Billings inaugural Dry New Year's Eve Masquerade Party 2023

The date is obvious, and the party starts at 8 pm at Sacred Grounds. People will cheer, toast, and perhaps kiss at midnight. They'll say goodbye to 2023 and welcome a (hopefully bright) 2024 with music and good times. Unlike most New Year's Eve parties in Billings, this affair will have a decidedly different twist: it's alcohol-free.

Sacred Grounds. Credit Damian Forrester, used with permission
Sacred Grounds. Credit Damian Forrester, used with permission
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Wake up without a hangover in 2024.

If you've never been, Sacred Grounds is difficult to easily describe in a few words. The new-ish coffee shop/event space/venue in Billings opened earlier this year in a 5,000-square-foot space at 2950 King Avenue West (across from Hertz Car Sales) and is far different than most coffee shops. A recent reviewer wrote,

This place is AMAZING!! So very different from a lot of the other coffee shops. There is so much room to sit and it is a very chill and respecting environment. There is a mix of modern and eastern aesthetics throughout the various sitting spaces. You would not believe it but there is also a theater lounge area!

The interesting collage of coffee house, spiritual and physical therapy center, community stage, etc. is the brainchild of co-owners MacKenzie Brown and Damian Forrester. They created the unique spot as a space for everyone. There is a dedicated children's area, a take-a-book, leave-a-book library, walls dedicated to local artwork, and much more. 

Sacred Grounds. Credit Damian Forrester, used with permission
Sacred Grounds. Credit Damian Forrester, used with permission.
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Dry events are growing in popularity.

We caught up with Forrester today, who said interest in Sacred Grounds' first-ever Dry New Year's Eve party in Billings has been incredible. He couldn't recall the last time (if ever) there was a dedicated alcohol-free New Year's Eve party in Billings. We couldn't think of any either, except for perhaps church parties.

Forbes notes that Gen Z is drinking 20% less than Millenials, who in turn are drinking less than Gen Xers and Boomers. While drinking seems ingrained in Montana culture (with some of the highest DUI and alcoholism rates in the nation), more and more Montanans are quitting, cutting back, or not drinking alcohol at all, for various reasons.

Image courtesy Sacred Grounds/Damian Forrester
Image courtesy Sacred Grounds/Damian Forrester
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The party sounds awesome.

The event promises a magically decorated Enchanted Forest theme with ambient performers April Fawn, Evening Star, and Cody Reel entertaining throughout the night. The musical soundtrack for the evening will be created by DJ City Sicc.

Credit Canva
Credit Canva
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Doors open at 8 pm and things wrap up shortly after midnight. Partygoers can enjoy tasty New Year's Eve food from Littleton's Luck Specialty Foods and can celebrate or relax with handcrafted espresso and tea drinks from Sacred Grounds The Coffee Denn. Tickets are $50 each (HERE) and are very limited. The event is open to ages 15 and up.

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