Dry January: Eight event ideas to keep you out of the pub

After the Christmas boozing, many of us make the decision to partake in Dry January to reap benefits, including better concentration, better sleep, extra cash, clearer skin, better mood, improved overall health, and much more. 

But after Christmas, with all the drinking and partying, giving it up for an entire 31 days can feel… bloody boring and hard. But stay calm, we’re here to help you through it all. 

If you’re wondering how to do Dry January, the answer is simple: get out and enjoy yourself. If you end up sitting at home watching TV instead of having a laugh with your mates, obviously it’s going to drag. So if you get out and have fun, the month will fly by.  

Here are some ideas for staying sober in January without sacrificing fun. 

Laugh ‘til your face turns red

Photo: Rotunda Comedy Club / Facebook.com 

Laughter is good for your health, and there’s no better feeling than sharing it with people you care about. Whether you hit a comedy club with your mates, family, significant other, or even a work colleague, you really can’t go wrong. While you’re hanging on each word of the comics, engrossed in the story and laughing your arses off, you’ll completely forget about the pub. It’ll also work out cheaper and could become a regular night out for you. 

Click or tap here to discover comedy events near you 

Tantalise your taste buds

Photo: The Strawberry Barn / Facebook.com 

Everyone loves food. Discovering foods from around the world, vegetarian and vegan delights, scrumptious desserts, and more has never been easier with loads of foodie events going down all across the UK. you can go to the pub any time, but foodie fests are rarer. Once the event’s finished, you might not have another chance to try out all that amazing food for another year or so. So scrap the pub off and try some new foods instead. 

Click or tap here to discover foodie events near you 

Explore your artistic side

Photo: Van Gogh Expo / Facebook.com

Some people who cut down on drinking report they have more energy and increased creativity. So it could be the perfect time to explore art, get inspired, and maybe create something yourself. But let's take baby steps first. If you like, you can start by checking out artsy events like the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, light shows, and more. If nothing else, they're beautiful, sometimes educational, and offer something different for a change. 

Get on your bike! 

Literally. Get out there and do something active! Many aspire to be fitter in the near year, and with the extra energy you’ll have from not drinking, January’s the perfect time to do it. Some people despise the gym (we get it), so instead of going to that cold room with a bunch of strangers who you’re convinced are staring at you (even though we promise they aren’t), try roller skating, climbing, archery, free Salsa classes, a fitness rave, and more. 

Explore other worlds at the theatre 

Photo: Peaky Blinders The Rise / Facebook.com

Before you brush this off saying theatre isn’t for you, bear with us a sec. Because the theatre often seems either adored or despised. If you think you’re one of those that would rather watch paint dry, it’s possible you haven’t found the right kind of show yet. This could be the year you discover your love for theatre. There are musicals, dramas, comedies, family shows, romances, interactive performances (interactive Peaky Blinders, anyone?) - all sorts. You don’t have to commit, just have a little browse. You might be pleasantly surprised. 

And if you already love the theatre, well, we know you’ll hard time choosing from the dozens of mind blowing shows we have on offer. 

Click or tap here to discover theatre performances near you

Learn something new 

Photo: The Velvet Burlesque / Facebook.com

Again, with all the clarity, energy, and extra time you’ll have on your hands from not drinking, now’s a great time to learn something new. You could take classes in dancing, art, roller skating, photography, burlesque dancing, meditation, and more. You might just discover your new passion! 

Click or tap here to discover classes near you 

Go out with your family 

Photo: Emma Bauso / Pexels.com

When we’re sat in the pub all night and nursing a hangover the next day, it’s easy for us to miss out on family days out. Now could be the perfect time to take the kids or your parents out. There are dinosaur shows, kids' raves, roller skating sessions, family discos, graffiti art classes, food events, and so much more you can enjoy as a family. 

Be a tourist in your own city 

Photo: Edinburgh Dungeon / Facebook.com

…or another city! When you’ve been living in a city for so long, you don’t realise you haven't gotten around to doing all those touristy activities. Tourists do them for a reason - they’re good fun. For example, in Edinburgh and London, you could explore the dungeons. You could visit landmarks, places of cultural significance, libraries, and so much more. 

Dry January might feel impossible, but once you start to fill your free time with fun events, it’ll be February in no time. And you’ll enjoy all those incredible benefits. You’ve got this! 

For more ideas for staying sober in January, click or tap here to discover a wide range of events near you. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: Maor Attias / Pexels.com