Father’s Day is a day most cultures agree deserves celebration. It’s a chance to honour and celebrate the amazing dads in our lives.
For an event planner, it can be difficult to come up with fun and unique ideas for Father’s Day.
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.
Eventbrite has spent over a decade supporting dynamic UK event organisers 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.
Need more inspo? Download our free Father’s Day activity guide for more ideas!
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.
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 and 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 Turkish Cookery Class by organiser 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.
Father’s Day well-being conference and workshops
With the current focus on mental health, a well-being workshop or conference could inspire an interesting Father’s Day event idea. 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 organiser Tracey Else Wisbech PCN.
Their Wisbech Mens Health and Wellbeing Event event is designed to give hands-on support and advice to men’s overall health and well-being. Representatives from NHS, Active Fenland and various other supporters of Healthy You offer attendees a free health MOT and mini health checks.
It includes an opportunity to engage in some light activity, from walking football to tug of war, supplied by local clubs. Local men will also get a chance to share their experiences with mental health challenges and will be offered advice on services provided locally.
Father’s Day skills DIY 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 organiser Bright Sparks Forest School is putting on a Fathers Day Chair Making Workshop session in Goudhurst that lets guests create their own rustic chairs.
This type of event is perfect for fathers looking to hone their DIY skills. It also includes a campfire lunch.
You’ve also got the Father’s Day Special Event – Glass fusing workshop from Eventbrite organiser 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 organiser Flowerfield Arts and their Father’s Day Drumming With Dad event in Portstewart.
This event is tailored for Dads and their kids, where they can let loose and drum while being led by an expert drummer.
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 organiser 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.
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 Father’s Day BBQ organised by event organiser Carlton Towers. Attendees will get to tuck into a hearty BBQ cooked by in-house chefs as they relax in the garden.
A selection of games will be available for the little ones to enjoy, and the bar will be open for the adults to sit back and relax.
Pro tip: At Eventbrite, we spend a lot of time connecting event organisers 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.
2. Arrange a walk or cycle
With 63% of men across England participating in sports, a ramble or family cycle is an ideal Father’s Day activity 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 organiser Darren J. Brookes, for example. Their Fathers Day Walk – Seat At The Table celebrates Dads is the perfect way to treat outdoorsy dads to a day out at the beautiful Tittesworth Reservoir in Leek.
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.
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 organiser Agape Wellbeing.
Their Stand Up Comedy Night event in Glasgow is a surefire way for fathers to pick up a few more jokes to embarrass their kids with.
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 organiser pages, and get in touch with comedians who are a good fit.
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, with over one-fifth of the population enjoying one every month. 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 organiser Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and their upcoming A Slice of Inspiration: Rainbows Afternoon Tea in Leicester. This afternoon tea gives the whole family a chance to sit backand 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.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust / Fathers’ Day Bushcraft Event / Ashbourne
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 A Portrait for Father’s Day (Drawing Masterclass) by event organiser Art at the Heart CIC. Based around Birmingham, this event is suitable for all ages and a great chance for fathers and children to bond over a new hobby.
Do you prefer to plan events that are a bit more active? Try something like event organiser Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Fathers’ Day Bushcraft Event in Ashbourne. Dads and families can learn how to make a shelter and cook on a fire at this perfect event for outdoorsy dads.
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 organisers in setting up a wide range of networking events. Find your next event now.
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 organiser Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens Events.
Their Get Kids Growing – Gardening Workshop offers a great way for fathers to help kids learn about growing plants. They can then work together to decorate their pots and have something to take home to look after together.
Pro tip: Attendees posting their plants is a clever way to generate interest on social media. Just make sure you encourage them to tag you.
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 organiser 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.
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 organiser Millian Market is putting together an Afro- Caribbean Market; May Bank Holiday and Pre Father’s Day Celebration 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.
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 organiser The Byron Society is the prototype.
Their Burns Museum & Whisky Tasting event takes place in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway and is the perfect setting for whisky tasting.
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.
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 organiser 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 organisers to network and bounce around 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.
Get 43 more great Father’s Day ideas from our guide below!
