It’s that time of year again. The leaves are colourful, and the air feels crisper — it’s time to throw an epic autumn party.
Whether you’re a busy professional party planner or throwing a smaller-scale community event, coming up with fresh autumn party ideas to make the most of the season can be tough.
But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here at Eventbrite, we’ve been helping event organisers come up with ideas (and execute them) for years, so we know what makes a good seasonal party.
We’ve compiled 14 fun ideas that are sure to make your get-togethers extra special and give your clients and guests a delightful experience they won’t forget in a hurry.
So, let’s get the planning started!
Photo by Trae Nguyen
1. Throw a bonfire evening party
Autumn weather often provides comfortable temperatures, making it a great time to host outdoor events, like a bonfire evening party. Guests can enjoy the cool autumn air while staying cosy by the fire. Plus, it creates a natural and inviting setting for everyone to enjoy.
To plan a successful party, the first step is to choose a suitable outdoor venue.
If you’re building a campfire, ensure the space allows open fires and has enough capacity to accommodate all your guests. Gather plenty of dry firewood, kindling, matches, a lighter, and other supplies, and ensure proper fire safety measures are in place — the venue manager can probably help you out here.
You can make the venue look amazing by using smart lights so the guests feel like they’re in a different world. But to spice things up even more, choose a theme and decorate with lanterns, string lights, cosy blankets, and comfortable seating arrangements.
To make the party a success, arrange entertaining activities for your guests, such as storytelling, sing-alongs, and marshmallow roasting around the fire. You can also incorporate outdoor games or have live acoustic music for added enjoyment.
Pro Tip: Once you have a plan, start to coordinate with vendors, entertainers, and staff to execute the event smoothly, including a contingency plan for bad weather. Typically, bonfire parties happen in the evening, so check the forecast and pick a convenient date — you wouldn’t want poor weather to ruin the event.
You can use this party planning checklist to stay organised, avoid any potential mishaps, and ensure no important details slip through the cracks.
Photo by Robert Linder
2. Host a pumpkin carving party
A pumpkin carving party is a fantastic autumn party idea that lets guests showcase their artistic skills. It also doubles as a fun activity for guests of all ages, making it a family-friendly option.
A pumpkin carving party can be tailored to various themes, such as Halloween or an autumn harvest. As a party event planning pro, this flexibility lets you customise the decorations, costumes, and overall atmosphere to suit your clients’ preferences.
Plus, guests can take their carved pumpkin home as a memorable keepsake!
To give guests an epic carving experience, you’ll need to gather all the necessary supplies:
- ripe pumpkins of various sizes (free of bruises and flat-bottomed)
- carving tools
- stencils
- cleaning materials.
Carving can be hard-going, so offer carving tools suitable for different age groups, including child-friendly options with rounded edges. When you choose your stencils, make sure to include a variety of designs, ranging from simple to intricate, so there’s something for everyone.
And just in case someone does hurt themselves, have first aid supplies on hand.
Also, since lots of people will likely attend this event, you should consider providing designated discussion zones or organised speed networking sessions for your guests to form new connections, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
Choose a spacious venue that encourages people to talk and interact with each other — it could be a comfortable lounge area, a rooftop terrace with a great view, or any distinctive location of your choice. If you’re looking for additional activities to elevate your party, take advantage of our curated list that details 66 event ideas from seasoned experts.
Pro tip: To finish off on a high, you can hold a contest for the best design! Having different categories like “most creative,” “spookiest,” and “funniest” is super fun and ensures lots of chances for guests to win a prize.
A bit of friendly competition adds an element of excitement, making the event more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Plus, the gifts become a tangible reminder of the fun they had.
3. Host a harvest-themed buffet lunch
Hosting a harvest-themed buffet lunch is a great way to involve everyone in the party planning process and create a sense of community. You can ask people to contribute different meals for a great variation.
It’s also a budget-friendly, low-stress, and flexible way to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Guests can bring dishes that suit their tastes, which ensures there’s something for everyone.
To get started, use Eventbrite to design attractive personalised invitations your guests will love using any of our party invitation email templates. Alternatively, you can create a free website so guests can easily RSVP online.
Both methods let you track responses, manage guest lists, and analyse your event performance all in one place. Make sure to mention that you bring your own meal buffet lunch, and include important details like the venue address, date, and time.
Pro Tip: To make sure the buffet menu is diverse and well-planned, provide a suggested list of dishes to guests when they RSVP. You can even suggest different categories in the invitation, like appetisers, main meals, side dishes, desserts, and beverages. This way, you can avoid having too many duplicates and ensure there’s a nice variety of food for everyone to enjoy.
Also, ask guests to label their dishes with the ingredients. This is super important, especially if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies to consider — it’ll help people know what they’re eating and ensure that everyone digs in and has a fantastic time at the party.
Most of all, don’t forget to capture precious memories. Take lots of pictures throughout the occasion, preserving the special moments shared during the event.
4. Organise a treasure hunt
Treasure hunts are fun, engaging and can bring people together in a unique and exciting way. They can be particularly enjoyable during the autumn season when the scenery is beautiful if the weather permits.
Plus, treasure hunts let participants work together in groups, which is an excellent way to break the ice, encourage interaction among attendees, and inject a healthy dose of competition.
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when organising a treasure hunt.
First, make sure you choose a venue that is safe, accessible and offers interesting hiding spots or landmarks. If you plan to use a public space, obtain any necessary permits or permissions to stay compliant.
Next, provide participants with a list of items to collect or tasks to complete, such as finding a specific coloured leaf or taking a memorable photo with a scarecrow. Ensure that the clues are clear and easy to follow, particularly if there are kids involved.
There are lots of clever clues you can craft: riddles, puzzles, or intriguing trivia questions to challenge everyone and help them understand what they have to find and where to look.
And, don’t forget to prioritise safety!
Be mindful of any potential hazards in the chosen location, establish boundaries to ensure participants stay within safe areas, and provide clear safety guidelines to all involved. If there are children taking part, make sure there is proper adult supervision throughout the event.
Pro Tip: To make your event more meaningful, consider adding a fundraiser to support a charitable cause. There are different ways to achieve this.
You can charge a participation fee or suggest a donation amount for each participant. This way, you can raise funds while providing an exciting activity for everyone to enjoy. You can even offer incentives for those who raise the most funds, as this can motivate participants to reach out to their networks and gather more support for the cause.
Use Eventbrite to collect donations online to make it easy for anyone to donate. Clearly communicate the purpose of the fundraiser and its impact so your guests understand the cause they’re supporting.
5. Organise a costume party
With Halloween just around the corner, hosting a costume party is the perfect way to create a festive atmosphere and ensure everyone has a great time. It allows guests to unleash their creativity, embrace the spirit of the season, and showcase their favourite costumes, whether they’re spooky, silly, or simply fun.
To kickstart the planning process, select a specific theme for the costume party that captures the essence of the autumn season. Ideas like “Enchanted Forest,” “Halloween Heroes and Villains,” or “Masquerade Ball” can add an extra touch of excitement and make the event even more memorable.
Next, carefully choose a suitable venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests and provide ample space for activities, autumn-themed decorations, and a dance floor. Consider whether an indoor or outdoor location is best suited for the chosen theme, taking into account the weather conditions during this time of year.
To make the party even more enjoyable, organise a costume contest with different categories such as:
- Best Overall Costume
- Most Creative Costume
- Best Group Costume
Offering exciting prizes will motivate guests to put effort into their costumes and actively participate in the contest. Also, curate a lively and thematic music playlist, or if budget allows, consider hiring a DJ or live band to keep the dance floor packed with energetic tunes.
Don’t forget to join in the fun yourself!
Pro tip: Send out invites early to ensure people mark their calendars and prepare in advance, or invite people to purchase their tickets through your event page, as event organiser Carly Keighley does for their Annual Autumn Glitter Ball with a masquerade theme.
Eventbrite lets you create visually appealing invitations for free, and you have the freedom to design using a touch of autumn colours and imagery to inspire guests and set the tone for the party. You also have access to the tools and tech you need to reach your target audience, promote your event, and sell tickets faster.
Make sure to include important details such as the event’s theme, dress code, list of exciting activities they’d enjoy during the event, and prizes they could potentially win — this can generate enthusiasm and attract a larger audience.
Kunles Games Nights / London
6. Host a game night
Game nights bring people together, create an atmosphere of fun and excitement, and offer a wide array of entertainment options that will keep your attendees engaged and entertained throughout the event.
When organising a large event, it’s crucial to include a diverse selection of games that will appeal to the attendees’ various tastes and preferences.
Consider offering a wide range of options, including classic board games, interactive group games, party games, and even immersive experiences like escape rooms or virtual reality games. This thoughtful approach ensures that there is something for everyone in the crowd, from avid strategic thinkers to party enthusiasts.
To elevate the excitement, you can even introduce some friendly competition throughout the event.
Set up brackets, scoreboards, and leaderboards to track progress, determine winners, and offer attractive prizes. If you have the budget, hire professional game hosts or commentators, as they can engage the crowd and create an enjoyable atmosphere.
Take a look at event organiser Kunles Games Nights for inspiration. These game nights have everything from board games to card games and give attendees a chance to showcase their skills while socialising.
Pro tip: Collaborating with gaming communities or local businesses can be a great way to secure sponsorships for prizes, equipment, or promotional items for your event. This can help attract a larger audience and create a sense of community support.
Additionally, partnering with others can open up cross-marketing opportunities and give your events an added layer of legitimacy.
7. Organise a farm-to-table dinner
A farm-to-table dinner showcases the beauty of local agriculture — this lets your guests learn about and appreciate the origins of their food while enjoying a delicious meal together. This autumn party idea also lets you bring together farmers, artisans, and chefs to curate a menu that showcases the best of what your area has to offer.
To organise a memorable autumn dinner, work closely with chefs and local farmers to incorporate seasonal dishes like soups, stews, and desserts featuring apples and pears. You can add seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, proteins, and vegan options to your menu to cater to different dietary preferences.
Pro tip: To make the experience more engaging, you should incorporate fun farm activities such as a mini farmers market, hosting apple picking, a petting zoo, or farm animal encounters. These will create an interactive atmosphere that ties in perfectly with the farm-to-table theme.
You could also take inspiration from One Church Brighton — they host a storytelling and tasting extravaganza with their farm-to-table talks, including its The Great British Cheese Event.
These activities add an educational and interactive element to your event and deepen the farm-to-table connection.
8. Autumn craft workshop
Throwing a craft-centric event is a fun way for kids and adults to express their creativity, learn new skills, and create unique items while enjoying one another’s company.
To pull this off, choose a craft that suits a wide range of interests and abilities, such as making autumn wreaths, painting pumpkins, or creating autumn-themed centrepieces.
Before the crafting session, gather all the necessary supplies, such as paint, brushes, glue, scissors, ribbon, or any other materials needed for the chosen craft.
If the craft you’ve chosen is more intricate or requires specific steps, provide clear instructions or a demonstration to ensure that everyone understands the process. This will help guests feel confident and engaged in the crafting activity.
Additionally, you should set up a comfortable and well-lit workspace for everyone to work in. It’s important to create an environment where guests can feel at ease and focused on their crafting tasks. You should also lay down a protective layer, such as newspaper or a plastic tablecloth, on the work surface to prevent the whole place from becoming messy.
Dedicating a display area where guests can proudly showcase their finished crafts will allow them to share their creativity and serve as inspiration for others.
Pro Tip: Want to make this a more grown-up affair? Consider a craft and dine night or a craft and cocktail night instead.
Ewe Tree Yarns hosts events where attendees can enjoy an evening with friends while sipping on their favourite beverages.
9. Plan a movie night
A movie night is a fantastic autumn party idea. Supply cosy blankets and serve hot drinks if it’s a chilly evening.
To host a memorable movie night in the autumn, choose a movie that suits both the season and the audience. While a horror movie might fit an adult gathering, it may not be suitable for a kids’ event. Consider choosing something age-appropriate if kids are going to be there.
Next, ensure that all the necessary equipment, including the projector, screen, and sound system, is working properly. You should also conduct a thorough equipment test before the event to avoid any technical glitches. Additionally, plan for adequate lighting once the movie ends, making it easy and safe for guests to navigate their way around.
Providing comfortable seating for everyone is also important for an optimal viewing experience.
A great way to do this is to offer a variety of seating options, such as picnic blankets, chairs, or bean bags, to accommodate different preferences.
Pro Tip: To take your movie night event to the next level and make it super exciting, think about adding some interactive activities that make your guests feel like they’re part of the action.
For example, set up a photo booth complete with props that match the movie’s theme and encourage your attendees to come dressed as their favourite characters from the movie. Your guests will love getting all dressed up and striking poses with their friends.
10. Organise an autumn-themed murder mystery party
An autumn-themed murder mystery party combines the excitement of solving a mystery with the fun of a themed party.
Guests dress up in autumn-inspired costumes and take on the roles of suspects in a murder case. They work together to gather clues, examine evidence, and uncover the identity of the killer.
Choose a theme that is suitable for the occasion and guests, immersing them in the autumn season there. If you know there’ll be children at the party, make sure it’s not too scary.
The trick to a successful murder mystery is good storytelling. Develop a detailed and captivating storyline, incorporating twists and turns to intrigue guests and make sure each character has a unique backstory and motivation.
Next, assign roles in advance to allow guests time to prepare their costumes and props, getting into character for an immersive experience.
Needless to say, you should decorate the space with autumn-themed elements, such as pumpkins, autumn leaves, and candles, setting the mood and enhancing the ambience. Serve seasonal food and drinks, incorporating flavours like apple, cinnamon, and other autumnal delights.
Pro Tip: After the event, gather feedback from participants to understand their experience and identify areas for improvement. You can use Eventbrite to email guests thank-you notes and include a link to the feedback form so attendees can easily complete them.
11. Organise a haunted house
A haunted house is a classic and thrilling way to celebrate the Halloween season. It creates a spooky atmosphere that offers both excitement and scares, providing a memorable experience for guests. It’s also an opportunity to showcase creativity and design skills by crafting a haunted house with different themes and scenes.
The first thing you’ll need to do is secure an appropriate venue. You’ll need a big old house with lots of historical features and maybe even in-house ghost stories. Take a look at the Halloween Haunted House Tour at Newhailes — a spooky tour of their historic building. You can also make your own haunted house at an industrial warehouse.
If the venue doesn’t already have its own spooky stories, pick a theme that can guide the layout and design of different rooms or scenes.
To set the spooky ambience, decorate the space with eerie props, dim lighting, and special effects like fog machines, sound effects, and strobe lights. If you can, have actors dressed in creepy costumes and makeup strategically positioned throughout the haunted house to surprise and scare visitors.
Ensuring guest and actor safety is paramount during the haunted house experience. Make sure the space has no tripping hazards and that measures are in place to address any emergencies or injuries.
Pro tip: Set up a photo booth to provide a fun and interactive way for attendees to capture precious memories with their loved ones. Then, guests can take pictures and share them on social media using the designated event hashtag. It’s a great way to generate buzz around your event.
12. Organise an autumn funfair
Autumn funfairs give you an opportunity to keep guests of all ages entertained and energised with thrilling games, exciting rides, and delicious food.
To create an unforgettable experience, set up an outdoor space that’s bursting with colour and fun. You can decorate it with bright streamers, eye-catching booths, games and classic rides like a ferris wheel or merry-go-round. Guests will definitely feel like they’ve stepped into a magical wonderland.
To keep up the excitement, have a lineup of classic funfair games, including ring tosses, balloon darts, and a playful duck pond for kids. Make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy and win exciting prizes. The anticipation and friendly competition will keep the energy high throughout the event.
Of course, no funfair is complete without tasty treats. Your guests should have a variety of mouthwatering fair foods to munch on, including popcorn, hot dogs, and doughnuts. These nostalgic treats will transport guests back to their favourite funfair memories.
Pro tip: To add an extra touch of wonder, consider hiring talented entertainers, such as face painters who can transform guests into colourful characters and skilled magicians who will leave guests spellbound.
You can also liaise with food truck vendors, as they are a popular attraction at events.
If you want to add a food truck to your event, research local food truck businesses that align with your desired cuisine and theme. Then, reach out to them on time to gauge their interest and availability for your event. Adding this variety to your event will contribute to an enjoyable event where attendees can savour a variety of delicious offerings.
Ideas from across the pond: US fall party ideas
Our friends in the US know how to throw a fun party over the autumn months. So why not take some inspiration for a US fall-themed event? Bring on the pumpkin-spiced lattes.
13. Host a barn dance
A barn party is the perfect way to embrace the essence of the season, offering a rustic and cosy atmosphere for your guests. Barns provide ample space to host a variety of activities, from dancing to pumpkin decorating.
To organise a barn dance, find a suitable barn or rustic location that can comfortably accommodate your guests and provide ample space for various activities and decorations.
To ensure your barn dance is a success, you’ll need to hire an experienced band that not only plays country or folk music but can also teach the guests some line-dancing moves.
With all that dancing, people will need a rest. Choose seating options that align with the barn theme, like wooden benches or even hay bales, to provide comfortable and fitting seating arrangements for your guests.
Food and beverages play a crucial role in setting the mood for a barn party (and in refreshing sweaty dancers!). Serve lots of cold drinks and hearty and comforting US fall-style dishes such as apple cider, hot chocolate, chilli, and s’mores. These culinary delights will not only keep your guests satisfied but also add to the cosy and festive atmosphere.
Pro tip: To keep your guests engaged and entertained, plan and set up outdoor games that complement the barn party theme. Ring tosses and potato sack races are just a couple of ideas.
14. Host a pie-eating contest
Nothing says US fall like a pie-eating contest. It can be a standalone event or a complementary addition to another autumn party idea, such as a funfair, harvest-themed buffet, or barbecue.
This activity brings a fun and competitive element to the gathering and fosters a lively atmosphere. The contest can be tailored to fit any group size, age range, or dietary restrictions by using various pie flavours or alternative ingredients.
To host one, speak to local bakers and select a range of pie flavours, including US favourites like pumpkin, apple, or pecan, as well as other options like cherry or blueberry.
Define the contest’s rules, such as the time limit, the number of pies each contestant must eat, and any specific guidelines you want to include. Select a panel of judges and talk to them in advance about how to determine the winner so everyone’s on the same page. To bring your event extra attention, the judges can be prominent community members or even local chefs or food bloggers.
Also, consider adding a DIY toffee apple bar to add a fun and interactive element for guests to savour. The toffee apple bar serves as a dessert station where guests can create their own using a variety of delicious toppings.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to advertise the event to attract contestants.
Time to start planning your autumn party
So there you have it: 14 memorable autumn party ideas your guests won’t soon forget. Now that you have these ideas, it’s time to start planning and promoting your event.
Eventbrite, with its large user base, serves as an excellent platform for event discovery, allowing you to tap into a broader network of potential attendees.
You can leverage our built-in marketing tools to effortlessly promote and engage your target audience on different platforms, drive registration, sell more tickets, and send updates to registered attendees. This builds excitement and keeps everyone informed all the way.
Sign up for Eventbrite to access the tools and pro tips you need to make your autumn party one everyone will remember.
