Themed Quiz Nights That Go Beyond Pub Trivia
Traditional quizzes are good, but themed quizzes pack out venues. From Harry Potter to 90s Music or even Love Island, they attract superfans who bring friends.
- Data point: Pub quizzes boost Tuesday/Wednesday trade by up to 30% in UK venues (CGA Strategy).
- Tip: Offer a free pint or shot for the team with the funniest wrong answer — it keeps the atmosphere light.
Live Music (But Niche)
Generic covers don’t cut it anymore. Customers love theme-focused acts: Britpop tribute nights, acoustic indie, or throwback R&B.
- Case study: A Newcastle pub increased bar sales by 45% on Thursdays with a monthly Britpop night (Morning Advertiser).
- Marketing hack: Build a Spotify playlist from the gig and share it on your socials to drive anticipation.
Speed Quiz Nights with Smartphones
No more fiddly pens. Smartphone-based quiz apps make the night quicker, more dynamic, and fun for younger crowds.
- Stat: Smartphone quiz nights attract 18–34 year olds at twice the rate of traditional quizzes (Lumina Intelligence).
Seasonal Beer Festivals
Mini beer festivals featuring local brewers are a proven draw. Charge a wristband fee for samples or run “taster paddles.”
- Data: Average spend per head at a beer festival is £34 vs £18 on a normal night (CAMRA).
Retro Gaming Nights
From Mario Kart to GoldenEye, gaming nostalgia fills pubs midweek. Use projectors for big screens and small prizes.
- Hook: Low setup cost, huge social sharing potential.
Charity Fundraisers
Pair good causes with fun — e.g., “Shave the landlord’s beard,” charity karaoke, or raffles.
- Impact: Customers stay longer, spend more, and share positive press.
Comedy Open Mic
Comedy brings a different crowd and keeps customers glued to their seats. Even better — no expensive acts needed.
- Pro tip: Offer free entry but run a “two-drink minimum” or bundle tickets with a drink voucher.
Pub Poker Nights
Legal when played for prizes, not cash. You provide drinks, chips, and fun — customers provide repeat visits.
- Stat: Regular poker nights increase Thursday trade by 20–25% (Marston’s landlord survey).
Sports Super Screenings
Don’t just show the match — turn it into an event. Add commentary competitions, goal celebrations (free shots), and themed décor.
- Example: One Sunderland pub saw £1,800 extra sales on Champions League nights (BBC Sport).
Food Pairing Nights
Go beyond beer and curry. Think gin & tapas, whisky & cheese, or cider & BBQ.
- Upsell opportunity: Bundled tickets mean guaranteed revenue.
Silent Discos
Yes, they still work — especially for younger demographics. Great for later evenings when noise complaints are an issue.
- Marketing tip: Post videos of the silent disco with everyone singing different songs — instant viral content.
Drag Bingo or Alternative Bingo
Drag queens, comedians, or themed bingo nights add humour and excitement.
- Case study: Venues running Drag Bingo see 80% higher Facebook engagement than standard quiz nights (SocialPubHub).
Seasonal Community Events
Halloween, Christmas jumper contests, St. Patrick’s Day parades — easy wins with low-cost décor.
- Pro tip: Partner with local schools or choirs for family-friendly daytime events, then upsell to adults later.
“Battle of the Bartenders” Cocktail Night
Let your team compete at cocktail-making, judged by the crowd. Customers love feeling involved.
- Revenue boost: Premium cocktail nights increase drink margins by 35% (CGA Strategy).
Pub Dog Show
If you’re dog-friendly, host a fun “best dressed dog” or “pub dog race.”
- Engagement: These events explode on Instagram & TikTok.
How to Market Your Pub Events (Without Wasting Hours)
Events are only half the battle — the other half is getting people to show up. Here are the proven strategies:
- Social Media First: Create countdown posts, memes, and reels.
- Facebook & WhatsApp Groups: Share in local community pages.
- Posters & Table Talkers: Don’t underestimate in-pub marketing.
- Email & SMS: Remind regulars personally — 60% of pub-goers say direct reminders influence their decision (UKHospitality).
- Automation Tools: This is where SmartPubTools comes in — it generates viral posts, schedules them, and keeps your marketing consistent.
Final Thoughts
Events aren’t just “nice extras” anymore — they’re essential survival tools in 2025. Pubs that consistently run exciting, well-marketed events will thrive while others fade away.
Whether it’s Britpop nights, drag bingo, or beer festivals, the key is to:
- Pick events that fit your community
- Market them smartly
- Track results and repeat what works
If you’re tired of wasting hours creating posts or struggling with empty tables, SmartPubTools was built for you. It helps landlords like you plan, market, and fill events automatically — so your pub stays packed all year round.
👉 Start using SmartPubTools today and take the stress out of pub marketing.