The New Community Trends Everyone is Talking About
Move over potlucks, garage sales, and block parties! The ways people engage with their family members, friends, and neighbors are getting more and more creative--and fun. To help you start hosting fantastic events, we’ve rounded up some new community event ideas that homeowners' association (HOA) communities everywhere are doing to bring neighbors together. Read on and explore our top five favorites now!
1. Cooking demonstrations.
Who says you must go far to have a chef prepare a yummy meal? Luckily, that's no longer the case. The next time you want to inspire camaraderie, invite a chef from a popular restaurant to do a cooking demonstration in your community. This is one of our top creative event ideas that you can host at someone's house, in the clubhouse kitchen, or outside!
Here's what to do: set up attendee cooking stations to follow instructions and make food in a common area. Or, have guests mix, mingle, and learn as the chef does a demonstration and whips up a delectable meal for everyone to enjoy. Either way, this event is sure to fill up quickly. Trust us, nothing unites people quite like delicious food.
2. Private fitness classes.
From spinning and Pilates to kickboxing, strength training, and yoga, it seems there are more ways than ever to break a sweat AND have a good time right now.
Get active and contact a local fitness studio and schedule a private 30-minute or 60-minute class just for your community; or, if you have a fitness center, you can see if a local instructor can teach a class on-site.
To take it to the next level, we love it when communities serve some breakfast dishes or light bites afterward and give their event a catchy name like “Donuts & Dumbbells” or “Pilates & Parfaits.” The options are endless!
Would you believe us if we told you that you could use your community's playground to get fit? Learn how to use your community's playground as an outdoor gym now!
3. Community happy hours.
Offer a change of scenery and host a community happy hour at a nearby lounge, bar, or restaurant. The best part? Most spots offer discounts for large groups. Talk about a win!
If you want to stay close, agree to host a happy hour at the community clubhouse and make these top classic cocktails right at home.
Wherever you choose, happy hours are a great way for neighbors to get to know one another outside of a typical hi-and-bye situation at the mailbox or when they're walking the dog.
And, in good weather, more communities are turning their events into a “yappy” hour, so furry friends and four-legged family members can come along.
4. Go-green initiatives.
Great news: HOA communities are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and are taking steps to minimize it.
That's why we've chosen this as one of our top community event ideas for families. Educate residents, flex your green thumb, and decrease your carbon footprint by:
- Creating a community garden
- Building a compost bin
- Starting a recycling program
- Doing a community clean-up day
- Hosting a farmer's market
These eco-friendly activities can bring the community together and improve the earth while reducing costs. And residents of all ages can get involved and support a sustainable environment for future generations. That's right; it really is easy being green!
5. Hikes and picnics in the park.
Going outside and soaking up the sun is never a bad idea. One trending event that residents can do with their neighbors is going on a hike and then picnicking when they're done.
Choose a park or trail nearby and plan a morning or afternoon outing. Gear up, pack some protein-filled snacks and drinks, and bring blankets, towels, cushions, or chairs for a comfortable experience.
Take this opportunity to bond with your neighbors over outdoor exercise and scrumptious food. Plus, it's a chance to enjoy nature and fresh air.
You don't have to be in tip-top shape to take a hike! Check out these benefits of hiking and tips for hitting the trail.
Gather Your HOA Neighbors and Get Active!
Community event ideas come naturally the more you plan and do them. They’re an essential aspect of building social connections, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening the fabric of your HOA.
From cooking demonstrations to private fitness classes and community happy (or yappy!) hours, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone in the family. Embrace the sense of belonging with these fun-for-everyone community event ideas!
If you're looking for more HOA events, read our article, "Not Your Average Block Party: 6 Unique Summer Neighborhood Events."