The COVID-19 pandemic has made virtual happy hours a new norm. As we continue social distancing, meeting up with friends or coworkers for an in-person happy hour may not be possible. This is where virtual happy hours come in – they allow you to get together with your loved ones, and have fun from anywhere whether it's happy hour near me or in the comfort of your own home.

A virtual happy hour is a fun way to digitally convene with friends, family members, or coworkers. It's usually done through video chat platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. You pour your favorite drink, connect over a video call, and have great conversations no matter where you are located even if you want to do a Happy Hour in Maui!

Top 7 Ways To Take Your Virtual Happy Hour To The Next Level

If you want to take your virtual happy hour up a notch and make it more engaging, here are 7 ways to take your virtual happy hour to the next level:

1. Have Themed Happy Hours

Adding a fun theme to your virtual Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level will make it more exciting. You can ask your attendees to dress up according to the theme or decorate their video background. Some theme ideas include:

Decade themes like 60’s, 70’s, or 80's - dress up and play music from that decade

Holiday themes like Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's Eve

Fancy dress code like black & white attire or cowboy/cowgirl outfit

Neon theme – wear bright neon colors and decorate your background accordingly

Having a creative theme will add more flair to your virtual Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level.

2. Play Games

Another way to amplify your next virtual happy hour is by playing games. This further promotes engagement, laughter, and friendly competition among attendees.

Games like virtual bingo, scavenger hunt, poker, trivia, etc. are perfect for Taking Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level. One person can be assigned the game host to explain the rules and coordinate each game.

Online game options like Kahoot!, Psych!, Houseparty, and Jackbox Games offer great party packs with multiple games to choose from. This will lead to maximum involvement from participants.

3. Have Contests

Who doesn’t love contests? Adding different contests to your virtual happy hour makes it super fun. You can have contests like:

Best virtual background – Ask attendees to use their creative side and set up backgrounds that match the theme. Award the most unique or extravagant background.
Best costume – If you have a themed event, the best costume contest allows friends to showcase their elaborate outfits.
Karaoke contest – Sing your heart out and have everyone vote for the best singer. You can even give a fun prize to the winner.

Contests drive participation and give your guests an incentive to be more involved during your Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level.

4. Host A Virtual Mixology/Cocktail-Making Class

Skill-building activities are a smart way to engage your attendees. A virtual mixology or cocktail-making lesson allows guests to learn new drink recipes and bartending skills.

You can teach popular cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, martinis, etc. Provide a list of ingredients and equipment to your guests in advance. As you demonstrate mixing techniques and steps to create drinks, others can also fix their cocktails simultaneously.

Consider adding an extra touch by delivering pre-packed cocktail kits containing supplies and garnishes to your guests. This session guarantees loads of fun plus some mixology learning!

5. Have A Talent Show

Give your friends a chance to showcase their talents and abilities with a virtual talent show. This can include dancing, singing, stand-up comedy, playing musical instruments, poetry reading; anything they are good at and want to present to other attendees.

You can make it more structured by having guests vote after each talent performance. Recognize winners in different categories to fuel healthy competition amongst friends. It’s an engaging way for your happy hour guests to display their skills and get some appreciation.

6. Incorporate Activity Boxes

Want to make your virtual happy hour guests feel special? Mail them activity boxes in advance.

Activity boxes are packages containing supplies relating to the theme and activities planned for the virtual event. For example, your box could include items like cocktail ingredients and recipes, themed props, game supplies, decorations, music playlists, etc.

Opening these boxes during your Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level adds a strong personal touch and enhances participation as well. It also gives guests something tangible to remember the event with.

7. Maintain The Fun Vibe With Music & Dance Breaks

Music and dance breaks are a vibe lifter for any party. The same goes for virtual get-togethers. Prepare a curated playlist based on the theme with different genres and eras. Select tracks that are nostalgic or have dance-worthy beats.

Occasionally, mute everyone’s mics and play these songs. Encourage your friends to take a dance break and groove together (without judgment)! It could be freestyle dancing or replicating viral internet dance challenges.

This helps infuse positive energy in your virtual community and brings shy guests out of their shells. It also gives everyone a mental break from conversations and games.

Adding these music breaks throughout your Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level keeps the fun quotient high.

Final Thoughts

The COVID-19 crisis has changed social gatherings forever. But virtual get-togethers present creative ways for people to bond. With unique themes, contests, activities, music, and talent shows – you can take your virtual happy hour to the next level.

Use the tips shared above to maximize laughter, enjoyment, and engagement amongst your guests. Transform your regular video call into an entertaining house party that your friends will remember and cherish!

7 Ways to Take Your Virtual Happy Hour to the Next Level