How to Draw a Crowd and Build Loyalty with Unmissable Events for Your Bar

Running a bar is a bit like being a performer. Every night the curtains go up, and you’ve got to put on a show that keeps people coming back for an encore. But in a world overflowing with choices, a great pint and a decent playlist sometimes aren't enough. You need a headliner, a special attraction that piques interest and gets people through the door.

That’s where events come in. They’re your secret weapon for transforming a quiet Tuesday into a talk-of-the-town occasion. But it's not just about a one-night surge. The real magic is turning those new faces into familiar ones. It's about building a community, a loyal following that sees your bar as their go-to spot.

So, let's examine how to pack your venue with standout events and, crucially, how to ensure that success lasts.

The Main Attraction: Events That Pack the House

Forget the bog-standard pub quiz for a moment. Let's think bigger and a little bit cheekier. Your goal is to create an experience that people can't get on their sofa.

1. Themed Nights & Takeovers:

• Decade Parties: Transport your punters to the 80s, 90s, or even the roaring 20s. Encourage fancy dress, curate a nostalgic playlist, and serve up some retro cocktails. It’s simple, effective, and ridiculously fun.

• Tiki Takeover: Even if you're in the middle of Manchester, a bit of tropical escapism goes a long way. Think bamboo, loud shirts, and rum-heavy concoctions. It's an instant holiday.

• Local Brewery/Distillery Night: Champion your local heroes. Invite a nearby brewery or distillery to take over the taps or the top shelf. They bring their expertise (and often their own followers), and you get to offer something exclusive.

2. Interactive & Skill-Based Fun:

• Cocktail Masterclasses: People love to learn a new skill, especially if it involves gin. These are ideal for small groups, corporate bookings, and anyone seeking a more hands-on night out.

• 'Meet the Maker' Tastings: Whether it's wine, whisky, or craft beer, an evening guided by the person who made it is a brilliant draw. It adds a layer of storytelling and authenticity to what you're serving.

• Gaming Tournaments: Dust off the old N64 for a Mario Kart tournament or set up a series of board game nights. It fosters a bit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

3. Live Entertainment (with a Twist):

• Comedy Nights: A good laugh is a powerful magnet. Start with an open mic night to find local talent before investing in more established acts.

• Live Music: Go beyond the standard cover band. Think acoustic sets, jazz trios, or even a DJ spinning vinyl classics. Match the music to the vibe of your bar.

From One-Night Wonder to Long-Term Loyalty for your Bar

Right, so you’ve thrown a blinder of an event. The place was rammed, the tills were ringing, and everyone had a fantastic time. Job done? Not even close.

This is the moment where most businesses drop the ball. You’ve got a room full of people who have just had a brilliant experience in your venue. How are you going to get them back? Shouting "see you next week!" as they leave isn't a strategy.

You need to capture that goodwill and turn it into a lasting connection. This is where a platform like meed comes into its own. The old way of doing things – forcing people to download yet another app they’ll never open or collecting email addresses for a newsletter that gets a 10% open rate – is broken. Consumers are overwhelmed.

Here's the smarter way to do it:

• Effortless Sign-Up: While the buzz of the event is still in the air, you can get customers to join your new, slick loyalty program. With

  meed, it’s as simple as scanning a QR code. No faffing with app stores, no forgotten passwords. In the time it takes them to open their phone's camera, they're in.

• Give Them a Reason to Return: You can instantly drop a 'welcome back' voucher into their digital wallet. A discount on their next round, a free portion of chips on their next visit – a little something that says, "We enjoyed having you, come back soon."

• Build Your Community: Now, these customers are part of your world. You’re not just a bar they went to once; you’re a program on their phone. With

  meed, they can manage all their loyalty memberships in one place, so you're not lost in the digital noise. You can send them personalised offers based on their interests, notify them about the next unmissable event, and make them feel like valued regulars.

  
  

The goal is to move beyond the tired, fragmented model of loyalty for your bar. You're not just running a bar; you're building a network. Imagine your regulars from the comedy night getting a heads-up about the cocktail masterclass. Imagine the gin lovers getting a special offer when you launch a new brand. This is how you build a real, engaged community that keeps your bar busy, night after night.

Events are the bait. They get people in the door. But a smart, seamless loyalty platform like meed is the hook. It’s how you turn a crowded night into a crowd of regulars. Now, isn't that a result worth drinking to?

Learn more about CHECKIN for Bars by meed.