Top 15 Corporate Summer Party Ideas For 2023
As summer (finally) sweeps in, the season presents the perfect opportunity for businesses to foster a sense of camaraderie, boost morale, and create lasting memories through corporate summer parties. These events offer a chance for employees to unwind, socialise outside of the office, and strengthen their colleague bonds. As the corporate world is embracing innovative and exciting party ideas that go beyond the traditional gatherings, we suggest 15 corporate summer party ideas that will leave your employees talking for months to come.
Theme-Based Parties .
Hawaiian Luau: Embrace the Tropical Vibes .
Transport your employees to a tropical island paradise with a Hawaiian luau-themed work summer party. Decoration ideas include tiki style torches, leis floral garlands, and vibrant colours. Serve tropical summer party cocktails and delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Organise garden games such as a limbo contest, or a hula dance competition as a team building activity to keep the energy high and the fun flowing.
Carnival Extravaganza: Fun and Games for Everyone .
Encourage your guests to fully embrace the festival spirit by dressing up in Coachella-inspired attire. Think bohemian chic outfits, flower crowns, dream catcher earrings and funky accessories. Create a costume corner with flower crowns and other festival-themed accessories, allowing guests to enhance their looks and get into the boho dress code.
Why not take the look further, and ask guests to dress as previous Coachella performers? Celebrities and musicians are known to wear some outrageously cool outfits, why not replicate them at your own Coachella! Disco cowboy hats, funky flares and outrageous glasses have all been known to make an appearance at Coachella!
80s Retro Party: Nostalgic Fun .
Step back in time with an 80s retro party, another great summer party theme! Celebrate all things neon, big hair, and 80s tunes. Encourage employees to dress in retro outfits, or as their favourite 80s icons. Set up arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong for a dose of nostalgia and friendly competition for the ultimate summer corporate event. A photobooth is a great way to entertain your colleagues and employees at an 80s themed corporate summer party! Fill a trunk with 80s props and glitter glasses for a truly memorable event.
Outdoor Venues for Corporate Summer Parties .
Picnic in the Park: Casual and Laid-back Atmosphere .
Head to the countryside for a laid-back summer event. Provide comfortable seating, picnic blankets, and a variety of delicious finger foods underneath a marquee. Afternoon tea is the perfect catering choice for an outdoor picnic-style event, allowing you to provide a range of foods that cover all dietary requirements. For corporate party entertainment, combine team-building with outdoor garden games like sack races and tug of war for a traditional British garden party!
Camping Retreat: Bonding In The Great Outdoors .
Other summer party themes that celebrate that great outdoors, include a Camping Retreat! This adventurous corporate party theme may see you set up tents, create a bonfire and plan country pursuit style activities! Camping fosters team spirit, allowing employees to connect in a different environment. Building a camp together, starting a bonfire, cooking your own food are all ways in which you can bond with your colleagues and employees.
Yacht Party: Sail into Summer with Style .
Who says corporate events have to be sensible?! Elevate your summer party by hosting it on a yacht. There's nothing more chic than cruising on the open waters. This great summer party idea provides a unique setting for relaxation and team building. Now it goes without saying, we're not thinking of British waters here. What better way to thank your employees than jetting them off somewhere warm for a trip of a lifetime. Arrange for onboard entertainment, gourmet catering, and water-based activities like snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding.
Sports & Adventure Activities .
Company Olympics: Friendly Competition & Team Spirit .
Channel the competitive spirit of the Olympics with a company-wide sports event. Organise various games like relay races, assault courses, and tug-of-war. Assign teams and award medals for a sense of accomplishment and healthy rivalry!
Adventure Challenge: Engaging In Outdoor Activities .
Why not take your team out for an adventure-filled day for your work summer party? You can plan team building activities such as hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, and raft building. These activities not only provide a physical challenge but also encourage collaboration and problem-solving.
Entertainment & Performances .
Live Band or DJ .
A live band or a skilled DJ can transform your summer party into a lively dance floor. Choose music that suits your company's vibe or your summer party theme and get everyone on their feet. Once the team building activities are over and your guests have tucked into their meal, heading to the dance floor is a great way to blow off steam and relax with your colleagues! A DJ will have your guests reminiscing about the summer work party for years to come, and our DJs have the skill and knowledge to play to their audience.
Comedy Show .
Laughter is the best medicine, and a comedy show can infuse your party with joy and amusement. Hire local comedians or a professional comedy troupe to perform stand-up routines that cater to various tastes. Make sure you schedule an interval where guests can enjoy traditional show cuisine such as hotdogs and icecream.
Outdoor Movie Night: Cinema Under the Stars .
Create a cozy outdoor cinema experience by screening a popular movie under the stars. Provide blankets, pillows, and popcorn for a relaxed movie night that encourages interaction and conversation. We've plenty of experience in putting on a show - our drive in cinema was a huge hit with the local community, and we'd love to host another!
Culinary Delights .
Food Truck Festival: A Gastronomic Adventure .
Bring a variety of cuisines to your corporate summer party with a food truck festival. Curate a selection of food trucks offering diverse dishes, from gourmet burgers to exotic desserts. This culinary adventure will satisfy everyone's taste buds. Combine your food festival with food challenges for a fun twist to this summer corporate party! Why not have your guests try and eat the hottest chillis, or host a cupcake baking competition Apprentice style.
Barbecue Catering: Grilling and Chilling .
Host a barbecue evening where employees can enjoy freshly grilled delights. Set up different grilling stations with a variety of meats, vegetables, and marinades. Encourage employees to customize their creations and mingle as they savor the feast.
Why not hire a BBQ chef or 'pitmaster' to host the evening, talking through his favourite recipes and helping your colleagues and employees learn the basics of BBQing! This can be a hands-on experience, where guests get involved to create their own dishes in a challenge. Once competing, guests can enjoy a sit down meal together with their foodie creations as the centrepiece.
Inclusive & Family-Friendly Options .
Family Fun Day .
Demonstrate your company's commitment to work-life balance by organising a family fun day. Summer events can sometimes overlap with children's summer holidays, so rather than taking your employees away by organising an event, why not let them get involved!
Event planning should include everyone - including the little people... Plan activities for all ages, such as face painting, bouncy castles, and mini-golf. This inclusive event allows families to connect and celebrate together. Head to a local park in the warm weather and host a BBQ, creating a lovely atmosphere for your employees to unwind.
Volunteer and Charity Event .
Host a charity event that aligns with your company's values. Whether it's a beach cleanup, a food drive, or a charity run, contributing to a noble cause as a team enhances camaraderie and creates a positive impact on the community.
Auctions are another way to give back to charity - after enjoying your work summer party, why not include a charity auction or raffle as party of the evening. Round up fabulous prizes prior to your event, and give them away in a fun auction with all proceeds going to charity.
Conclusion .
Corporate summer parties are more than just a chance to unwind; they're opportunities to strengthen bonds, enhance teamwork, and boost employee morale. By exploring these innovative and exciting party ideas for 2023, businesses can create memorable experiences that resonate with their employees. Remember, professional event planners can help bring these ideas to life, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable event. So, feel free to get in touch and let us help you plan your next corporate event.