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5 Community Events Your Apartment Residents Actually Want to Go To

Dominique Swanson

By Dominique Swanson

Feb 04, 2025


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Fostering a sense of community is an important part of property management, as it brings your property together and creates positive resident experiences. One of the best way to create that community feeling is through apartment resident events! The key to creating events your residents will actually want to attend is to tap into what they enjoy and what they need, whether that’s the opportunity to relax, connect with their neighbors, or eat. In this article, we will explore five community events that are sure to be crowd pleasers, and leave your residents looking forward to what you host next.

1. Potluck Dinners

Potlucks are a fantastic way to bring people together while showcasing the diverse flavors of the community. These family-friendly events invite residents or staff members from the apartment community to each bring a dish, whether it’s a family recipe or a favorite comfort food, creating a feast of variety. Potlucks are also an easygoing and affordable way to enjoy a shared meal, and they help residents meet each other in person.

For a twist, consider adding themes to your potluck, such as “Comfort Food Night,” “International Cuisine,” or a Super Bowl-themed dinner. This gives attendees an opportunity to explore new tastes while keeping the atmosphere lighthearted and fun. Another option is getting the meal catered by local businesses.

2. Grocery Bingo

Who says bingo is just for the elderly? Grocery Bingo is a fun twist on the classic game that turns a regular game night into an exciting, prize-packed event. Renters play for items they can use in their own homes, like canned goods, cookware sets, gift cards, or even appliances, such as air fryers or coffee makers.

This resident appreciation event brings a new level of excitement to a familiar activity, making it a perfect choice for people of all ages. It's also an easy, affordable event that does not require much event planning to organize, and it provides the added benefit of supporting local grocery stores and giving back to your community in a meaningful way.

3. Late-Night Breakfast

Breakfast food is a hit no matter the time of day! Hosting an on-site late-night breakfast is an excellent way to offer something unexpected and exciting. Whether it’s pancakes, waffles, eggs, or bacon, breakfast foods are universally loved and can be served in a relaxed, cozy environment. People can get together after a busy day for a delicious, comforting meal at a time that’s a little less traditional, making it feel like a special occasion.

Consider incorporating fun elements like a pancake-flipping contest, DIY topping stations, or a coffee bar to really boost resident satisfaction. Late-night breakfasts offer the perfect blend of good food, great company, and an easygoing vibe that residents will be eager to attend.

4. Craft Night

For those with a creative streak or just looking to try something new, craft nights provide an opportunity to unwind, socialize, and create something fun. Whether it's a paint along, or DIY home decor, craft nights are an excellent way for residents of multifamily properties to express themselves, build community, and learn new skills in a relaxed, pressure-free setting.

You don’t need to be an expert crafter to enjoy these events, just provide the necessary materials and a basic tutorial, and participants can dive right in. Craft nights encourage creativity and connection, making them a perfect addition to any community calendar. Plus, if residents have a great time, there’s even a chance they’ll share their creations on social media.

5. Sip and Swim Pool Party

There’s nothing quite like a summer pool party to kick off the summer and bring the community together for a day of fun and relaxation. A “Sip and Swim” pool party is a fun, casual event that’s like an outdoor happy hour, where residents can unwind and enjoy the sun while sipping on refreshing beverages. Purchasing fun inflatable pool floats that hold drinks, pool games such as basketball or volleyball, hiring a DJ, or even combining the event with an ice cream social or a BBQ with burgers and hot dogs will bring your pool party to a new level!

This resident event idea is a perfect way to cool off during the summer while creating lasting memories with neighbors and friends. If you have a pool at a community center or clubhouse, it's an easy outdoor event to host and a guaranteed hit for your residents.

The Bottom Line

From the simple joy of sharing a home-cooked meal at a potluck to the lively energy of a Sip and Swim pool party, resident activities create opportunities for people to come together and enjoy themselves and their homes — which can help boost resident retention rates. When planning community events, the goal should always be to foster connection, fun, and a sense of belonging, and these five ideas check all the boxes. Events that offer food, prizes, connection, and relaxation will have your residents looking forward to participating in your community activities!

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