Howl at the Moon
About
Howl at the Moon is Thunder Bay’s first NO ALCOHOL BAR and late night coffee shop. Finding a sober hangout spot in Thunder Bay has its challenges; Howl at the Moon is changing that.
Howl at the Moon aims to establish a safe and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds where they can be entertained without the presence of alcohol. It aims to promote a safe and welcoming environment by serving non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, as well as hosting events like sober karaoke nights, sober open mic nights, sober game nights, sober comedy nights, sober dancing and more.
We are open 6 nights a week from 4 pm – 1am.
Howl at the Moon is significantly different from other establishments within Thunder Bay because it is a new concept for the city’s hospitality industry; a safe place to mingle, socialize and meet other people living sober, healthy lifestyles.
Undoubtedly, it’s a beacon in a city in the midst of a drug and alcohol crisis.
Welcome to Howl at the Moon.
Events
Open Mic Night
Every Monday night, there is an open mic event where people are welcome to go on stage to perform. People can bring their musical instruments to showcase their talent, prepare poems to be spoken, share stories, tell jokes and share their own talents. This weekly event is an opportunity for people to not only showcase their skills or talent, but it is also an opportunity to build their confidence when going up on a stage. It is also an opportunity for local artists to showcase themselves and to promote themselves. People who are not interested in performing have the option to watch performers and enjoy the event.
Open Mic Nights are graciously hosted by The OC Band, a band based in Thunder Bay consisting of 6 local musicians who play the drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and vocals. Two of the musicians are Anishinabek.
Karaoke Night
Every Thursday night, there is a karaoke night where people are welcome to go on stage to sing songs of their choice. Like the open mic nights, this weekly event is an opportunity for people to not only showcase their skills or talent, but it is also an opportunity for them to build their confidence when going up on a stage. People who are not interested in performing have the option to watch performers, dance to the performances, and enjoy the event.
On our first karaoke night on April 6, 2023, a patron said,
“If I wasn’t here at all tonight, I would’ve already had several beers.”
This goes to show that Howl at the Moon is effectively establishing a safe space where people can have fun without the use of substances like alcohol.
The hosts of the karaoke night are Roger Fobister Jr. and Dylan Fobister, who are Anishinabek.
Sober dance nights, sober comedy nights, sober board game nights, and sober art nights are also examples of some of the activities that take place at Howl at the Moon.
Private Venue Bookings for All Your Meeting Needs
Howl at the Moon is available to be booked for meetings, events and activities. When booking the venue, many features and benefits are offered like:
- Free use of WiFi
- Tables and seats
- Televisions
- Gender-neutral restrooms
- Speakers
- Privacy curtains
Catering is available for events if you wish.
You can also book a karaoke show or a live band to entertain your guests following your meeting.
Product Offerings
Howl at the Moon offers a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages including Pepsi products, BioSteel clean energy drinks, Mother Parkers Coffee and tea from The International House of Tea.
These Prepaid cards are available for purchase:
They make great giveaways for community members visiting or residing in Thunder Bay.
A Cover Charge Pass card would grant one with an admission to an event or activity at the venue.
A Beverage of Choice card would grant one with a hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage of their choice.
Jody Loos – Owner of Howl at the Moon
Jody has over 3 decades of experience working in busy bars and nightclubs across Ontario, including over 10 years working in downtown Fort William–ground zero for Thunder Bay’s drug and alcohol crisis.
A recovered alcoholic himself, Jody has decided to use his skill-set to create a safe, social space for others in recovery and people who want to socialize in a cool, fun environment, without the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Jody is also available to be booked for speaking engagements.
Topics include:
- Thunder Bay’s drug and alcohol crisis
- Genocide on Turtle Island and how it relates to Thunder Bay’s drug and alcohol crisis
- Dangers for youth in Thunder Bay including gangs, racism, human trafficking and more
- My own addiction and my healing journey
- Why Howl at the Moon and why now
Contact Information
Email: howltbay@gmail.com
Direct Phone: +1 (807) 767-4513
Address: 8 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 2T1, CA
