How Your Brewery Can Host an Epic Stranger Things Season 5 Watch Party
With the highly anticipated Stranger Things Season 5 dropping on November 26, there’s never been a better time for your brewery to tap into the Upside Down. This cultural phenomenon has a massive, dedicated fanbase—many of whom also happen to love craft beer. Hosting a themed watch party or event is the perfect way to draw in new guests, reward loyal customers, and create a buzz-worthy night that sets your brewery apart.
Here’s how to make your Stranger Things event a monster hit:
1. Set the Scene: Bring Hawkins to Life
Transform your taproom into 1980s Hawkins, Indiana. Think:
Christmas lights strung along the walls (with letters, of course)
Fog machines for an eerie Upside Down vibe
Vintage arcade machines or retro posters
Photo Backdrop with props
Decorate in Strangeer Things themes
Staff in themed costumes—Scoops Ahoy uniforms, Eleven’s pink dress, or Dustin’s hat
Offer photo ops in a replica of Joyce Byers’ living room or a creepy forest corner—perfect for social sharing.
2. Themed Brews and Bites
Rename your beers and snacks for the night with nods to the show:
“Demogorgon Double IPA”
“Mind Flayer Märzen”
“Hopper’s Coffee Stout”
“Eleven’s Eggo Waffles” mini stacks
“Surfer Boy Pizza” slices or specials
Get creative with flight boards shaped like VHS tapes or D&D character sheets.
3. Trivia, Bingo, and D&D
Before the screening (or between binge sessions), host:
Stranger Things Trivia with prizes like merch or crowlers
Bingo cards with moments from past seasons ("Steve’s hair is perfect" or "Eleven eats an Eggo")
A mini Dungeons & Dragons one-shot for super fans, possibly led by a local game master
4. Episode Screenings (and Spoiler-Free Zones)
If Netflix allows public screenings (double-check this), consider showing the premiere or select episodes. Otherwise, hold a Spoiler-Free Party the night of the release and a group viewing party a week later.
Add a “Spoiler-Free Zone” sign to certain areas so guests can talk without fear of ruining plot twists.
5. Costume Contest and Fan Art Wall
Encourage fans to show up dressed as their favorite characters and host a costume contest. You can also set up a community fan art wall for locals to contribute themed drawings or paintings in the weeks leading up to the event.
6. Promote Early and Creatively
Tease the event on social media with countdowns, polls (“Best Character: Steve or Eddie?”), and clips from past seasons. Collaborate with local cosplay groups, artists, or food trucks for cross-promotion.
Final Thought
A Stranger Things event isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a way to connect your brewery to nostalgia, fandom, and fun. Done right, it turns one release date into a whole season of engagement.
