Project Safe Space is a groundbreaking initiative to create inclusive, sober social pop-ups in Akron, Ohio. The project’s primary goal is to provide a welcoming environment where people from all walks of life can connect, socialize, and build community without the pressure to consume alcohol. By offering handcrafted mocktails and unique experiences, Project Safe Space fosters vibrant, engaging gatherings that prioritize health, inclusivity, and connection. 

In addition to providing a fun and supportive social atmosphere, Project Safe Space focuses on activating and bringing new energy into spaces, primarily in Akron’s Middlebury Neighborhood. By hosting events in this area, the project fosters a sense of community pride, encourages local engagement, and highlights the potential of these spaces as valuable gathering spots. 

Ultimately, Project Safe Space’s goal is to redefine social spaces, creating an innovative model for inclusive, alcohol-free entertainment that benefits the physical, mental, and social well-being of Akron’s residents.

In the first six months of Project Safe Space, Erica has made significant strides in creating inclusive, sober social pop-ups in Akron, Ohio, focusing on the Middlebury Neighborhood. The project has successfully hosted four impactful events, showcasing the potential of sober social spaces. 

In October 2024, the Mayor’s wedding brought together 350 attendees, all of whom enjoyed handcrafted mocktails highlighting alcohol-free beverages, creativity and inclusivity. The Sober Murder Mystery Party in October engaged 26 participants in an interactive and fun evening, proving that sober events can be just as entertaining and engaging.

In December 2024, a Christmas-themed Sober-Curious Mixology Class brought 28 attendees together to learn how to craft festive mocktails, encouraging conversations around health-conscious socializing. 

In January 2025, Project Safe Space hosted “Mocktail Hour” at Jilly’s Music Room, providing an alcohol-free experience in a traditional bar-like setting. This event was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate that sobriety can be seamlessly integrated into a nightlife atmosphere while fostering connection and enjoyment. 

A unique element of Project Safe Space is its collaboration with local food entrepreneurs from Akron Food Works at nearly every event. These events ensure attendees experience delicious food and support Akron’s small business community. Through these events, Project Safe Space successfully demonstrates the demand and enthusiasm for alcohol-free social spaces in Akron. 

Project Safe Space has impacted the Akron community by creating inclusive and enjoyable sober social spaces. Attendees have shared positive feedback, further validating the acceptance of such spaces. One attendee, who is sober, mentioned that they felt comfortable and not tempted to drink, highlighting the supportive and non-judgmental environment created at our events. A couple at another event shared that they were transitioning to a sober-curious lifestyle and expressed how much fun they had, underscoring that sober socializing can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, surveys from our events showed strong acceptance of alcohol-free spaces, with many participants appreciating the opportunity to connect and have fun without the pressure of drinking. These testimonials and survey responses demonstrate that Project Safe Space fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere where alcohol-free socializing is accepted and embraced within the community.

Project Safe Space has significantly impacted Akron by providing a platform for alcohol-free social gatherings. There has been strong interest in sober mixology classes, with many people reaching out for more information and wanting to participate. The support from the community has been overwhelming, with numerous attendees sharing positive feedback about the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, being reposted by Summit Recovery Hub has been a major milestone, further validating the importance and relevance of alcohol-free spaces. The combination of these factors has reinforced the demand for such initiatives and created a sense of belonging for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcohol-centered events.

One of the ongoing challenges faced in the first six months of Project Safe Space has been consistently attracting new attendees to each event. While Erica’s friends and regular attendees have been incredibly supportive, the goal is to engage a broader community and encourage new people to participate in the events. To address this, Erica invested in social media ads to expand the audience and raise awareness of the alcohol-free spaces being created. 

Each event saw at least six new attendees, demonstrating these efforts’ effectiveness in reaching a wider audience. The challenge of continuously bringing in fresh faces remains, but the success of these ads and increased community engagement has been promising. Erica plans to continue refining my outreach strategies and explore additional methods to build a consistent and diverse attendee base for future events. 

In the next six months, Erica plans to host a sober pop-up karaoke event at 647 Coffee with a local food entrepreneur.

2024 was the first time I have ever been sober for St. Patrick’s Day, and it was a powerful experience that motivates me to continue offering alcohol-free celebrations. The opportunities for future events are endless, and I am excited to engage with the community for their suggestions to help shape the next phase of Project Safe Space.

About Erica Banks

Erica Banks is a passionate entrepreneur and community advocate from Akron, Ohio. With over a decade of bartending experience, Erica founded Majestic Tails, a mobile bartending business, and the visionary behind Project Safe Space, an initiative focused on creating inclusive, alcohol-free sober social pop-ups. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Central State University. She serves as the Akron Food Works Coordinator at The Well CDC, supporting food entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses.

Erica developed Project Safe Space to provide a welcoming environment where people can connect and enjoy handcrafted mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages without the pressure to consume alcohol. This initiative also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs while contributing to Akron’s economic and cultural vitality. 

With Project Safe Space, Erica aims to redefine socializing by offering vibrant, alcohol-free experiences that encourage connection and inclusivity. Her dedication to this mission has earned her Knight’s Emerging City Champion recognition.

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