Father’s Day is a day most cultures agree deserves celebration. It’s the day that dads, step-dads, granddads, uncles, sons, and other father figures get to stop running around trying to create the perfect day for everybody else. 

Instead, it’s a chance to show the dads in your life how much you really care.

For an event planner, that can pose a real challenge. 

Dads have a vast range of interests, and families have different ideas of a great day out — which is why it can be difficult starting from square one if you’re planning to stage a new Father’s Day event.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve spent over a decade supporting dynamic UK event creators across the Eventbrite community who focus on building and curating events designed to connect families and celebrate connections.

We’ve rounded up 10 feel-good ideas to help you start planning your event.

Ideas for hosting your own Father’s Day event

It’s easy to pigeonhole Father’s Day event ideas into stereotypical Dad tropes: fishing, cars, golf, whisky – you’re probably well aware of the clichés. 

But by broadening your concept of Father’s Day celebrations, you can reach a much wider audience with a range of interests. 

That’s not to say you need to exclude the classics from your event completely. But there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate these traditional themes into your Father’s Day event. 

Below are some interesting examples of different Father’s Day events you can use as inspiration for hosting your own.

Guests at Cooking + Comedy/Get in the Kitchen!
Cooking + Comedy / Get in the Kitchen! / Chicago, IL

Father’s Day cooking class

There’s something about cooking that brings people together. Families can put down their phones, stop arguing, and work together to create something new and delicious. Cooking together is incredibly therapeutic for many families — and it’s fun, too.

That’s why organising a cooking class is worth considering as a unique Father’s Day event.

It gives family members an excuse to bond and get some quality time with one another, and it’s also a great way to feed a foodie dad’s passion for creating delicious cuisines.

There are plenty of themed cooking classes you could host for your own Father’s Day celebration. 

You could seek out local restaurants or cookery schools and team up to run an event suitable for a range of ages and expertise. Consider popular cuisines for your audience or culinary skills that people may find more challenging to master at home.

There are even a number of cookery schools in big cities like London, Manchester, that offer classes designed for families with young children — which might be the way to go if you’re planning a cooking event for families with toddlers.

Looking for lessons on how to run a slick cooking class on Father’s Day? Check out this Vegan Sri Lankan Cookery Class by creator Migrateful.

Based in and around London, Migrateful is a charity that empowers migrants and refugees in the UK by putting them at the helm of cooking masterclasses. Each migrant chef gets the chance to educate Brits from all walks of life about the cuisines of their homelands.

These cooking classes are also a brilliant way to teach younger kids a bit more about the world around them — all while celebrating the dads and father figures in their lives.

Sound like the perfect fit for your next Father’s Day event? Find out why Eventbrite is the ideal tool to organise and promote a food event.

By using Eventbrite, you can create slick and effective listings to promote your food event, build virtual seating plans, sell online tickets, and promote your event through social media and email. 

Our platform is a one-stop shop to get your Father’s Day cooking class up and running.

Guests at Youth Marketing Strategy event
Youth Marketing Strategy / Voxburner / San Francisco, CA

Father’s Day well-being conference and workshops

In keeping with the current focus on mental health, a well-being workshop or conference could inspire an interesting Father’s Day event idea. 

According to researchers at Universidad de Quintana Roo, parental self-care creates a richer and fuller family life. So, what better way to celebrate father figures than by highlighting the importance of taking care of their mental health?

There are plenty of Father’s Day events you could use to encourage conversations around positive mental health, whether you run talks, Q&As, or fitness sessions. You could even consider marketing the event as a day festival with guests able to pick and choose the elements they would like to attend.

If you’re on the hunt for inspiration on setting up an effective and unique well-being event around Father’s Day, it’s worth looking at event creator Stand Up Black Dads.

Their upcoming Stand Up Black Dads – The Exhibition 2023 (Fathers Day Special) event is designed to give father figures a holistic range of support — and it’s specifically aimed at dads of colour and the unique challenges they face.

The event’s line-up includes motivational speakers, educational talks, first aid lessons, conversations about child loss, counselling, legal information and advice, and activities for dads who bring their kids along for the day.

Guests at beekeeping workshop
Intro to Beekeeping / Garden for the Environment / SF, CA

Father’s Day skills workshops

Some dads are DIY warriors by choice. Others are forced to learn new skills and figure out how to fix domestic problems on the fly. Either way, it’s fair to say there are many father figures out there who are keen on developing new skills.

That’s why a skills workshop makes for a unique and engaging Father’s Day event that families won’t forget.

Like a cooking class, offering families an event to learn new skills gives them a chance to bond and spend quality time together. Skills workshops are also often a source of laughter — all while helping fuel a dad’s passion for crafts, the arts, and DIY.

Not quite sure where to get started creating a workshop event? Check out the Eventbrite community. For example, event creator The Witty Smith is putting on a Father’s day Blacksmithing session in Newcastle that teaches guests to use a hammer and fire to transform a steel rod into a one-of-a-kind bottle opener. 

This type of event is perfect for families with teenagers (as safety measures limit the ages of the participants).

You’ve also got the Father’s Day Special Event – Glass fusing workshop from Eventbrite creator With Chantal Foy Glass Artist @ FUSE. Located just outside Stockport, this Father’s Day workshop enables dads and their families to learn how to create unique glass art in a small class setting.

If you’re more interested in creating a Father’s Day event with young children in mind, you might be inspired by event creator Hannah Fleming and her Father’s Day weekend — Railway crafts event up in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Children go free, and many crafts are designed for parents to do together with small children. This type of event is perfect for any dad (or child) who’s into steam trains and the railway. 

Looking for inspiration? Here are 10 unique Father’s Day events

With the above ideas in mind  for Father’s Day this June, let’s take a closer look at some of the UK’s most inspiring and unique events — and how an event creator like you could use these ideas for your own event.

There’s a huge variety of Father’s Day events circulating around the Eventbrite community in 2023. Here are 10 of our favourites.

Group of people crowding around a BBQ
(Image: Source)

1. Plan a BBQ

Father’s Day falls just a few days before the longest day of the year, so, with any luck, it could be a great time for getting outside. Make the most of it by planning a Father’s Day BBQ event.

Yes, we know, the weather doesn’t always cooperate for British BBQs — but by setting up at a hybrid venue with both indoor and outdoor options, you’ll be able to weatherproof your Father’s Day BBQ and create a tasty event with great vibes.

For example, take a look at this Fathers Day BBQ organised by event creator Chicheley Hall. Based around the stunning surroundings of this Grade I listed mansion and its 80 acres of lush grounds, an event like this is a great way to give dads a chance to chill out and enjoy the great outdoors — all while eating their weight in burgers, sausages, chicken wings, and lamb kofta.

Pro tip: Here at Eventbrite, we spend a lot of time connecting event creators and vendors with one another — which is why we know that a BBQ is also a great way to involve local businesses in your Father’s Day event.

By collaborating with local suppliers, you can strike a partnership that sets your celebration up with the perfect, locally-sourced food and drinks for all your guests. 

You could also consider setting up a stand for attendees to buy the products served at the event as an extra Father’s Day gift.

Group of people walk up hill
(Image: Source)

2. Arrange a walk or cycle

A ramble or family cycle is a wholesome Father’s Day celebration idea for outdoorsy dads and nature lovers. 

Like some of the other event types we’ve covered, a special walking or cycling event is a great way to encourage families to put down their screens, get active, and enjoy some quality bonding time.

Fortunately, the UK has some of the most visually striking scenery in the world — it’s a brilliant place to arrange an outdoor get-together this Father’s Day.

Take a look at event creator NKDC Walking Festival, for example. Their Father’s Day at Hill Holt Wood is the perfect way to treat outdoorsy dads to a day out   at one of Britain’s ancient forests, also featuring a campfire workshop (for all those cave dads out there!).

Pro tip: Attendees might need a pit stop along the way, so you could research local pubs and cafés on the route and partner with them to create special offers.

Comedian performs at Dyketopia
Camp Dyketopia / Dyketopia Comedy / Littleton, CO

3. Put on a comedy night

Dads are natural kings of comedy (dad joke, anyone?), and the UK is chock-full of hilarious professional and amateur comedians. Comedy events are a great way to give father figures a break from their day-to-day routine, put up their feet, and have a good laugh.

If you’d like to organise a family-friendly comedy event, you’ve got lots of daytime options. But for lessons on how to create a slightly older comedy night, look to event creator MATURE events.

Their MATURE Rooftop Terrace All-Dayer (Father’s Day Special) event in Bristol includes ace comedy, DJs, an enticing buffet, and live performances. If you’d like to create an event for grown kids to let their hair down with their dads, this one is a great template.

Pro tip: You could seek out comedians who are dads and focus on fatherhood in their comedy to tie the event’s theme together. 

Not sure where to start? Take a look at the huge range of comedy events happening across the Eventbrite community. You can log into some online events, explore event creator pages, and get in touch with comedians who are a good fit.

Table set for afternoon cream tea

4. Host an afternoon tea

Dads deserve some luxury too, and afternoon tea is a sophisticated and less stereotypical way for them to unwind. It’s also easy to make this Father’s Day event accessible and suitable for all family members — including grandparents.

The UK is the land of afternoon tea. If you’re interested in putting together a Father’s Day high tea, there are lots of venues to choose from.

For example, look at event creator Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel and Spa and their upcoming Father’s Day Afternoon Tea in Camberley. This afternoon tea gives dads and granddads a chance to recline and enjoy a tasty selection of cakes in a stylish location.

Pro tip: If you’re organising an afternoon tea, it’s best to create one all-inclusive menu for your guests. This will streamline the catering process and simplify promotion and ticket sales.

But if you want to offer multiple menus to cater to different dietary requirements, wecan help. Using Eventbrite, you can set up a customised checkout that enables guests to choose from a number of set menus as part of the sales process.

Need help setting venue search criteria for your afternoon tea? Check out our guide on how to choose the perfect venue for your event.

Demonstration at Getcha Glow On
Getcha Glow On / UrbanGlass / Brooklyn, NY

5. Arrange a skills masterclass

We’ve already talked about learning new skills and creating events that offer families a chance to try out different types of activities. But if you’d rather create an event for dads who’ve already got an acute area of interest, you should consider setting up a masterclass instead.

A masterclass event is a great way for fathers to polish up on an old skill, show off their knowledge to friends and family, and enjoy some quality time sharing their interests with family.

If you need inspiration, look no further than this Father’s Day Cigar Masterclass by event creator The Lanesborough (ages 18+ welcome). Based in the heart of Knightsbridge, this event pairs dads up with cigar sommeliers to teach them about some of the finest cigars on the market. 

Do you prefer to plan events that are a bit more active? Try something like event creator Brian DaviesDe – Notton Bowers Fathers Day Longbow shoot in Notton. Dads and families showcase their archery skills — and then enjoy a sherry break and fish and chips from a local food truck.

Pro tip: Organising a masterclass relies on you having an interesting network of talented tradespeople. Before you can set up a masterclass, you’ll need to get out there and make connections.

For help getting started, take a look at the Eventbrite community. We support event creators in setting up a wide range of networking events. Find your next event now.

Terrarium workshop
Succulence / Terrarium Workshop / San Francisco, CA

6. Organise a gardening experience

For the green-fingered dads out there, what could be a better Father’s Day gift than getting tips on caring for their plants? 

From flower arranging to terrarium making and houseplant workshops, there is a wealth of event ideas.

An added bonus is that dads will have something to show from the event – many guests like these events because there’s a built-in souvenir at the end.

For inspiration, take a look at event creator The Brighton Flower Company

Their Fathers Day Terrarium Workshop offers a beginner’s guide to setting up, arranging, and creating a terrarium. This event is also a great lesson in how to set up a food partnership as it is held  at Brighton’s Temple Bar, giving attendees a chance to buy drinks, snacks, and nibbles throughout the workshop.

Pro tip: Attendees posting their bouquets or terrariums is a clever way to generate interest on social media. Just make sure you encourage them to tag you.

Visitors outside Windsor Castle
(Image: Source)

7. Arrange a tour of a local historical site

Here’s a Father’s Day event idea for history buffs: Why not organise a guided tour of a local museum or castle, followed by a trip to the pub for a Sunday roast or traditional Ploughman’s lunch?

The UK is littered with unique and quirky historical sights. Sometimes we all need a poignant reminder of what’s in our own backyard, and a historical Father’s Day tour is the perfect way to get out and see it.

Although castles are in ample supply here in the UK, there are other options. For example, event creator Vulcan Restoration Trust is planning a Visit the Vulcan on Fathers’ Day event down in Southend-on-Sea.

The event allows families to explore one of the huge bombers that flew in the Falklands War — and for an additional fee, you can even treat your dad to a seat in the cockpit.

Pro tip: Before you start planning your event, reach out to see if any tours already exist. If they do, think about how you could tailor it to make it specific to Father’s Day.

Guests at First Bloom at Farmers Market
Spring Cocktails of the Farmers Market / San Francisco Ferry Building / CUESA / San Francisco, CA

8. Set up a Father’s Day market

A Father’s Day retail event like a community market, is a simple way to roll elements of multiple events into one: food, drink, shopping, and tastings.

These types of events are inclusive and perfect for all ages. 

It’s even better if you can put a themed spin on your market. For example, event creator Millian Market is putting together a Fathers Day Special – Afro Caribbean Market event that includes a range of 30 vendors selling all sorts of goods you won’t find on the High Street. Caribbean street food anchors the Wembley event, which also has raffles and giveaways planned.

Pro tip: This is a low-maintenance day out for families to celebrate Father’s Day, but make sure you don’t forget to provide adequate seating, cover, and places for guests to relax and enjoy their food after they have explored the stalls.

Guests at Sakurafest
Sakura Festival Night Market / Mojo Eventbrite / Upstairs NYC, NY

9. Host a drinks-tasting session

The UK is home to a huge variety of classic and pioneering spirits. That’s why hosting a drinks tasting is a popular choice for Father’s Day.

Traditionally, these events would take place in the back room of a specialist shop. But online drinks tastings are a popular alternative.

For lessons on how to set up an in-person drinks tasting, event creator and British institution Fortnum & Mason is the prototype. 

Their Father’s Day Spirits Tasting at Fortnum & Mason event will take place alongside their trained experts in the atmospheric ‘Crypt’ and introduce dads to cognac, whisky, and brandy from all over the world.

If you’re wondering whether it’s still worth organising virtual Father’s Day events, with  live events back in full-swing, the answer is: yes. 

There are plenty of reasons to consider hosting an online event, but the main one is that a virtual Father’s Day event can cater to both families spending the day together or apart.

Pro tip: To make your event stand out, choose a strong theme. There are plenty of theme choices for this type of event, whether it’s whisky, cheese and wine, sake, or beer tastings. 

You could also think about teaming up with a nearby bottle shop or brewery to make this Father’s Day event idea work in a hybrid format.

Emmet Cohen Trio at Birdland
Emmet Cohen Trio / Birdland Jazz Club / NY, NY

10. Put on a music-themed brunch

Combine two of the best things in life — live music and food — and host a themed brunch for a chilled-out Father’s Day event. 

There are plenty of genres you could tap into for this Father’s Day celebration, whether it’s jazz, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, or beyond. Hire a live band or use streaming services to feature classic tunes that everyone can sing along to.

For example, event creator Boisdale of Canary Wharf has put together a Sunday Jazz Lunch: Frank & Dean Father’s Day Special! that’s sure to impress jazzy dads with an interest in  the classics.

They’re also tossing in a proper Sunday roast for good measure — which means families will go home with happy ears and happy tummies.

Pro tip: Work with your favourite local brunch spot to put together a special Father’s Day menu. You could even think about theming the food to match the music.

Feeling inspired to host your own Father’s Day celebration?

It’s easy to get started when you sign up with Eventbrite. You can make an event page and begin promoting your Father’s Day event idea straight away.

But first, decide what type of Father’s Day event you’d like to create. Take a look at our extensive community, and don’t be afraid to get in touch with other event creators to network and bounce some ideas.

Once you’re ready to start organising, Eventbrite Boost can help you reach new audiences, sell more tickets, and create a once-in-a-lifetime event that father figures will always remember.