Dry period doesn’t mean dry social life. With THON season in full swing, many students are choosing to step away from drinking, but that doesn’t mean weekends suddenly have to feel boring. Whether you’re fully committed to dry period or just looking for alternatives, there are plenty of ways to have fun without a drink in your hand.

Go Out Sober

You don’t have to be drunk to act drunk.

Going out while sober can actually be some of the most fun you’ll have because you get to act however you want… voluntarily, and people will usually assume you have been drinking anyway. You still get the energy of a night out without the regret the next morning.

Do Activities That Are Not The Bar

Friday night doesn’t have to mean standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded room. Grab a group of friends and switch it up — go bowling, hit Get Air, paint pottery downtown, try mini golf, or catch a movie at the State Theatre. You’ll still get the social experience without waking up the next morning wondering what happened.

Start Your Gym Arc

If you started dry period at the beginning of the month, congratulations — you’re basically looking at the perfect time to build a new habit. This is your sign to finally start that gym arc you’ve been talking about since New Year’s.

Go with friends, show up at unconventional hours, make it competitive, or turn it into a routine you actually look forward to. Just remember that consistency matters more than overworking yourself.

Go To Campus Events

There’s always something happening at Penn State if you look for it. Check out local bands performing around campus and become their most loyal fan. Go to lacrosse, basketball, or other sporting events. This is a Division I school for a reason.

Even if some people are drinking, the focus of these events is usually the atmosphere, not alcohol.

Explore State College

State College has more hidden gems than many students realize. Walk downtown without a plan, find a new coffee shop, thrift store, or study spot, or explore areas of campus you rarely visit. Exploring with no real goal besides finding something new can be surprisingly interesting.

Host A Game Night Or Slideshow Night

If staying in sounds better than going out, make it intentional. Slideshow nights have become a go-to for a reason, just give everyone a ridiculous topic and let chaos unfold. Add board games, card games, or trivia, and you’ve got a low-effort night that’s still social and memorable.

If you are stuck on slideshow topics, Pinterest and TikTok have you covered.

Have A Baking Night

Dry period doesn’t mean you can’t still treat yourself. Find a recipe for something sweet (or savory), grab some friends, or bake solo with a playlist on. It’s comforting, productive, and you end the night with snacks, which is never a bad thing.

Plan A Date Night

With Valentine’s Day coming up, dry period is the perfect excuse to plan an actual date. Dress up and go somewhere a little nicer, or keep it casual with Chick-fil-A and a movie. Whether it’s extravagant or low-key, doing something intentional with your partner can feel way more special than a typical night out.

Have A Spa Night

Even if it’s a Thursday, give yourself a reset. Take a long shower, put on a face mask, grab snacks, and actually relax. THON is busy — sometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down.

Try Something New

Use this time to step out of your comfort zone. The IM Building offers classes like dance, yoga, pilates, and cycling. Go to a club meeting just to see what it’s about. Check out an event at the HUB or State Theatre.

Dry period doesn’t have to feel like missing out — it can be a chance to experience Penn State in a new way. And honestly, some of these nights might end up being more fun than the ones you’d barely remember anyway.