Easy, Budget-Friendly Resident Event Ideas For Property Managers This Summer
Planning summer resident events when you’re short on time, staff, and budget can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of The Multifamily Mix, we’re sharing quick, easy, and affordable resident event ideas specifically for property managers and on-site teams who are stretched thin.
Whether you're managing multiple apartment communities or flying solo at a busy leasing office, these July event ideas will help you boost resident engagement, strengthen your community, and support your apartment marketing strategy - all without YOU having to burn yourself out. From cool-down treats to creative, low-lift activities, we’ve got your summer resident retention plan covered. Let’s dive in.
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1. Sunken Treasure Fest
You’ve been summoned to the high seas for a legendary celebration of treasure, treats, and all that glitters. This isn’t your average pirate party—this is Sunken Treasure done in style, with a luxe edge, gold-drenched details, and just the right amount of mischief.
Whether you go all out with a stunning dessert display and signature drinks or keep it quick and clever with grab-and-go treats, this themed event is packed with charm, creativity, and cross-promotional potential.
Go All Out:
Dress the part - mermaids, sea creatures, pirates
Here’s what to include:
Gold foil-wrapped chocolates (coins, truffles, caramels, Ferrero Rocher)
Gilded dessert bites (macarons, sugar-dusted cookies, chocolate-dipped fruit)
Signature mocktails or sparkling drinks in gold-rimmed cups or goblets
Decor touches: treasure chest props, netting, crushed velvet, and LED lights
Background: Ambient sea sounds or swashbuckling instrumentals to set the scene
Grab and Go Style:
If you’re short on time (or just love a cheeky theme), Pillage & Plunder is your grab-and-go twist on the treasure chest experience.
Use gold treat bags or mini treasure boxes
Fill with candy, trail mix, gold-wrapped chocolate, or themed goodies
Add one of our fun flyers or gift tags
Perfect For: Hallway drop-bys, mail center handouts, or front desk perks
Get All The Sunken Treasure Fest Details Inside Your Sprout Membership:
Treasure Fest All Out and Grab and Go Event Amazon Shopping List + All Flyers & Canva Designs + Inpso Pictures + More Details For Setup: Resident Retention Membership - $49/Month
2. Haute Dog Social
A chic build-your-own hot dog bar with unexpected toppings, social flair, and summery charm.
Here’s some setup ideas:
Signature Hot Dog Bar: Set up a beautiful, buffet-style spread with gourmet toppings.
Use kraft butcher paper and chalkboard labels or acrylic signs to elevate the presentation.
Topping Ideas:
Caramelized onions
Pickled veggies (red onions, jalapeños, radishes)
Bacon crumbles
Blue cheese, feta, or shredded smoked gouda
Chipotle aioli, garlic mayo, honey mustard drizzle
Spicy pineapple salsa
Crispy fried onions or shallots
Sriracha, pesto, truffle ketchup
🎯 Save yourself the Amazon search. Our event kit includes the full shopping list, Canva graphics, and templates ready for you to customize in minutes.
Join the Resident Retention Membership for only $49/month to plan your event in minutes!
3. The Great Community Picnic
There’s just something about summer that makes us want to slow down, grab a cold drink, and hang out on a blanket under the sun. The Great Community Picnic brings all of that classic summer charm right to your residents—no road trip or bug spray required.
This event is everything we love about summer, all in one place: food, friends, sunshine, and that easygoing, checked-blanket kind of joy.
What It Is:
An outdoor picnic party with nostalgic Americana flair. Residents are invited to bring their own blankets or use the ones provided, gather on the lawn or courtyard, and enjoy a lineup of simple, feel-good summer bites.
You can go big with lawn games and live music—or keep it sweet and simple with chilled watermelon, classic lemonade, and picnic baskets to go.
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PLUS Amazon shopping lists and Canva designs every month when you join the Resident Retention Membership.
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4. Save a Cow, Score a Sandwich
Cow Appreciation Day - Tuesday, July 9th
We’re celebrating Cow Appreciation Day the best way we know how: honoring the cows… and handing out their favorite alternative—chicken sandwiches from a popular Southern favorite 🐔😉.
5. Ice Cream Sandwich Pick-Me-Up
Sometimes, the simplest events are the ones residents love most. This Ice Cream Sandwich Grab-and-Go is quick to set up, affordable, and guaranteed to bring a smile on a hot summer day.
What You’ll Need:
Classic ice cream sandwiches (pre-wrapped for easy handling)
Cooler or mini freezer
Optional: napkins, summer-themed sign, striped paper bags, or a balloon bundle
6. Summer Survival Kit
This easy resident giveaway is all about making people feel seen and supported during the summer rush. The Summer Survival Kit is a quick, thoughtful grab-and-go moment that gives your residents small tools to stay hydrated, refreshed, and energized—and the best part is, it’s fully customizable based on your property’s budget.
What To Include:
Use all or a few of the items from our Amazon list. Each item supports a summer challenge—heat, hydration, burnout, or dry skin—and the finished kits feel personal and useful.
Sample Kit Ideas (mix and match):
Cooling towel
Lip balm with SPF
Mini facial spray or aloe
Electrolyte drink mix
Mini sunscreen
Pocket-size fan
Stickers or positive affirmation tag (from your Canva file)
A snack: fruit leather, granola bar, trail mix
Optional splurge: reusable water bottle or drink pouch
Packaging Tip: Use kraft bags, organza pouches, or zip-top bags
Where To Host:
Set up at the front office, clubhouse, or leasing desk
Works great as a pop-up cart at the pool or near high-traffic spots
You can also pair with a cold drink or fruit water station
When To Host:
Midday during peak heat
After a busy weekend (Monday recovery!)
Or make it a “Summer Friday” pop-up before the weekend
7. Chair, Chi & Chill
If your residents are feeling stretched thin from the summer hustle—or just need an excuse to slow down—this one's for them.
Chair, Chi & Chill is a low-key, high-impact event that offers a mindful reset without yoga mats, awkward poses, or complicated breathwork. Think peaceful without being preachy. Grounded. Refreshing. And honestly, kind of needed.
8. Under The Sea Shark Party
If you’re looking for a resident event that makes a splash (without requiring a full pool party), this one’s for you. “Jaw Ready for This?” is a lighthearted, ocean-themed grab-and-gather moment—perfect for summertime—and a sneaky-smart way to mix resident fun with renewal reminders or referral promos.
What It Is:
This under-the-sea-themed event blends chill vibes with small treats, soft conversation, and a side of oceanic drama. Set up your common room or lounge with a looped ocean documentary or nature footage playing in the background (think Blue Planet or Our Planet). Add themed snacks, fun ocean puns, and you’ve got an event that feels fresh without being overdone.
Event Add-Ons:
Ocean-Approved Snacks:
“Shark Bait” snack mix (popcorn, pretzels, goldfish crackers, gummy sharks)
Sea foam punch (Sprite, pineapple juice, blue raspberry mix, sherbet)
Jell-O cups with gummy fish
Ice cream sandwiches = "Frozen Fins"
Décor Ideas:
Bubble garlands, blue streamers, and a fishnet table runner
Seashell centerpieces or dollar store treasure chest props
Ocean sounds or beachy lo-fi music between documentaries
Easy Interactive Elements:
Ocean trivia cards at each table
A selfie wall: “Take a BITE out of Summer” with shark mouth cutouts or underwater props
Shark hat giveaways or DIY paper fin crafts
9. Pawsicle Party
This one’s for your four-legged residents (and their humans, too). A Pawsicle Party is the perfect summer grab-and-go for pet-friendly communities—it’s light, fun, and full of “aww” moments.
10. The Aloha Drift
Give your residents a mini vacation without leaving the property. Aloha Drift is your go-to summer float fest—Hawaiian vibes, chill music, and pool floats galore. It’s low-maintenance, high-impact, and made for social moments.
Get All 12 May Events (Plus Invites, Signs, Shopping Lists & More)
If you’re loving these ideas, here’s the truth: this is just a sample. Inside the Sprout Marketing Membership, we give you everything you need to plan a year’s worth of engaging, on-brand, and Instagram-worthy events for your apartment community.
Here's what you get every month:
12 curated resident event ideas
Customizable Canva flyers
Amazon shopping lists
Ready-to-post social graphics
Editable signs, table tents & invites
Full instructions so anyone on your team can execute with ease
Whether you’re a new leasing agent or a seasoned property manager, Sprout gives you the tools, templates, and confidence to market smarter—not harder.
At Sprout, we believe that organic marketing strategies and community engagement are the secret sauce to thriving properties. These events help you connect, retain, and even generate buzz for your apartment community—while keeping your job a whole lot more fun.
So, which event will you try first? Tag us on Instagram @SproutMarketing and use the hashtag #TheMultifamilyMix so we can cheer you on!
