Drinks on the patio. Is there anything better? Actually, yes. Games on the patio. These 20 bar patio games can turn your outdoor seating area into a spot for socializing – and a little friendly competition.
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Explore fun and exciting Barbie games for girls! Play fashion dress-up games, puzzle games, adventure games and more! Bar Game #2 – Kangaroo Just another of the hundreds of bar games you can play with a balloon. Have players line up at the staring line with a balloon securely pressed between their knees. At the yell of Go!, hop down the course towards the finish line making sure.
3 Reasons Why Bar Patio Games Rule
1) Living Billboard
Research shows that outdoor seating at bars and restaurants can drive up sales by 30%. One of the reasons for the increased revenue is that your patio becomes a “living billboard,” showing people passing by all the fun they’re missing. Adding bar patio games to the mix creates a lively social scene that will catch the eye of anyone nearby.
2) Events Made Easy
When the weather is nice, bar patio games give guests a reason to leave their own backyard. Set up an event around your bar patio games – from cornhole tournaments to beer pong playoffs. P.S. Always run a Facebook event for extra promotional power.
3) The Golden Hour Factor
Also known as the magic hour, the golden hour – right before and during sunset – is the ideal time for flattering photos. (Every millennial knows this.) When those selfies are snapped, your bar patio games get free Instagram and Facebook exposure…making your bar the “it” spot on social media.
It’s Game Time: The Top 20 Bar Patio Games
1) They Might Be Giants
Think outside the game box and go big with your bar patio games. Jenga is fun. Giant Jenga is irresistible. Use this simple DIY guide to creating a set of XL Jenga blocks.
Or, paint a giant checkerboard on your patio floor. Plastic red and black plates become the game pieces. You could even paint blue, green, red, and yellow circles on the floor to create a permanent Twister game.
2) A Round of…Sholf?
This list of bar patio games is about to get weird. Say hello to “Sholf,” a mashup of shuffleboard and golf. This quirky game took off at football tailgates about a decade ago. You can order the official kit or create your own using a putting green mat, a putter, golf balls – and this Sholf guide.
3) Shuffleboard: Not Just for Florida Seniors
If Sholf isn’t your thing, consider straight up shuffleboard – especially if you want your bar patio games to attract millennials.
You can thank the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Brooklyn for making this senior-approved game a hipster’s delight. A regulation court is 52-feet long, but if space (and budget) is an issue, opt for a demure 9-foot tabletop version.
4) Bean Bag Toss AKA Cornhole
You can’t talk about bar patio games without the iconic bean bag toss – also known as cornhole. This bar “sport” is becoming so popular, venues are holding tournaments.
Get your DIY on again and use this tutorial for building cornhole boards. Paint your logo onto the boards or get a large decal printed. After all, #cornhole is trending on Instagram so this keeps your brand in the picture (literally).
5) Skittles (No, Not the Candy)
Woudst thou liketh to playeth a game of ye olde Skittles?
Skittles, or lawn bowling, has been played in Europe for centuries. No lawn? No problem. Set up the 10 wooden pins on the floor and let the good times roll with the most traditional of bar patio games.
6) Today’s Arcade is Tableside
Think lawn bowling is too old school? Give guests the latest tech instead. Put touchscreen bar tablets from Buzztime in the hands of every guest. They can tap into realistic arcade games 24/7 or join in nationally scheduled trivia that runs 7 days a week, 15 hours a day. With over 10 million register players nationwide, Buzztime bar patio games can attract new patrons to your place.
7) Live Trivia for the Win
Take your bar patio games to the next level. Host a live trivia event! The same bar tablets that hook up guests with arcade games double as scoring devices on trivia night. No need to hire a trivia host, you get everything needed to host live trivia yourself.
8) Hoops Contests
Score a slam dunk with guests. Set up a mini basketball hoop and let the bar patio games begin. Run a trick shot contest and let audience applause determine the winner. Or, create a contest with a high stakes prize if someone makes a shot from across the patio.
9) How Low Can You Go?
Everyone loves to limbo (well, except really tall people). Purchase a limbo set for under $50. Play Flo Rida and T-Pain’s hit song Low. Now, you’ve got a limbo contest to add to your bar patio games lineup.
10) Card Games for Cool Kids
Time to toss that dusty Trivial Pursuit game. Upgrade to today’s trending card-based bar patio games like Cards Against Humanity, and What Do You Meme? Fair warning: these games are NSFW and definitely for the 21+ crowd. But millennials love ‘em. In fact, Cards Against Humanity is the #6 best-selling game on Amazon.
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11) Horseshoes
Take inspiration from backyard classics when planning your bar patio games. Granted, you’ll need sand pits and a strip of lawn for horseshoes. But the payoff is giving your outdoor bar space a homey, cool, sorta-country vibe.
12) KanJam
Next up on this list of bar patio games is a newer backyard favorite. KanJam involves two players who each guard a “goal” (which looks like a black trash bin). Players try to aim their frisbee into the bin.
13) Table Tennis
You’ve already got the tables. Push them together. Then just add ping pong balls, a net, and paddles. It’s bar patio games made easy. Run a table tennis tournament and watch guests get their game on all night long.
14) Flippin’ Fun
You could say Flip Cup is America’s unofficial college sport. The equipment? Red Solo Cups. Here’s how to run a flip cup game like a pro:
Two teams with an equal amount of players line up on either side of a long table. Every player has a cup in front of them. One player from each team begins the flip off by attempting to…flip their cup over. Once they land their cup, the next player goes. The team who successfully flips all their cups first, wins. It’s simple. It’s fun. It’s going to be one of your most popular bar patio games.
15) Beer Pong
Ah, beer pong. It’s another favorite college game involving those Red Solo Cups (and ping pong balls). Like cornhole, many bars run beer pong tournaments to turn their bar patio games into cool competitions.
This beer pong tutorial shows you how the game is played. But chances are, you already know how…
16) Croquet, Dahling
Let’s step away from the college games and explore the refined game of croquet. Again, this is one of those bar patio games that requires a small lawn area. Players strike colorful croquet balls through wire hoops using a wooden mallet. This sophisticated game can inspire the perfect summer event: croquet and cocktails.
17) Video Bar Patio Games Under the Stars
Fortnite isn’t just a video game, it’s a national obsession. That’s why bars across America are hosting Fortnite tournaments. If you’ve got TVs on your bar patio, consider getting in on the Fortnite insanity with a tourney at your place.
18) Texas Hold ‘Em Tourney
Bar tablets come into play again. This time, they become a virtual deck of cards so guests can throw down in Texas Hold ‘Em on your patio. Raise the stakes and run a tournament to maximize the ROI of your poker bar patio games.
19) Scrabble Supersized
Scrabble tiles are tiny. Create your own larger set using plywood or cardboard and set them out on the patio floor using this easy DIY guide to “Lawn Scrabble.” Yes, we had to sneak in one more giant game onto this bar patio games list.
20) Chalk it Up
Sometimes the best bar patio games are the simplest. If you’re like many bars, you turn a section of your parking lot into a patio during warmer months. Boom, you’ve got a blank canvas for chalk-based games. Think retro hopscotch or simple rounds of tic, tac, toe. Set out buckets of sidewalk chalk so guests can get arty.
When it comes to fun and games, take it outside. Bar patio games create a social, upbeat atmosphere that no guest can resist. Let the (outdoor) games begin!
Want guests to stay longer, spend more, and return often? Break out the bar games. You’ll bring patrons together for a great time while creating a lively atmosphere that attracts crowds. Before dusting off Trivial Pursuit, ensure you have the right games for your guests. We make it easy by sharing the 18 best bar games for 2019. Are you game?
ATTRACT MILLENNIALS WITH ON-TREND PARTY GAMES
Adult party games launch laughing fits in living rooms across America. Now, bring the fun (and millennials) to your place. Always have multiple sets of these popular bar games on hand. Fair warning: they’re definitely R-Rated.
1. Cards Against Humanity
With a 5-star Amazon rating based on nearly 40,000 reviews, this is a no brainer as far as bar games go. It’s simple to play: One player asks a question from a black card, the other players answer with their funniest white card. For a PG-version ideal for families, get Apples to Apples instead.
2. What Do You Meme?
Launched in late 2017, this one is already Amazon’s #2 best-selling adult party game. If you want millennials in your bar, you need this game that’s based on trending internet memes.
3. Exploding Kittens
Not as sinister as it sounds, this easy-to-learn party game is actually suitable for ages 7 and up. Created by the millennial-approved cartoonist, The Oatmeal, this is one of the best bar games to purchase now.
4. Pop Culture and Movie Night Trivia
While the first 3 bar games require cards (and are best for groups of 8), there’s no limit to how many people can play Pop Culture and Movie Night Trivia. Questions are pulled from the week’s biggest headlines: viral videos, trending movies, and celeb gossip. Basically, if millennials are talking about it – the topics are in these 2 bar games.
BONUS! More Bar Games Millennials Love Right Now
- Jenga
- Catchphrase
- Settlers of Catan (a strategic board game, known as a Euro Style game)
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5. Cornhole
This bean bag toss game is trending at college campuses and backyard barbeques. Now it’s your turn. You can easily build your own cornhole boards or buy them for about $100 per set. Clear space indoors for a cornhole tournament when it’s raining or snowing outside – you’ll cure cabin fever for guests.
6. Darts
Dart leagues continue to build momentum into 2019. Already have dartboards? Get more guests in the game by asking your best player to host a training session (reward them with a gift card).
7. Shuffleboard
Not just for seniors in Florida, shuffleboard is showing up everywhere from hipster Brooklyn bars to trendy breweries. No, you don’t need to install a regulation 52-foot shuffleboard court – a 9-foot tabletop shuffleboard works well.
8. Hook and Ring Toss
Got shuffleboard sticker shock? Island Jay’s Hook and Ring Toss bar game will cure it…considering you can make it yourself for under $10. Sometimes, the simplest bar games are the best bar games.
BONUS! Other Physical Bar Games to Try
- Bocce ball…big in the South
- Table hockey (or even table tennis)
- Any Wii Sports
- Twister
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Build an event around your bar games with these easy, affordable ideas. Don’t forget to set up a Facebook Event for maximum visibility.
9. Olympic Bar Games
The real Olympics kick off in February…so why not launch your own winter Olympics? Guests can form teams to compete in everything from cornhole to flip cup, darts to beer pong. Stagger the competition to keep guests coming back on a weekly basis on your slowest night.
10. Live Trivia
Another one of the best bar games to attract midweek guests? Live trivia events. Every loves trivia night: from college students to baby boomers. It’s one of the best crowd-pleasing bar games.
No need to hire an expensive outside trivia host. Train your own staff to rock the mic. The right live trivia system will provide everything you need – from trivia questions that show up on your TVs to handheld tablets that keep automatic scores.
11. Interactive Trivia Leagues
When you give guests access to nationally scheduled trivia games 15 hours a day, 7 days a week…they’ll find their favorite for sure. In fact, many of the 11 million registered Buzztime players set up Wednesday and Thursday night trivia leagues to play SIX Trivia at their local Buzztime bar. Find out how to become a Buzztime location.
12. Competitive Karaoke
Yes, karaoke can become one of your most popular bar games. Just make it competitive by hiring a local musician or guest panel to give feedback to each performer. You could even use “The Voice” as inspiration and ask that the judges turn their backs to the performers. The winner should get a gift card – and be invited to judge the next week’s event!
13. Poker Tournament
Up the ante on fun with bar games like a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament. Don’t worry. Scoring and standings are generated automatically.
BONUS! More Live Event Ideas
- Charades
- Adult Spelling Bee
- Scrabble Tournament
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14. Let’s Go Lawn Bowling
Skittles, or lawn bowling, has been played in Europe for centuries. No lawn? No problem. Set up the 10 wooden pins on the patio floor and let the good times roll with the most traditional of bar games
15. Trick Shot Contest
Score a slam dunk with guests. Set up a mini basketball hoop and let the bar games begin. Run a trick shot contest and let audience applause determine the winner. Or, create a contest with a high stakes prize if someone makes a shot from across the patio.
16. Ping Pong
You’ve got the tables. Now, push them together. Then just add ping pong balls, a net, and paddles. It’s bar games made easy. You could even run a table tennis tournament.
BONUS! More outdoor entertainment:
- KANJAM…it may look like two trash cans and a frisbee, but this game is serious fun.
- Croquet – this classy “sport” is the bar game you need for your next Derby watch party.
- Giant. Scrabble. Tiles. Need we say more? Us this DIY guide to make your own lawn Scrabble tiles and get wordy with your bar games.
UPDATE YOUR ARCADE: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
No list of bar games would be complete without arcade ideas There are 2 key trends in the world of arcade gaming: retro arcade games and handheld arcade games. Anything in between didn’t make it on our list of the best bar games.
17. Retro Games
Ms. Pac-Man. Donkey Kong. Space Invaders. For children of the 1980s, these retro arcade games are a nostalgic escape. Some bars are taking their chances with refurbished arcade classics (they range from $1000-$3000 on eBay). Others are purchasing new versions that look identical to the originals (same price range).
18. Handheld Arcade Games
While retro arcade bar games look “cool,” if you want guests to stay longer and spend more, give them arcade games on tabletop tablets. In fact, an independent Arbitron study* revealed that guests who play Buzztime’s handheld arcade games spend an average of 21% more per table check. Even bars with a physical game room are adding handheld bar games, here’s why:
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- Space-saving: Why pull guests away from the bar to the arcade? Save space and increase orders: keep guests at the bar or table.
- Competitive spirit: For many players, the appeal of arcade games is the leaderboard. Handheld arcade bar games on the NTN network let guests compete on a local – and national – leaderboard.
- Strategically Designed: Today’s tabletop tablet arcade games are engineered to keep guests engaged in continuous play.
- All ages and interests: Handheld arcades include classic arcade games – plus newer ones. From racecar challenges to word puzzles, there’s something for all ages and interests. Unlike standalone retro consoles, handheld arcades are updated regularly if you use the right system.
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- Skee Ball
- Crane pickup
- Mini basketball
- Table tennis
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When it comes to bar games, think about the type of guest you want. Then, select games based on their interests and style of play. For example, if you’re a full-service restaurant that draws in couples for quiet dinners, offer 2-player bar games like chess and paint a few tabletops with a rustic checkerboard (different-sided coasters can be the checkers).
Or, if you’re located on a college campus, cater to big groups with equally big tournaments and trivia events that get everyone in on the gaming action. The ultimate game-winning strategy is one that keeps the customer’s needs in focus. Always.
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*2008 Independent Arbitron Study. Actual results may vary.