6 Fun Game Night Ideas to Try This Weekend (It’s the Perfect Way to Mix Friends!)

If you’re bored of hosting friends for dinner parties and wine evenings, it’s time to try your hand at hosting a game night. These nostalgic gatherings may bring to mind elementary school sleepovers playing Apples to Apples — or maybe you immediately think of that iconic Pictionary scene in When Harry Met Sally. But game nights are the perfect bridge between hanging out on the couch and throwing a party. 

The food is easy. The ambience is simple. All you need is games and a place to play. You can make it as elaborate or as laid-back as you want. You can keep score or play just for fun. It’s entirely up to you how you want to make the rules. And the conversation is built-in — no need to worry about who’s sitting next to who.

Want to throw your own night of conquering Monopoly, acing Heads Up!, or perfecting your poker face? Here are six game night ideas from two enthusiastic experts on how to plan a winning game night.

Whether you’re inviting those friends you know play board games on the regular or those who are typically averse to competition, game night is a fabulous way to get a group together that may not have much in common on the surface, but will find shared interests as they navigate a new game or an old favorite. 

“The invite list can vary from who we know is available and flexible for last-minute fun and those that are truly up for any game we throw their way,” says Mary Kate Craven of DC Mahj Collective. She adds that she loves using game night as a way to bring people together from all backgrounds. “It’s so fun to see our social circles cross over to create larger groups of friends.”

You can let the game itself be the theme or play into the larger game experience. “Choose a theme like retro arcade, a casino night, or a classic board game evening. A summer camp party with outdoor games is fun during the summer,” says Cameron Forbes, who is not only an event planner but a game night enthusiast.

She suggests leaning in with the playlist, like jazz for a casino night or ’80s hits for a board game vibe. Then, of course, choose a few cocktails (or mocktails) that fit the theme. Set them up with a DIY drink-making station to make it easy.

Forbes explains that the key is knowing which games work for your group size and what your audience will gravitate toward. “I like to offer a variety: some lighthearted party games to break the ice, classic board and card games, and more risqué options like Cards Against Humanity. Have a few quick, easy-to-learn options on hand to keep things moving smoothly.”

Craven teaches groups how to play American Mahjong, which she sees as the perfect game night option. “You can squeeze in one game in 30 minutes while catching up! There’s plenty of time for more than one winner, but it’s also quick when time is tight, but you still want to meet.”

Whether you’re sticking to one game or offering guests a variety of options, carving out areas lets players focus on the game at hand. “Set up different areas or tables for various games, allowing guests to rotate and try new things. This approach keeps the evening dynamic and prevents crowding,” Forbes says.

And, because not everyone is going to stay committed to playing all night, have a place where people can just hang out and catch up. This goes for any gathering, but Forbes notes, “Comfortable spaces encourage guests to linger and enjoy themselves!”

When it comes to game night ideas, food is a must-have, but it’s not the focus. Make it easy for yourself and don’t try to serve a full meal. Craven explains, “I aim for finger foods and cocktail size plates, and I aim to play outside of meal times.” 

Occasionally, she’ll set up small cocktail tables next to the game table if there are larger dishes. “I always have a sweet treat on our game table, typically gummies, a Trader Joe’s chocolate-covered something, and a snack mix or popcorn with cups for each player’s salty treat,” Craven says. 

“Whether you have a tried-and-true game night crew with one game you love, are just working on starting up game night, or are converting a book club group gone stale, I love the idea of occasionally trying something new,” Craven says.

She is, of course, partial to American Mahjong, but she suggests bringing in a teacher to teach your game night group a game that’s new to all of you. It makes it a fun learning experience and, the next time, you’ll all be old pros.