• Games and competitions are great ways to liven up your patronsbar image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com
  
  Nothing compliments a night out at the bar like a fun, friendly drinking game competition. Bar games are fun way to draw a crowd, liven up patrons and make the name of your bar synonymous with fun. Advertise your bar competition weeks in advance so that you'll have a good turnout and well-prepared contestants.
  
  

Name That Tune

• Name that tune is a great game that will entertain customers of all ages. To play this game, compile a list of songs from every decade, from the 1950s to present day. This will keep customers from every age group involved. Use some songs that are well-known, other songs that weren't quite as popular, and one-hit wonders. Play an excerpt from the song, either the chorus or another well-known verse, and have patrons guess the title and artist of the song. You can also include bonus points if the patron can play another No. 1 hit by the same artist, or can tell you what movie the song was featured in. This game can involve everyone in the whole bar, or you can play with a few volunteers for a more competitive contest. Give out prizes to the person with the most points at the end.
  
  

Rock Contest

• Video games such as "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" have become huge hits among adults and children around the world. Players spend hours trying to score points and beat the levels while rocking out to their favorite songs. So why not reward their practice about having a virtual rock-off in your bar? The game can be projected onto a large screen in the bar, and contestants can put together a band and choose a few songs to showcase their talents. Allow a few bands to compete, and then let the audience vote for their favorite rock stars. Encourage contestants to dress in rock star costumes for an event that is even more entertaining.
  
  

Beirut (Beer Pong) Tournaments

• Nothing draws a crowd like tournament-style drinking games. Invite customers to come for a night where they can dust off their college beer pong skills and compete for prizes and the title of "Ultimate Beer Pong Champion." Set up a few long tables in an open area of the bar where you'll have lots of room. Set up six plastic cups on each end of the bar in a pyramid style, with three cups closest to the edge of the table and cup closest to center of the table. Players must then attempt to toss a ping-pong ball from the other end of the table into the opposing team's cups. Post the official rules near the tables and have the teams face off, winner playing winner, until you have one definitive champion.