Sober NYE? Check Out These Cities’ Parties

Can you really have fun without alcohol? Yes! In fact, finding fun, exciting, uplifting events that don’t involve alcohol can be incredibly helpful for your recovery. By making new memories that connect fun and sobriety, you can teach yourself, remind yourself, that life is better without substance use and that recovery and boredom aren’t the same thing. 

New Year’s Eve events are a good example. While many people in recovery put themselves in jeopardy by spending time at parties with alcohol and around people who are intoxicated, others have banded together to create fun and entertaining sober events. These events are hosted in numerous cities around the United States, and they can be a great way not just to spend an evening but also to make connections with other like-minded sober people while growing in your own identity as a person in recovery. 

But how can you find your own sober New Year’s Eve party in Ohio or elsewhere?

Finding Sober NYE Events

There are many sober NYE events being hosted in communities around the country this year, far too many for us to list in this article. And you can often find them in your own local area with a keyword search or by asking others in recovery in your region.

Events you may find include:

• public events hosted by sober organizations and clubs
• alcohol-free events hosted by other organizations 
• private parties hosted by sober individuals or groups

Depending on the particular event you may need to buy a ticket ahead of time, pay for admission, or ask for an invitation. Some examples of larger parties hosted in major U.S. cities this year include the following.

The NYE Celebration In Columbus, OH

Hosted by Ecstatic Dance Columbus, this NYE celebration is available to all ages with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and running all the way to 10 a.m. on January 1. Tickets cost $85 for adults and include live music, dancing, drum circles, yoga, presenter talks, food vendors, and a breakfast bar.

The ‘No Wasted Time New Year’s Eve Party’ In Chicago, IL

Located in the Everything Bar just beyond the West Loop, the No Wasted Time New Year’s Eve Party runs from 8 p.m. to midnight with doors opening at 7:30. Tickets only cost $40, are limited to adults (21+), and will get you delicious mocktails, appetizer bites, live DJ music, a dancefloor, and more. Just be sure to dress your best in black, silver, or gold to stick to the theme!

Vibez In West Hollywood, CA

Vibez is a long-running alcohol- and drug-free NYE experience hosted by The Phoenix in Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall. Each new year, the event brings together hundreds of participants for live music, dancing, and refreshments, along with other features like photo booths, a drag show, and a mechanical bull. Plus, this adults-only event is free to attend. The party runs from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Early RSVPs are encouraged. 

Sober New Year’s Eve: What To Expect

If you’re going to a sober New Year’s Eve party for the first time, don’t worry—it’s not all that different from any other NYE event, except that no one will be drinking and everyone will still be having fun. 

Most events will have music, dancing, appetizers, and mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) or other drinks to enjoy. And you may be able to do other things like play arcade or party games depending on the location. Food is often available to order if you need something more filling, and the night will include a countdown, ball drop, and (if you’re lucky!) a traditional New Year’s kiss. 

Hosting Your Own Party

Are you the kind of person who loves hosting others and helping people to have fun and make connections? Why not open your home or business and host your own local sober NYE party!

Connect with your local sober-living groups to advertise or reach out to your own friends and family to find guests, and consider advertising well ahead of time if possible. You may be surprised at how many other people would appreciate a drug- and alcohol-free place to relax, celebrate, and connect with others. 

No Better Way To Start The Year

New Year’s Eve represents a fresh start. As the saying goes, “New year, new you.” So why not make the coming year the best year to be you? And why not start by cutting loose and having fun in a safe, recovery-friendly environment surrounded by others who know how to have fun without the influence of drugs or alcohol? 

All you have to do is find your local event or host your own, and then step out of your comfort zone and make some new memories. You won’t regret it. 

Otherwise, if you need some help starting your own recovery to mark the new year, or you need recovery resources to recommend to someone in your life who struggles with harmful substance use, please consider connecting with Ohio Recovery Center (ORC) today. We are a leading residential treatment center offering care for all forms of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and more. 

We can help get your recovery from addiction or mental illness off to a strong start, with friendly and effective treatment services like medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, peer support, and medication management all hosted in a comfortable residential treatment center located right here in Van Wert, OH. 

To learn more, just contact our team today.