How to Run a Trivia Night (and Fill Your Venue Every Week)

Running a trivia night is one of the most effective ways to bring people into your venue, keep them entertained, and turn first-time visitors into regulars. The key is combining great hosting with consistent, simple marketing that builds excitement week after week.Here’s a proven step-by-step guide to marketing and running a successful trivia night.

Step 1: Choose the Best Night

Trivia works best on quieter midweek nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday). Pick a night that doesn’t clash with other big events at your venue.

Step 2: Print and Display Posters

Download and print your trivia posters. For an average-sized venue, put up 8–10 posters in high-traffic areas inside your venue. Larger venues may need more.

Step 3: Create a Facebook Event

Set up a Facebook Event for your trivia night and use the supplied social media slides. Boost the post with a small budget to reach more locals.

Step 4: Advertise Across Social Media

Don’t just stick to Facebook—use Instagram, TikTok, or X (Twitter) if your venue is active there. Consistency is key: post once a week in the lead-up and again on the day of the event.

Step 5: Use Venue Vouchers as Prizes

Instead of giving away cash, offer vouchers to your own venue. This not only reduces costs but also encourages winners to return—helping you build a base of regulars.

Step 6: Announce at the Right Times

Here’s a proven posting schedule:

• 3 weeks before → “Coming soon… Trivia every week at [Venue Name].”
• 2 weeks before → Tease with a sample trivia question.
• 10 days before → “Questions like this are coming soon!”
• 1 week before → Reminder with a booking link or phone number.
• Morning of the event → “TONIGHT is the night! Trivia starts at 7pm, free entry!”
• 
  

Step 7: Host the Night Smoothly

• Have your trivia host set up 30 minutes before start.
• Make announcements at 30 mins, 15 mins, and 5 mins before trivia begins.
• Thank players at the end and remind them of the next trivia night date.
• 
  

Step 8: Keep the Momentum Going

Every week, post a quick reminder on social media:

“Trivia is back tonight at [Venue Name]! Book your table now and win great prizes.”

Some trivia nights fill up fast, while others grow steadily. With consistent marketing and engaging hosting, your trivia night will soon become a weekly tradition for locals.

Need help running a trivia night?

At Pub Trivia Australia, we’ve helped venues nationwide build loyal crowds for over 15 years. For support or extra marketing materials, contact us at info@oppyentertainment.com.