A bar crawl can be a fun and lively night exploring multiple venues all within one night, maintaining that party atmosphere from one location to the next. From birthday celebrations to holiday outings or just nights out with friends, a bar crawl can really enhance any occasion. With a bit of planning ahead, it’s possible to ensure that all attendees have a safe yet memorable time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on planning a successful bar crawl, from choosing a theme to finalizing everything without a hitch.
Choose a Fun Theme to Get Everyone in the Mood
Choose a theme- one of the easiest ways to add extra excitement and bring people together. You want to reflect on the season or reason behind the bar crawl: are you getting close to Halloween, or would you like to plan a themed outing for the holidays? Themes like a ‘retro night,’ ‘tropical luau,’ or an ugly sweater bar crawl Hoboken style can encourage the participants to dress up for the occasion, making for a fun, festive photo opportunity. A theme gives character to the night and invites camaraderie as everybody gets into the spirit, making the whole experience cohesive and memorable.
Pick Your Bars Wisely
Once you have a theme in place, you now need to pick bars that fit the vibe you’re going for and are close enough to walk between. Find various bars, perhaps a low-key pub to start with, followed by a hot dance bar and a cozier cocktail lounge to close in on the closer finish. Not to forget, space the length between each of the different bars so participants are not walking or getting mixed up in directions at certain points. Research for opening and peak times in each location so you will know how to space and when to arrive at all the venues so there will be a good flow through the night.
Plan a Loose Itinerary
Plan an itinerary, flexible so everyone follows along and doesn’t end up feeling rushed. Agree on a time and a place to begin the evening and approximately how long will be spent at each pub. While you are not required to have a strictly rigid schedule, having one in general would help ensure that everyone’s keeping track of the group. Prepare the itinerary well in advance and share it with the group, whether through the messaging app they use most or a printed copy, as needed. Of course, consider the vibe of your crowd at every stop and save the biggest energy explosion for last. This ensures that everyone’s expectations will be set ahead of time, and no one will lose anyone or have to try to catch up.
Plan Transportation and Security
Any crawl should go to the top of the list for the organization of a safe evening. Considering the location, depending on what city your crawl is going to be in, use rideshare or public transportation if places are too spread out. It might be walkable between all stops in a very densely packed area, but plan for contingencies. Consider designating sober buddies to watch out for everyone, especially if you’re in a large group. For a more crowded event space or a rowdy theme night, like an ugly sweater bar crawl in Hoboken, don’t forget that enhanced safety precautions, such as pre-booked rides home by the end of the night, will ensure everyone arrives home safely.
Add Some Group Games for More Enjoyment
Games can make your bar crawl even more enjoyable and add an extra interactive dimension to the evening. For each bar, you can have a challenge: order a certain drink, take a group photo, or dare someone to sing along with the music of that bar. Simple games like a bingo card filled with bar crawl challenges make every stop exciting, and a photo scavenger hunt makes everyone want to capture the fun. There’s always something going on, so you don’t get stuck with a dull evening but encourage everyone to mingle around as it is helpful if it has friends who do not all know each other.
Conclusion
Planning a bar crawl requires a balance between having fun, safety, and structure. From the decision to choose a festive theme to arrange safe transportation, every step of this creates a night that flows through to keep everyone engaged and moving. A bar crawl is a fantastic way to have a great time with friends, explore new exciting locations, and make fantastic memories. A wee bit of planning on your part ensures that everyone has a blast hard enough to know everything’s going to be fine for a night out with friends. So, collect some good friends, brainstorm ideas together, and be prepared for an adventure everyone will not forget after midnight.
