4 Easy & Engaging Resident Event Ideas for May (With Everything You Need to Pull Them Off)
Looking for fresh resident event ideas that are fun, budget-friendly, and easy to execute? We’ve got you covered. Whether you're a busy property manager juggling leasing and retention or an on-site team member who needs a ready-to-go plan, these May event ideas are designed to help you connect with residents and create real community vibes—without the stress.
These events come straight from our Sprout Marketing Membership, where we deliver plug-and-play apartment marketing resources for every month of the year. Keep reading for inspiration, tips, and a peek at what you’ll unlock when you join the Sprout fam.
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1. 🐎 Host a Derby Day Bash That Gets Residents Dressed Up & Mingling
May 3, 2025 marks the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby! This isn’t just a viewing party—it’s a whole vibe. Set the scene with race-day décor: think roses, checkered flags, and pops of red and black. Encourage residents to dress up in their derby best (yes, fancy hats encouraged!) and serve up southern classics like finger sandwiches, mini desserts, and themed cocktails or mocktails.
Setup: Create an atmosphere fit for a day at the races with fresh flowers, such as vibrant roses and tulips, to represent the beauty of the Derby. Add to the ambiance by using checkered flags, banners, and elegant table settings.
Prepare A Wine & Cocktail Spread: Offer a selection of wines and signature cocktails, like the classic Mint Julep, to elevate the experience. Consider setting up a drink station with bourbon, the Derby’s iconic beverage, alongside other refreshing options like iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a non-alcoholic choice.
Serve Southern Classics: Treat your residents to a delicious spread of Southern classics that are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. Serve Benedictine spread (think cucumbers and cream cheese) on finger sandwiches, along with other bite-sized delights.
Add Fun Games & Activities: Keep the energy high by incorporating some fun Derby-themed games. Try a Derby trivia contest to test everyone’s knowledge of the event’s history. Games like these add an element of friendly competition and engage residents in the celebration beyond just watching the race.
Get All The Derby Details Inside Your Sprout Membership:
Derby Event Amazon Shopping List: Spark Membership $7/Month
Derby Event Amazon Shopping List + All Flyers & Canva Designs + Inpso Pictures + More Details For Setup: Resident Retention Membership - $49/Month OR All-Access Membership - $129/Month
2. 🍷 Smell the Rosé: A Chic & Simple Wine Tasting Social
This low-effort, high-style event is perfect for poolside happy hours or a breezy weeknight social. Use a bar cart or shelf to set up multiple rosé options (including non-alcoholic varieties), with chilled buckets, pretty cups, and small bites to pair. Add framed signs and a matching invite to make it feel polished.
The Setup:
Use a decorative table with a chic pink or floral theme.
Offer a mix of dry, sweet, and sparkling rosé options. Include a non-alcoholic rosé or flavored sparkling water for inclusivity.
Place an ice bucket to keep the rosé chilled.
Provide wine glasses or cute disposable cups.
This is the perfect event to encourage referrals: ask residents to bring a friend to enjoy a glass of wine!
🎯 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 or All-Access Memberships to plan your event in minutes!
3. 🌮 Nacho Average Taco Night
If you’re aiming for maximum turnout with minimal effort, this is it. Taco night brings everyone together—and it’s easy to scale. Set up a build-your-own taco bar with protein options, toppings, and festive decorations in bold colors. Add a nacho station for extra flair, and don’t forget themed signs and RSVPs to help with planning.
How to Host
1. Set the Date & Send Out Festive Invites
Choose an evening or weekend that works best for most residents.
Promote the event through flyers, emails, and social media.
Encourage RSVPs so you can estimate food amounts.
2. Set Up a DIY Taco Bar
Provide hard shell and soft tortillas, corn and flour, to accommodate different preferences and food restrictions.
Offer a variety of proteins like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas, tofu, and black beans.
Include plenty of toppings such as lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, and pico de gallo.
Set up a nacho station with chips and queso for an extra cheesy touch!
3. Decorate for a Fiesta Atmosphere
Use bright tablecloths, papel picado banners, and colorful centerpieces to set the mood.
Play upbeat Latin music to enhance the fiesta vibe.
4. Keep It Hassle-Free & Enjoy the Fun!
Provide disposable plates, utensils, and napkins for easy cleanup.
Have staff or volunteers help manage the taco bar to keep things running smoothly.
Capture event photos and share them in the community newsletter or social media to keep the excitement going.
💡 Marketing Tip for Property Managers: Promote this event on your social media and community emails 7–10 days in advance. Use our ready-to-post graphics and flyers to drive RSVPs.
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🍩 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (or Delivery!)
Want to show heart while building community goodwill? Treat the educators in your community to a thoughtful breakfast spread with pastries, coffee, and hand-written notes from residents. You can host it in your clubhouse—or go mobile and deliver baskets directly to nearby schools.
How to Host
1. Plan the Event & Choose the Format
Option 1: Host a Breakfast Event – Set up a small breakfast gathering where teachers and residents can enjoy a morning meal.
Provide coffee, tea, fresh pastries, and fruit.
Have a “Thank You” station where residents can write quick appreciation notes to teachers.
Keep the event low-key and casual, allowing residents to mingle and share their gratitude.
Option 2: Deliver to Teachers – If you’re unable to gather everyone, consider delivering a small appreciation package celebrating the teachers in your community.
Include instant coffee, cookies, and a small gift card to a local coffee shop or café.
Package the items with a handwritten note expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
2. Source the Breakfast Items & Gifts
Partner with a local bakery or coffee shop for fresh pastries and quality coffee.
For a DIY breakfast, consider providing bagels, muffins, fruit, and yogurt as well as a mix of coffee options (instant coffee for delivery packages or brewed coffee for an event).
Choose cookies that are easy to package and transport, such as individually wrapped treats or pre-packaged assortments.
Gift cards can be from popular local spots, or you could also consider offering a voucher for a free drink at a local café.
3. Promote the Event & Encourage Participation
Event Promotion: Send out invites via email, flyers, or community newsletters to all residents.
For a delivery option, ask for nominations from neighbors about teachers in the community or use your resident database to ensure all teacher residents are included.
Share event details, deadlines, and reminders to ensure maximum participation.
🎁 Make it extra special with small gift cards, thank-you tags, and packaging from our printable kit.
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!
