The VIBEZ New Year’s Eve party is typically among the largest in L.A. (photo courtesy of #BOOM)

The Phoenix and the Institute for Public Strategies are bringing the “vibez” this New Year’s Eve with an exciting, sober experience to ring in 2024. While VIBEZ: A Sober New Year Celebration is not new to West Hollywood, this year’s Dec. 31 event looks to be one of the best yet. The theme is Alien Superstar, which The Phoenix’s Keithy Orellana said pays homage to Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour.

“From the silver chrome to the disco balls, the concert aesthetic was everything,” Orellana said.

“We wanted to bring that same environment to our sober community and create a safe space for people to tap into their inner Sasha Fierce.”

With drag queen Salinas EsTitties and DJ Michael Ian set to keep the evening on its toes, attendees can also look forward to dancing, light refreshments and a variety of fun activities and peeks into the future, including psychics, palm and tarot readings, and star-charting. Resource tables will also be set up to help residents get to know one another and how they can get involved with the sober community.

“The event began as a safe space for people who were sober to celebrate and ring in the new year, away from alcohol and substances,” Orellana said. “It also provided a great way for people who were looking to be of service to get involved. This is the tenth year that this celebration has been hosted in West Hollywood.”

She also encouraged people to show up in their “Alien Superstar” best, complete with “chrome pants, shiny silver nails, make up with diamonds and rhinestones, disco ball cowboy hats [and] glitter in your hair.”

“This event is catered to the sober community but is open to anyone and everyone looking for a fun night without the pressures of alcohol or drugs,” Orellana added. “New Year’s Eve is about new beginnings, and we’re excited to help bring in the new year in a fun and safe way.”

Both The Phoenix and IPS offer programs and services throughout the year. For instance, IPS offers #SIZZLE! in coordination with West Hollywood Pride. The organization offers substance use education and prevention with workshops and other programs, working with a coalition of agencies that are engaged in similar activities in the area.

Orellana calls The Phoenix a “community resource” that works to provide “enjoyable events tailored to individuals in recovery.” Among those activities are movie nights, fitness outings, CrossFit, camping trips, holiday parties and karaoke nights.

For information about IPS, visit publicstratigies.org. For information about The Phoenix, visit thephoenix.org. The Phoenix also offers an app that can help connect people to events throughout their area.

The VIBEZ New Year event will kick off at 8:30 p.m. at Fiesta Hall at Plummer Park, which is located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. To RSVP for the free event, which is open to anyone over 18, visit tinyurl.com/2xbeznxu.