Trivia nights are a fun way to test your knowledge and enjoy a night out with friends. Here’s how to find the best trivia games near you:
- Check Bar and Restaurant Listings: Many venues post their weekly trivia schedules on their websites or social media. Look for hashtags like #TriviaNight.
- Browse Local Event Calendars: City event calendars often list trivia nights. For example, Chicago's Navy Pier recently hosted a trivia night on April 17, 2025.
- Contact Venues Directly: Call or email local bars and restaurants to confirm their trivia schedules.
Whether you prefer casual pub quizzes, family-friendly venues, or digital trivia options, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of trivia nights, from finding the right topics to creating a winning team.
Finding Local Trivia Events
Bar and Restaurant Listings
You can often find weekly trivia nights by visiting the websites or social media pages of local bars and restaurants. Look for posts on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, or search hashtags like #TriviaNight. For example, A.J. Hudson's Public House in Chicago hosts trivia every Monday at 7:00 PM CDT.
Local Event Calendars
City event calendars are another great resource. For instance, Chicago's Navy Pier features listings like "Trivia Night at Offshore Rooftop", scheduled for April 17, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM CDT.
Direct Venue Information
If you're unsure, reach out to local bars and restaurants directly. A quick call or email can help you confirm their trivia schedules.
Up next, we'll dive into some standout venues, ranging from casual pubs to family-friendly spots.
Popular Trivia Locations
Bar Trivia Setup
Bars and pubs often host free, two-hour trivia nights, featuring multiple rounds of questions led by lively hosts. Winning teams typically walk away with prizes like gift cards, bar tabs, or even cash.
Family Trivia Venues
Many family-friendly restaurants and cafés now offer trivia nights designed for all ages. These events often feature kid-friendly menus, mixed-age questions, and a welcoming environment for families.
Digital Trivia Options
Cheap Trivia’s Weekly Trivia Subscription makes it easy for venues like bars, restaurants, and cafés to host their own trivia nights. Subscribers receive over 40 questions each week via email in PDF and PowerPoint formats. Each set includes three Q&A rounds and one picture round, with topics ranging from movies and sports to holidays and pop culture.
Up next, we’ll explore the key factors - like topic selection and host quality - that make trivia nights a hit.
Elements of Good Trivia Games
Picking the Right Topics
A great trivia night starts with themes that resonate with your crowd. Think about what your audience enjoys - whether it's pop culture, sports, history, or science. The goal is to create rounds that connect with a wide range of interests and experience levels.
Balancing Question Difficulty
To keep everyone engaged, aim for a mix of question difficulties in each 10-question round. Include three easy questions, three medium ones, and three that are more challenging. This balance ensures there's something for everyone.
The Role of a Good Host
A strong host can make or break a trivia night. They need to be confident, energetic, and funny, while also staying sharp enough to update scores, explain rules clearly, and keep the game moving at a good pace. Plus, they play a key role in maintaining fair play and keeping the energy alive.
Next, we’ll dive into specific tips for both players and venues to bring these elements to life.
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Player and Venue Guidelines
Player Success Tips
To build a strong trivia team, focus on consistent practice and diversity in knowledge. Bring together teammates with a mix of expertise - like sports, pop culture, geography, and current events. Including players of various age groups can help cover a broader range of historical topics.
Make practice a routine. Host weekly online quizzes, share interesting facts, and stay updated by reading the news, listening to quiz-focused podcasts, or watching shows like Jeopardy!.
Once your team is ready, make sure your venue setup enhances the trivia experience.
Venue Setup Guide
Set up your venue for a seamless trivia night by focusing on the right equipment and layout:
- Use a microphone and speakers for clear communication.
- Provide displays or TVs for visual rounds.
- Have answer sheets and pens ready for participants.
- Space tables apart to avoid overhearing answers.
Consider subscribing to a service ($59.99/month) that offers 40+ questions weekly in PDF or PowerPoint formats. Boost attendance by offering appealing prizes like gift cards, trophies, or items from sponsors. Enforce a no-phone rule and empower your hosts to handle disputes, ensuring fair play and an enjoyable event for everyone.
7 Steps to Setting Up a Kickass Trivia Night in Your Bar
Live vs. Online Trivia
Choosing between live and online trivia? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide what works best for your group. Both formats can be fun and engaging with the right preparation.
| Feature | Live Trivia | Online Trivia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to play; prizes for top teams | Varies by platform |
| Location | Bars, pubs, and restaurants | Anywhere with internet access |
| Equipment | Paper and pen | Device with internet access |
| Team Setup | In-person collaboration | Virtual teams in breakout rooms |
| Host | Live trivia jockey (TJ) | Automated scoring or remote host |
| Answer Submission | Written on paper | Digital forms |
| Timing | One song per question | Built-in platform timers |
For live trivia, the energy and face-to-face interaction make it a social experience that’s hard to beat. On the other hand, online trivia offers flexibility and convenience, letting you connect with people from anywhere.
Before you start, make sure to test your audio and video setup and get comfortable with platform tools like breakout rooms and timers. Whether you go live or online, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trivia night a success.
→ Up next: Learn how to plan and promote your chosen trivia format.
Next Steps
Before diving into your first trivia night, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready:
- Decide on your format: Check out the "Live vs. Online Trivia" section to choose the setup that best fits your needs and resources.
- Get prepared: Use the tips from the "Player Success Tips" section to gear up for a fun and competitive experience.
- For venues: If you’re hosting, Cheap Trivia’s Monthly Subscription offers ready-made question sets and marketing tools to help you start a professional trivia night in no time.