At Apartment Life, we believe that hosting incredible events doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most memorable and engaging experiences come from a creative plan on a modest budget. Don't believe us? Today on the blog, we're putting our money where our mouth is and sharing a list of 25 creative and entertaining events that you can pull off for on a tight budget. Many of these ideas were crowd-sourced from our favorite event experts, our very own Apartment Life Coordinators. Without further ado, let's get to it!
1. Lemonade Stand: Event tip - purchase pre-made lemonade from Chick-fil-a and a few varieties of flavored syrups. Set up by the pool on a hot day.
2. Game Night: Purchase (and borrow) your favorite board games and host a night of friendly competition between neighbors.
3. Cookie Bar: Set out a sweet mid-week treat to surprise and delight your community.
4. Iced Coffee Station: Cool down with a cold, caffeinated beverage. Serve a few varieties of creamer and flavored syrup for the perfect grab-and-go drink.
5. Karaoke Night: No karaoke machine? No problem. Download one of the many karaoke apps available or check out YouTube and set up a Bluetooth speaker to turn your club room or amenity space into your own karaoke club.
6. Puppy Play Date/Field Day: Provide dog treats, water bowls, and plenty of puppy toys to entertain your furry neighbors and their pet parents. Partner with a local pet store to snag giveaways or sponsor the event.
7. Massage Night: Reach out to a local chiropractor and invite them to bring a massage chair and provide free onsite massages in exchange for community-wide promotion. Provide light snacks and glasses of champagne (or sparkling apple cider).
8. Saturday Morning Cereal Bar: What goes better with Saturday morning cartoons than a cereal bar with all your nostalgic childhood favorites? Check out your local grocery store for weekly deals and BOGOs on cereal as you stock up.
9. Trivia Night: Snag some soda, beer, and light snacks (think nuts, pretzels, and Chex mix) and pull a list of trivia questions for free online. Partner with a local restaurant or business to provide a coupon/gift card for the winner!
10. Lawn Party: Ask your friends to borrow (or use your own) outdoor games to host a lawn party with light refreshments. Think spike Ball, corn hole, ladder ball, giant Jenga, etc. The list goes on!
11. Popcorn Bar: You pop the popcorn, and guests pick their toppings. What's your favorite: classic buttered popcorn or popcorn with M&M's? Try it both ways!
12. Community Yard Sale: Pick the date and handle the promotion but invite residents to supply the goods. From making a little extra cash to snagging a great bargain from a neighbor, it's a win/win for everyone in the community.
13. Football Watch Party: Plan a kick-off party for your city's NFL or college home team. Gather around the TV in your clubroom or amenity space and provide wings, chips, and a cooler full of drinks.
14. Chili Cookoff: This event is all about letting your resident chefs shine! Invite everyone to bring a pot of their best chili to share and appoint a few resident judges to select a crowd favorite. Your budget can go toward disposable bowls, spoons, and a prize for the winning chef. Pro-tip: search your local thrift store for a funny prize.
15. Outdoor Fitness Class: Invite your local gym or yoga studio to host a class in one of your amenity spaces. Many will come out for free in exchange for the promotion. Poolside, rooftop, or out on the lawn all make for a fun, out-of-the-norm fitness experience. Opt for early morning or sunset to beat the heat.
16. Live Music Night: You might not be a musician, but you probably have a friend (or neighbor) who is. Reach out to one or more local musicians and ask if they'd be willing to spend an evening playing music for your community. Serve dessert or finger foods, and you've got a totally unique and memorable event on your hands.
17. Scavenger Hunt: Plant clues and lead residents on an interactive experience through your community. Invite participants to document their hunt with photos (and post to social media) as they go and dedicate your budget toward a big-ticket prize item for the winner.
18. Community Clothing or Book Swap: Clothing swaps are a great way to engage a large number of people in your community and promote sustainable living. Any leftover items can be donated to Goodwill afterward. Gently used books are a great alternative to clothing.
19. Pops by the Pool: Sunny Saturday afternoons are made better with popsicles! Best of all, you can usually find pops in bulk at Costco or Sam's. Set up in a shady spot and let residents choose their favorite flavor. You're sure to bring smiles.
20. Pet Parade: Calling all pet owners! Map out a parade route through your community and invite neighbors to show off pets of all types. Pick a theme and invite residents to come dressed accordingly. (We love a Halloween costume parade with pets!)
21. Outdoor Sports Tournament: Engage your active residents with a fun, neighborly tournament. Tennis, pickleball, volleyball, frisbee golf, and basketball are great options, or if you're limited in outdoor space, consider simple options like cornhole, bocce ball, or horseshoes.
22. Donut Grab and Go: Greeting everyone with a donut on their way to work is a surefire way to make your neighbor's day. Cheap, delicious, and easy to order in bulk – donuts just might be the perfect event food!
23. Carwash: Buy (or borrow) a few garden hoses, some buckets, soap, and large sponges, and you've got what it takes to host your own carwash. Hint: you will want to work with your property manager to ensure you have an outdoor water source, and you'll also want a team of volunteers to help you pull this one off! If you have the manpower, this can be a great and affordable way to serve your community. (We have seen churches partner with Apartment Life Coordinators to host a car wash onsite at the apartment community.)
24. Charity Drive or Fundraiser: Partner with a local charity and invite residents to contribute to making an impact right in your local community! Toys for Tots, school supply drives, and food banks are just a few places to start.
25. Community Bake Sale or Bake-Off: Ending our list on a sweet note, bake sales and bake-offs are a fun (and delicious) way to let your neighbors show off their cooking skills. For those who are willing to share their baking secrets, invite participants to bring their recipes on notecards to trade with their neighbors.
Who says it's impossible to host an epic event on a tight budget? Not us! What events are we missing? Drop us a comment below with your ideas and tips. Follow us on social media @aptlife for more inspiration and be sure to share your event photos with us so we can show you off!