Celebrating doesn’t always have to come with a drink in hand. Across Grand County, sober events create space for community connection, family fun, and memorable traditions that don’t center on alcohol. From parades to bingo nights, these gatherings show that joy and fellowship can stand on their own. In the Best of Grand contest, readers highlighted events that bring people together while keeping the focus on fun, not the bar tab.
Granby’s annual Independence Day parade has long been a community highlight, drawing locals and visitors alike to line Agate Avenue for a patriotic celebration. Families enjoy the colorful floats, marching bands, and hometown spirit that runs through the event. With its daytime schedule and family-friendly vibe, the parade has become one of the county’s most inclusive sober celebrations, proving that red, white, and blue shine brightest without the haze of alcohol.
A true classic, bingo nights hosted by the Fraser Valley Lions Club combine a dose of friendly competition with community support. The games draw participants of all ages, and the proceeds help fund local projects and charitable causes. For many, it’s as much about the camaraderie as the prizes, offering an alcohol-free gathering place where neighbors can laugh, cheer, and catch up between rounds.
Hosted by Tame Wellness, Full Moon Adventures bring together mindfulness, movement, and outdoor community under Colorado’s starry skies. These events may include yoga, guided hikes, or other wellness activities designed to celebrate the rhythm of nature. For those looking for a fresh way to connect — both with others and with themselves — these evenings provide an inspiring, substance-free alternative to nightlife.
For many in the community, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings represent more than a sober event — they are a lifeline. The gatherings in Granby follow the long-standing AA tradition of mutual support, offering a safe, confidential space for people to share and grow in sobriety. While less public than parades or banquets, these meetings are no less vital to the fabric of Grand County’s sober culture.
The annual banquet hosted by Pregnancy Resource Connection brings together supporters for an evening of purpose and community. While it’s a formal event with dinner and programming, the heart of the gathering is connection: celebrating the organization’s mission and the lives it touches. The banquet provides a social atmosphere without alcohol, showing that inspiration, gratitude, and generosity are more than enough to carry an evening.
Thanks, ChatGPT.