A guy and girl dressed in halloween costumes take photos at the official halloween pub crawl

The Dos and Don'ts of Participating in a Themed Bar Crawl: Advice from Experienced Crawlers

Bar crawls have been around for centuries, and they are an excellent way to socialize, have fun, and explore new places. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned crawler, knowing the rules of a pub crawl and picking fun pub crawl themes can make or break your experience.

In this blog post, we’ll share essential pub crawl rules, explore bar crawl ideas themes, and offer advice from experienced crawlers so you can make the most out of your next big night out.


Pub Crawl Rules: The Do's and Don'ts from Past Attendees

Do: Embrace the theme and get creative with your costume. A themed crawl works best when everyone commits.

Don’t: Be a buzzkill. Complaining about the theme or others’ costumes kills the vibe.

Do: Pace yourself. The golden rule of any crawl is slow and steady—your night should last.

Don’t: Forget food. Eating is a non-negotiable rule of a pub crawl if you want to survive until the last stop.


Bar Crawl Rules: The Dos

Do Get Your Ticket Early

Tickets often increase in price as the event gets closer. Grab yours early to save money and focus on your outfit, drinks, and food instead.

Do Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is one of the unspoken rules for pub crawl events. Consider the number of bars, the route, and the theme. Having a plan helps keep the group together.

Do Dress Up

Bar crawl themes are half the fun. Dress in line with the crawl’s vibe—whether it’s superheroes, movie characters, or holiday-specific themes like Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day.

Do Pace Yourself

One of the most important rules of a pub crawl is moderation. Many crawlers follow the one-drink-per-hour approach, which keeps things fun without hitting the wall too soon.

Do Bring Cash

Cash makes it easier to pay quickly, stick to a budget, and tip bartenders generously.

Do Be Social

Pub crawls are all about meeting new people. Strike up conversations, join group photos, and lean into the energy of the night.


Pub Crawl Themes: The Don’ts

Don’t Drink and Drive

The #1 rule of a pub crawl: never get behind the wheel. Arrange a rideshare, public transit, or a designated driver.

Don’t Be Rude

Respect bartenders, fellow crawlers, and venue staff. Being courteous ensures better service and a positive vibe.

Don’t Overdo It

Overindulgence leads to cut-short nights. Know your limits and respect them.

Don’t Be Overly Competitive

Friendly games are fun, but avoid turning challenges into arguments. Pub crawls are about fun, not rivalry.


Bar Crawl Ideas & Themes to Try

Looking for themed bar crawl ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

  • Holiday Classics: St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, or Ugly Sweater Christmas Crawl
  • Movie Madness: Dress as characters from your favorite film
  • Retro Night: 80s or 90s themed outfits
  • Cultural Celebrations: Pride, Cinco de Mayo, or Mardi Gras

These pub crawl theme ideas work great because they encourage creativity and group participation. Matching themes for bar crawls also make your photos and memories even more epic.


Drew’s Experience at a Halloween Bar Crawl

“I just got back from my first Halloween crawl, and it was a wild ride. The costumes, the themed drinks, and the spooky decorations made it unforgettable. I followed the basic pub crawl rules—paced myself, ate food, and stayed with friends—and it made all the difference.”


Conclusion

The best bar crawls happen when everyone follows the pub crawl rules and embraces the theme. Whether you go with tried-and-true pub crawl themes like Halloween or get creative with your own bar crawl ideas themes, the key is to plan ahead and keep it fun.

So gather your friends, pick one of these themed bar crawl ideas, and follow the golden rules for a safe, memorable night. Ready to skip the planning? Find a bar crawl in your city today. 🍻