Dancing and drag: How a sober NYE party became an annual WeHo tradition

Like most cities, Los Angeles isn’t without its New Year’s Eve festivities — parties, hangouts, and, of course, fireworks. However, for those in recovery or just looking for a bit of a respite from the usual affair, it can be quite difficult to find a space that feels inviting and a little less rowdy.

That’s how events like VIBEZ: A Sober New Year Celebration look to differentiate themselves. Now in its 11th iteration, VIBEZ is West Hollywood’s annual sober New Year’s event co-sponsored by the city.

“Cities are themselves places where people find refuge,” said West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson. So, he added, it made sense for West Hollywood to help define a space needed for its community.

VIBEZ theme last year was "Alien Superstar"

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Jon Viscott

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“I think having [this] kind of space for people and letting people know that [it] exists is incredibly important,” said Andy Short, senior regional manager for The Phoenix, a nonprofit that hosts sober programming throughout the country and are co-sponsors of the event.

Short said he understands first-hand the value of these dedicated events.

“My first sober New Years, I told everyone of my friends that I was good to go. I’ll be the designated driver,” he recalled. That year, he remembered feeling completely shattered and alone.

“I wanted to crawl out of my skin,” he said, “I wanted to be anywhere else in the world, but I had to put on a face, you know, and pretend like it’s the same.”

VIBEZ will be celebrating it's 11th iteration this New Year's Eve

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Jon Viscott

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For Short and countless others in recovery or seeking a drug-free environment to ring in the new year, having a space like VIBEZ can be a lifesaver.

“One of the most important pieces of my own recovery,” Short added, “was hanging out with people who could have fun without using.” That spark of realization was a profound moment for him.

“ It's just nice to be in a place with people having a good time where you're clear,” he said. “Where you don't have to worry about the behavior of people when maybe they've had too many drinks or they're not quite in their right mind for whatever reason.”

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Like any New Year’s event worthy of attendance, VIBEZ prides itself on a good theme. Last year saw guests hitting the dance floor in their best “Alien Superstar” attire as local drag celebrity — and Drag Race alum — Salina EsTitties brought the entertainment.

A group of party goers hit the dance floor at last year's VIBEZ event

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Jon Viscott

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This year’s theme? Hot Western Rodeo.

“[It’s] a little Cowboy Carter, a little Chappell Roan,” Short said. “We try to put our own spin on it and make sure that, you know, folks have a place that's safe, but also a really good time.”

Short noted that those coming out should expect appropriately themed decor and costume pieces to try on, a mechanical bull for those brave enough, and, of course, the return of Salina EsTitties.

Drag Race alum Salina EsTitties will return to the VIBEZ stage this year

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Jon Viscott

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“She’s got a whole itinerary planned for us,” he exclaimed. “She’s reading people’s resolutions and apparently reading them.”

A history lesson: From #BOOM! to VIBEZ

Since 2014, the city of West Hollywood has funded and co-sponsored what has become known today as VIBEZ. Short said it all started out of activism through the local group The Tweakers Project — a nonprofit helping folks struggling with meth addiction.

“They were the ones that brought it to the city over ten years ago,” Short said. It was through their work, he said, that made the city aware that “West Hollywood being such a kind of epicenter for nightlife [it] also needed to support recovery in this way.”

A group of party goers celebrate at last year's VIBEZ event

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Jon Viscott

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“We have a long-standing history with our recovery community,” said Erickson, adding, “When something is so community focused and community driven, people come. People bring their friends. People want to come.”

Since The Phoenix took over co-sponsoring the event, formerly known as #Boom!, in 2022, organizers have seen a steady increase in turnout. Last year, the event saw nearly 600 people on the dance floor throughout the evening. This year, the team projects attendance to hit well over that.

“ I think the activism and the work that Tweakers Project and the other organizations did prior to us made it a name and made people know about it,” Short said, adding, “[And] I think the city has done an incredible job getting the word out that this is something they support, that it's a priority.”