How Your Venue Can Turn Rex Manning Day (April 8) into a Cult-Favorite Event
If your bar or brewery loves a good pop-culture theme night, Rex Manning Day is an underrated gem. Celebrated every April 8, the day honors the hilariously awkward in-store appearance of washed-up pop star Rex Manning in the cult classic Empire Records. Fans of the film treat it like a holiday—and that makes it the perfect excuse for a themed trivia night, playlist, and promotions that bring in a nostalgic crowd.
Here’s how bars and breweries can turn Rex Manning Day into a fun, memorable event.
1. Host an Empire Records Trivia Night
The easiest way to anchor the event is with themed trivia based on Empire Records. The movie has a devoted fan base, and the mix of music, 90s culture, and memorable quotes makes for great trivia material.
Ideas for trivia rounds:
Characters and quotes (Who said “Damn the man, save the Empire!”?)
90s music featured in the film
Plot moments from Rex Manning’s disastrous appearance
General 90s pop culture
Trivia works especially well mid-week (April 8 often falls on a weekday), bringing in regulars and movie fans alike.
2. Build a 90s Alt-Rock Soundtrack
Music is at the heart of the movie, so curate a playlist inspired by the soundtrack and the era.
Include artists like:
Gin Blossoms
Edwyn Collins
The Cranberries
Toad the Wet Sprocket
A 90s throwback vibe keeps the energy high all night and pairs perfectly with trivia.
3. Create a “Rex Manning” Drink Special
A themed drink special makes the event feel more like a celebration than just another trivia night.
Some easy ideas:
The Rex Manning Margarita
The Empire Ale (a house beer feature)
The Damn the Man Shot
Bonus points if you give the drink menu a faux “record store” look.
4. Encourage Costumes
Fans love dressing up as characters from the movie. Encourage guests to come as:
Rex Manning
Lucas
AJ
Debra
Offer a small prize for best costume or most 90s outfit.
5. Promote the Event Like a Record Store Party
Lean into the theme when promoting the event:
Post graphics styled like vintage CD covers
Use quotes from the movie in your captions
Encourage fans to tag friends who “must attend Rex Manning Day”
Lines like “Say No More, Mon Amour… Rex Manning Day Trivia is Coming!” are perfect for social posts.
6. Offer a Grand Prize for Trivia Winners
Grab our Empire Records/High Fidelity trivia question kit and offer a strong prize to help drive participation. Consider:
A brewery gift card
A vinyl record or turntable accessory
Free entry to your next trivia night
The key is making the night feel like a celebration of a cult classic. G
Why Rex Manning Day Works for Bars and Breweries
The beauty of Rex Manning Day is that it’s quirky, nostalgic, and unexpected. It attracts movie fans, 90s music lovers, and regular trivia players—all while giving your venue something unique to promote during a normally quiet weeknight.
And remember the most important rule of April 8:
Damn the man. Save the Empire.
If you'd like, I can also help you create:
5 social media posts promoting the event
a trivia round preview
drink menu names based on the movie
They tend to help bars get more turnout for themed trivia nights. 🍻
