7 Fun Alternatives to Pub Quizzes for Team Socials

Pub quizzes have been the default choice for team socials for years. They are easy to organise, familiar, and usually involve a drink or two.

But the truth is that many teams are starting to feel pub quiz fatigue. The format is predictable, only a few people tend to dominate the answers, and large groups often end up sitting quietly rather than actually interacting.

If you are planning a team social and want something more interactive, more memorable, and more inclusive, there are plenty of better options.

Here are seven fun alternatives to pub quizzes for team socials.

1. A Live Game Show Experience

A live game show experience is one of the most engaging alternatives to a traditional pub quiz.

Instead of teams sitting around a table answering questions, the room becomes a fully hosted TV style game show where teams compete across a series of fast paced rounds.

At Show Time’s Game Show Experience, the venue is transformed into a real game show set with podiums, buzzers, a giant wheel, sound effects and a professional host.

Teams compete in rounds such as:

• Our Survey Says
• Higher or Lower
• Spin the Wheel
• Right on the Money
• Carrot in a Box

Because the rounds are quick and visual, everyone stays involved. Some players come to the podiums while the rest of the room becomes the studio audience, cheering their teammates on.

It works particularly well for corporate team socials, conferences and company celebrations because the whole room shares the experience rather than sitting in small groups.

2. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are another popular alternative to pub quizzes.

Teams are locked in a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles and clues before the time runs out.

They are great for:

• problem solving
• teamwork
• smaller groups

However they usually split people into multiple rooms, which means the whole team is not always sharing the same experience.

3. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts turn the city into a playground.

Teams are given a list of clues, challenges and locations to find, often using their phones to submit photos or answers.

They work particularly well for:

• outdoor team events
• company away days
• summer socials

The competitive element makes them fun, while the movement and exploration keep energy levels high.

4. Cocktail Making Classes

Cocktail classes are a relaxed alternative for teams who want something social but interactive.

Guests learn how to mix drinks with a professional bartender and often compete to create the best cocktail.

These events work best for:

• smaller groups
• evening socials
• teams who want a more relaxed atmosphere

5. Cooking Challenges

Cooking challenges turn a team social into a collaborative kitchen competition.

Teams work together to cook dishes within a time limit, often judged by a chef at the end.

They are particularly popular for:

• team bonding
• food focused events
• creative collaboration

6. Murder Mystery Events

Murder mystery events add a theatrical element to team socials.

Guests take on character roles and work together to uncover clues and solve a fictional crime.

They are a good choice for:

• themed events
• dinner entertainment
• teams who enjoy storytelling experiences

7. Interactive Comedy Shows

Interactive comedy shows combine entertainment with audience participation.

A host or comedian runs games, challenges or improv segments that involve the audience.

These can be a great option if the goal of the event is simply to get everyone laughing and relaxed.

Why companies are moving away from pub quizzes

Pub quizzes still work well for some groups, but many companies are now looking for experiences that are:

• more interactive
• more energetic
• easier for large groups
• less dependent on trivia knowledge

Experiences like live game shows work particularly well because they combine competition, teamwork and entertainment in a format that everyone understands immediately.

Planning a team social?

If you are looking for a fun alternative to a pub quiz, Show Time’s Game Show Experience brings a live TV style game show directly to your venue.

Teams compete across a series of high energy rounds, with a professional host running the show from start to finish.

Get in touch to check availability for your next team event.