35 Restaurant Events to Boost Profits and Fill Seats
Looking to increase foot traffic and profits? These 30 restaurant event ideas will help you attract guests, build community, and unlock new revenue streams.
Tessa ZuluagaAuthor
RESOURCE Restaurant Event Planning Checklist
Download our easy-to-use checklist to help you stay organized, on-track, and calm through every step of the restaurant event planning process. From early prep weeks out to the day-of, this checklist is built to make your events shine.
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| Built for RestaurantsYou’ve got a stellar menu. Your staff is well-trained. The kitchen’s running smoothly. But Wednesday nights are still quiet. Why? The answer might be simpler than you think.
It’s time to start hosting events. Not just any events, the kind of special events that make sense for your specific concept, create buzz, and bring in new customers.
Whether you run a cozy café or a bustling bar, here are 30 restaurant event ideas to fill up your reservation list and your bottom line.
35 restaurant event ideas
Food & drink events
1. Wine tasting and pairings Partner with local vineyards or distributors to host ticketed multi-course dinners with curated wine pairings. Add some storytelling to each pairing to elevate the experience.
2. Cocktail classes Teach guests how to mix classic and signature cocktails. Charge per person and offer a hands-on experience with light bites or small plates to complement the drinks.
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3. Chef’s table nights Offer an exclusive dining experience with a prix fixe menu and behind-the-scenes chef commentary. Consider rotating the theme monthly to keep it fresh.
4. Beer or whiskey tastings Collaborate with breweries or distilleries to host guided tastings. Feature limited-release pours and provide tasting notes to take home.
5. Farm-to-table events Celebrate seasonal ingredients with a rotating menu that highlights local farms. Consider inviting farmers to share their stories.
6. Tasting menu night Craft a multi-course tasting menu centered around a theme: mushrooms, seafood, or even chocolate. This is great for foodies and Instagram.
Restaurant Event Agenda template
Download this template to stay organized during your restaurant's events.
Experiential dining events
7. Comedy night Hire local comedians for a ticketed comedy-and-dinner combo. Laughter and libations are a winning combination.
8. Open mic night Give the mic to your community—musicians, poets, and comedians alike. Pair it with drink specials or themed menus.
9. Themed pop-ups Transform your space into a temporary concept (like a '90s diner or a Parisian bistro). Serve a special menu, play era-appropriate music, and even dress up your staff.
10. Secret menu nights Unveil off-the-menu items for one night only. Tease them on social media to build hype. Bonus points if you bring in a guest chef or bartender.
11. Game nights Break out the bingo cards, trivia rounds, or even blackjack tables. Offer prizes and encourage groups to compete.
12. Silent disco dinners Yes, it’s a thing. Guests wear headphones and dance between courses while enjoying a curated menu. Totally unique—and highly memorable.
13. Karaoke night Low-cost and high-energy. Let your guests be the entertainment while enjoying themed cocktails and bar snacks.
Seasonal & holiday events
14. Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner Offer couples a romantic, reservation-only experience with delicious food, candlelight, and champagne pairings. Consider live acoustic music for added charm.
15. Halloween costume contest + dinner Throw a spooky dinner party with themed food and drinks. Host a costume contest with prizes for best solo, couple, and group outfits.
16. New Year’s Eve bash The holiday season is a great time to run events and specials! Offer tiered ticket packages that include dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and a midnight toast. Book it early. It just might sell out!
17. Mother’s Day brunchHigh revenue and high expectations. On Mother’s Day 2024, 47% of Mother’s Day transactions were during brunch. Think mimosas, florals, and family-friendly specials that make moms feel like royalty.
18. Fourth of July BBQ or patio party Host an outdoor celebration with grilling stations, themed drinks, lawn games, and maybe even a pie-eating contest.
19. Sports viewing events Capitalize on big games with themed food and drink deals, team swag raffles, and wall-to-wall screens. Great for game-day energy. According to Toast data, during the Big Game, wing sales increase by 87%!
Recurring events
20. Trivia nights Run weekly or monthly trivia events to drive mid-week traffic. Offer bar tabs or merch as prizes and theme it (e.g., Friends, Star Wars, '00s pop).
21. Live music nights Support local musicians with set music nights. Promote the artist and offer a happy hour to encourage early arrivals.
22. Oyster night
Considering running an oyster special to bring guests in on a recurring weeknight. Promote dollar oysters, beat-the-clock oysters, etc.
Offer discounts for fellow hospitality workers on your slowest night. It’s a smart way to build loyalty and word-of-mouth buzz.
24. Family nights Designate a night for families with kids-eat-free promotions, games, and simplified menus. Consider offering coloring sheets or table games.
25. Restaurant takeover night Let your line cooks or bartenders take the lead for one night. Feature their personal creations and bios. It’s fun and team-building.
Community-driven events
26. Local artist showcases Host rotating art exhibits in your space. Opening nights can double as art receptions, complete with wine flights and appetizers.
27. Charity events
Partner with local nonprofits and donate a portion of the night’s sales. These events create goodwill, attract new customers, and support your community.
28. Cooking competitions Host burger battles, chili cook-offs, or bake-offs. Let your guests vote, and consider offering the winner a limited-time menu spot.
29. Farmers market brunches Pick up produce from the local market and craft a hyper-fresh, weekly or monthly brunch special. This can also generate great content for your socials.
30. Pet-friendly patio events
Throw a “yappy hour” where dogs are welcome. Make sure your patio is licensed to do so, and have water bowls ready for your furry friends.
Private event promotions
31. Birthday dinners According to a recent Toast study, 34% of guests think birthdays are the best private event to host at a restaurant. Offer a free dessert or birthday shoutout to encourage bookings.
32. Corporate holiday party packages Offer customizable event packages for businesses with pricing tiers, add-ons (photo booths! dessert bars!), and reserved seating. For more ideas, check out this article.
33. Rehearsal dinners & weddings With smaller weddings on the rise, position your space as the perfect intimate venue. Include decor, curated menus, and even champagne towers.
34. Cooking classes Turn your kitchen into a classroom. Teach a signature dish or skill, include a meal and drinks, and send guests home with a recipe card.
35. Restaurant buyouts for content creators Let influencers rent out your space for shoots, pop-ups, or launch events. This niche audience can drive exposure and cash flow.
Restaurant Event Planning Checklist
Download our easy-to-use checklist to help you stay organized, on-track, and calm through every step of the restaurant event planning process. From early prep weeks out to the day-of, this checklist is built to make your events shine.
Time to promote!
Events only work if people show up, so don’t forget to promote! Here are some top event marketing strategies to consider:
Post on social media: Use Instagram Stories, Reels, and Facebook Events.
Use email marketing: Segment your list and target the right customers.
Update your restaurant website: Keep a running calendar of upcoming events.
Use in-house signage: Menus, table tents, and check presenters work!
You don’t need to reinvent your entire operation to host successful events. Start with one that fits your brand, your space, and your team’s bandwidth. With the right planning and promotion, events can become a reliable stream of income and a meaningful way to build community.
Ready to turn your restaurant into an event destination? Let the calendar (and the cash register) fill up.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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