BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Musikfest will introduce a designated alcohol-free zone, known as SoberPlatz, a new initiative offering a space for festivalgoers who are sober, in recovery, or seeking a break from the drinking crowd. This is the first time the event has featured a sober space in its 40-year history.
SoberPlatz is hosted by Synchronicity Recovery Foundation in partnership with ArtsQuest and Northampton County and will be located next to Air Products Americaplatz on the SteelStacks campus.
It’s open every day of the 10-day festival and aims to provide a space for relaxation, social interaction, and connection with recovery resources.
The idea was sparked earlier this year when Northampton County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner approached ArtsQuest with the concept.
“Lori reached out and asked if this was something we’d ever considered, which we hadn’t at that point,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest’s chief operating officer. “She asked if we’d be willing to consider it, and we were immediately positive about the idea.”
Vargo Heffner then returned to the County Council and helped secure funding to cover booth space and volunteer support, Mosel said.
“I’m thrilled to see SoberPlatz becoming a reality at Musikfest,” Vargo Heffner said. “This truly opens up opportunities for individuals in the recovery community to enjoy the festival without hesitation, creating a welcoming, safe space where the focus stays where it belongs—on the joy of live music and community.”
ArtsQuest then partnered with Sync Recovery, an organization with experience creating similar spaces at public events.
“They’ve done this sort of thing before, so they had the infrastructure in place to make it happen,” Mosel said.
SoberPlatz will feature a 10-by-10 booth with space for mingling and socializing. Visitors can expect wellness activities, scheduled recovery meetups, and the chance to connect with volunteers from the recovery community.
“If someone is in recovery and maybe having a hard time being at a festival with a lot of past temptations, this is the place to go have a conversation with somebody,” Mosel said. “Whether you’re sober-curious, an ally, or just looking for a calm space, you’re welcome here.”
Mosel said the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Although there was no formal community poll, encouragement from ArtsQuest board members, volunteers, and the recovery community reinforced the decision to move forward.
“Everything about Musikfest is about bringing people together and community,” Mosel said. “This was just another aspect that, frankly, we hadn’t thought of — but once we did, it was a no-brainer.”
SoberPlatz joins a long list of Platzes at Musikfest — the themed spaces scattered throughout the festival, like Festplatz, Liederplatz, and Familienplatz.
Volunteers suggested the new name as a way to honor the tradition while offering something new.
“This is a new use of existing space,” Mosel said. “It doesn’t take anything away from the festival — it’s really just an addition.”
Musikfest runs from Aug. 1–10. The booth will also offer giveaways and promotional items, along with information about recovery resources and support networks.
The SoberPlatz organizers are currently seeking volunteers to help run the booth. Visitors can follow Sync Recovery on social media or stop by the booth during the festival for more details and updates about SoberPlatz activities.
“Recovery isn’t about missing out—it’s about showing up fully, and having a great time while you do it,” said Laura Waits, Executive Director of Sync Recovery Community. “The SoberPlatz at Musikfest is a place to connect, recharge, and celebrate—no alcohol needed.”
