Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is a firm favourite on calendars across the globe. It’s a special day when everyone has the perfect excuse to dust off their frying pan and get flipping. This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on February 21st – meaning you have just enough time to come up with some Pancake Day ideas for your next event.
Knowing where to begin can be tricky, but our guide shows you how to plan a Pancake Day your guests will remember. And for added inspiration, we’ve included 13 fun Pancake Day ideas to help you get started.
Table of contents
Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?
How to plan a Pancake Day event
13 Pancake Day event ideas to celebrate the start of Lent
Pancake Day fundraising event ideas
Virtual Pancake Day event ideas
Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?
Shrove Tuesday always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. This is the day that marks the start of Lent, the 40 days before Easter when people traditionally gave up eating rich foods. And what better way to use up the last of the butter and eggs than making pancakes? Nowadays, many people still give up something for Lent and Pancake Day helps them mark the occasion.
How to plan a Pancake Day event
The first step to planning a Pancake Day event is to decide what you want to host by considering your goals and logistics. We’ve put together these simple steps that you can follow to help deliver an event your audience will want to attend.
Start with your goals
Pancake Day events are a great way to market your business, products, or services. Or perhaps you want to forge bonds with your local community or show people how to celebrate Pancake Day in a new way. Whether for fundraising, raising your profile, or attracting a new audience, being clear about your goals will help you choose some ideas for Pancake Day that fit the bill.
Plan the logistics
Nailing the logistics is crucial. This includes settling on a location, finding the right venue, choosing caterers who’ll deliver what you need, and – most importantly – calculating your budget. Always refer back to your target audience – there’s little point in opting for a venue they can’t access or food they won’t eat. Make sure to keep track while planning your event to ensure you are keeping your costs in check.
Choose your activities
So how do people celebrate Shrove Tuesday? One thing is for sure – pancakes are usually top of the list. That can be eating them, making them, putting toppings on them, or even racing with them. Music and dancing can also add to the festivities.
Market your Pancake Day event
Put Pancake Day marketing ideas at the top of your to-do list and choose methods and tools that suit your budget. Using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can help keep costs down, or ask if local businesses, schools, and community centres will help distribute flyers or put up posters. Perhaps you could enlist the help of a local influencer or community leader and arrange for them to talk to local media. Paid promotional activities such as social media advertising, influencer marketing, or pay-per-click can help extend your reach. Understanding which digital marketing methods to use will make your marketing budget go further.
13 Pancake Day event ideas to celebrate the start of Lent
Shrove Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to get creative, so here are some Pancake Day activity ideas to get you started.
Pancake cooking class for kids
Kids love the chance to get messy in the kitchen. Channel their inner chef and teach them how to make pancakes, crêpes, or drop scones at a family pancake cooking event.
Pancake bar
Based along the lines of a cocktail bar, here the key ingredients are pancake toppings. Everyone gets their standard pancake, but the toppings are up to them. For the traditionalists, put out the maple syrup, lemon, jam, or sugar or go healthy with fruit, nuts, and yoghurt. And, of course, remember coloured sprinkles, chocolate spread, and mini marshmallows for a special treat.
Alfresco pancakes
Alfresco eating is always fun, and that goes for pancakes too. Teach your guests to cook them over an open fire and add fairy lights, music, and warming drinks to set the scene.
Mardi Gras festival
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, so embrace the carnival atmosphere with a festival celebration. Think parades, costumes, carnival music, and delicious food.
Networking breakfast
Need a way to help people meet and work together? Lure guests to your networking breakfast with the promise of pancakes complete with a range of toppings.
Stack them high with a set menu
The beauty of a set menu is there is a fixed price for adults or children. Make your menu mouthwatering by offering people a selection of savoury or sweet fillings. Cater for specific dietary needs like gluten-free and include a drink in the ticket price.
Kids’ pancake parties
A pancake party is a fun family event. Make sure there are lots of games for all ages. And if you need a Pancake Day competition idea, let the kids decorate their pancakes with the chance to win a prize.
Pancake Day fundraising event ideas
Fundraising events are an effective way to raise money for your given charity. What you need are Pancake Day fundraising ideas that grab attention, and these events do just that.
All-day breakfast
All-day breakfasts are one of those fundraising ideas people love for Pancake Day. Offer pancakes with lemon, sugar, syrup, smashed avocado, or smoked salmon – washed down with coffee, tea, or orange juice. Add Prosecco for a bottomless pancake brunch.
Pancake flipping competition
Monopolise on the natural urge to be the best pancake flipper and organise a family-friendly competition. Provide different categories to suit all ages and abilities and offer prizes for the most flips.
Sponsored pancake race
A sponsored pancake race puts the fun in fundraising. People can compete alone or in teams – all they need is a frying pan and a pancake. Make the course accessible to all and serve tasty treats for hungry runners.
Virtual Pancake Day event ideas
Here are some virtual Pancake Day ideas to help guests enjoy the whole experience from the comfort of their homes.
Virtual culinary experience
People have rediscovered the joy of cooking and home baking. Why not teach participants how to make various pancake recipes and accompanying cocktails at their own pyjama brunch?
Lent quiz
Get those grey cells working with a quiz based on Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day traditions. Your guests will love learning about this special day’s history and global celebration.
International pancake workshop
The wonderful thing about virtual events is their ability to extend your reach and enable you to represent a wider audience. Invite chefs of different nationalities to cook traditional Pancake Day fare from their homeland.
Get those pancakes flipping
Helping people celebrate a much-loved tradition is as worthwhile as it is fun. Check out how Eventbrite can turn your Pancake Day ideas into an event to remember.
