How often do you talk to your neighbours? If you live in a big city like London, the answer is probably “never.”
Community events are a great way to meet new people that live close to you. Who knows, you might discover that you’ve been missing out on some great company.
But there are many other reasons to host a community event. You could improve the neighbourhood, raise funds for a charity, or celebrate local talent or culture.
Best of all, you’re probably not the only one who’s been thinking of organising such an event. That means your event team can be recruited from just around the corner.
Read on to find out about these ten amazing community event ideas:
- Marathons
- Quiz nights
- Gardening days
- Cook-offs
- Film screenings
- Swap shops
- Street parties
- Treasure hunts
- Food festivals
- Live shows
There is something for everyone…which is precisely the point of a community event.
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1. Marathon or 5K
You don’t need to read this blog to learn that exercise is good for you. But community marathons are great for many other reasons.
Not only does it promote public health in the local community, but it’s also an opportunity to see new parts of the local area.
You can make a community marathon or 5K even better by combining it with a charitable cause. Team up with a local charity and donate the proceeds of the community run.
How to do it
You’ll need to acquire certain permits to organise a marathon. Read about what’s required.
2. Quiz night
A quiz night is a fun way to test each other’s knowledge on a wide range of topics. Best of all, it doesn’t require a big budget to pull off.
In fact, most local pubs will be happy to supply a room for a quiz. They know they’ll make money on the bar, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
How to do it
You’ll need to put together a list of questions and prizes for the winner. Read more about it here, where you can also find sample quizzes.
3. Gardening day
A gardening day out is a healthy option if the weather allows for it. Have everyone bring their gardening tools and set out to revitalise a local green space.
You can clean up an unused lot and turn it into a vegetable patch or flower garden. Make it more interesting by giving out prizes for best effort.
How to do it
You’ll need permission from the local council to work on a lot. Read more about what goes into a gardening day.
4. Cook-off
A cook-off combines culinary skills with the spirit of friendly competition. Find a spacious venue and ask the community to bring their best delicacies.
You can have everyone bring something different or stick to one particular dish. The latter option is great if you want to have a specific theme for the cook-off.
How to do it
You’ll need to find a decent space that has enough room for everyone and their food. Read more about what goes into a cook-off.
5. Film screening
You can’t really go wrong with showing a good film for everyone to enjoy. All you need is a projector and plenty of seating.
You can show a recent movie that was really popular or stick to the classics. Why not make it a themed evening if it coincides with a public holiday?
How to do it
You’ll need a Single Title Screening Licence to show a copyrighted film. Read about how to get a licence.
6. Swap shop
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, or so the saying goes. Help reduce the number of landfills by hosting a swap shop event for the local community
The concept is simple. Rather than organising a flea market, which involves money, locals simply bring all their unused items and swap with other things they need.
How to do it
Make some rules about how much to bring and contact the local council to get permission. Read more about swap shops.
7. Street party
A street party is the ultimate way for the community to get together in their local area. Bring out good music, local food, and cheeky drinks for a massive get together.
Make it a themed party if it coincides with a holiday. Or create a cultural theme to celebrate local diversity.
How to do it
You need to inform the council at least one month before the party. Read more in the government guidelines.
8. Treasure hunt
Similar to a community run, a treasure hunt is a great way to explore the local neighbourhood while hunting for the prize.
You’ll need to prepare some clues and hide them in places that can be discovered—but not too easily, of course.
How to do it
Hold a pre-hunt meeting and brief everyone on what’s about to happen. Read up on suggestions and download some sample challenges.
9. Food festival
If the cook-off is too competitive or restrictive, why not host a good old-fashioned food festival? More rural areas can also organise a farmer’s market.
Either option is an excellent way to promote local eateries. You can spice up the festivities by hosting blind-folded food tasting competitions.
How to do it
Find a venue with room for all the food or a parking lot if people bring caravans. Read more on how to organise food festivals.
10. Live show
Do you have some local talent that can bring people together? Why not arrange a live show for the whole community?
You can host a music performance, a poetry reading, or a theatre piece. Only your own creativity limits the possibilities.
How to do it
Your local council will require you to obtain some licences. Read the government guidelines.
Billetto is a ticketing platform that helps you manage, promote, and host events. Set up an event page and start selling tickets in 5 minutes.
CREATE YOUR EVENT >>
Conclusion
Hopefully, this list has inspired you to go out and create your own community event. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Get creative!
You may have noticed that some of the suggestions require official permits. You can read more about which licences you need in our article on community event guidelines.
Have fun and go make some new friends!
