Join the Fun: Philadelphia’s Dry January Bar Crawl Kicks Off

A new initiative aims to support those participating in Dry January while enjoying social outings. The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and Fishtown District are hosting the inaugural **Northern Liberties & Fishtown Dry January Bar Crawl** on **January 17-18, 2026**. This two-day event invites locals and visitors to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Northern Liberties and Fishtown with a focus on non-alcoholic drinks.

The Dry January movement encourages individuals to abstain from alcohol throughout January to promote better health. As friends often gather for drinks during the month, the bar crawl provides a solution that maintains the social aspect without the alcohol. Participants can learn more about the event at www.explorenorthernliberties.org/event/dry-january-bar-crawl.

Sydney Rexroad, Executive Director of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are excited to kick off 2026 with our close friends in Fishtown for a post-holiday reset. The Dry January Crawl features non-alcoholic drinks from some of the best bars and restaurants in Philadelphia. It’s a great opportunity to see a different side of creativity from your favorite spots.”

This crawl will include over two dozen establishments, such as bars, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries, offering **specially priced mocktails** and **zero-proof cocktails**. Establishments will feature happy hours, with many running from **11:00 to 16:00** and **12:00 to 17:00**, along with select earlier and later offerings depending on the venue.

The event aims to celebrate mindful drinking while showcasing the city’s expanding zero-proof beverage scene. It invites guests to discover the distinctive offerings at their leisure, emphasizing that enjoying zero-proof options can extend beyond January.

Fishtown District Executive Director Marc D. Collazzo highlighted the partnership, saying, “This is the perfect way to start 2026 and reset after holiday indulgence with the dynamic drink creations from the best restaurants and taverns in the region.”

Participating locations will provide at least one specially priced mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage, with prices set at **$6, $8, and $10**. In addition to drinks, establishments may offer extra benefits such as food pairings, games, and activities, enhancing the overall experience.

The event also aims to educate attendees on the differences between mocktails and zero-proof cocktails. According to Nikki Graziano, founder and owner of Bar Palmina, the distinction is essential. “Mocktails are what you’ll see mostly on menus. They’re made up of syrups, shrubs, soda, juices, and have an ABV of **0.0**. Zero-proof cocktails are crafted using complex non-alcoholic spirits and bitters, providing balance and craft similar to regular alcoholic drinks, with an ABV ranging from **0.0% to 0.5%**.”

Graziano emphasized the importance of considering non-drinking guests as part of good hospitality. “I created Bar Palmina two years ago because it wasn’t being widely embraced in Philly yet. I’m glad that that’s slowly changing, but we still have a very long way to go.”

As the Dry January Bar Crawl approaches, participants are encouraged to embrace the movement and consider non-alcoholic options not just in January but throughout the year. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry, promoting inclusivity and creativity in beverage offerings.