A happy hour is a good place for games because people are already relaxed and standing around. The trick is picking games that suit your group size, your space, and the fact that not everyone will be drinking. This guide covers ideas for both small and large groups.
What is a happy hour?
A happy hour is a period, usually late afternoon or early evening, when bars and restaurants offer discounted drinks and food. The term is also used for informal gatherings with coworkers or friends after work.
Choosing games
Ask a few questions before you pick:
- How many people are there, and do they know each other?
- Is the space loud, crowded, or open?
- Will everyone be drinking alcohol? Choose games that work either way.
- Do you want a game that stops conversation, or one that sits alongside it?
Games for big groups
If you are not sure what game to play with a lot of people, start with something that needs no equipment and has no sitting out.
- Two Truths and a Lie. Each person shares three statements, two true and one false, and the group guesses. It works well with coworkers who do not know each other well. For workplace-friendly options, see 5-minute games for adults.
- Charades or a drawing game. Split into teams and keep rounds short. See acting games for groups and the drawing on your head game.
- Trivia. Teams of four or five, with questions on a theme you pick. Bars often host one, but you can run your own with a phone.
- Flip cup. Two teams race in relays. Use any drink, or water.
Games for small groups
- Never Have I Ever or Would You Rather. Easy to start, and sips are optional. See drinking games for two people without cards for more talking games that work with a pair or trio.
- Quarters. A coin and a cup.
- Solo Ship. A life-size version of Battleship described on the Solo Cup blog. Players draw a grid on butcher paper or a tablecloth, place paper ships behind a divider, and call out coordinates. It needs a table and some craft supplies, and drinks are optional.
Games that need a little gear
- Darts. A board is common in bars, and popular dart games like 501 and Cricket are simple to learn.
- Washer toss. See the washer toss rules for a patio or backyard happy hour.
- Beer ball. Four or more players with a table and a ping pong ball. See the beer ball rules.
- Tipsy Waiter. A relay from the Solo Cup blog, based on dizzy bat: players balance a tray with cups of water while dizzy and race to a bucket. It is meant for outdoors, and it is messy and silly. Keep dizzy runners away from steps and anyone who has been drinking heavily.
- Pizza box pong. Use empty pizza boxes as the playing surface for a pong-style game, with cups or any drink you like.
What is a power hour?
A power hour is a drinking game in which participants take a small drink at set intervals, such as once a minute, for an hour. Because the total adds up quickly, many people avoid it. If you want the format without the risk, take a sip of water or a bite of food each minute, or play a song-based round instead. See games like beer die for other party games with a similar energy.
How to plan a game night
- Pick two or three games, not ten.
- Gather props in advance: a ball, a coin, a pen and paper.
- Choose someone to explain the rules in under a minute.
- Mix an active game with a talking game.
- Have food and non-alcoholic drinks available.
- Let people opt out without comment.
Keeping it inclusive and safe
Some guests will not drink, and some workplaces have rules about alcohol. Make sure the games work without it, and never pressure anyone. Offer ride or cab information at the end of the night. For more work-party ideas, see morale boosting games for employees.