These Themed Hangouts Are Replacing the Typical Bar Crawl—and They’re Way More Fun
I’ll say it right now: Spring is for making plans and spending time with friends. Maybe it’s just the sunshine prompting me to come out of my months-long hibernation, but when spring comes around, I suddenly find myself wanting to text all my friends and see what everyone is up to. There’s a lighter energy this time of year that makes even simple plans feel more exciting, especially anything that gets me out of the house and off my phone. And I think everyone is craving quality time with friends right now (hello, “analog” everything and Caleb Hearon and Brittany Broski chanting “screenless nights with friends!” on the So True podcast).
Group hangouts are so back, and what better way to make it an intentional night than with a theme? If you’re a millennial, you’re likely familiar with the classic bar crawl, where you pop into different bars and enjoy a drink at each stop. And while this OG weekend activity has entertained friend groups for years, it might be time it gets a little refresh. When you think about it, the “crawl” concept is customizable to just about any kind of outing. From reading dates to restaurant hopping, you can literally crawl-ify anything. Ahead, I’m sharing six themed crawl ideas to plan with your friends this season.
1. Book crawl
If you love reading or want a fun new way to hang out with your book club, a book crawl might be your idea of a perfect afternoon. The idea is to pop between coffee shops or cafés with a book in hand, enjoying a beverage or a treat at each stop. Plan out a few different places to visit and set a goal for how much you’ll read at each stop, whether that’s a certain number of pages or a set amount of time.
You can also leave time at the end of each stop to talk about what you’ve read, which makes it especially fun for book clubs or friend groups who just love chatting about books. It’s a fun way to turn a usual solo activity into something shared and more social. And because it’s so flexible, it’s easy to repeat anytime you’re in the mood for a slow reading day (and can be done solo, too!).
2. Bakery crawl
A bakery crawl is exactly what it sounds like: visiting multiple bakeries in one outing. Pick out a few bakeries in your area you’ve been wanting to try, and sample something from each one over the course of a day. You could plan to try one item per bakery (don’t go overboard to save room for the other locations), or test the same item (cookies, croissants, etc.) at each location to compare. It ends up feeling like a mini tasting tour, with each stop bringing something a little different—and naturally allows for connection and easy conversation along the way.
3. Thrift store crawl
A thrift store crawl is a fun way to turn a typical thrifting trip into a full-day outing with friends, stopping at multiple thrift or vintage shops in one day. Set out to visit three to four stores in your area and spend a set amount of time at each one so you don’t run out of time or end up feeling rushed.
At each store, feel free to browse without an agenda and simply pick out whatever treasures speak to you. Or, to make it more of a challenge, you could limit yourself to buying just one piece per store or aim to build a whole outfit by selecting a different category of item (tops, pants, accessories, etc.) at each place. For another fun twist, give yourself a set budget at each stop (like $10), and see what you’re able to find within it. What would normally be a casual shopping trip becomes a more intentional shared experience, where you’re helping each other pick out pieces and comparing cool finds.
4. Food crawl
Turn a typical dinner out wth friends into a fun, multi-stop experience with a food crawl. Instead of hanging out at one restaurant, choose three or four spots and order something at each. Plan your stops around different courses: drinks and appetizers at one spot, a main entrée at another, and dessert somewhere else. You could also center your food crawl around a specific dish or type of cuisine with the goal of finding the best spot in your city. Whether you grab a table at each spot or get your food to-go, moving between restaurants keeps the energy high and gives you even more time for conversation than a typical dinner out.
5. Dinner party crawl
If you’re looking for a more intimate take on a food crawl-style night out, a dinner party crawl (AKA a progressive dinner) is a home-based version of the idea. Instead of moving between restaurants, each friend hosts a different course, and the group moves between homes throughout the evening. It’s like the perfect mix of a dinner party and a potluck, where everyone gets to collaborate while also inviting the group into their space. It feels more personal than going out and allows for deep conversation, with a structure that makes the night feel special. If the evening includes alcohol, just be sure to make a plan for how you’ll get from place to place—a sober ride is a non-negotiable!
6. Park crawl
A park crawl is the perfect way to take advantage of the lovely weather while exploring the different parks in your area. But instead of just visiting multiple spots, plan a different activity at each one to keep things interesting. For example, your first stop could revolve around a higher-energy activity, like flying a kite, playing frisbee, or even a casual game of flag football. For the second, go for something slower and more relaxing, like reading, chatting, or taking a slow stroll around the trails. At the third, get a little creative with watercoloring, sketching, or journaling. Stay for about 45 minutes to an hour at each park before moving on to the next. It keeps the day feeling structured but still relaxed—basically like a grown-up field day.
No matter what crawl you decide to do—or if you come up with a new idea (in which case, please share!)—the idea behind doing a themed crawl is simple: plans will feel a lot more like a core memory when there’s a little intention behind them. It doesn’t have to be complicated or overly planned, just something that gives your time with friends a bit more structure. Whether it’s moving between coffee shops, parks, bakeries, or friends’ homes, it’s really just about slowing down and making space to spend quality time with the people you love.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
Feature graphic images credited to: Cora Pursley | Dupe, Ella Laughmiller | Dupe, Elizabeth Jirak | Dupe
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