Trivia Night

What it is

Tables of 6 to 8 pay to enter and answer rounds of questions. Add a cash bar (if allowed), snacks, and a small prize.

Typical net: $800 to $3,000 (rough estimate only. Table sponsors and extra games add more.)

Step by step

8 weeks out

• Book a hall
• Pick a host
• Pick a host with a clear, loud voice
• Decide team size and table price

6 weeks out

• Write questions
• Ask businesses to sponsor rounds ($50–100 each, name read aloud)
• Write or buy question sets

4 weeks out

• Sell tables
• Make a reservation list of teams
• Gather prizes: gift cards, a traveling trophy

2 weeks out

• Line up prizes
• Test questions on 2 members for difficulty

1 week out

• Print answer sheets
• Print answer sheets: one per team per round, plus extras
• Make a scoring spreadsheet or whiteboard grid

Day before

• Set up tables
• Test the microphone and speaker at the hall

Day of

• Run 8–10 rounds
• Score
• Prize
• Tables numbered
• Explain rules: no phones, host's answer is final
• Announce scores after every round
• Tie-breaker ready

Tips that work

• Plan 8 rounds of 10 questions. That takes about 2.5 hours with breaks.
• Mix topics: local history, music, movies, sports, food, geography, 'name that tune,' and a picture round.
• Write questions that a group can figure out. If nobody gets it right, it's not fun.
• Have 3 tie-breaker questions with number answers (closest wins).
• Sell 'mulligans' (buy one answer for $5) and table decorating contests for extra money.
• Let teams bring their own snacks. It keeps costs low and makes it a party.
• Read each question twice, slowly, and post the round topic on a screen or board.

Volunteer jobs

• Host: Reads questions
• Scorers (2):
• Runners: Collect sheets
• Check-in:
• Question writer: Writes and checks all rounds
• Mulligan seller: Sells extra-help passes
• Timekeeper: Keeps rounds moving

Supplies

• Question sheets
• Answer sheets and pens
• Microphone
• Scoreboard
• Prizes
• Table numbers
• Pencils and scrap paper
• Whiteboard or projector for scores
• Timer
• Tie-breaker questions
• Traveling trophy

Permits and insurance

• Get a certificate of insurance from the venue
• Ask if your club's general liability insurance covers this event
• Check city rules for signs and public gatherings
• Check alcohol rules; many halls need a licensed bartender

General tips, not legal advice. Check with your city, county, and state.

Getting the word out

• Ask clubs and churches to send a table
• Post at libraries and coffee shops

Sample announcement

Think you know it all? Prove it at the [Club name] Trivia Night, [date], 6:30 PM at [place]! Teams of up to 8, $[price] per team. Snacks, prizes, and bragging rights. Benefits [cause]. Reserve your table with [name] at [phone].

On the day

• Mic tested
• Answer key ready
• Scores posted after each round
• Prize given