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Whether it’s bars, pubs, or even nightclubs, as long as you’re hitting up multiple spots in one night, you’re officially on a bar crawl. A bar crawl is more than just a night out—it's a boozy adventure where the vibes change at every stop.
According to Merriam-Webster, a bar crawl is "the visiting of various bars in succession, especially as a social activity."
And the crawl part? After a few rounds of drinks, walking might become a bit more like crawling.
Bar crawls are typically a group activity. Participants plan the route themselves or join an organized bar crawl event that has a predetermined list of venues. As long as you're changing up the environment and having a good time, you're checking all the boxes for a bar crawl!
You might have heard the terms "bar crawl," "pub crawl," or "bar hopping" thrown around and are wondering what the difference is. No matter what anybody tells you, we're going to let you in on a secret: there is no difference!
Whether the event is called a "Bar Crawl" or "Pub Crawl" is more of a regional thing than a difference in meaning. Kind of like soda vs pop, pancakes vs flapjacks, and... you get the idea.
If you want to call it a pub crawl or a bar hop, we won't judge, but we call it a bar crawl and we're sticking to it!
Why go on a bar crawl? Because it’s not just fun—it’s a full-blown experience.
Meet new people, discover hidden gems in your city, and vibe to killer music as you explore different neighborhoods.
Whether it’s live bands, DJ beats, or your own playlist blasting, the soundtrack of your crawl is the backdrop to a night you’ll be talking about for weeks.
In 2015, Bar Crawl Nation started hosting large scale bar crawl events around the United States. You could call us the ultimate party pros, taking bar crawls to the next level from Boston to LA.
There are a few other legit bar crawl companies that operate on a national and regional level, and a few scam "companies" as well. We suggest you always research before buying tickets. Any Joe Shmo can start selling tickets on Eventbrite, but it's not easy to produce & maintain a real website, social media pages, and customer service channels.
Bar Crawl Nation has revolutionized the scene with the world’s first bar crawl app, making it easier (and more fun) to hop from bar to bar. Check-in at each spot, spin to win prizes, and score rewards when you complete the crawl.
We'd like to think Bar Crawl Nation produces the best bar crawl events in the world, but don't just take out word for it—feel free to do a google search on past new articles and TV appearances, or check out our Facebook page for full photo albums from past events.
Many larger, organized bar crawls, are either scheduled around holidays, or have a specific theme. This makes it fun, because you'll be partying with others who share a common interest.
Popular bar crawl holidays in the United States include Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Pride, Independence Day (July 4), Halloween, and Christmas.
Some other bar crawl themes that draw crowds are Decades (i.e. 90's bar crawl), Music Genre (i.e. "Country Music Crawl"), Onesies, TV Show (i.e. The Office), Sports Teams, Movies, and Seasons (think, "Summer Crawl").
A bar crawl is also a great way to celebrate a personal occasion. Bachelor & Bachelorette bar crawls, birthday bar crawls, and "Senior" (college) bar crawls are all popular themes as well.
Regardless of what the theme is, it's always a good idea to dress for the occasion. Whether it's wearing a themed T-shirt or an all-out costume, you'll add to the atmosphere of the crawl and have an opportunity to party with people who share a common interest with you.
Ready to dive into your first bar crawl? Whether it’s a last-minute plan with your crew or a huge organized event, a little prep goes a long way in making sure your night is legendary. From picking the perfect route to choosing the right shoes (trust us on this one), we’ve got the tips to keep your crawl fun, smooth, and unforgettable.
Organized bar crawl events might already have a planned route. Some, like Bar Crawl Nation events, are "open format," where you get a list of participating venues but choose your own path. If you're planning your own crawl, however, it's wise to begin by mapping out a strategic route that clusters your selected bars close together, minimizing travel time and maximizing fun. Choose a diverse mix of venues, from lively pubs to cocktail bars, to cater to the varied tastes of your group. Be sure to confirm the operating hours and any potential cover charges in advance!
Make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes. By nature, bar crawls include lots of being on your feet. Whether you're walking (or crawling) from bar to bar, or you're dancing your heart out on the dancefloor, you're going to want the right footwear.
If the bar crawl has a theme, be sure to dress for it. We at Bar Crawl Nation sell themed items in our bar crawl shop. You can also pick up accesories or costumes from your local party store or have them delivered from Amazon. The more you dress to the theme, the more you'll be the star of the event.
And remember, if it's going to rain - bring an umbrella!
Intersperse water or non-alcoholic beverages between your alcoholic drinks to maintain balance. Remember to fuel up with food, either before you start or at one of your stops along the way. Safety should be a top priority, so designate a sober driver or utilize public transportation or rideshare apps to navigate between venues.
There's an age-old saying: "liquor then beer, you're clear; beer then liquor, even sicker." I'm not sure how many studies have been done on this, but I can say anecdotally, that if you're mixing lots of different alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor), that's a recipe for feeling sick. Stick to what you know your body can handle, and don't try to take on everything, because you're in this for the long haul!
In the United States, bartenders and servers at bars & restaurants primarily work off tips. You should aim to tip at least a dollar or two per drink, even if they are "free" or included in the bar crawl experience. It's nice to show your appreciation, and it ensures that the staff that are helping you out can make enough to support themselves and their families.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable bar crawl experience that's both thrilling and responsible. You're ready!
Bar Crawl Nation operates in dozens of cities throughout the United States, so it's easy to find a bar crawl event near you. After you find the perfect event and purchase a ticket, the next step is to download the Bar Crawl Nation app. By linking your ticket to the app, you unlock the full value of the event. This includes the ability to spin-to-win prizes at every venue plus a final reward for completing the crawl.
All our bar crawl events begin with a kick-off party at the Starting Venue listed on your ticket. This is where all bar crawl attendees start their adventure, take photos on the red carpet, spin-to-win their first prizes with the app, and get things started. There's almost always a DJ or live band and a lively atmosphere.
Then it's time to crawl! The Bar Crawl Nation app shows a digital map of the participating venues. You can use that as your guide and plan your route accordingly. All of our events are open format, which means you can visit each spot in whatever order you want, spending as much time at each.
The end of the event is when you've made it to every bar and completed the crawl. Either that, or it's when time runs out. No matter how many venues you made it to, it's easy to navigate and make friends and memories along the way!
Bar crawls are all about the adventure, but they come with a few curveballs too. From navigating packed bars to keeping your squad together, here’s how to dodge the challenges and keep the good times rolling.
One common hurdle participants may encounter is the sheer volume of people, especially in popular bars, which can lead to crowded spaces and extended waits for service. To tackle this, consider starting your crawl as early as possible, when venues are less crowded. This strategy not only allows for a more relaxed atmosphere but also enables more interaction with the bar staff and fellow crawlers.
Another challenge is ensuring the group remains together amidst the hustle and bustle of moving from one venue to the next. Establishing a clear communication plan, such as group messaging through smartphones or designating specific meet-up points, can help maintain cohesion and reduce the risk of anyone getting lost.
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement and consume alcohol more quickly than intended. To mitigate this, actively intersperse water or non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic ones and encourage the group to partake in available food options. These steps not only enhance endurance but also ensure that everyone can enjoy the entirety of the crawl safely.
Lastly, the unpredictability of bar hopping—from unexpected venue closures to sudden changes in weather—requires flexibility and a positive attitude. Adapting to these unforeseen changes on the fly can turn potential setbacks into memorable parts of your bar crawl story.
Ready to crawl like a pro? It’s all about having a blast while keeping things cool. From tipping right to not ghosting your crew, here are the do’s and don’ts to make sure your bar crawl is epic for you and everyone else around. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to guide your journey:
Do respect the bartenders and waitstaff - Remember, they're working hard to ensure you have a great time. Patience and politeness go a long way.
Do keep track of your alcohol consumption - It's easy to get carried away, but knowing your limits will ensure you and everyone else enjoys the night safely.
Do take care of your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings - Crowded places can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes phones or purses go missing, and nobody wants that!
Don't bring outside drinks into establishments - It's not only disrespectful but often against the rules.
Don't forget to tip - Service industry professionals rely on tips, so show your appreciation for their service.
Don't leave your group without informing someone - Stick together to ensure everyone's safety and to enhance the collective experience.
By adhering to these etiquette tips, you'll contribute to a positive atmosphere, ensuring that your bar crawl is memorable for all the right reasons.
Bar crawls are just the beginning. For those looking to switch it up, there’s a whole world of crawl events out there. From food crawls that take your taste buds on a journey to brewery crawls where you can sample craft beers, the options are endless. Get ready to discover new flavors, sights, and vibes—one stop at a time.
These alternative crawl events are an opportunity to discover new aspects of a city's culture and community.
Whether you're looking to indulge your taste buds, learn something new, or simply have a fun, themed night-out with friends, there's a crawl variety out there waiting to be explored.
Now, do you feel like a bar crawl expert? Still have questions? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts!
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