A successful pub isn’t just about serving good drinks and hearty food—it’s about creating an atmosphere that encourages people to gather, socialise, and become a part of your pub’s community. Hosting regular and exciting events can help attract new customers, foster a loyal local following, and boost sales. Here’s a list of creative and engaging pub events that can increase both community involvement and your pub’s bottom line.
Quiz Nights
Pub quiz nights are a tried-and-tested way to attract a diverse crowd. Offering fun, themed quizzes on topics like general knowledge, TV shows, or current affairs can create a lively and competitive atmosphere. You can charge an entry fee and offer a prize for the winning team, such as a bar tab or free drinks. Quiz nights not only boost sales through drink orders but also encourage repeat visits from quiz regulars.
To make your quiz nights stand out, try incorporating interactive elements like audience participation rounds or live music during breaks. Offering themed quizzes (e.g., “90s Trivia” or “Pub Landlord’s Quiz”) can keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Live Music Nights
Live music can transform the vibe of your pub and draw in a crowd. Whether it’s a solo acoustic performance, a full band, or a karaoke session, live music creates a fun and energetic atmosphere that encourages customers to stay longer. Offering drinks specials or themed cocktails during live performances can help drive sales, especially when people are enjoying themselves and more likely to order another round.
You can feature local musicians and bands to support the community and attract their fanbase to your pub. Make sure to promote the events in advance on social media to build excitement.
Themed Food and Drink Nights
A themed food or drink night is a great way to attract new customers while keeping the menu fresh and exciting. For instance, a “Taco Tuesday” with discounted tacos and margaritas or a “Wine and Cheese Night” featuring wine pairings with different cheeses can create a unique dining experience that’s sure to generate buzz. You can even run a "Craft Beer Night" where you feature a selection of local brews paired with food or snacks.
These themed nights not only bring in customers looking for a deal or a new experience, but they also provide an opportunity to highlight specific items on your menu, boosting sales and increasing customer awareness of your offerings.
Charity Fundraisers
Partnering with local charities to host fundraising events is a fantastic way to engage with the community and show your pub’s commitment to giving back. You could organise a charity quiz, a live auction, or a special charity night where a percentage of your takings go towards a good cause. This encourages locals to come in and enjoy a night out, knowing that part of their spend is helping others.
By aligning your pub with local causes, you’ll build a stronger connection with your customers, encouraging loyalty and repeat visits. Make sure to promote the event well in advance to raise awareness and gather support.
Sports Screening Events
Nothing brings people together quite like sports, and hosting screenings of popular matches or tournaments is a surefire way to increase footfall. Whether it’s a local football match, a major rugby event, or a global sporting competition like the World Cup, offering large-screen views, good food, and cold drinks can turn your pub into the local hub for fans.
Consider offering game-day specials such as half-price pints, a special “match-day menu,” or discounted shots to encourage customers to stick around after the match. If the event is a particularly important one, make sure to promote it in advance on your website and social media platforms.
Open Mic Nights
Open mic nights are a fantastic way to give local talent a platform while also drawing in customers looking for a fun, interactive night out. From stand-up comedy and poetry to music and improv, open mic events offer variety and creativity, keeping customers engaged. You can charge an entry fee for the audience or offer special deals for performers, like a free drink after their set.
Not only does this type of event create a sense of community, but it also encourages repeat attendance as performers and their friends come back for more. Open mic nights can also help promote your pub as a venue for creativity and local culture.
Beer and Cider Tasting Events
For craft beer lovers, a beer or cider tasting night can be a hit. Work with local breweries or cider houses to feature a selection of unique brews and offer tastings paired with complementary foods. These events can become a great way for beer enthusiasts to learn about different styles while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere.
You can sell tickets for the event, offer special deals on beers and ciders during the tasting, and even bring in experts to talk about the brewing process, giving customers a deeper appreciation for the drinks they’re enjoying. The added educational element makes these events stand out and can encourage customers to return for future tastings.
Game Nights or Pub Olympics
Hosting a game night can be a fun way to create a competitive and social atmosphere in your pub. Offer classic pub games such as darts, pool, or table football, or create a series of mini-games and challenges for customers to compete in. To make things more exciting, you could hold a “Pub Olympics” where customers participate in different games (e.g., quiz rounds, table football, darts) to win prizes.
These events are perfect for group outings and can be promoted as a team-building or social night out. They encourage customers to stay longer, enjoy drinks, and order food while competing for a fun prize.
DIY Cocktail Workshops
If you want to add a hands-on element to your pub events, a DIY cocktail-making class is a great way to engage with your customers. Partner with a local mixologist or bartender to host a fun and interactive evening where customers can learn how to make classic cocktails or new, trendy drinks.
These events can be ticketed and include a welcome drink, the class, and perhaps a cocktail-making competition. You can also offer discounts on ingredients or cocktail kits for people to take home, increasing your sales while providing a memorable experience.
Seasonal Festivals or Holiday Parties
Seasonal events are a great way to capitalise on festive cheer and increase footfall. Whether it’s a Halloween party with spooky drinks and costumes, a Christmas pub quiz, or a New Year’s Eve bash with live entertainment, seasonal events can draw in crowds looking to celebrate.
Create holiday-themed drinks, decorate your pub according to the occasion, and offer special promotions like discounted entry, party platters, or themed cocktails. Make sure to promote the events on social media well ahead of time to build excitement.
Conclusion
Organising exciting pub events is a fantastic way to bring your community together while boosting your pub’s sales. By offering a variety of events that cater to different interests—from quiz nights and live music to charity fundraisers and seasonal parties—you can create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts new customers and keeps loyal ones coming back. Whether you’re celebrating the local community or simply providing a fun night out, these events will help make your pub a destination of choice for socialising and enjoyment.
