EVENT CALENDAR
Never miss an opportunity to attract customers with Barhive’s Event Calendar—your go-to resource for planning promotions, themed nights, and seasonal specials. From St. Patrick’s Day and Easter to major sporting events and festive celebrations, we’ve got all the key dates covered.
Each event includes content ideas, marketing tips, and engagement strategies to help your bar or pub make the most of every occasion. Keep your social media fresh, your promotions relevant, and your customers coming back for more!
Make every event a success with Barhive—start planning today!
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APRIL FOOL'S DAY - 1ST APRIL
January
New Year's Day – 1st January
The first day of the year is perfect for welcoming customers who want to continue celebrating or recover from the night before with a hearty meal and drinks. Promotions on Bloody Marys, brunch specials, and "hair of the dog" cocktails work well.
Dry January – All of January
While many people abstain from alcohol this month, it’s a great opportunity to promote alcohol-free cocktails, low-alcohol beers, and special mocktail menus to attract customers who still want a night out without breaking their resolution.
National Bloody Mary Day – 1st January
A fun way to celebrate the classic hangover cure. Pubs can offer Bloody Mary specials, DIY Bloody Mary bars, or discounts on this popular cocktail.
Burns Night – 25th January
A Scottish celebration honouring poet Robert Burns, typically featuring whisky, haggis, and traditional Scottish food and music. Pubs can host themed nights with whisky tastings, Burns Night suppers, and live folk music.
Australia Day – 26th January
A great excuse to celebrate Australian culture with themed drinks like Australian beers and cocktails, BBQ food specials, and live music.
February
Six Nations Rugby – Starts 1st Weekend of February
One of the biggest sporting events in the UK, featuring England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. Pubs can attract sports fans with live screenings, drinks deals, and themed food from participating nations.
Groundhog Day – 2nd February
While it’s a North American tradition, it can be a fun way to bring in customers with themed cocktails, trivia nights, or screenings of the classic Groundhog Day film.
Chinese New Year – Varies (Between Late January & Mid-February)
A chance to celebrate with themed cocktails, Chinese food specials, and decorations like lanterns and dragons. Some pubs may also bring in live entertainment such as lion dances.
Super Bowl Sunday – 2nd Sunday of February
While it's an American event, the Super Bowl has a huge following in the UK. Pubs can host late-night screenings with beer promotions, American-style food (burgers, wings, nachos), and halftime show entertainment.
Valentine's Day – 14th February
Ideal for couples’ dinners, themed cocktails, and special offers on wine and prosecco. Some venues might also offer anti-Valentine’s events or singles nights.
Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17th February
A chance to spread goodwill with small giveaways, surprise discounts, or a "buy one, gift one" drink offer to encourage generosity.
Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) – Date Varies
A fun opportunity to serve pancake specials alongside cocktails, beers, or themed drinks.
March
St David’s Day – 1st March
Celebrating Wales' patron saint, this is a great opportunity for Welsh-themed events, traditional food like Welsh rarebit and lamb dishes, and promotions on Welsh beers, ciders, and whiskies.
World Book Day – First Thursday in March
A fun excuse for themed cocktails based on famous books, literary quizzes, or even a fancy-dress night where customers dress as their favourite book characters.
International Women's Day – 8th March
A perfect occasion for ladies' night specials, discounted cocktails, and spotlighting female-led distilleries, breweries, or wines. Some venues might host women-led live music or charity fundraisers.
Mother’s Day – Fourth Sunday of Lent
A great day for afternoon teas, prosecco or gin promotions, and special meal deals for families treating their mums.
St Patrick’s Day – 17th March
One of the biggest pub celebrations of the year! Expect Guinness deals, Irish whiskey tastings, live music, and themed events with Irish food like stew and soda bread.
First Day of Spring – 20th March
The start of brighter days is a great excuse to launch spring cocktails, outdoor seating promotions, and seasonal drink specials featuring floral and fruity flavours.
Earth Hour – Last Saturday of March
A chance for a unique candlelit pub experience by turning off non-essential lights for an hour. Some venues use this as an opportunity to promote eco-friendly drinks or sustainability-focused events.
April
April Fool’s Day – 1st April
A fun opportunity for lighthearted pranks, joke-themed cocktails, or "mystery drinks" where customers don’t know what they’re getting until they take a sip!
Easter Weekend – Date Varies
A long weekend means more customers heading out for drinks! Pubs can offer Easter-themed cocktails, chocolate pairings (e.g., stout and chocolate), and Sunday roast specials on Easter Sunday.
National Beer Day – 6th April
A perfect excuse to promote local ales, host beer tastings, or offer discounts on pints and beer flights.
Grand National – First or Second Saturday of April
One of the biggest horse racing events of the year, making it ideal for sweepstakes, race-day drink deals, and screening the race live.
National Gin & Tonic Day – 9th April
A fantastic opportunity to showcase gin specials, create unique G&T variations, and offer tasting flights of different gins and tonics.
St George’s Day – 23rd April
England’s national day is a great time to promote British beers, traditional pub food like pie and mash, and themed decorations with the St George’s flag.
London Marathon – Last Sunday of April
A great day for post-race celebrations! Pubs near the route can attract runners and spectators with recovery drinks, special food offers, or charity fundraising tie-ins.
May
May Day (Early May Bank Holiday) – First Monday of May
A traditional celebration marking the start of summer, often featuring Morris dancing and outdoor festivities. Pubs can offer special spring cocktails, live music, and themed decorations.
Star Wars Day – 4th May
A fun pop-culture event perfect for themed cocktails, movie screenings, and fancy dress nights for Star Wars fans.
Cinco de Mayo – 5th May
A great excuse for a Mexican-themed night with margaritas, tequila shots, tacos, and lively Latin music.
VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) – 8th May
A patriotic occasion to celebrate with traditional British drinks, wartime-themed decorations, and nostalgic music.
Eurovision Song Contest – Mid-May
A night of music, costumes, and party vibes. Pubs can host Eurovision viewing parties, offer themed cocktails based on participating countries, and encourage customers to dress as their favourite acts.
FA Cup Final – Mid to Late May
One of the biggest football matches of the year, ideal for screening live, offering drinks promotions for fans, and creating a lively atmosphere.
Spring Bank Holiday – Last Monday of May
A long weekend brings plenty of opportunities for extended celebrations, beer garden specials, and themed events to kick off summer.
June
National Fish & Chips Day – First Friday of June
A celebration of the UK’s favourite dish! Pubs can offer fish and chips specials paired with classic British ales or seaside-themed cocktails.
UEFA Champions League Final – Early June
One of the biggest club football matches of the year, drawing huge crowds to pubs screening the game. Ideal for beer promotions, food deals, and special seating areas for fans.
World Gin Day – Second Saturday of June
A perfect day to highlight gin cocktails, special tasting flights, and locally sourced gins. Some pubs may offer gin masterclasses or pairings.
Father’s Day – Third Sunday of June
A great opportunity for family meal deals, whisky and beer promotions, or even father-son bonding events like darts or pool competitions.
Summer Solstice – 21st June
The longest day of the year, perfect for outdoor drinking, live music, BBQs, and summer-themed cocktails.
Glastonbury Festival – Late June
Even if people aren’t at the festival, many still want to enjoy the atmosphere. Pubs can host live music, festival-style food and drink, and screen highlights of performances.
July
Canada Day – 1st July
A chance to celebrate with Canadian beers, whisky, and food like poutine. Some pubs might host themed quizzes or play Canadian music.
Independence Day (USA) – 4th July
A great excuse for an American-themed night with BBQ food, bourbon cocktails, and classic American beers. Some venues might screen American sports or host country music nights.
Wimbledon Finals Weekend – Second Weekend of July
The perfect event for Pimms, strawberries & cream promotions, and showing the matches on big screens. Some pubs might offer tennis-themed cocktails or special seating for fans.
National Mojito Day – 11th July
A great excuse for summer cocktail specials, with variations of the classic mojito using different fruits and rums.
British Grand Prix – Mid-July
A major event for motorsport fans. Pubs can screen the race, offer themed drink promotions, and create a high-energy atmosphere.
World Rum Day – Second Saturday of July
A celebration of all things rum, making it perfect for tropical cocktails, rum tasting flights, and Caribbean-themed food and music.
International Beer Day – First Friday of July
A must for beer lovers! Pubs can showcase craft beers, offer tasting flights, and run "buy one, get one free" promotions on selected pints.
Summer Holidays Begin (School Break)
A great time to promote family-friendly pub lunches, beer garden specials, and weekday deals for those enjoying time off work.
August
International Beer Day – First Friday of August
Another fantastic excuse to celebrate beer! Pubs can showcase local and international brews, offer tasting paddles, or run beer-related quizzes and competitions.
National Prosecco Day – 13th August
A perfect day for sparkling wine lovers. Pubs can offer prosecco-based cocktails, discounts on bottles, or bottomless brunch deals.
National Rum Day - 16th August
Although it’s an American holiday, rum lovers worldwide celebrate it. A great opportunity for tropical rum cocktails, tasting flights, or Caribbean-inspired food pairings.
Start of Premier League Season – Mid-August
Football is back! Pubs can attract fans with live screenings, match-day meal deals, and special drinks promotions for key matches.
Notting Hill Carnival – Last Weekend of August
One of the UK’s biggest street parties, celebrating Caribbean culture. Even if a pub isn’t in London, it can still embrace the carnival vibe with rum cocktails, reggae music, and Caribbean food specials.
August Bank Holiday Weekend – Last Monday of August
The final bank holiday before Christmas, making it one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Pubs can host live music, BBQs, beer garden parties, or special drink offers to encourage all-day celebrations.
September
Back to School
With kids back in school, parents may want a break! Pubs can offer lunchtime meal deals, coffee mornings, or midweek happy hour specials.
National Beer Lover’s Day
Another great excuse to promote beer! While it’s a U.S. holiday, pubs can offer discounts on pints, craft beer tastings, or beer-and-food pairing nights.
Oktoberfest Begins – Mid to Late September
The world-famous German beer festival is a brilliant theme for pubs, with steins of beer, bratwurst, Bavarian music, and themed fancy dress nights. Some venues run Oktoberfest specials for the full duration.
Autumn Equinox – Around 22nd September
The official start of autumn, perfect for launching seasonal drinks like spiced ciders, warming cocktails, and rich ales. Pubs with open fires can highlight their cosy atmosphere.
Rugby World Cup/International Rugby Matches
If international rugby matches are on, pubs can attract fans with live screenings, drinks promotions, and themed food deals (e.g., "Pie & Pint" specials).
Cask Ale Week – Last Week of September to Early October
A great opportunity to promote real ales, showcase local breweries, and offer tasting events or CAMRA-related discounts.
October
International Coffee Day – 1st October
A great day to promote coffee-based cocktails like Espresso Martinis or Irish Coffee. Some pubs might also offer coffee stouts or coffee-flavoured liqueurs.
Oktoberfest Continues – Until Early October
The final stretch of Oktoberfest celebrations, perfect for continuing themed nights with steins of beer, Bavarian food, and live music.
World Vegetarian Day – 1st October
An opportunity to showcase vegetarian pub grub, meat-free specials, and plant-based beer or cocktail pairings.
National Vodka Day – 4th October
While it's an American holiday, it's a great excuse for vodka-based drink promotions, including classic cocktails like Martinis, Moscow Mules, and Bloody Marys.
Rugby World Cup/Autumn Internationals
If international rugby matches are on, pubs can attract crowds with live screenings, beer promotions, and hearty food specials.
World Mental Health Day – 10th October
Some pubs use this day to promote mindful drinking, alcohol-free options, or charity events to support mental health awareness.
National Curry Week - Early to Mid-October
A brilliant opportunity for curry and beer pairings, themed food nights, or Indian-inspired cocktails.
Apple Day – 21st October
Celebrating all things apple! Perfect for cider tastings, apple-flavoured cocktails, and seasonal desserts.
Halloween – 31st October
One of the biggest nights of the year for pubs! Fancy dress parties, themed cocktails, horror movie screenings, and spooky decorations all help create a great atmosphere.
November
World Vegan Day – 1st November
A great chance to highlight plant-based menu items, vegan beers, and cocktails. Some pubs offer vegan food pairings or discounts on meat-free dishes.
Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) – 5th November
A key British celebration with fireworks, toffee apples, mulled cider, and warming winter drinks. Some pubs might offer bonfire-themed cocktails or fire-pit gatherings.
Stout Day – First Thursday of November
Perfect for promoting stouts like Guinness, local craft varieties, or offering tasting flights and food pairings.
Remembrance Sunday – Second Sunday of November
A more solemn occasion. Many pubs observe a moment of silence and offer Sunday roasts or traditional British meals for veterans and families.
Armistice Day – 11th November
Similar to Remembrance Sunday, some pubs might mark the day with poppy-themed charity events or quiet reflection spaces.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day – Third Thursday of November
Celebrating the first release of the year's Beaujolais wine. Ideal for French wine tastings, charcuterie boards, and wine-focused promotions.
International Men’s Day – 19th November
A day for awareness but also an opportunity for promotions on whisky, beer, and hearty meals. Some pubs might offer fundraising events for men's health charities.
Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday of November
While not a UK holiday, many pubs cater to American expats with Thanksgiving dinners, turkey specials, and bourbon cocktails.
Black Friday – Last Friday of November
Pubs and bars can offer discounts on drinks, happy hour deals, or special "Blackout" cocktails to attract shoppers and weekend crowds.
December
Start of Festive Season – All Month
December is one of the busiest months for pubs, with Christmas parties, festive drink menus, and seasonal food specials drawing in customers.
Christmas Jumper Day – Second or Third Friday of December
A fun, charity-focused day where pubs can encourage customers to wear Christmas jumpers, offering discounts or themed drinks for those who participate.
Winter Solstice – 21st December
The shortest day of the year—perfect for cosy pub vibes, mulled wine, hot toddies, and warming winter ales.
Christmas Eve – 24th December
A big night for pubs, as many people head out for pre-Christmas drinks. Special menus, festive cocktails, and live music help create a celebratory atmosphere.
Christmas Day – 25th December
Some pubs open for Christmas lunch or festive drinks, offering a welcoming space for those who don’t celebrate traditionally or want a relaxed pint.
Boxing Day – 26th December
A popular day for post-Christmas drinks, football screenings, and leftover turkey sandwiches on pub menus.
Twixtmas - 27th–30th December
The "in-between" days where people look for relaxed social gatherings, quiet drinks, or special offers before New Year's.
New Year's Eve – 31st December
One of the biggest nights of the year for pubs! Live music, DJ nights, countdown parties, and themed drinks make it a prime opportunity for ticketed events and special promotions.