An area free from alcohol and crowds created during last year’s Musikfest will return to the festival this year.

ArtsQuest announced Monday in a news release that SoberPlatz will return to the festival, once again at the South Side section of the 10-day festival in Bethlehem.

The alcohol-free space will have activities such as community art, music, games and photo opportunities as well as recovery-focused resources. SoberPlatz is presented by Northampton County Council in partnership with Sync Recovery Community.

“We are proud to continue hosting SoberPlatz as part of the Musikfest experience,” Curt Mosel, chief operating officer at ArtsQuest, said in the release. “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.”

The festival, which takes place on Bethlehem’s North and South sides, runs July 31 to Aug. 9.

Here is the full list of SoberPlatz activities during Musikfest:

Ongoing activities

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 and 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 and 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 Activities

SoberPlatz Kickoff Hour: 4-5 p.m. July 31. 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.

Silent Glow Disco presented by Silent Fun: 8-10 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 7. 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.

Meet therapy dog Axel: 6-8 p.m. July 31 and 5:30-8 p.m. Aug. 2. 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: Aug. 1, 2, 8 and 9, during festival hours. Follow clues, complete recovery-themed challenges and explore Musikfest’s South Side area. Prizes will be awarded each day.

Book signing with author Mike Shooty: 1-6 p.m. Aug. 1. 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: 4-10 p.m. July 30-31 and Aug. 37; noon to 10 .m. Aug. 1-2. 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.