans for 2022.
Ok, what do I get if I sign up to your emails?
We will keep you updated on all the latest festival news via email: when the next event is happening, what drinks, talks, and other fun stuff to expect, and any practical things you should know in advance. You will also hear about new low and no alcohol drinks, and some other mindful drinking events we organise. Sign up here.
Where can I buy the drinks?
We feature and talk about many drinks at the Festivals, not least our wonderful sponsors who make it possible for us to organise these events. If you want to try any drinks, check your local supermarkets and drinks shops for what they have. If you can’t find what you want, there is more variety available online:
- In the UK, Wise Bartender is our online shop partner – you will find many of the Festival drinks there, and you can create your own mixed cases to try many different drinks
- For the UK and US, we have also collected info on the drinks available from Amazon – check here for Amazon UK and for Amazon US to see what’s available (sadly we can’t do the same for any other location…).
- And there are many online alcohol-free shops around the world.
Are any of the drinks suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! Many if not most of the drinks will be vegan, but do ask if you’re not sure though – some of them may not be – especially the beers and wines.
What about gluten-free?
It is safest to ask the vendors if you want to be sure.
Is it child friendly?
Yes, although many of the talks and panel discussion will contain adult themes, so please check before you let children watch any.