10+ Fun Virtual Happy Hour Ideas You'll Want to Try Tonight
There are so many ways to practice social distancing and still hang out with your friends.
Everyone loves happy hour. The work day is over, the night has begun, and it's time to unwind with a cocktail (or two). But right now, things are different. Amid recent calls for social distancing, meetups at local watering holes are out of the question. However, that doesn't mean happy hour needs to be canceled; in fact, connecting with friends might be more important now than ever before.
This Friday or Saturday — or any day, really — gather your friends for a fun virtual happy hour. To start your party, simply log on to Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. From there, the opportunities are endless. You can ask each other questions, play a drinking game, or even do some arts and crafts. The sky is the limit — just make sure you have one of these classic cocktails on hand. And if your happy hour is in honor of a birthday, include some of these virtual birthday party ideas.
Host a book club.
The time for reading is now. Pick a book and dial your pals once a week to discuss it. Ask questions like, "Which character in this book would you most like to meet?" Or, "What questions did you have while reading this week's chapter?"
RELATED: The 20 Best Books of 2020 to Add to Your Reading List
Make it a game night.
Your regularly scheduled game nights don't have to end. Play a game that requires minimal equipment — something like Charades, Pictionary, or Heads Up. You can also play an online trivia game like You Don't Know About Jack to keep your trivia skills up to par.
Play a drinking game.
If you're not in the mood for an online board game or trivia match, play a drinking game instead (they tend to be easier). Try a website like Drunk Pirate or an app like 5 Second Rule, Never Have I Ever, or Picolo for games that will have you and your friends laughing all night long.
Choose a theme.
Every party is more fun with a theme. Get everyone out of their PJs and into a creative getup. You could do something silly — say, host a Wild West party or a spring Halloween celebration — or simply ask everyone to dress like they normally would for a night out. Putting on a cute top (or even just a comfy dress) does wonders for the soul.
Do a Youtube makeup tutorial.
If all of your pals love makeup, challenge everyone to do the same Youtube makeup tutorial at the same time. Since you won't be leaving the house afterward, you can choose the craziest look you can find. When you're done, vote on who's imitation looks closest to the original (or who put the most creative spin on it).
"Visit" a museum.
If you haven't been to a museum in a while, now is your chance. Due to social distancing, many museums have put their exhibits online. You and your friends can share a screen while you tour one and chat about your findings. The Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Sistine Chapel are all participating.
RELATED: Here Are All the Museums, Zoos, and Theme Parks That Are Offering Free Virtual Tours
Ask a musician to play a private concert.
Live music can make a night at the bar so much more fun — and the same thing applies to virtual happy hours. If you know any musicians, ask them to play a private concert for you and your pals (and make sure you pay and tip them for their work). This is a great way to support the arts while many venues are closed.
Watch a movie.
Take your solo Netflix and chill up a notch by inviting friends along. Extensions like Netflix Party allow you to sync your video playback so a movie pauses and resumes at the same time on everyone's screen.
RELATED: This Is How to Host a Netflix Party With Your Friends
Make some art.
Grab some crayons, markers, colored pencils, or whatever art supplies you have and do an art project while you video chat your friends. You can all attempt to make the same thing (think of it as a virtual wine and paint night) or you can each work on individual projects while you chat.
Make a signature cocktail.
A simple way to elevate your happy hour is by making an elegant drink. Get everyone on board with a simple recipe and make it together. You can vote on who styled theirs the prettiest and who tweaked the recipe the best.
Ask each other questions.
Use this time at home to get to know your friends better. Simply look up a list of fun conversation starters, pour a drink, and take turns presenting your answers.
Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.
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