Ever feel like your book club meetings are getting… a little repetitive?
You love your group, you love the books, but sometimes it’s nice to shake things up a bit!
If that sounds familiar, this post is for you. I’ve rounded up ten creative and fun book club activities that will help you bring more connection, conversation, and even a little magic to your gatherings.
Whether your group meets in person or virtually, you can mix and match these ideas to fit your vibe.
Let’s get inspired!
10 Refreshingly Fun Book Club Activities
Attend an Author Event
Nothing brings a book to life quite like hearing from the person who wrote it.
Check your local bookstores, libraries, or online event platforms for author talks, Q&A sessions, or book signings. Going as a group can spark all kinds of conversation – and maybe even introduce you to a new favorite author.
This book club activity will definitely be a memorable book club event!
Play a Book Club Game
Break the ice or wrap up your meeting with a game! Think book-themed trivia, guessing famous first lines, “who said it?” quotes from your current read, or even bookish charades.
One of my personal favorite budget-friendly book club activities is a simple book club game.
(Pssst…I’ve got a bunch of free printable book club games like Book Club Bingo, Scattergories, Most Likely To, This or That, and Biggest Bookworm…perfect when your group wants to add a little extra fun without spending a dime!)
Make your next book club meeting super easy and grab my free printable book club games and reading journal! Simply subscribe below!
Watch the Movie Together
Is there a movie adaptation of your book?
Plan a movie night! Watching the film version adds another layer to your discussion and gives you plenty to compare and contrast.
Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy.
Our book club went to see It Ends With Us together and Where The Crawdads Sing and it was so much fun!
Get Creative
Tap into your crafty side with a simple project inspired by your book or just something fun to do as a group:
- Make bookmarks
- Make reading reward punch cards
- Paint coasters or flower pots
- Create wine bottle vases
- Arrange fresh flowers
- Design book quote wall art
- Decorate tote bags for carrying your current reads
- Paint doormats (so cute and surprisingly easy!)
- Set up a bouquet bar where everyone can create their own fresh flower arrangement to take home
Crafting together invites conversation and connection… plus, you’ll leave with something to remember the meeting by!
If you’re not quite sure about the crafting, try something like Wine and Design– our book club went a few years back and had a blast!
Do a Book Swap
Encourage everyone to bring one or two books they’re ready to part with, and set up a casual book swap. It’s a great way to discover new reads, declutter your shelves, and give loved stories a second life.
Want to make it more personal (and fun)?
Ask each person to write a little note or blurb about why they loved the book – like a mini book review from a friend.
Or take it up a notch and turn it into a little game: have everyone wrap their book in brown paper and include a few clues about the story inside. Then do a blind swap and unwrap the surprise together.
It’s such a sweet, creative way to get people talking… and maybe even fall in love with a new genre they wouldn’t have picked up otherwise!
Plan a Themed Meal or Drinks
Food makes everything better, right? Take inspiration from your current book to plan snacks, drinks, or even a full meal:
- A French menu for a novel set in Paris
- Tea and scones for a cozy British mystery
- Cocktails inspired by a modern romance
One of my personal favorites? Plan a board night!
This is one of my favorite low-key ways to keep things fun and delicious! Host a board night where everyone brings a different board to share.
Think beyond charcuterie – we’ve had dessert boards, fruit boards, candy boards… the possibilities are endless. It makes for a relaxed, grazing-style gathering that pairs perfectly with great conversation.
It adds a special touch that makes your gathering feel festive and memorable.
Mix It Up
Sometimes a simple change of scene or schedule is all you need to bring fresh energy to your book club:
- Meet for brunch instead of the usual evening
- Try a new café or outdoor spot
- Host a pajama night at home with comfy clothes and cozy vibes
- Get seasonal – I love doing this! One year for Halloween, we all dressed up as a favorite book character. For November, we’ve done a gratitude-inspired Friendsgiving, and for Valentine’s, a festive Galentine’s Day brunch.
- Get talking. Sometimes the best conversations happen when you have a few thoughtful questions ready to guide them. Rotate who brings the questions each month, or find some online to get started. A little prep can lead to much richer, more meaningful dialogue.
Shaking up your routine keeps things fun and flexible.
Change Up What You Read
Who says book clubs only have to read fiction? Consider adding variety:
- Memoirs or biographies
- Poetry collections
- Short story anthologies
- Self-help or personal development books
Broadening your selections can spark new interests and deeper discussions.
Take a Mini Field Trip
If your book is set in a specific place or features a particular theme, why not take a field trip together? Ideas include:
- Visiting a local museum, landmark, or exhibit related to your book.
- Exploring a setting featured in your read like the local coffee shop or park.
- Attending a related lecture or event.
Go Big with a Book Club Retreat
Want to really kick it up a notch?
Why not plan a little getaway together?
A book club retreat is the ultimate way to deepen friendships and enjoy some intentional downtime.
We’ve talked about planning one and I have a few destinations on my list: Savannah, Charleston, or Wilmington – each offers so much charm, walkable streets, great food, and plenty of inspiration for book lovers.
Whether it’s a weekend away or just a day trip, the memories will be well worth it!
More Than Just Books
At the heart of it, book clubs are about friendship, connection, and creating space to slow down and enjoy something together. Adding a few creative book club activities into the mix helps keep that spirit alive and gives everyone something to look forward to.
And if you want to make your next meeting feel even more intentional?
Bring along my printable reading journal — it’s a simple way to reflect on what you’re reading and spark deeper conversation. Or check out this list of book quotes and captions for a little extra inspiration to share with your group.
In the end, it’s really about gathering with friends, sharing stories, and making memories. So try one or two of these ideas at your next meeting… and soak up every moment.
