45 Types of Local Events

Here is a collection of over 45 different types of local events. These events range from birthday parties to cultural celebrations, educational events to family oriented activities, kids events, to unique local holidays. Whenever we are working within the hyperlocal arena it’s always important to consider the different influences and aspects which create the community.

If you’re living in a college town you will have a local nightlife as well as many on campus events. If you’re living in a retirement community you might have conferences, educational events, spiritual or religious celebrations. Small towns have different events than large towns. Communities will also have different ways in which people learn about and participate with one another to find these events.

For example some events will only be events you hear about via a friend, while other events you may discover being promoted on tv, radio, newspaper, signs etc. Often times the type of event occurring will dictate whether you come with a friend or come alone. Having to traveling great distances to an event such as a music concert might mean not wanting to travel alone while walking a few blocks across town to listen to local music could mean just going by yourself.

Every town and community is different and these difference shape how we interact and engage with one another. If you have travel with friends you might be less inclined to make new friends while if you are traveling alone you may be more than happy to engage in outside conversation.

As you learn to map events within and around your community you will start to be able to put your finger on the pulse of what is really occurring at the hyperlocal level and chances are good that once you get your finger on the pulse one event will lead to the next.

As a media professional / small business networker make it your job to find your way into the stream and become aware of the happenings within your local community.
Use the list below as a starting point for identifying a variety different types of events that might be occurring in your community.

As you work with the list think about what types of social interactions and engagements will be occurring at each event. What needs or opportunities might present themselves. I am going to outline the first examples with potential media opportunities as an initial example.

1. Arts & Galleries
- Gallery Openings
- – - Gallery Interview
- – - Feature Article
- – - Special Announcement

- Art Exhibits
- – - Feature Article
- – - Exhibit Review

- Art Auctions & Sales
- – - Art Review
- – - Customer Interview
- – - Artist Process Interview
- – - Artist Studio Visit Interview
- – - A Day In The Life Artist Interview
- – - -Benefit or Sponsor Interview

2. Celebrations
- Birthdays
- Parties

3. Concerts & Shows
- Independent Productions
- Professional Productions

4. Conferences & Meetings
- Public
- Private
- Educational

5. Contests & Promotions
- Think Local Media or Sales

6. Cultural Celebrations
- Think Celebrations Which Might Be Specific to A Region or Area
* National Cherry Blossom Celebration – Washington DC

7. Educational Events

8. Family Events
- Family Bowling Weekend

9. Local, National, International – Festivals
- Halloween Parade
- Christmas Fair
- New Years
- 4th of July
- October Fest

10. Film Events
- Film Festival
- Special Showing

11. Food Events
- Wine Tasting
- Food Sampling

12. Fundraisers & Benefits
- Car Wash
- Dog Wash
- Bake Sale

13. Golf & Sporting Events
- High School Sports
- Semi Pro & Pro

14. Health Events & Fairs
- Wellness Fair
- Open House

15. Holiday Celebrations
- Christmas
- New Years
- Easter

16. Kids Events
- Parades
- Parties
- Games
- Competitions

17. Literary
- Book Readings
- Poetry Reading

18. Movies
- Feature Showing

19. Museums
- New Exhibits
- Traveling Artist

20. Neighborhood
- Yard Sales
- Community Meetings
- Weekend Gatherings

21. Networking Events
- Singles Night

22. Nightlife
- Themed Evenings
- Shows & Promotions

23. On Campus

24. Opening Ceremonies

25. Organizations
- Meetings
- Celebrations
- Gatherings

26. Outdoors
- Picnics
- Ice Cream Socials
- Rodeos

27. Parties
- Homecoming

28. Performances
- Plays
- Theatre
- Dance
- Music
- Comedy

29. Pets
- Pet Show
- Pet Competitions
- Pet Gatherings

30. Political
- Rallies
- Campaign Meetings

31. Press Conferences

32. Radio
- On Locations
- Spotlights
- Features

33. Religious

34. Sales

35. Science
- Demonstrations
- Lectures
- Exhibits

36. Show Times

37. Social

38. Spirituality
- Lectures
- Workshops

39. Sports
- Little League
- Elementary
- Middle School
- High School
- College
- Semi Pro
- Pro
- Women’s League
- Men’s League
- Club

40. Technology
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Demonstrations

41. Television
- Interviews
- Features
- Live Events

42. Theater
- Children’s Theater
- Local & Professional Events

43. Themed Parties
- Think Charity Events & Benefits

44. VIP Events
- Benefit Dinners
- Auctions
- Private Parties

45. Weddings & Anniversaries
- Business Anniversaries

46. Weekend Events
- Chocolate Festival

47. Memorials
- Community Leaders & Elders

If you have more ideas for event types or categories please post them below as a comment.