Whistlerites seeking late-night activities without alcohol have plenty of opportunities with Late Unique Nighttime Alternatives (LUNA) programming.
The group, funded from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), provides weekly programming and special events, typically in the lower level of the Maury Young Arts Centre, aimed at 18- to 35-year-olds looking to socialize without the pressure to drink.
“The program is deceptively simple,” said Graham McFetridge, recreation programmer with the RMOW. “Every year thousands of young adults move away from home to a party town. A lot are at the age where they would be in university. They don’t have to go to class, they can just go to work. Young adults can be drinking five, six, seven nights a week if they want.”
Add in expensive, cramped living conditions, and many newcomers wind up in bars or clubs instead.
“The town can have a party culture. The reality is things can get out of hand pretty quickly. That can be a net negative to one’s mental health. We try to come in and help people lead a more balanced, healthy lifestyle with programs every week," McFetridge said.
When asked about the program’s vibes, McFetridge said they’re “immaculate.” From an upcoming laser tag night at the library to weekly yoga and monthly ping pong tournaments, each activity offers the kind of experience people would want to take part in regardless if alcohol is involved or not.
“The way I look at our events, we don’t want there to be a stigma around alcohol-free. We try to find events people want to go to regardless. They happen to not have alcohol," said McFetridge.
If laser tag at the library piqued your interest, you’re not the only one. Some Whistlerites have applied six years in a row with no luck. Registration opens at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. Email [email protected] to secure a spot. The free event at the Whistler Public Library goes from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. It is open to ages 18 to 38. A lottery system is used to choose players.
If lower-key activities are more your style, there’s a sound bath on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the basement of the Maury Young Arts Centre. Weekly yoga runs Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and there’s also bi-weekly acro-yoga. Check LUNA's website for each week’s offerings.
