Keeping the romance alive during Dry July can be both exciting and refreshing with the right summer date ideas. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your connection or simply enjoy each other’s company in a new light, incorporating creative & steamy activities can turn any ordinary date into an extraordinary experience.
From patios to dance parties and to picnics, this guide of summer date ideas promise to keep the spark alive while embracing the season’s vibrant energy and the clarity that comes with a month free from alcohol.
Participating in the month, live an ABV-free lifestyle, or just looking to change things up for your date ideas in Toronto? We got you!
Sobr Market Shop & Summer Pop-Up
Sobr Market has recently relaunched its flagship store in Toronto, right next to the new Waterworks Food Hall. As the largest non-alcoholic bottle shop in Canada, it boasts two bars offering daily zero-proof spirit tastings, complimentary wine tastings every Wednesday, chilled beverages to enjoy on-site, and patio seating.
Sobr Market will have a daily pop-up at the southwest corner of Queens Quay West and Lower Simcoe until the end of September. The fridges will be filled with non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for a refreshing grab-and-go option on your way to the island including:
- Ready-to-drink options: Myth, Spiritless, Savyll, Bonbuz, Ghia, Poppi
- Wine: Sovi, Dr. Zenzen, NullNummer, Proxies, Benjamin Bridge
- Beer: Burdock, Untitled Art
- Cider: Bulwark
Store Location & Hours: 511 Richmond St. W, open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pop-Up Location & Hours: Queens Quay West & Lower Simcoe, open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (June 15 to end of September)
Cold Beans Pop-Up at Boxcar Social Harbourfront
Operating daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Saturday, June 22, through the end of September, Cold Beans is situated next to Sobr Market’s pop-up at Harbourfront Centre. This pop-up features coffee from Subtext Coffee Roasters, ice cream, affogatos, and Courage Cookies.
Within Boxcar Social, you’ll discover a freshly updated food menu along with a broad selection of alcohol-free options, including wine, beer, and nine distinctive mocktails. The restaurant offers half-priced alcohol-free wine every weekday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and $8 non-alcoholic espresso martinis every Wednesday from 11 a.m. until closing time.
Pop-Up Location & Hours: Queens Quay West & Lower Simcoe, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (June 22 to end of September)
Restaurant Location & Hours: 235 Queens Quay West, open daily at 9 a.m.
The Slip Lakeside Patio
The Slip is a 500-seat, dog-friendly lakeside patio perfect for a date day or night, with a large alcohol-free menu offering multiple wallet-friendly specials:
- Monday to Friday, from noon to 5 p.m.: Untitled Arts West Coast IPA $6 each or 5/$30
- Waterfront Wednesdays, from noon until close: Ghia Spritz for $7
- Sober Sundays, 5 p.m. until close:
- Untitled Arts West Coast IPA $6 each or 5/$30
- 0% 750 ML wine bottles for $30 (sparkling, white, and red)
- 0% canned cocktails (De Soi Très Rose, St. Agrestis Mezcal Negroni) for $6 each or 5/$30
Location & Hours: 235 Queens Quay West, open daily at noon (weather dependent)
Grape Witches Patio
Grape Witches is famed for its wine, yet it also offers an ideal patio to savour elevated non-alcoholic beverages like Proxies, Fin Soda, and Zamalek. The secret garden patio has recently been enhanced with weatherproofing, a stunning mural, and an iconic fountain.
Location & Hours: 1247 Dundas St. W, open daily at noon
Free Spirit at Riverdale Hub
Inside the art gallery at Leslieville’s Riverdale Hub, Free Spirit is a groundbreaking non-alcoholic cocktail bar and restaurant, one of the first in Toronto.
It offers nine unique zero-proof cocktails along with a selection of non-alcoholic wines and beers. This inclusive venue caters to those who are abstaining from alcohol or who prefer not to drink, providing an elegant and delightful non-alcoholic dining experience. Additionally, proceeds from the restaurant support efforts to overcome challenges faced by local equity-deserving communities.
Location & Hours: 1326 Gerrard St. E, open Tuesday to Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
On Task
On Task is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to converting under-utilized spaces into vibrant community centers. Having recently relocated to Liberty Village, On Task will celebrate its reopening on Saturday, June 29, with a full schedule of summer activities, including craft nights, social clubs, live comedy, musical performances, exhibitions, and more.
As an alcohol-free venue, On Task is committed to providing a safe environment tailored to women, queer individuals, neurodivergent people, racialized communities, plus-sized individuals, and other marginalized groups. Additionally, most events feature a sliding scale or pay-what-you-can option to ensure accessibility for all.
Location & Hours: 15 Atlantic Ave., hours vary per event
Trivia at Bellwoods
Savour mouth-watering brewpub dishes and delectable non-alcoholic beverages while testing your trivia skills with ‘Almost Jeopardy’ at Bellwoods Brewery! This event takes place every Monday at 7:30 p.m., with teams encouraged to arrive by 7 p.m. to secure their spot. (Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis) Teams of up to four can compete for a chance to win prizes, and best of all, there’s no entry fee!
Famed for its signature beers, Bellwoods also offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, including Bellwoods Sparkly Water, Stay Classy Non-Alcoholic IPA, and Non-Alcoholic Jelly King Dry Hopped Sour and Fruited Varieties. They also serve Sam James coffee, Blink Tea, Boylan’s Sodas, Godspeed Iced Tea, and Greenhouse Kombucha.
Location & Hours: 124 Ossington Ave., every Monday at 7:30 p.m.
arte* Salads & Barbet Picnic Date
Who can resist a charming picnic? Pack some Barbet and arte* salads for a delightful dry day in the sun. Arte* offers a new range of convenient, creative salad kits made with the freshest, locally-sourced Canadian produce.
These affordable, nutritious kits combine unexpected and tasty ingredients, making them quick to prepare and budget-friendly. They pair perfectly with Barbet to elevate both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options to the same exceptional level.
REUNION Dance Parties
REUNION is a monthly dance party that is alcohol-free, women-only, and judgment-free, but with the same inspiring and uplifting experience that nights out can provide. It was created as a more accessible and healthier alternative to the rave scene.
The next REUNION is happening on Thursday, June 27, at Sobr Market. A ticket includes a specialty-crafted canned non-alcoholic cocktail, killer tunes, and live DJs. REUNION is coming across the GTA, including Niagara Falls (July 10), Collingwood (August 19), and Newmarket (August 21).
Sober Striders Run Club
If you’re into fitness, consider joining the Sober Striders Run Club! It’s a complimentary running community gathering every Wednesday evening at Broadview Avenue and Pottery Road. Founded by Luc Zoratto (@marathon2sobriety), the club aims to foster camaraderie and offer a secure and pleasant running environment for individuals at any fitness level—whether they are sober, interested in sobriety, or simply supportive of the movement.
Toronto SUP & Kayak
Looking for a bit of adventure? Consider a date on the water with Toronto SUP & Kayak, located at Cherry Beach in Toronto’s Outer Harbour. Embark on a relaxed paddle to the Toronto Islands or explore “Toronto’s Urban Wilderness” at Tommy Thompson Park, all while soaking in stunning views of the city skyline.
They offer a variety of single and double kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to choose from. If you’re new to paddling, the welcoming team at Toronto SUP & Kayak can arrange a semi-private lesson or guided tour for you.
Location & Hours: 1 Cherry St., open daily from June 15 to September 30
H2O Float Studio
H2O Float Studio, located in Toronto’s Distillery District, is a top-tier float spa specializing in flotation and massage therapies. Couples can enjoy tandem floating experiences in cabins themed after the rainforest, starry nights, or the ocean. Additionally, H2O provides a unique guided meditation float curated by Toronto sound healer Alex Petroyama.
Sensory deprivation serves as an excellent choice for individuals seeking relaxation by disconnecting from their hectic routines. Tandem floating not only amplifies relaxation but also fosters shared experiences, emotional bonding, and heightened comfort levels.
Location & Hours: 25 Mill St, open daily at 9 a.m.
Othership
Othership offers a unique sauna and ice bath experience at two locations in Toronto. Designed as a serene escape from urban isolation, it provides a space to relax and build genuine connections without the need for alcohol. Featuring specially curated classes, free-flowing sessions, and social events with DJs, comedians, live music, and other entertainment, Othership sets the stage for an unforgettable dry date experience.
Yorkville Location & Hours: 110 Bloor St. W, open daily at 7 a.m.
Adelaide Location & Hours: 425 Adelaide St. W, open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and at 7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday.
Looking for more summer date ideas in the city? Click here for a Toronto summer food festival date night guide!
