No matter the occasion, there is always a reason to celebrate with churros! Here are ten fun and unique party ideas for the summertime that will get everyone in a festive mood.
- Champagne & Churros. For your next celebration, consider a brunch party with a twist: serve champagne and churros as the main course! Everyone loves brunch and it's easy to serve at a picnic, in your backyard, inside your home, or at your favorite venue. If you're trying to plan an outdoor party during the summer, it's a good idea to schedule the festivities in the morning, before the sun gets too hot, making brunch an excellent party choice. Churros are definitely an unexpected brunch food, but mini brunch-themed churros are the perfect finger foods to pair with a bubbly mimosa. We recommend sweet + savory flavor combinations for the churros like maple bacon and chicken 'n waffles.
- Backyard BBQ. Is there anything better than a summer backyard BBQ? Having a summer barbeque in your yard is a fun way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion or holiday. There are so many ways to customize your backyard BBQ, and you can use churros as an appetizer or dessert. You can even check out the San Diablo recipe book for BBQ meat churro combos like grilled flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce which pairs excellently with homemade fried churros.
- Poolside Luau. Sometimes the weather is so hot that a dip in the pool is a necessity. Instead of serving the typical poolside snacks like pretzels and potato chips, why not plan a fun tropical luau with churros instead? Churros make the perfect finger food to snack on while you relax in the sun. We recommend tropical flavor combos like coconut and pineapple for your churros! For a pro tip: use cocktail umbrellas to decorate your churros and provide leis and sunglasses to your guests.
- Outdoor Movie Night. During the cool summer nights, throwing an outdoor movie night is a fun way to spend an evening with friends. You can choose any movie you like, but we recommend choosing a classic summer film like "The Sandlot" or "Mamma Mia" that is fun for the whole family. Don't forget the popcorn and soda, but consider switching it up and serving churros as the movie snacks. Churros can be a fun and easy way to throw a more elevated movie night and you can get creative by topping your churros with popcorn seasonings that you can find in grocery stores. Or, make your own fillings with flavor combos like caramel corn and rootbeer float. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray on hand and fun seating options to keep your guests comfortable.
- Ice Cream Social. It's no surprise that everyone loves ice cream in the summer! We say throw an ice cream social and celebrate warm summer nights with friends while sampling delicious homemade ice cream flavors. To make the event extra special, ask your guests to bring their favorite ice cream toppings like chopped strawberries or chocolate sauce to mix in with all of your selections! To make your party extra special, create an ice cream sandwich bar with different "sandwich" options like churros, waffles, or graham crackers to let your guests build their treats themselves.
- Summer Camp. Who said sleep-away camp was only for kids? If you're feeling nostalgic, gather up your friends for a nature-inspired summer camp party with s'mores, a bonfire, backyard camping, or "glamping" for outdoorsy vibes. Nothing says summer quite like a campfire surrounded by cozy sleeping bags under the stars. To make your party extra special, make sure to serve churros as the perfect campfire snack. You can serve toasted marshmallow-flavored churros, roast hot dogs, and sing songs (and drinks!) around the campfire.
- Carnival. Bring the county fair to your own backyard to keep kids and adults entertained for hours. Make sure you prepare some fun carnival-themed activities and games like ring toss, dart balloons, and dunk tanks that guests can try their hand at. You can even get some cheap "prizes" from the dollar section for your friends and family to win. What's a carnival without the greasy, sweet food? Serve up some delicious churros as your carnival food stand's signature item. You can even create churro "funnel cake" topped with powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta. Mexican fiestas and barbecues are a summer favorite for a reason! You can spice up a traditional taco night by creating a fun DIY taco station at home instead. Create a signature margarita and serve up a dip bar with salsas, queso, and guacamole. Mini churros are the perfect dessert to top off your taco party menu. Don't forget to fill a pinata with candy and let your guests take turns busting it open.
- DIY Waterpark. This party idea is perfect for kids needing to cool off in the summer heat. Create your own backyard waterpark with inflatable obstacles, a pool, and sprinklers. You can prep ahead of time by filling up tons of water balloons and water guns and setting up a slip 'n slide. Make sure your guests bring their bathing suits and plenty of sunscreen so they can enjoy the waterpark all day long. After everyone's worn out from all the playing, have some more refreshments ready. Lemonade and watermelon are perfect for a hot summer day. Kids will be satisfied by popsicles but to keep your adult guests happy, why not whip up some churros instead?
- Garden Tea Party. Perfect for more formal occasions, a classy garden party is the perfect idea for a bridal shower or a birthday party. Create a tea-party-inspired menu like sandwiches and mini scones, and miniature cakes. Set up a few tables in your garden with pretty serving dishes, antique tea cups, and whimsical decorations. Incorporate delicate floral flavors into your mini churros for the perfect finger food. Encourage a fancy dress code for an even fancier event. Let your guests relax in the shade of your summer garden while they enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.