Around the globe, events are as unique and unusual as the people who create them. With that variety comes a growth in more niche (sometimes obscure) event trends. Those trends vary from city to city, from country to country, and even from continent to continent.
What’s all the rage in Argentina may be brand new in the U.S. — and could become your competitive differentiator if you are the first to bring the trend to your area.
Interested in finding event inspiration? Then start with this round-up of unique event trends from all over the globe.
Unusual event trends in Argentina
Trend 1: Fake wedding parties
Fake wedding parties involve real wedding locations, caterers, DJs, and professional actors playing the wedding party. Often, an old partner or a secret lover will show up unexpectedly — cue the drama! A typical fake wedding hosts up to 700 paying attendees and festivities last until the early hours.
This theatrical celebration of love was the brainchild of a group of Argentinian friends (now Falsa Boda). As the popularity of marriage declined in Argentina, the event creators realized they missed the opportunity for celebration and the gathering of their nearest and dearest.
So, this group decided to provide the celebration anyway — minus the legal vows.
Trend 2: Pizza marathons
This event idea started when a group of friends decided to solve an ongoing debate: which is the best pizza restaurant in Buenos Aires? The event grew from an intimate gathering to a popular event with 1,500 attendees each year.
Families, friends, and tourists sample pizza from different restaurants. After the pizza marathon, the attendees choose the best restaurant.
Unusual event trends in Brazil
Trend 1: Reiki classes… for pets
Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, isn’t just for humans. Ricardo Garé, an independent Certified Practitioner and Instructor in Brazil, welcomes a host of attendees to his Reiki for pets class events. From vets to Reiki tutors, anyone is welcome to learn more about the technique.
The current demand for it is so high that Garé quit traditional veterinary care to create the Reiki Vet brand, launching a website and a series of classes.
Unusual event trends in Australia
Trend 1: Events for the young at heart
While the demand for kid-friendly events is on the rise in Australia, there’s also a new wave of events catering exclusively to the “young at heart.” These adult-only events take childlike fun and put a distinctly grown-up spin on it.
From a pop-up LEGO bar to Harry Potter inspired boozy brunches to the world’s largest bouncy castle, these events are perfect for anyone tired of adulting and looking to let off some steam.
Trend 2: Events for dogs
2018 is Chinese Year of the Dog and Aussies are keen to celebrate every minute with their favorite furry friends in tow. Wine lovers can partake in events like Pups and Pinot, families can hang out together at pet markets, and friends and family alike are going to pet festivals.
Unusual event trends in the United Kingdom
Trend 1: Adult ball pits
Returning to the days of carefree fun has been a notable trend across the UK recently, and nothing says this more than the increase of adult ball pits popping up around the country.
For Ballie Ballerson, a ball pit bar, visual appeal is integral to its success: their ball pit is lit with LED lights, perfect for Instagram photos. Ball Mania is another new ball pit event that has hit the sweet spot with adults who want a few hours away from the worries of life.
Trend 2: Morning raves
Hailed as the original morning rave, Morning Gloryville takes place in selected cities across the UK. Also popular in the U.S., the morning rave is for those who want to get their energy up before the work day ahead.
With a zero alcohol policy, the raves run from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and “offer inspirational, energizing music and mesmerizing visual entertainment as well as free massage, organic coffee and smoothie bars, yoga and personal motivation from trained and costumed performers.”
Unusual event trends in the United States
Trend 1: Instagram-able pop-ups
Embracing the all-too-human desire to share everything you do on social media, the U.S. has seen a rise in interactive museums that are perfect for sharing on Instagram.
From the Museum of Ice Cream and Color Factory to Meow Wolf and 29Rooms, these events encourage social sharing, providing photo-worthy backdrops, unusual props, and strategically placed cameras to help you liven up your feed.
Trend 2: Fandom premiere parties
Superhero movie premieres can be as eagerly-anticipated as the movies themselves — and fans want in on the fun. In the U.S., there’s been a rise in unofficial premiere parties and screenings.
In fact, roughly 100 events were planned on Eventbrite’s platform last summer for Wonder Woman, only to be topped by 2018’s Black Panther, which inspired close to 1,000 premiere-related events.
Unusual event trends in the Netherlands
Trend 1: Selling porta potty tickets for a festival
Standing in line is never fun. But standing in line for the less-than-luxurious toilets at a festival can be a total nightmare. Inventive festivals in Holland have found the solution: renting your own private toilet.
For a small fee, you can buy the keys to your own private space. But to make it even more glamorous, some events enhance the experience by adding music, disco balls, and a bottle of champagne.
Trend 2: Naked hot tubs and saunas at a music festival
Festivals are a great place to hang out with friends and do some people watching. Some festivals take this to the next level by supplying hot tubs and saunas where — you’ve guessed it — you can do both these things naked. It’s certainly one way for your festival to make a lasting impression.
Unusual event trends in Germany
Trend 1: Nude yoga
With the growth of yoga over the years, it’s no surprise that more unusual types of yoga classes have now emerged. Enter: nude yoga.
“Nude Yoga has been an international trend for the last few years,” says Roland Hiering, Organizer and Teacher Nude Yoga. “It is spreading worldwide since people appreciate the comfort of not wearing annoying sports gear.”
Trend 2: Concerts for babies
Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, or Robert Schumann — Germany has been home to the most famous composers of classical music of all times. And still today, the genre is very popular — in a new way.
Classical concerts for children between the ages of 0-2 and their parents are all the rage. The music supposedly has a calming and healing effect on the toddlers, and the parents get to go to a concert without the hassle of finding a babysitter.
Get ahead of the trends
This global round-up is just a taste of the event trends currently making an impact around the world — but there are so many more to discover. What are the other trends inspiring the events industry in 2018? Check out this state-of-the-industry report to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
