Happy residents are renewing residents. And when they love where they live, they’re likely to spread the word. Resident events aren’t just fun, they are part of a thoughtful resident retention strategy and create ideal opportunities to ask for more reviews, which you can share with prospective renters and on social media.

These ideas for resident events will show how much you appreciate your residents while entertaining and delighting them. Don’t forget to take lots of photos to share later!

Food-related resident events

Food trucks

Host a roundup of local food trucks and hand out tickets so residents can try a little of everything. If you’ll be using the parking lot, be sure to let residents know so they have plenty of time to move their cars.

Barbecues

Barbecues are a multi-sensory treat that bring people together and help create a sense of community among your residents. It’s easy to offer a vegetarian selection of meatless burgers and grilled veggies too.

Ice cream social

Anytime is the right time for ice cream, but the hot summer weather is especially ideal. Set up tables with standard flavors and a couple special ones to try. An array of bowls, cones and toppings lets your residents create the dessert of their dreams.

Cookoff

Residents bragging about their famous five-alarm chili or the greatest chocolate chip cookie on the planet? Have them put their money where their mouths are and invite the community to name the best. Crown the winner and, if they’re willing, share their recipe on social media.

Resident events around sports and games

Baseball and softball

Form resident softball teams — or challenge another community — and host game days with popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs and lemonade. Check local high schools or sports stores for gear you can rent if you don’t want to purchase it. Don’t forget team photos and a trophy for the winner of your own mid-summer classic.

Health and fitness class

Host sessions where residents can learn about new ways to stay fit — inside and out. Bring in local professionals who can introduce residents to yoga, Zumba, cardio and weight training, tai chi, meditation, and other health and fitness activities.

Summer send-off

Summer has to end sometime, so help kids going back to school bid the season farewell with a poolside party, carnival or bounce house.

Service-based resident events

Car wash

It’s not always convenient to get to the car wash, so why not bring it closer to home? Delight your residents by having their cars washed by your on-site team right there on the property.

Pet grooming

You can show appreciation for your cat and dog residents too. Set up self-serve pet-grooming stations with shampoo, towels, brushes and combs. To really impress your residents, bring in grooming professionals who can clip nails or do a quick trim to keep pets cool in the hot weather.

Yard sale

Once residents have finished their spring cleaning, they can buy and sell items among their neighbors. Find a local charity that could use some donations and arrange to have unsold goods delivered after the resident event.

Community-building resident events

Networking

Hosting a networking event is a unique way to help residents get to know each other on a different level. Give them a forum where they can meet other professionals and perhaps even get career advice or explore a new vocation.

Movie under the stars

Treat your residents to their own private screening of summer blockbusters, kid-friendly movies and timeless classics. Move the patio or pool furniture over and invite residents to get cozy under some blankets. Make it a friendly competition with trivia and a prize for the person who knows the most about each movie.

Resident events in summer are the ideal way for neighbors to mix and mingle outdoors while having fun and even learning something new about each other. It’s also a chance for them to interact with your team in a way that shows how much you appreciate your residents.