Program for Unique Holidays: October 2023
by David Klemt
Do you want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Change how you think about your October holiday promotions.
Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and this month is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to esoteric.
Pay attention to the “weird” or unique holidays to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing? Why program only around the same holidays as everyone else?
Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, strange or otherwise. Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.
You’ll find suggestions for promotions below. However, the idea behind our monthly holiday promotions roundup is to inspire you and your team to get creative and come up with unique programming ideas.
For our September 2023 holidays list, click here.
October 4: National Golf Lover’s Day
There’s a lot of focus on the growth of pickleball in the US and Canada. However, there’s another sport that has been experiencing sizable growth: golf.
Owing in part to the explosive popularity of concepts like TopGolf and Drive Shack, more people have been getting into golf. The past few years has seen “0ff-course” golfers convert to off-and-on-course golfers. If you have golf simulators, Golden Tee, or operate a sports bar or golf-focused concept, this is your holiday!
October 5: National Get Funky Day
Funky rums, funky agate spirits… If there was ever a day to introduce your guests to the funky spirits in your inventory, it’s National Get Funky Day.
October 6: Inbox Zero Day
We can all use a reason to unplug and take a personal day. Hey, the start of October is a great reason to encourage your guests to make their emails as read and spend that personal day at your restaurant or bar.
October 11: Southern Food Heritage Day
Chicken-fried steak. Biscuits and gravy. Southern barbecue. BBQ pulled pork. Fried catfish. There are a nearly endless number of incredible Southern food menu items you can showcase and put your stamp on during this holiday.
October 14: National Motorcycle Ride Day
Yes, I’m including this holiday because I’ve gotten into motorcycles over the past couple of years. However, my motives aren’t entirely selfish. Becoming a go-to spot for groups of guests on bikes can be lucrative.
Just make your menu has plenty of low- and no-alcohol options.
October 16: National Liqueur Day
Not only are there a multitude of liqueurs that pair well with fall flavors, they’re perfect for creating low-ABV sips. Reverse cocktails are a great way to appeal to guests looking for easy-drinking, sessionable sips. And they just happen to be excellent for creating LTO cocktail menus.
October 20: International Chefs Day
If there was ever a day to let your chef and his brigade show off, here it is. Let them create a seasonal prix fixe or LTO menu that shows your guests why your team is the best in the area.
October 21: Apple Day
When temperatures drop and we finally find ourselves in the fall, the pumpkin spice descends upon us. The past couple of years, those menu items haven’t even had the courtesy of waiting for summer to end before making their first appearances.
Well, pumpkin spice isn’t the only fall flavor people want when the weather gets cooler. Sure, PSLs are popular, but you should also be highlighting apple on your food and drink menus.
October 22: National Make a Dog’s Day
There are a couple of ways to make a dog’s day. You and your team can help organize an adoption event and help dogs find their forever homes. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to be “funny” and say furever homes instead.)
If your bar or restaurant has a clean outdoor area, you can also encourage guests to bring them dogs. Have plenty of water and dog-friendly treats available to make their day.
October 30: Mischief Night
Also known as Devil’s Night, particularly in Detroit, Mischief Night is all about cutting loose. Well, most bars are the perfect place for people to cut loose and unwind.
Of course, we don’t want people to vandalize the bar or set fire to anything, so make sure you’re encouraging guests to party and not be malicious toward one another or the community.
Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels
