How to Have a Sober Halloween in New Orleans

Can you have a sober Halloween in New Orleans? The answer is yes! Halloween has grown into a holiday that is more than just kids trick-or-treating door-to-door. It has become a holiday for adults often with elaborate parties that involve alcohol and/or drug use. But it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of ways to celebrate a sober Halloween while in recovery.

Here are some local events in New Orleans this Halloween:

1. Halloween Run/Bash. Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, 1009 Poydras St., (504) 309-6530; www.walk-ons.com — Happy’s Running Club NOLA hosts a costumed fun run through the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny (then skip the bash part and head out for some healthy food).
2. Bernie Baxter’s Traveling Sideshow.
   Private residence, 44 Vivian Court, Algiers — A haunted house at a private residence has a “Dahlia’s Diner” murderous chef theme. Donations accepted. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Monday.
3. Boo at the Zoo.
   Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., (504) 581-4629 — The family-friendly Halloween celebration includes trick-or-treating, a ghost train, a haunted house and other activities. Tickets $17. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Or you can consider throwing your own party. A sober Halloween party would include everything a normal party would sans the alcohol or drugs. So what to include?

1. Festive decorations!
2. Make it a themed party (this is especially easy for Halloween with making it a costume party). Or try making it a decade party to encourage costumes.
3. You can also opt for a more intimate dinner party
4. Make the party about the food. Whether it be potluck, grilling, finger foods, or a bake-off.
5. Set up a bar that serves only alcohol-free drinks, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit the creative aspect. Make mocktails!
6. Add some friendly competition. Apples to Apples, anyone? Whether it’s a game around the living room or croquet out in the back yard, some friendly competition makes socializing easy without alcohol or drugs.
7. Feature a scary movie and pop popcorn and have snacks for your guests.
8. Have a more serious group of friends, consider hosting an informative party by hiring someone to come and do a reading or give a lecture.

Happy Halloween!