Theme Nights

I have had my fair share of DJing in bars/nightclubs. I can honestly tell you I have seen pretty much all there is to see in those atmospheres! Through the good times and bad it all boils down to one thing: bringing in as many people as possible, to dance as much as possible and to have as much fun as possible. The managers mainly want to bring in crowds and offer something that other nightspots don't. With that being said, I am dedicating this blog to a little thing we in the industry call "Theme Nights". I have grown to realize that you have to have some sort of "theme", a reason for people to pick YOUR bar/club. I have come across and even made up a few of my own that are a freaking blast......

1. The classic: Beach/Luau Theme- this one is TOO easy and may even be on the safe side for club owners. Ways to make it your own may be to have incentives for everyone who comes in...sell leis for a buck and give the money to a local charity, anyone wearing a Jimmy Buffet shirt gets a free margarita, or even thrown in some hula dancers and maybe a bikini contest! I have even seen those cut out character stand ups for photo ops that make for some funny moments. 
2. A Night In Paris - This works more for restaurants/upscale wine bars. Throw up some white twinkle lights, drippy candles, sell roses at the door, and have free wine and cheese samplings. Ive seen one place do this once a year and GIVE AWAY A TRIP TO PARIS as a door prize! Um. Hello? Wouldnt you go?
3. Toga Party - Nuff' said. They only end in the word "awesome".
4. Ladies Night - You can do so much with this. Drink specials, free admission, dance contest to "break the tension"with all the guys standing along the wall, and maybe even throw in free giveaways for local spas and lingerie stores. 
5. Decade Night: 70's, 80's and 90's  - These are too much fun. You can have costume contests, trivia nights, themed drink specials named after Molly Ringwald and Run-DMC. Besides...the music? Just plays itself..every decade is pure gold. 
6. Christmas In July - I have ALWAYS wanted a bar to do this! Ugly sweater contest! Photobooth with Santa! Spiked Eggnogg! If its a nightclub or bar, you can always have sexy ladies dress up like elves and have a contest where you sing dirty Christmas Carols. Waive admission and have people bring toys to donate to the CHKD. So easy and SO FUN. 
7. Pajama Party  - I have seen this done a million times. You know why? It is brilliant. Perfect for the club/bar scene. Girls only show up to show off and guys only show up to...well...duh. Contests, drink giveaways, pillow fights and beds strewn about would be an easy thing. 
8. Pirates Night - This could basically be a huge drinking game for a bar. Have rules like "Request a rum and coke in a pirate voice and get it for free" or have pirate hats thrown everywhere with fake jewelry and gold and have anyone who wear a hat or jewelry gets to request a song from the DJ or half off their appetizers. Get some character pirates and have them go around passing out shots. When I went on a cruise with my family this past fall, there were these character actors there dressed like pirates and some guy doing karaoke. It was a freaking blast. 
9. Support the Troops Night - This would be a packed house if a bar around Hampton Roads did this. Have all active military get in free with their uniforms, any guy or girl wearing military garb would get half priced admission. Discounts on drinks. Do raffle prizes and all proceeds go to support our troops! 
10. Last but certainly not least.....KARAOKE - I mean come on. Who doesn't like a good karaoke night? With the right amount of alcohol, the good times are had by all. The comedy writes itself. 

These are of course just a few ideas. Have you been to any fun theme nights? What are your favorite?

XOXO

Pearl