How to Host a Festivus Celebration at Your Brewery

The holiday season is filled with Christmas parties, ugly sweater contests, and cozy winter events. But if you want to stand out and bring a little Seinfeld-inspired fun to your taproom, hosting a Festivus celebration could be the perfect way to draw in both comedy fans and holiday-weary customers. Festivus—“for the rest of us”—is quirky, low-pressure, and all about good laughs, which pairs perfectly with craft beer.

What is Festivus?

First made famous on Seinfeld, Festivus is an alternative holiday celebrated on December 23. The traditions are tongue-in-cheek and include the Festivus Pole (a plain aluminum pole instead of a Christmas tree), the Airing of Grievances (a humorous chance to vent about the year), Feats of Strength (lighthearted competitions), and, of course, sharing food and drinks.

How Your Brewery Can Celebrate Festivus

1. Set the Scene with a Festivus Pole

• Place an aluminum pole front and center in your taproom—no decorations, just bare metal.

• Create a photo booth area with the pole for guests to take their own “Festivus memories.”

• Consider a special pole-lighting ceremony to kick things off.

2. Airing of Grievances

• Set up a large chalkboard or butcher paper on the wall where guests can write down their humorous grievances.

• Provide cards or slips of paper for people to read aloud on stage if you want to host a live session.

• Encourage creativity—grievances can be silly (slow Wi-Fi, bad drivers, pineapple on pizza) or beer-related (empty kegs, waiting for seasonal releases).

3. Feats of Strength

• Organize lighthearted contests that guests can join:

  • Stein-holding competition

  • Arm wrestling or tug-of-war

  • Team trivia showdown

• Offer small prizes like merch, gift cards, or bragging rights for winners.

4. Festivus-Themed Beers & Food

• Create a one-day “Festivus Ale” or put a fun spin on an existing beer with a special name.

• Feature food trucks or small plates with comfort foods, or tie in a “Festivus dinner” special.

• Encourage pairing your Festivus brew with the “Festivus miracle” of community gathering.

5. Add in Some Seinfeld Fun

• Host a Seinfeld trivia round during the event. Check out our Seinfeld Festivus trivia questions in our store.

• Play episodes of the show on screens in the taproom. The Festivus episode is called The Strike episode 10 of season 9.

• Offer prizes for the best Seinfeld-inspired outfits (puffy shirt, anyone?).

6. Promote with Humor

• Market the event as a tongue-in-cheek alternative to the holiday overload.

• Use funny graphics or quotes from Seinfeld in your social media posts.

• Remind your audience that Festivus is all about laughter, beer, and togetherness.

Why a Festivus Event Works for Breweries

Festivus is quirky, memorable, and taps into nostalgia for one of the most iconic sitcoms ever made. It’s also the kind of event that draws in groups looking for something different from traditional holiday parties. Best of all, it gives your brewery a chance to showcase its playful side while building community around beer and laughs.

So this December, put up the pole, prep the grievances, and raise a pint—because Festivus is truly for the rest of us.