Summer is the perfect season to leverage the warm weather and community spirit to host events that not only attract new customers but also retain and engage your existing members. Here are some creative and effective summer event ideas that can help strengthen relationships at your pickleball facility.
1. Family Fun Days
Designate certain weekends as Family Fun Days, where you offer activities for all ages. Include pickleball clinics for kids, family-friendly matches, face painting, corn hole and other activities for the whole family. Provide special family meal deals at your food and beverage option to encourage families to spend the entire day at your facility.
2. Summer Pickleball Clinics and Camps
Offer specialized clinics and summer camps focused on improving skills and techniques. You can have different sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Including guest appearances from local pickleball pros can add excitement and credibility to your camps.
3. Pickleball Social Mixers
Host social mixers where players are randomly paired for doubles matches. These events can be followed by a social hour, complete with music, snacks and drinks. The casual and fun environment encourages players to mingle, make new friends and build stronger connections.
4. Charity Tournaments
Organize charity tournaments where all or a portion of the proceeds go to a local charity. Not only does this event support a good cause, but it also positions your facility as a community-minded business. Partnering with local businesses for sponsorships and prizes can enhance the event’s appeal.
5. Themed Pickleball Parties
Create themed pickleball parties, such as an 80s night. Encourage players to dress up according to the theme and decorate your facility to match. Offer themed food and drink specials and play music that fits the concept.
6. Live Music and Pickleball Festival
If you have the appropriate space, host a summer pickleball festival that combines live music with pickleball matches. Set up a stage for local bands or solo artists to perform throughout the day and evening. Offer a variety of food and beverage options, such as food trucks, and create a festive atmosphere with decorations and lighting. This event can be an all-day affair, with music playing while matches are ongoing, followed by a concert in the evening.
By incorporating these summer event ideas into your programming, you can create a vibrant and engaging environment that encourages customer retention and strengthens relationships. Remember, the key to successful events is organization and planning, consistent promotion and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
