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Whether it’s bars, pubs, or even nightclubs, as long as you’re hitting up multiple spots in one night, you’re officially on a bar crawl. A bar crawl is more than just a night out—it's a boozy adventure where the vibes change at every stop.
According to Merriam-Webster, a bar crawl is "the visiting of various bars in succession, especially as a social activity."
And the crawl part? After a few rounds of drinks, walking might become a bit more like crawling.
Bar crawls are typically a group activity. Participants plan the route themselves or join an organized bar crawl event that has a predetermined list of venues. As long as you're changing up the environment and having a good time, you're checking all the boxes for a bar crawl!
You might have heard the terms "bar crawl," "pub crawl," or "bar hopping" thrown around and are wondering what the difference is. No matter what anybody tells you, we're going to let you in on a secret: there is no difference!
Whether the event is called a "Bar Crawl" or "Pub Crawl" is more of a regional thing than a difference in meaning. Kind of like soda vs pop, pancakes vs flapjacks, and... you get the idea.
If you want to call it a pub crawl or a bar hop, we won't judge, but we call it a bar crawl and we're sticking to it!
Why go on a bar crawl? Because it’s not just fun—it’s a full-blown experience.
Meet new people, discover hidden gems in your city, and vibe to killer music as you explore different neighborhoods.
Whether it’s live bands, DJ beats, or your own playlist blasting, the soundtrack of your crawl is the backdrop to a night you’ll be talking about for weeks.
In 2015, Bar Crawl Nation started hosting large scale bar crawl events around the United States. You could call us the ultimate party pros, taking bar crawls to the next level from Boston to LA.
There are a few other legit bar crawl companies that operate on a national and regional level, and a few scam "companies" as well. We suggest you always research before buying tickets. Any Joe Shmo can start selling tickets on Eventbrite, but it's not easy to produce & maintain a real website, social media pages, and customer service channels.
Bar Crawl Nation has revolutionized the scene with the world’s first bar crawl app, making it easier (and more fun) to hop from bar to bar. Check-in at each spot, spin to win prizes, and score rewards when you complete the crawl.
We'd like to think Bar Crawl Nation produces the best bar crawl events in the world, but don't just take out word for it—feel free to do a google search on past new articles and TV appearances, or check out our Facebook page for full photo albums from past events.
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").
A bar crawl is also 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.
Ready to dive into your first bar crawl? Whether it’s a last-minute plan with your crew or a huge organized event, a little prep goes a long way in making sure your night is legendary. From picking the perfect route to choosing the right shoes (trust us on this one), we’ve got the tips to keep your crawl fun, smooth, and unforgettable.
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!
