From Cinco de Mayo to Office Olympics: Create Summer Events Employees Love

Summer is the perfect time to boost employee engagement and retention with fun, meaningful corporate events. With longer days and a laid-back summer vibe, it’s the perfect time for companies to throw some fun into the mix, boost team spirit, and create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Whether it’s a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, a ridiculous Office Olympics, or a day at the ball park, summer-themed corporate events can help businesses build a workplace employees are excited to be a part of.

Why Summer Corporate Events Matter

Corporate events do more than just provide a break from the office—they are key to keeping employees engaged, motivated, and connected to the company. Hosting a well-planned summer event can help companies:

• Show appreciation and increase job satisfaction

• Reduce burnout and improve work-life balance

• Strengthen company culture and values

• Boost employee morale and motivation

• Enhance retention by making work a place employees enjoy

Here are some summer event ideas that will keep employees happy, engaged, and excited.

1. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Kick off the summer with a lively and unforgettable Cinco de Mayo celebration that energizes the workplace and brings people together. Set the mood with the vibrant sounds of a mariachi band or upbeat Latin music, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. Treat your team to an irresistible taco and margarita bar, with food trucks like Tacos & Tequilas and The Brother’s Kitchen Grill serving up authentic flavors right to your office. Elevate the experience with festive décor—bold, cheerful colors, fresh flowers, lush cacti and succulents, and the delicate artistry of Papel Picado banners—turning your space into a fiesta-worthy spectacle.

2. Office Olympics: The Ridiculous Edition

Celebrate the unique skills and talents your employees bring to the table, and turn everyday office activities into highly competitive (and hilarious) games such as:

• Speed Typing Showdown: Who can send an email fastest with the fewest typos?

• Chair Spinning Marathon: Who can last the longest without falling?

• Paper Airplane Javelin: Longest-flying (or most disastrous) paper airplane wins.

End the day with an ice cream truck or happy hour to celebrate everyone’s efforts.

3. Ball-Game Outing: A Home Run for Team Bonding

Take your team out to the ballgame for a classic summer experience that’s equal parts relaxation and excitement. Whether it’s a major league matchup or a local minor league game, a day at the stadium gives employees a chance to unwind, cheer together, and enjoy some friendly competition—without a single Zoom call in sight. Upgrade the experience with a reserved section, branded team merch, and classic ballpark snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, and ice-cold drinks. A ball-game outing isn’t just about sports—it’s about creating shared memories and celebrating wins on and off the field.

4. Corporate Camping (a.k.a. "Glamping" for Professionals)

Ditch the office for the great outdoors—or at least a very controlled, air-conditioned version of it. Corporate "glamping" offers all the fun of camping—without the bugs or tragic tent assembly

attempts.

Standout Highlights:

• Fancy Tents & Lounge Spaces: Set up stylish tents and hammocks.

• Gourmet Campfire Cookout Fare: Because no one actually wants to eat beans from a can.

• Campfire Stories...About the Office: Employees share their funniest workplace mishaps.

• Nature Walks (With Wi-Fi, Please): A low-effort "hike" with strategically placed snack stations.

5. Beach-Themed Office Party

If an offsite beach retreat isn’t feasible, bring the beach to the office! A beach-themed event creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere that makes employees feel like they’re on vacation—without leaving work. Must haves include:

• Summer Drinks & Snacks: Bring in food trucks to serve popsicles, BBQ, and tropical milkshakes.

• Casual Dress Code: Encourage Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, and flip-flops.

• Fun & Games: Host a limbo contest or set up a mini sand volleyball court.

Summer corporate events go beyond just fun—they’re a powerful way to make employees feel valued, engaged, and connected to their company’s mission. A standout example is how WM Events transformed a large corporate client’s carnival-themed family day into an experience that combined excitement with meaningful engagement.

"Our goal was to craft an unforgettable event that not only celebrated employees but also reinforced the company’s impact on the community. Through food, fun, sheer crowd size, and a shared sense of appreciation, we created an atmosphere that deepened connections and inspired lasting commitment." – Olivia Allen, Senior Event Planner, WM Events

Looking to plan an event your employees will be talking about long after its over? Reach out to Simply Food Trucks to ensure a seamless, successful and sun-soaked celebration!