Musikfest

SoberPlatz hosted by Sync Recovery Community

SoberPlatz presented by Northampton County Council and in partnership with ArtsQuest and Sync Recovery Community returns for its second year at Musikfest 2026. This inclusive, alcohol-free space is free and located on the SouthSide of Musikfest at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks, next to Americaplatz and the FlyWheel. Pull up a chair at the tables to relax, enjoy food and mocktails purchased at Musikfest, and explore a variety of interactive, creative and playful activities. Visit daily sponsor tables, and you never know which Musikfest artists might drop by. Visitors can also pick up an exclusive, free SoberPlatz item (while supplies last) to use throughout the festival.
Throughout Musikfest, explore a variety of activities at SoberPlatz— and experiences to enjoy at your own pace.

SoberPlatz Kickoff Hour

Friday, July 31 | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Start your SoberPlatz experience with the Kickoff Hour. Details about featured activities or special guests for this hour will be announced closer to the event.

Silent Glow Disco

Friday, July 31 & Friday August 7 | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Step into the Silent Glow Disco presented by Silent Fun and let the rhythm light up SoberPlatz for a night full of fun. Dance alongside friends with glowing, noise-canceling headphones, switching between channels of disco, pop and other high-energy beats. With glow stick wearables provided, the dance floor comes alive in a swirl of color and playful energy under the stars.

Recovery Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2; Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9

The Recover Scavenger Hunt takes visitors through Musikfest’s SouthSide area. Follow clues, complete recovery-themed challenges and make your way through the festival experience. Prizes will be awarded each day.

Book Signing: Meet Author Mike Shooty

Saturday, August 1 | 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Meet Mike 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, Mike also hosts the Just-Today Recovery Podcast. Stop by to meet him, hear his story and sign copies of his book.

Henna Tattoos: A Mindful Art Form

Thursday, July 30 & Friday, July 31 & Monday, August 3–Friday, August 7 | 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 | 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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.

Therapy Dog: Meet Axel

Friday, July 31 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, August 2 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy a relaxing visit with certified therapy dog Axel and his handler, Jutta. 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.

Message Wall: Share Your Voice

During Musikfest Hours

Take a moment to be part of something bigger. Two interactive Message Walls invite visitors to write directly onto the walls by adding a few words or a short message in response to guided themes. Read what others have written, add your own and watch the walls evolve over all 10 days. Together, these messages create a shared story of connection and community.

Recovery Rocks: Create Your Piece

Add a splash of color—or a personal touch—to SoberPlatz with “Recovery Rocks.” Grab a rock and decorate it using the markers and stickers provided. Write a message or create a design that reflects your mood or inspiration. Take your creation home or leave it on display to inspire others throughout the festival. Each rock adds to the space and offers a simple, hands-on way to take part.

Sync Recovery Community Playlist: Add Your Song

Help build the SoberPlatz 2026 Edition of the Sync Recovery Community Playlist by scanning the QR code to suggest a song that speaks to you. Each selection contributes to a shared, recovery-themed soundtrack shaped by the community. After Musikfest, the playlist will be published on Spotify and shared on Sync Recovery Community’s social media.

Photo Spot: Capture the Moment

Step into the SoberPlatz photo area and snap a shot with friends, meet new ones or mark your time at Musikfest. Whether it’s a group photo or a quick snapshot, it’s a simple way to capture and share the moment.

Relax & Connect

Take a break at SoberPlatz! Pull up a chair at the tables to relax, enjoy your Musikfest-purchased food or mocktails or join in casual activities like cornhole and other yard games. You’ll also be able to hear live music from Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks and the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square while spending time with friends or taking in the atmosphere.