Drinking party crowd-pleasers: party and banquet games
A lot of people are probably thinking about simple games to play at banquets, right?
Whether it’s a wedding after-party, a New Year’s party, a year-end party, or a welcome/farewell party, having a game that helps everyone bond and adds a touch of flair to the event makes it more fun.
That said, it can be hard to choose a game for a banquet with multiple participants, since there are so many considerations, don’t you think?
So in this article, we’ll introduce banquet games you can enjoy in a variety of situations!
We’ve picked out a wide range—from timeless classics to slightly unique games—so please use this as a reference.
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- Roundup of easy party tricks. A collection of ideas that require no preparation.
Drinking Party Hits: Banquet and Party Games (61–70)
two-person robe (Nininbaori): a comedic act where two people share one kimono-like garment, with the rear person acting as the arms for the front person
Here’s another foolproof classic: the traditional Futari-Baori game.
Two people share one garment—one person shows only their face, while the other shows only both arms.
The person whose face is hidden feeds the person whose face is visible.
It’s surprisingly challenging and requires communication, so it’s fun that engages both the mind and body.
Signaling Game
It’s a game where you must instantly name an item in the specified color, testing your quick reflexes.
Several people line up in a row or form a circle, and one person calls out a number of colors equal to the number of players.
Then, in order, each person names something that fits the prompt in the designated color.
If you give an answer that doesn’t match the prompt or you miss the rhythm, you’re out—so it’s a pretty tense game.
Childhood Photo Guessing Quiz
A game that lets you see sides of the participants you never knew is the “Guess the Childhood Photo” quiz.
As the title suggests, you try to guess whose childhood photo has been shown.
Whether it’s “they look exactly the same as when they were a kid” or “their face, build—everything is so different I can’t tell,” it’s fun either way.
The closer the photo is to their baby days, the harder it gets.
If you prepare lavish prizes, people will be more enthusiastic about answering, and the event will be even more exciting!
Clothespin tug-of-war
Prepare several strings with clothespins attached to both ends.
Clip the clothespins to your face—on the nose, lips, and ears—and then pull against each other.
Whoever’s clothespin comes off loses.
It hurts for the participants, of course, but it also looks painful for the spectators, which makes it exciting in a different way!
One-Leg Sumo
Two people face each other and prepare two short cords, each holding them with both hands.
Then they stand on one leg and pull on the cords they’re holding.
The person who loses balance and falls or puts a foot down loses.
It’s a physical game that requires balance and technique.
What’s in the box game
It’s a game where you guess what’s inside a box without looking, using only your sense of touch.
You often see it on TV shows with live animals inside.
You can put anything in the box, but unusual textures or slimy items make it more exciting.
Paper balloon tapping
Attach a paper balloon to the top of your head and try to pop your opponent’s balloon while protecting your own.
A soft plastic bat would work well for hitting.
Of course, you can also pop it by hitting with your hand.
Run, hit, pop—sounds like a great way to relieve everyday stress!
Ring Passing Game
Prepare a large loop, such as one made by tying a string or ribbon.
The team lines up in a row and holds hands, and you pass the loop from one end to the other.
You must keep holding hands and are not allowed to let go.
The team that reaches the goal fastest wins! Simple and fun, right?
Perfect Drink Match Game
Prepare a cup with a drink for each person and mark each cup with masking tape or something similar.
Put on a blindfold, and at the signal to start, drink through a straw.
The person who gets closest to the mark on their cup wins.
You could also set a time limit, like 10 seconds.
Two-letter shiritori
It’s a shiritori game, but instead of using the last letter, you take the last two letters to start the next word.
For example, if the word is “gorira (gorilla),” the next person has to answer with a word that starts with “rira.” Unlike regular shiritori, you don’t lose if the last letter is “n,” but you do lose if the second-to-last letter is “n.”
It’s harder than you’d think!