A Beginner's Guide To Joining A Beer Crawl

A beer crawl, also known as a bar crawl, bar tour, or bar-hopping, is a social event where participants visit multiple bars or pubs in one night. The term crawl refers to the slow and steady pace of moving from one bar to another, and these events are a great way to explore new bars, meet new people, and drink a lot of alcohol. While some bar crawls have a specific route or plan, others are more spontaneous, with participants deciding where to go as they go. Bar crawls can be organised by anyone, from commercial tour operators to charity organisations, and they often have a specific theme, such as a holiday or celebration.

Choosing a theme

A theme can really bring a bar crawl together and make it a memorable event. It is not necessary, but it can be a fun way to get everyone involved and add a unique twist to the experience. When choosing a theme, there are a few things to consider:

Keep it Fun and Simple

You want a theme that is easy to participate in and that everyone can enjoy. Avoid anything that is too complicated or requires a lot of effort to execute. For example, a "90s night" or a "Hawaiian-themed" crawl are simple yet effective ideas that people can get on board with.

Avoid Trashy Interpretations

While a theme can be a great addition, be mindful that you don't want the event to turn into a trashy frat party. Steer clear of themes that could be interpreted in a tacky or offensive way. For instance, SantaCon has been known to cause controversy due to rowdy behaviour from participants.

Suitability to the Group

Consider the group of people attending and choose a theme that will appeal to them. If it is a group of close friends, you might know their interests well and can base the theme around something you all enjoy. If it is a larger group or a public event, opt for something more general that will have broader appeal.

Location and Time of Year

Take into account the location and time of year when choosing a theme. For example, if it is a summer crawl, a beach or tropical theme could be appropriate. If it is a Christmas crawl, you could incorporate festive attire. You could also tie the theme into the location, such as a historical figure with significance to the area.

Incorporating the Theme

Once you have chosen a theme, there are various ways to incorporate it into the crawl:

• Encourage attendees to dress up according to the theme.
• Have themed drinks or specials at each bar.
• Include themed games, contests, or scavenger hunts.
• Use a themed hashtag for social media posts.
• Have commemorative T-shirts made for the event.

Remember, the most important thing is that everyone has fun and enjoys the bar crawl experience. Keep the theme light-hearted and inclusive, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Planning a route

Number of Bars

Decide on the number of bars you want to include in your crawl. Four to six bars is generally a good number to aim for. This ensures that the crawl is long enough to be enjoyable without being too tiring for participants.

Location and Distance

When selecting the bars, try to choose ones that are within walking distance of each other or easily accessible via public transportation. This will make it easier for the group to get from one bar to the next and avoid spending too much time on transportation.

Variety and Vibe

Select bars that offer a variety of drinks, especially craft beers, to cater to different tastes within the group. You can also choose bars based on a specific theme, such as dive bars or trendy hotspots, to maintain a consistent vibe throughout the crawl.

Ease of Access and Service

Consider the ease of getting served at each bar. Avoid bars that typically have long lines or strict bouncer policies. Contact the bars in advance to ensure they can accommodate your group and make any necessary reservations or arrangements.

Timing and Schedule

Create a timed schedule for the crawl, allowing sufficient time at each bar and for transportation between locations. Pad the schedule with some buffer time to account for any mishaps or delays. Share the route and schedule with your guests in advance, so they know what to expect and can join at any point.

Incentives and Engagement

To encourage participants to visit all the bars on the route, you can create incentives and engagement activities. For example, provide passports for stamping at each bar or organize a scavenger hunt with prizes for those who complete it.

By following these tips, you can effectively plan a route for your beer crawl that is enjoyable, well-paced, and engaging for all participants.

Transport between venues

Choose Nearby Venues

When selecting the bars or pubs for your crawl, try to choose venues that are within close proximity to each other. This will make it easier for your group to transition between locations without spending too much time travelling.

Public Transportation

Consider the local area's public transportation options. In urban areas, subways or buses may be readily available, making it convenient for your group to get from one venue to another.

Book Taxis in Advance

If public transportation is not a viable option, consider booking taxis or ride-sharing services in advance. By booking ahead, you can ensure that your group has a safe and efficient way to travel between venues.

Designated Drivers

If your group plans to use personal vehicles, designate drivers who will abstain from drinking or rotate driving duties. This ensures that everyone can travel together and get home safely at the end of the night.

Transportation Permits

If you are transporting alcohol between venues, be mindful of local laws and regulations. Some states or countries may require special permits or licenses for transporting alcoholic beverages, especially if you are moving large quantities. Check the specific rules for your location to avoid any legal issues.

Group Cohesion

As the organiser, it is important to keep the group together during transitions. Ensure that everyone knows the next venue and provide clear instructions on how to get there. This will prevent individuals from getting lost or left behind.

By following these tips, you can ensure that transportation between venues during your beer crawl is well-organised and safe, contributing to an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Dress code

When it comes to dress code, there are no hard and fast rules for a beer crawl. Some sources suggest a “come as you are” approach, while others recommend dressing casually and comfortably. The most important considerations are comfort and practicality. You'll be on your feet for a good part of the crawl, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Close-toed shoes are generally recommended.

If you're joining a themed crawl, such as a Halloween or St. Patrick's Day crawl, you might want to dress up to get into the spirit of things. However, this is usually optional. Some crawls may also have a loose dress code, such as western wear for a country-themed crawl. It's always a good idea to check the website of your specific crawl or the organiser to see if there are any recommendations or requirements.

In addition to your attire, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Firstly, don't forget to bring your ID. You'll need it to prove your age when entering bars or purchasing drinks. Secondly, while not related to dress code, it's important to remember that you can't bring your own alcohol to a beer crawl. You'll need to purchase drinks at each establishment. Lastly, be mindful of the weather and dress in layers if it's cold, or wear breathable clothing during the summer months.

Food and drink

Some bar crawls include food specials at participating restaurants, so be sure to find those on your map and hit them up for some grub! It's also a good idea to end the night with a food stop, to help people sober up and prevent hangovers. A late-night fast-food joint or food truck is a great way to round off the evening.

When it comes to drinks, it's key to pace yourself and drink responsibly. Bar crawls can involve a lot of alcohol, so staying hydrated is also important—drinking plenty of water can help reduce the risk of a hangover.

Some bar crawls offer free entry to bars and clubs, as well as free shots and discounts on drinks. It's worth checking if your crawl includes any of these perks. If not, bring extra money to purchase drinks and food along the route. While some stops may accept credit cards, cash is often preferred as it's faster.

In some cases, there might be specific drinks to try, such as locally produced craft beers. In the Basque Country, for example, pub crawls involve drinking short glasses of wine at each pub, and sometimes singing traditional songs.

So, whether you're bar-hopping in a new city or exploring the nightlife in your own neighbourhood, remember to fuel up and stay hydrated—it's all part of the fun!

Frequently asked questions