Instead of pretending you have something to do, you should try to make other sober plans so you do have something to do! haha.
I think you're on the right track, at least with your close friends. You just have to make the choice as to whether new friends will: A. Mind if you don't drink and don't want to be around it and B. If they do mind, if it is worth potentially risking your sobriety to be with these "friends".