Struggling to plan the perfect summer party? You’re not the only one, so we’ve put together a guide to 20 of the best summer party ideas for work dos.
Enjoy a summer party with a difference with the help of these extra special corporate party ideas. Although these suggestions are winners for corporate, startup, and SME teams, we know you and your mates will love these fun-filled summer party ideas, as well. From an old-school BBQ to a series of unusual team activities, we’ve got suggestions to impress every type of team right here.
1. Host a classic BBQ
We’re kicking things off with a summer party classic. You can’t really beat a BBQ… unless, erm, the weather decides not to play ball! Presuming the skies are clear, larger companies can go all out by renting a venue space with a garden and hiring caterers. A great option is 30 Euston Square that’s opened a rooftop with a BBQ summer package. It doesn’t get much easier to host a summer party everyone will love. The only thing that gets better than a rooftop is a rooftop with a BBQ.
If you’re part of a startup and seeking summer party ideas for work that don’t cost the earth, then head down to a local park that allows DIY BBQs and set up a picnic party. The advantage of a spontaneous summer BBQ party is that you won’t have to rely on the weather on any given day. Just head to the shops and make it happen!
2. Catch a film under the stars
This is another great summer party idea for work if you’ve got a smaller team. The advantage being: you can just buy enough tickets for your staff members and rock up on the day to set up camp. You can usually enter the cinema screening area a couple of hours before the film starts so just head down with blankets, picnic food, and bottles of prosecco and you’re all set. In London (and further afield) you’ll find The Luna Cinema, Rooftop Film Club, and Pop-Up Screens are all great options.
Early sale tickets are already available for some films, so if you book now for a larger team you should be able to set something up. Alternatively, contact these companies directly to see if you can set up an exclusive for your whole company. Some outdoor cinema groups even offer VIP food and drinks packages – this would definitely constitute a summer work party with a difference!
3. Host an office Olympics
Looking for summer party themes for work that suit any size of team? Sports Day used to be the highlight of your school events calendar, so why not bring that competitive spirit into adulthood and host an office Olympics? In large companies, we’d recommend splitting up departments and mingling colleagues into ‘country’ teams to get everyone working together and meeting new people. You can find some fantastic outdoor venue options here.
4. Enjoy a day at the races
The races provide the perfect, ready-made excuse to celebrate. Why not book a space at one of Ascot’s stunning private hire venues and enjoy the action in style? Their hospitality boxes are ideal for corporate summer parties and your work colleagues will certainly be impressed with the free-flowing booze and delicious buffet catering options. The roaming bookies will even come to your box, so there’s no need to leave your prime spot to have a flutter. It’s the ideal summer day out! Find out more about booking space at Ascot Racecourse.
5. Lounge about at the lido
London, and indeed most UK cities, have loads to offer when it comes to outdoor swimming. Pools on the Park in Richmond (pictured) is a fantastic option for those of you located in London and looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city to celebrate your successes this summer. Just pack a picnic, grab a spot on the grass and settle in for a day of sun and splashing about.
6. Go for rooftop drinks
London also has plenty to offer when it comes to rooftop drinking opportunities. Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s has the beautiful Sabine Bar (pictured) which has stunning views of London’s city skyline and neighbouring St Paul’s Cathedral. The Milk Float is a unique rooftop on a boat, moored in the heart of Hackney Wick. And Smith’s of Smithfield has a gorgeous rooftop where you can enjoy a selection of British tapas, cocktails, and wine. These are just a few examples of London’s buzzing rooftop scene and each provides a unique take on a modern summer party venue. Check out amazing rooftop venues in Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool.
7. Get competitive playing mini-golf
Book a private space at Swingers West End or Swingers City for a guaranteed good time. Enjoy cocktails as you meander around the stylish mini-golf course (that’s not a sentence we thought we’d ever utter) engaging in a little friendly competition.
8. Take part in a scavenger hunt
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? The Big Smoke Events put on among the very best in London. Once labelled the ‘Best Team Day’ by InStyle Magazine, their hilarious and exciting challenges reflect what they believe events should be: unique, fun, competitive and collaborative. Experience a race against the clock, lots of laughter, and create great memories. Perfect if you want summer party themes for work that are a little bit different. Check out the video here.
9. Get back to nature
Both Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm provide charming escapes from the hubbub of the city – they are great spots to get back to nature. Hackney City Farm is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and boasts a weekly calendar of various events. Spitalfields opens on the same days and also features regular, nature-focused events. Be warned though, this unusual suggestion works best when built into a larger summer party plan as activities are somewhat limited! Why not combine a visit to the farm with a reception at WWT London Wetland Centre?
10. Go Ape!
Here’s you and your colleagues, safely on the ground and sniggering away as your boss freaks out at the prospect of jumping off a 50 foot-high platform. With multiple locations across London and the UK, Go Ape is an excellent summer party for teams looking for a laugh. They’ve got a number of corporate event packages available too, so every detail should be quite simple to sort out.
11. Catch some waves
Another excellent option for teams looking for summer party ideas for work with a difference is The Wave, located just outside of Bristol. This slice of the ocean, inland, is a cool spot to catch some waves, learn how to surf, and take in some nature. Get in the water before enjoying the clubhouse where you can have a drinks reception. And if you need accommodation, they’ve got you covered too.
12. Host a garden party
Why not plan a modern take on an old fashioned garden party as your next corporate event? Think food trucks instead of finger sandwiches, Pimm’s instead of tea, and live music instead of croquet. The Garden Atrium at Shoreditch Gardens makes the perfect setting for your event.
13. Roadtrip to the beach
Everybody loves the beach and, believe it or not, the UK has lots of fantastic options on the south coast. Bournemouth is a particularly popular seaside destination, and it’s not too far a jaunt from the capital. Organise a couple of coaches and pick a spot on Bournemouth waterfront to hire, then combine your party with beach games and a BBQ to really help your team embrace the sunny season vibes.
14. Set up a Canary Wharf flotilla
We’ve thought about it and are ready to announce our conclusions: there’s nothing better than messing about on a boat on a sunny day in London. Take to the water with Skuna Boats who offer private boat hire for up to ten people available in Canary Wharf. Why not hire a whole fleet and picnic along the wharf in a flotilla? It’s a great summer party theme for slightly smaller offices.
15. Host a BYO cocktail party
Summer party ideas for work just got a whole lot boozier, with this bring your own cocktail party theme. Have your employees team up into cocktail groups and ask each group to provide the ingredients for their chosen signature cocktail. Find a venue that’s willing to allow you to provide your own alcohol and get cracking. Your teams will certainly bond over creating their drinks, and there’s sure to be loads of cocktail-fuelled fun.
16. Surround yourself with flowers at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens comes alive during the summer months, so you’d better make the most of it. Head west and enter an urban oasis unlike any other. Kew’s landmark buildings include the Palm House and the Orangery, which can be rented out for private events. These ideal summer party settings will give you a tranquil spot to set up, while your guests can feel free to roam around the grounds. Find out more about hiring space at Kew Gardens.
17. Opt for a good old-fashioned beer garden
Sometimes, you don’t need to overthink it: you can’t go wrong with a few drinks outdoors. London has some absolutely cracking venues with outdoor biergartens. Take Big Penny Social, for instance – they have a massive beer garden that can host a ton of people in the sunshine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a low-key – but seriously fun – summer party with a fresh pint never out of arms reach.
18. Try out Moo Canoes
Embrace your adventurous spirit with a canoe (or kayak) down one of London’s famous waterways followed by a few celebratory pints. Opt for a guided tour or commandeer your own vessel with a summer party activity they’ll never forget. Find out more here.
19. Enjoy an extra special boat trip in a hot tub
This unusual summer party idea involves taking a heated hot tub boat (try saying that fast five times) around Canary Wharf. You’re sure to attract some attention as you proudly make your way along the water in 38-degree comfort. Just crack open the champagne and toast to the great British summertime!
20. Enjoy Street Food at Between the Bridges
Enjoy street food and cocktails overlooking the London Eye at Between the Bridges; with lots of outdoor eats to savour here, you’re in for a treat. It’s just a few minutes walk from Waterloo Station, making it a great location for anyone traveling to London.
Whichever of these summer party themes for work you choose, make it one to remember. Our summer party homepage has buckets (and spades) more inspiration, you can also have a look at the best summer party venues.
