By Molly Given

Some say Dry January can be a little boring—but Philly has other plans for the booze-free initiative.

This weekend, the first-ever Northern Liberties & Fishtown Dry January Bar Crawl will be in full swing with 26+ restaurants, bars, wineries and breweries offering signature mocktails or zero-proof cocktails, food specials and social events.

How will it play out? According to a release, participating establishments will offer at least one or more mocktails or NA beverages at happy-hour-style pricing, including options at $6, $8, and $10.  Philadelphians will also find food pairings and discounted apps, games, activities, special events or pop-ups and unique non-alcoholic or wellness-inspired menu items to complete their bar crawl experience.

“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,” said Fishtown District Executive Director Marc Collazzo.  

The goal is also to spread awareness on the differences between mocktails and zero-proof cocktails, plus to show off the diversity of NA beverages and where to get them in our city’s hospitality scene.

“Mocktails are what you’ll see mostly on menus — they’re made up of syrups, shrubs, soda, juices and the ABV falls at 0.0. Zero-proof cocktails are made with complex nonalcoholic spirits and bitters. They provide the same balance and craft as a regular alcoholic drink and their ABV ranges from 0.0-0.5% ABV,” explains Bar Palmina founder and owner Nikki Graziano. “There’s no better or worse, but the distinction is important to note for sensitivities as well as price points.”

Participating spots include Standard Tap, Jerry’s Bar, Frankford Hall, Front Street Cafe, The Nut Hut Saloon, Pearl’s Fishtown, Bar 1010, Brewery ARS, Meyers Brewing, Urban Village, Stateside Vodka Bar, Mural City Cellars, Mamajuana Cafe Philly, Bar Palmina (a zero-proof bar), The INTL, Fette Sau and others.

“The Dry January Crawl features non-alcoholic drinks from some of the best bars and restaurants in Philadelphia,” says Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Executive Director Sydney Rexroad. “It’s a great opportunity to see a different side of creativity from your favorite spots. We can’t wait for you to try these delicious drinks and see that Dry January can be fun.”

The Dry January Bar Crawl will feature specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or noon to 5 p.m. — depending on the establishment — with other start times staggered throughout the two days. Some early drink highlights include a Strawberry Matcha Mocktail ($10) from Bar 1010, a Smoked Mixed Berry Spritz ($10) from Jerry’s Bar and an $8 Moscow Mule Mocktail from Bar Palmona.

“For Dry January and all year round, it’s important to consider your non-drinking guests … Part of my ethos is that it’s dangerous to equate non-drinkers with being anti-social,” said Graziano. “There’s tons of reasons why people don’t drink—none of which are anybody’s business but their own — and not providing space for them with quality options is just bad hospitality.”

A full list of participating locations, menus, and individual happy-hour times for the Dry January Bar Crawl is available via explorenorthernliberties.org