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Wondering what a "bar crawl" is? At Bar Crawl Nation, all we do is bar crawls, so you're in the right spot for learning the ins and outs. Heck, we even put together an official bar crawl guide to show you the way!
That said, in it's simplest form, a bar crawl is hopping around to multiple bars in one outing. It's all about changing up the environment while having boozy fun with friends.
Merriam Webster dictionary defines a "bar crawl" as "the visiting of various bars in succession, especially as a social activity." We can get on board with that, but ultimately, a bar crawl can include bars, pubs, or nightclubs, as long as you visit them in one outing, spending a set amount of time in each before moving on to the next.
A bar crawl is also called a “pub crawl.” They mean the same thing, but people tend to say one or the other based on regional differences (think soda vs pop).
The "crawl" refers to the act of moving from one venue to the other. After you have a few drinks, it might be more of a crawl than a walk.
Bar crawls are typically a group activity. Participants plan the route themselves or join an organized event that has a predetermined list of venues. It's an opportunity to experience the unique ambiance and offerings of multiple establishments, each with their own vibe.
Although drinking is usually involved, it's not all about the alcohol; it's about the people you meet, the adventures you have, and the stories you go home with!
Initially emerging in the United Kingdom (fancy a pint, mate?), the concept has crossed borders and oceans, and organized bar crawl events exist in most major cities around the world.
In 2007, I went on my first bar crawl in Athens, Greece with friends while backpacking Europe. Yes, I'm old (cough, I mean, experienced)! This bar crawl was geared towards tourists looking for a fun night out. We got a free shot at each spot, and ending up at a large outdoor nightclub where we partied with other crawlers who were visiting from around the world. With the drinks flowing, and the party pumping, I can't remember all the events of that night, but a seed had been planted.
Feeling inspired, in 2008, I hosted a large bar crawl event in my college town of Buffalo, NY. The first event drew 2,400 people and the "Buffalo Bar Crawl" instantly became a sensation in Western New York. I created the concept of getting together lots of people, encouraging them to visit lots of bars, and at the end they get rewarded (with a T-shirt).
In 2015, it was time to take things global. I moved to Florida and founded Bar Crawl Nation, with our first events being held in Orlando and Tampa. The the idea was to take large bar crawl events nationwide. Most cities had one or two smaller local organizations that hosted bar crawls of their own, but there were very few national companies hosting these types of events.
Fast forward to today, Bar Crawl Nation® operates in dozens of cities around the United States, from Boston to Los Angeles, hosting a variety of themed bar crawls. We created the world's first bar crawl app that guides participants to each spot and allows them to "check in" and spin-to-win prizes. True to the idea that was birthed in Buffalo, NY, every participant that "completes" the crawl earns themselves a final reward (in our case, a credit towards T-shirts or event tickets on our website).
We now exist in an ecosystem of a few larger, national bar crawl companies (where Bar Crawl Nation is obviously the best), regional, and local players. Everything from large events like ours, to small boutique bar crawl "tours," are out there. It's easy to search online and find a bar crawl event that's close to you.
Bar crawls are fun. They're an opportunity to meet new people, visit bars you've never been to before, and explore cool neighborhoods while supporting local businesses. Plus, you can throw back a few drinks with a sweet soundtrack of DJ tunes, live music, or whatever songs you feel like throwing on the touchtunes (do bars still have these?).
Each stop isn't just about sipping on cocktails or hopping from one venue to the next; it's about the people you're with and those you meet along the way. You could find your new favorite bartender or a new friend to take bathroom selfies with. The ambiance of different bars, from cozy pubs to bustling nightclubs, sets the stage for varied social interactions, making every crawl a unique social experience.
Bar crawls often attract a diverse crowd, providing an opportunity to mingle with individuals from various walks of life. For those who thrive on social interaction and booze-filled fun, bar crawls are an unmatched adventure into the heart of city nightlife. If you haven't yet experienced one, it's time to give it a try!
Many larger, organized bar crawls, are either scheduled around holidays, or have a specific theme. This makes it fun, because you'll be partying with others who share a common interest.
Popular bar crawl holidays in the United States include Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Pride, Independence Day (July 4), Halloween, and Christmas.
Some other bar crawl themes that draw crowds are Decades (i.e. 90's bar crawl), Music Genre (i.e. "Country Music Crawl"), Onesies, TV Show (i.e. The Office), Sports Teams, Movies, and Seasons (think, "Summer Crawl").
Lastly, a bar crawl is a great way to celebrate a personal occasion. Bachelor & Bachelorette bar crawls, birthday bar crawls, and "Senior" (college) bar crawls are all popular themes as well.
Regardless of what the theme is, it's always a good idea to dress for the occasion. Whether it's wearing a themed T-shirt or an all-out costume, you'll add to the atmosphere of the crawl and have an opportunity to party with people who share a common interest with you.
Whether you're having an impromptu bar crawl with friends, or joining a massive organized event, embarking on your first bar crawl adventure requires some forethought to ensure a an enjoyable time.
Organized bar crawl events might already have a planned route. Some, like Bar Crawl Nation events, are "open format," where you get a list of participating venues but choose your own path. If you're planning your own crawl, however, it's wise to begin by mapping out a strategic route that clusters your selected bars close together, minimizing travel time and maximizing fun. Choose a diverse mix of venues, from lively pubs to cocktail bars, to cater to the varied tastes of your group. Be sure to confirm the operating hours and any potential cover charges in advance!
Make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes. By nature, bar crawls include lots of being on your feet. Whether you're walking (or crawling) from bar to bar, or you're dancing your heart out on the dancefloor, you're going to want the right footwear.
If the bar crawl has a theme, be sure to dress for it. We at Bar Crawl Nation sell themed items in our bar crawl shop. You can also pick up accesories or costumes from your local party store or have them delivered from Amazon. The more you dress to the theme, the more you'll be the star of the event.
And remember, if it's going to rain - bring an umbrella!
Intersperse water or non-alcoholic beverages between your alcoholic drinks to maintain balance. Remember to fuel up with food, either before you start or at one of your stops along the way. Safety should be a top priority, so designate a sober driver or utilize public transportation or rideshare apps to navigate between venues.
There's an age-old saying: "liquor then beer, you're clear; beer then liquor, even sicker." I'm not sure how many studies have been done on this, but I can say anecdotally, that if you're mixing lots of different alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor), that's a recipe for feeling sick. Stick to what you know your body can handle, and don't try to take on everything, because you're in this for the long haul!
In the United States, bartenders and servers at bars & restaurants primarily work off tips. You should aim to tip at least a dollar or two per drink, even if they are "free" or included in the bar crawl experience. It's nice to show your appreciation, and it ensures that the staff that are helping you out can make enough to support themselves and their families.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable bar crawl experience that's both thrilling and responsible. You're ready!
Bar Crawl Nation operates in dozens of cities throughout the United States, so it's easy to find a bar crawl event near you. After you find the perfect event and purchase a ticket, the next step is to download the Bar Crawl Nation app. By linking your ticket to the app, you unlock the full value of the event. This includes the ability to spin-to-win prizes at every venue plus a final reward for completing the crawl.
All our bar crawl events begin with a kick-off party at the Starting Venue listed on your ticket. This is where all bar crawl attendees start their adventure, take photos on the red carpet, spin-to-win their first prizes with the app, and get things started. There's almost always a DJ or live band and a lively atmosphere.
Then it's time to crawl! The Bar Crawl Nation app shows a digital map of the participating venues. You can use that as your guide and plan your route accordingly. All of our events are open format, which means you can visit each spot in whatever order you want, spending as much time at each.
The end of the event is when you've made it to every bar and completed the crawl. Either that, or it's when time runs out. No matter how many venues you made it to, it's easy to navigate and make friends and memories along the way!
Embarking on a bar crawl can be an adventure filled with excitement, but it also comes with its set of challenges.
One common hurdle participants may encounter is the sheer volume of people, especially in popular bars, which can lead to crowded spaces and extended waits for service. To tackle this, consider starting your crawl as early as possible, when venues are less crowded. This strategy not only allows for a more relaxed atmosphere but also enables more interaction with the bar staff and fellow crawlers.
Another challenge is ensuring the group remains together amidst the hustle and bustle of moving from one venue to the next. Establishing a clear communication plan, such as group messaging through smartphones or designating specific meet-up points, can help maintain cohesion and reduce the risk of anyone getting lost.
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement and consume alcohol more quickly than intended. To mitigate this, actively intersperse water or non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic ones and encourage the group to partake in available food options. These steps not only enhance endurance but also ensure that everyone can enjoy the entirety of the crawl safely.
Lastly, the unpredictability of bar hopping—from unexpected venue closures to sudden changes in weather—requires flexibility and a positive attitude. Adapting to these unforeseen changes on the fly can turn potential setbacks into memorable parts of your bar crawl story.
Embarking on a bar crawl adventure requires enthusiasm, but also a sense of responsibility and respect towards the places you visit and the people you encounter. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to guide your journey:
Do respect the bartenders and waitstaff - Remember, they're working hard to ensure you have a great time. Patience and politeness go a long way.
Do keep track of your alcohol consumption - It's easy to get carried away, but knowing your limits will ensure you and everyone else enjoys the night safely.
Do take care of your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings - Crowded places can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes phones or purses go missing, and nobody wants that!
Don't bring outside drinks into establishments - It's not only disrespectful but often against the rules.
Don't forget to tip - Service industry professionals rely on tips, so show your appreciation for their service.
Don't leave your group without informing someone - Stick together to ensure everyone's safety and to enhance the collective experience.
By adhering to these etiquette tips, you'll contribute to a positive atmosphere, ensuring that your bar crawl is memorable for all the right reasons.
Exploring a city's nightlife via a bar crawl is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crawl events. Adventurous souls seeking variety can dive into a myriad of options that cater to a wide range of interests. Some examples include:
These alternative crawl events are an opportunity to discover new aspects of a city's culture and community.
Whether you're looking to indulge your taste buds, learn something new, or simply have a fun, themed night-out with friends, there's a crawl variety out there waiting to be explored.
Now, do you feel like a bar crawl expert? Still have questions? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts!
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