Company Happy Hours in Fall

Company Happy Hour Ideas for Fall

We’re seeing more hints that autumn is on its way, and we’re all ready for fall festivities to commence! It’s time to pull those cozy jackets and sweaters out from winter storage, light some spice-scented candles, and order pumpkin drinks and goodies. This season tends to fly by, so now is the time to take advantage of everything it has to offer. One great way to make the most of fall? Fall-centric company happy hours!

Let’s admit it: the best part of this season is the excuse to make everything fall-themed. Fall happy hours give your team an opportunity to spend time getting to know each other outside of the office, all while enjoying the weather, drinks, and good food that’s only around for a limited time. Below, we’ve put together a guide for company fall happy hour ideas to help you plan your next autumn outing!

How to Plan a Fun Company Happy Hour

Planning a company happy hour can be a bigger task than you might think. Here are a few tips that can make your after-hours hangout a success:

Change Things Up: You might already have a team happy hour routine. If so, mixing up your happy hour activities can keep your team interested and engaged!

Ask For Suggestions: The last thing you want is to plan an event that people aren’t excited about. Before making plans, send out a survey to your team with a list of potential happy hour activities that your employees can vote on! If it’s a close vote, save the runner-up for next time!

Skip the Alcohol: Be mindful that not everyone on your team drinks alcohol, so centering entire social events around drinking can be stressful. Additionally, drinks at bars and breweries can be spendy, so help your team members save a little cash by opting for a dry activity! Even if alcohol is present, it’s best to always offer non-alcoholic options.

Get Detailed Feedback: After your event is over, ask your team members for feedback on things they liked and disliked about your event. This will make planning happy hours much easier in the future!

Where to Host a Company Happy Hour

When planning a happy hour, one of the biggest issues (besides finding a time that works for everyone) is deciding where to host it. Do you choose the trendy new cocktail bar down the street, or stock the office fridge with canned drinks that people can enjoy in the breakroom or lounge after hours? There are pros and cons to both.

Hosting a happy hour at your office saves your team the trouble of having to drive somewhere new, find parking, or walk, which is especially appreciated when it’s getting colder outside. It allows people to feel like they can leave at any time, whereas they may feel obliged to stay at a restaurant or bar. However, if the setting for happy hour is too similar to their daily office setting, your event may just feel like an extended workday.

Off-site happy hours give your team a great opportunity to explore your community—there might be a great spot they didn’t know about right in the neighborhood! It can be less work for you as the coordinator, and there are more activities, drinks, and food options available. However, not everyone can (or wants to) drive somewhere after work during traffic, and this costs everyone on your team money.

The best option for your team may be alternating between in-office happy hours and off-site ones! Asking for feedback and suggestions is the best way to know what your team prefers.

Ideas for Fall Work Happy Hours

Below are some unique ideas for company happy hour events to try this fall! We’ve included both in-office and off-site options so you can find what’s best for your team!

Fall Wine Tasting Event: For a more relaxed event, try wine tasting this fall! It allows people to try as few or as many festive fall-flavored wines as they’d like. Plus, wine tasting feels both chill and sophisticated at the same time!

Autumn Picnic: While the weather is beautiful and the leaves are in full color, host a picnic-style potluck in the park! Have everyone bring their favorite fall dishes and enjoy the fresh air.

Fall Flick Watch Party: Have team members vote on their favorite fall movies and host an after-hours watch party complete with popcorn, cider, pumpkin treats, and seasonal candy!

Halloween Happy Hour: Costumed or not, have everyone join in on some trick-or-treating fun! Put on your Halloween playlist, set up stations for different candy, and play Halloween-themed games!