Pub marketing guide · 17 min read

30 Pub Event Ideas to Attract More Customers to Your Pub

The right event can give people a reason to choose your pub on a particular night, and a reason to come back. But what works depends on your customers, your space, your budget and the staff you have available.

Not every idea below will suit every pub. Some need very little beyond a free evening and a few posters; others need performers, equipment, extra staff or permissions. Each idea explains what it involves, why customers might come, what you'll need, how to promote it and one thing to check before you commit.

Words in [square brackets] are placeholders. The examples are illustrative only, not details of any real pub.

Low-cost pub event ideas

Simple events that most pubs can run with existing staff and little or no spending.

1. Weekly pub quiz

What it involves: A regular quiz on the same night each week, run by a member of staff or a quizmaster.
Why customers might come: It's sociable, easy to join and gives groups of friends a standing reason to meet.
What you'll need: Question sheets, answer papers, pens, a microphone if the room is large, and someone confident to host.
How to promote it: Post an announcement, a reminder the day before and a short note on the day. Put a poster by the bar.
Worth considering: Writing good questions every week takes time. Buying in a question pack or booking a quizmaster costs money but saves effort.

2. Music bingo

What it involves: Customers mark off songs on a bingo card as short clips are played.
Why customers might come: It suits people who don't fancy a general knowledge quiz and tends to create a lively atmosphere.
What you'll need: A speaker system, prepared playlists and printed cards, or a music bingo service.
How to promote it: Short video clips of a previous night work well on Facebook and Instagram, if customers are happy to appear.
Worth considering: Playing recorded music in public generally needs the right music licence, such as TheMusicLicence. Check you're covered.

3. Board game night

What it involves: A relaxed evening with a selection of board and card games on the tables.
Why customers might come: It appeals to groups who want a quieter night out and to people who don't like loud events.
What you'll need: A shelf of sturdy games, enough table space and someone who can explain the rules.
How to promote it: Photograph the games and tag local game groups or clubs who may want somewhere to meet.
Worth considering: Games wear out and pieces go missing. Start with a few hardy favourites rather than an expensive collection.

4. Darts competition

What it involves: A knockout or league competition on your existing board.
Why customers might come: Players bring friends to watch, and leagues bring people back week after week.
What you'll need: A board in a safe spot with enough clearance, a scoreboard and a simple draw.
How to promote it: Share the draw, results and a photo of the winner (with their permission). Contact local darts teams.
Worth considering: Keep the throwing area clear of walkways and tables so customers can pass safely.

5. Pool tournament

What it involves: A one-night knockout or a monthly competition on your pool table.
Why customers might come: It turns a table that's often idle into a reason to visit and stay.
What you'll need: A table in good repair, cues, chalk, a draw sheet and agreed house rules.
How to promote it: Post the date, start time and how to enter. A board at the bar showing the draw helps build interest.
Worth considering: One table limits numbers. Cap entries so the tournament doesn't run too late.

6. Charity fundraising quiz

What it involves: A one-off quiz with entry fees going to a local cause.
Why customers might come: People like supporting causes they know, and the charity may bring its own supporters.
What you'll need: The same as a normal quiz, plus agreement with the charity on how money is collected and passed on.
How to promote it: Ask the charity to share your posts. Mention the cause clearly in every post.
Worth considering: Raffles and prize draws can be covered by gambling rules. Check the Gambling Commission's guidance before adding one.

For more on running a regular quiz, read our guide to promoting a pub quiz night.

Food and drink events

Events that give people a reason to eat with you, not just drink. These depend on your kitchen and staffing.

7. Themed food night

What it involves: A short menu built around a theme, such as Mexican, Italian or a regional British dish.
Why customers might come: A change from the usual menu gives regulars something new to try.
What you'll need: A kitchen able to prepare the dishes, suitable ingredients and clear allergen information.
How to promote it: Post the menu a week ahead with a photo of a test dish, and ask people to book.
Worth considering: A new menu means new allergen information. Make sure staff can answer questions accurately.

8. Pie night

What it involves: A weekly night with a short choice of pies, mash and sides.
Why customers might come: It's simple, familiar comfort food and an easy weekly habit.
What you'll need: A reliable pie supplier or recipe, and enough oven space for busy periods.
How to promote it: Give it a fixed name and night, and share a close-up photo each week.
Worth considering: Work out the real cost per plate before setting a price.

9. Curry night

What it involves: A weekly or monthly evening with a short curry menu.
Why customers might come: Curry nights are well understood by customers and suit groups and couples.
What you'll need: Two or three dishes, including a vegetarian option, plus rice and sides.
How to promote it: State clearly what's included and the price. Mention vegetarian and vegan options if you have them.
Worth considering: Spice levels and allergens vary. Label dishes clearly.

10. Sunday roast special event

What it involves: A special Sunday, such as a roast with a guest butcher's meat or a seasonal menu.
Why customers might come: It gives regular Sunday diners something to look forward to and a reason to book ahead.
What you'll need: Confirmed supplies, enough kitchen staff and a booking system you can manage.
How to promote it: Announce it at least a week ahead and repeat on Thursday or Friday when families plan the weekend.
Worth considering: Don't take more bookings than your kitchen can serve well.

11. Food tasting evening

What it involves: A ticketed evening of small plates, cheeses or another tasting theme.
Why customers might come: It feels like a special occasion and suits couples and small groups.
What you'll need: A set menu, someone to introduce each dish, and a firm idea of numbers.
How to promote it: Post the menu in full and say how to book. Share photos of the plates on the night.
Worth considering: Fixed numbers make planning easier. Decide in advance how you'll handle cancellations.

12. Local producer showcase

What it involves: An evening featuring a local brewery, cheesemaker, baker or farm.
Why customers might come: Customers like meeting the people behind local products, and the producer brings their own followers.
What you'll need: A willing producer, space for them to talk or serve, and agreed arrangements on stock.
How to promote it: Ask the producer to share your posts and tag them in yours.
Worth considering: Agree who pays for what before the night, including any samples.

If Sunday lunch is your focus, see how to promote your pub's Sunday lunch.

Live entertainment ideas

These can draw a crowd, but most involve performers, equipment or noise to think about.

13. Live acoustic music

What it involves: A solo performer or duo playing a relaxed set.
Why customers might come: It adds atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.
What you'll need: A performer, a corner they can use and a power supply. Many bring their own small PA.
How to promote it: Tag the performer and share a short clip from their previous gigs if they're happy for you to.
Worth considering: Agree the fee, set times and finish time in advance. Check the licensing rules that apply to you, including any exemptions for live music, plus noise restrictions and your premises licence conditions.

14. Open mic night

What it involves: A night where local musicians, poets or comedians take turns on stage.
Why customers might come: Performers bring friends, and audiences enjoy the variety.
What you'll need: A host to manage the list, a simple PA and microphone, and a sign-up sheet.
How to promote it: Reach out to local music groups, colleges and performers. Share the sign-up details clearly.
Worth considering: Quality varies, and so does turnout. Give it several weeks before judging it.

15. Comedy night

What it involves: A booked line-up of stand-up comedians, often with a host.
Why customers might come: A good comedy night feels like a proper night out without travelling to a city venue.
What you'll need: Booked acts or a promoter, a microphone, seating facing the stage and a quiet room.
How to promote it: Name the acts in your posts and ask them to share. Make it clear whether tickets are needed.
Worth considering: Material can be adult. Say so in your posts and think about the time and your usual customers.

16. Karaoke night

What it involves: Customers take turns singing to backing tracks.
Why customers might come: It's fun to join or watch, and groups often come specifically for it.
What you'll need: A karaoke system or a hired host, screens or lyric display and a microphone.
How to promote it: Short clips of a previous night (with permission) show the atmosphere better than words.
Worth considering: Volume and finish times matter if you have neighbours. Check your premises conditions, any noise restrictions and whether licensing requirements or exemptions apply.

17. Local band showcase

What it involves: Two or three local bands sharing a bill.
Why customers might come: Each band brings its own fans, so a bill can draw more people than one act.
What you'll need: Space for a band, suitable power, a PA or the bands' own kit and help on the door if busy.
How to promote it: Ask every band to share the event. Post the running order on the day.
Worth considering: Full bands are loud. Think about neighbours, capacity and staffing, and check any licensing requirements, exemptions, noise restrictions and premises conditions that apply.

18. Traditional music session

What it involves: An informal session where folk or traditional musicians play together.
Why customers might come: It creates a welcoming atmosphere and often attracts a loyal group of regulars.
What you'll need: A corner with seats, and contact with local players who'd like a regular venue.
How to promote it: Contact local folk clubs and post a regular slot, such as the first Tuesday of the month.
Worth considering: Sessions are usually informal and unpaid, so turnout depends on goodwill. Look after the regulars.

Community and seasonal events

Events tied to the calendar or the local community. Plan these well ahead.

19. Christmas-themed evening

What it involves: A festive night with decorations, seasonal food or music, or a Christmas quiz.
Why customers might come: Many people want a festive night out close to home.
What you'll need: Decorations, a seasonal menu or activity and extra staff for a busy period.
How to promote it: Start promoting in October or early November, when groups plan their Christmas nights.
Worth considering: December is busy and staff are stretched. Keep the plan simple.

20. Halloween event

What it involves: A fancy-dress night, themed quiz or spooky menu.
Why customers might come: It's a fun excuse for groups to dress up and come out.
What you'll need: Decorations, a theme and perhaps a small fancy-dress competition.
How to promote it: Share decoration photos in the run-up and remind people the day before.
Worth considering: Check decorations aren't a fire risk and don't block exits.

21. Summer garden gathering

What it involves: An afternoon or evening making the most of your garden, such as a barbecue or garden games.
Why customers might come: People want to be outside when the weather is good.
What you'll need: A usable garden, seating, shade and perhaps outdoor cooking equipment.
How to promote it: Post a few days ahead and confirm on the day based on the forecast.
Worth considering: British weather is unpredictable. Have an indoor plan or a clear rain policy.

22. Local charity fundraiser

What it involves: An event such as a sponsored challenge, auction or fun day in support of a local cause.
Why customers might come: It brings the community together and introduces new faces to your pub.
What you'll need: A partner charity, a clear plan for collecting money and volunteers to help.
How to promote it: Ask the charity and local groups to share it. Announce the total raised afterwards.
Worth considering: Raffles, lotteries and prize draws may be covered by gambling rules. Check before you run one.

24. Family-friendly afternoon activity

What it involves: A daytime activity such as face painting, a craft table or a children's quiz.
Why customers might come: Parents look for places where children are welcome and entertained.
What you'll need: Suitable space, activity materials and someone to run it.
How to promote it: Post in local parents' groups (where allowed) and share details on Thursday or Friday.
Worth considering: Check your licence conditions about children on the premises, and think about safety and supervision.

Ideas for quieter weekdays and smaller pubs

Lower-key events that suit smaller rooms, smaller budgets and slower nights.

25. Midweek social club

What it involves: A regular gathering for a particular group, such as retired regulars, new parents or remote workers.
Why customers might come: People enjoy a regular, low-pressure reason to get out and meet others.
What you'll need: A reserved area, a regular time and a friendly welcome.
How to promote it: Posters in the pub and a short, regular post. Word of mouth matters most.
Worth considering: These start small. Keep going for several weeks before deciding whether it works.

26. Book club evening

What it involves: A monthly book club meeting in a quiet corner.
Why customers might come: Members get a comfortable place to talk, and many will eat and drink while they do.
What you'll need: A quiet area and someone willing to organise the reading list.
How to promote it: Contact the local library or bookshop, and ask existing members to invite friends.
Worth considering: It works best away from loud events. Avoid booking it on a music or sport night.

27. Craft or creative workshop

What it involves: A ticketed session such as wreath-making, painting or pottery, run by a local maker.
Why customers might come: It's a sociable way to learn something new, often booked by groups of friends.
What you'll need: A tutor, materials, table space and a clear number of places.
How to promote it: Post photos of what people will make and say exactly what's included.
Worth considering: Agree how costs and ticket money are shared with the tutor. Protect tables from paint and glue.

28. Themed trivia night

What it involves: A quiz on a single subject, such as a film series, TV show or decade of music.
Why customers might come: It attracts fans of that subject who might not come to a general quiz.
What you'll need: A themed question set and a host who knows the subject.
How to promote it: Name the theme clearly and post in relevant fan groups where allowed.
Worth considering: Popular themes can be hit or miss. Try one before planning a series.

29. Local history talk

What it involves: A short talk by a local historian about the area, the building or the pub itself.
Why customers might come: Local history interests many people, especially older customers and newcomers to the area.
What you'll need: A speaker, seating and perhaps a screen for photos.
How to promote it: Ask the local history society to share it and use an old photo of the area in your posts.
Worth considering: Keep it short, around 30 to 45 minutes, with time for questions.

30. Meet-the-maker evening

What it involves: An informal evening with a local brewer, distiller or food producer talking about what they make.
Why customers might come: Customers enjoy the story behind a product and meeting the person who makes it.
What you'll need: A willing maker, a space for them to talk and the product available to buy.
How to promote it: Tag the maker and ask them to share. Use their photos with permission.
Worth considering: Any samples must be served responsibly and within your licence. Keep it modest.

Which events work best for a small pub?

If space, staff or budget are tight, start with events that need little equipment and don't depend on a big crowd. Here's how some of the options compare.

Board game night

Advantages: Very low cost, quiet, works with a few tables.

Limitations: Rarely brings big numbers.

Weekly quiz

Advantages: Familiar, repeatable, easy to promote.

Limitations: Needs a confident host and fresh questions.

Acoustic music

Advantages: Adds atmosphere in a small space.

Limitations: Performer fees, and turnout varies.

Book club or social club

Advantages: No cost, builds loyal regulars.

Limitations: Small groups and slow to grow.

Themed food night

Advantages: Can lift food sales on a quiet night.

Limitations: Depends on kitchen capacity and stock.

How to choose an event for your pub

Customer interests: Ask regulars what they'd come in for. Your customers are the best guide.
Quiet trading days: Put events on the nights you most need help, not the ones that are already busy.
Venue capacity: Be realistic about how many people your space can hold comfortably and safely.
Staffing: Make sure you have enough people behind the bar and in the kitchen on the night.
Budget: Add up performer fees, equipment, food and extra staff before you commit.
Likely demand: Test interest with a post or a poster before planning something large.
Repeatability: Events you can run every week or month usually build better than one-offs.

How to promote your pub event

An example timeline. Adjust it to suit your event and the time you have.

10–14 days before: Announce the event on Facebook and Instagram, put up a poster and tell regulars.
One week before: Share more detail: times, prices, booking and anything included.
Two or three days before: Post a reminder and ask performers, partners or charities to share it.
On the day: A short post or Story to say it's happening tonight, with the start time.
After the event: Thank everyone, share a few photos (with permission) and mention the next date.

Where to promote it

Facebook is often where regulars and local residents check what's on. Use clear event posts and share them to relevant local groups where that's allowed.
Instagram suits photos and short clips of the atmosphere, food and performers. Stories work well for same-day reminders.
In-pub posters reach the people most likely to come back: put them by the bar, on tables and in the toilets.
Tell existing customers in person. A quick mention at the bar is still one of the best ways to spread the word.
Local community connections, such as clubs, schools, charities and nearby businesses, can share your event with people you wouldn't otherwise reach.

For Facebook events and Page tips, read how to promote your pub on Facebook. Need ideas for the days between events? Try our 25 social media post ideas for pubs.

Five ready-to-adapt social media posts

Pub quiz · example post (illustrative)

Quiz night at [pub name] this [day] from [time]. Teams of up to [number], £[entry] per person, prize for the winners. Book a table on [phone/booking link].

Live music · example post (illustrative)

Live music this [day] with [performer name], from [time] at [pub name]. [Free entry / tickets £[price]]. Kitchen open until [time].

Food-themed night · example post (illustrative)

[Theme] night is on [date] at [pub name]. A short menu of [dishes], from £[price]. [Vegetarian options available, if you offer them.] Book on [phone/booking link].

Charity event · example post (illustrative)

Join us on [date] from [time] for [event name] in aid of [charity]. [Explain the agreed donation, e.g. £[amount] from each entry] goes to [charity]. Everyone welcome at [pub name].

New weekly event · example post (illustrative)

Something new at [pub name]: [event name] every [day] from [time], starting [date]. [One line on what's involved]. Come along and give it a try.

Never claim an event is sold out or nearly full unless it genuinely is.

How to measure whether an event worked

Attendance: Count roughly how many people came, and how many were there for the event.
Incremental sales: Compare takings with a similar night without an event, not just with a quiet night.
Event costs: Include performer fees, prizes, decorations, equipment and food.
Staffing costs: Count any extra hours you scheduled because of the event.
Repeat visits: Notice whether new faces come back, and whether regulars come more often.
Customer feedback: Ask a few people what they thought and what would bring them back.

A busy event isn't necessarily a profitable one. If a full room only just covers the performer, the prizes and the extra staff, it may still be worth running for the goodwill, but go in knowing that.

Common mistakes to avoid

Poor promotion: One post the day before rarely fills a room. Follow a simple timeline and use posters as well as social media.
Overcomplicated events: Elaborate plans are hard to repeat. Start simple and build on what works.
Unrealistic budgets: Costs add up quickly. Set a budget and work out what you'd need to take to cover it.
Incorrect event information: Wrong dates, times or prices frustrate customers. Check every post before sharing it.
Not checking permissions: Live and recorded music, late finishes, raffles and children on the premises can all depend on your licence, exemptions or other rules. If you're unsure, ask your local licensing authority. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Events are one part of the picture; our guide on how to promote your pub covers the rest.