Summer has a way of lifting the mood at work. It makes it the perfect season to plan something a little special—and International Picnic Day gives you the perfect excuse to do it.
Celebrated every year on June 18, International Picnic Day is a great opportunity to bring your team together for a company picnic that goes far beyond paper plates and potato salad. Done right, it can strengthen workplace culture, recognize outstanding employees, and remind everyone why they enjoy showing up each day.
Choose the Perfect Location for Your Office Picnic
Start with the space. Parks, gardens, rooftops, and outdoor courtyards are all solid choices. Look for somewhere with a blend of open space for games and shaded areas for eating and relaxing.
When evaluating your options, consider accessibility for all employees, parking and transportation, and whether bathrooms are nearby. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, have a backup plan ready—an indoor event venue, covered pavilion, or even a large office common area can work well.
Pick a Theme to Make the Event Feel Special
Themes give your picnic a sense of identity. They also make planning easier, since everything—from the décor to the food to the games—can flow from one cohesive idea.
- Classic picnic: Checkered blankets, wicker baskets, and red-and-white everything
- Retro throwback: Vintage games, nostalgic snacks, and throwback music
- Beach party: Bright colors, tropical drinks, and sandcastle-building contests
- Garden party: Florals, fairy lights, and elegant simplicity
- International cuisine: A nod to the “International” in International Picnic Day—every team brings a dish from a different culture
Once you pick a theme, use it to guide your decorations, food stations, and activities. PaperDirect offers themed event signage, printable labels, and recognition certificates that can reinforce your chosen aesthetic and give everything a polished finish.
Food Ideas: Easy, Shareable, and Crowd-Friendly
Outdoor eating should be simple and stress-free. Focus on foods that are easy to serve, transport, and eat without a full dining setup. Always include vegetarian and gluten-free options, and clearly label dishes with allergy information. A little preparation goes a long way when feeding a diverse group.
Main dishes and sides:
- Sandwiches, wraps, and sliders
- Pasta salads and green salads
- Chips, dips, and snack trays
- Fruit skewers and veggie platters
Desserts:
- Cookies, brownies, and bars
- Cupcakes and handheld treats
Drinks to Keep Everyone Refreshed
Classic lemonade and iced tea are crowd favorites—but there’s room to get creative. Set up a mocktail station or fruit-infused drink dispensers to add a fun visual element. Keep everything cold with ice buckets or large coolers, and provide labeled cups and napkins for an organized setup.
Hold an Awards Ceremony
Recognition is one of the most powerful morale boosters you have as a leader—and a picnic setting makes it feel celebratory rather than corporate. Mix traditional awards like Employee of the Month or Best Customer Service with a few humorous ones to keep the mood light.
- The Janitor Award: For the person who always cleans up everyone else’s messes
- The Lady Gaga Award: For the employee most likely to push the limits of the office dress code
Have certificates, trophies, or plaques prepared in advance so they’re ready to go. PaperDirect’s recognition certificates make every award feel official—whether it’s a genuine honor or a good-natured joke.
Give Out Prizes to Boost Participation
Prizes take the energy up a notch. They give employees a reason to get involved in games and activities, and create memorable moments throughout the day. Prizes can be awarded to game winners, distributed through a raffle, or voted on by the crowd in real time. Some ideas that tend to go over well: gift cards and certificates, company swag, extra vacation days, and gift baskets. Pair prizes with trivia rounds, bingo, or relay races to maximize participation.
Bring in a Guest Speaker
A short keynote—10 to 20 minutes—can add genuine value to the day without slowing things down. Invite an industry leader, a local community figure, or a wellness speaker to share something inspiring or practical. The goal is to leave employees feeling motivated and appreciated, not lectured. Keep it light, relevant, and tied to themes your team already cares about.
Bring in an Entertainer
For the employees who aren’t into competitive games, entertainment offers another way to engage. Magicians, face painters, henna artists, caricature artists, and palm readers are all proven crowd-pleasers. Add a photo booth, DJ, live band, or balloon artist to round out the options.
Play Picnic Games
Games are the heartbeat of any great picnic. Happy International Picnic Day celebrations almost always include some kind of outdoor activity, so build a lineup that mixes competitive fun with low-key options.
Sports and lawn games:
- Volleyball and softball
- Bocce ball and croquet
Team-building games:
- Tug of war
- Water balloon toss
- Relay races
- Scavenger hunt
Relaxed activities:
- Frisbee and badminton
- A trivia competition or bingo rounds
- A group yoga or stretching session
Stage a Talent Show
A talent show is one of those ideas that sounds a little risky and always ends up being a highlight. The trick is to give people enough notice. Announce it a few weeks before the picnic so employees have time to prepare their acts—whether that’s a comedy bit, a musical performance, or something completely unexpected. Winners can be chosen by a panel of judges or popular vote, with prizes waiting on the other side. The real reward, of course, is the laughter and the stories that follow.
Décor Ideas to Set the Mood
You don’t need to go overboard. A few well-placed details—tablecloths, string lights, colorful centerpieces, and picnic baskets as props—can completely transform an outdoor space. For a branded touch, add team banners and color-coordinated table setups. If sustainability is part of your company culture, lean into reusable materials and biodegradable plates and utensils. PaperDirect offers printed signage and labels that can tie your visual setup together without a last-minute scramble.
Planning Tips for a Successful Event
Good execution comes down to preparation. Build a checklist that covers food, supplies, seating, activities, and awards—then assign someone to own each area.
- Food coordinator: Menu, vendors, dietary accommodations
- Games coordinator: Equipment, scheduling, prizes
- MC/Awards host: Script, certificates, timing
- Setup and cleanup crew: Logistics before and after
Send invitations early, include an RSVP option, and pick a date and time that works for the majority of your team. The more organized your prep, the more relaxed everyone—including the organizers—will be on the day.
Safety and Comfort Considerations
Comfort drives participation. If employees are too hot, too hungry, or unsure where to sit, they’ll disengage. Set up shade tents or umbrellas, offer sunscreen and bug spray stations, and keep a water refill area accessible throughout the event.
For food safety, keep cold foods chilled and hot foods stored properly. Use serving utensils and gloves at each station. Have a first aid kit on hand and a clear emergency contact plan in place—just in case.
Make This International Picnic Day One to Remember
A company picnic can be a lot of things: a casual lunch, a team-building opportunity, a moment to recognize people who’ve worked hard all year. International Picnic Day on June 18 is your annual reminder to make it something more than ordinary.
Pick a handful of ideas that fit your team’s culture and your event budget—an awards ceremony, a talent show, a few lawn games, and a themed food spread can go a long way. The goal is simple: bring people together, show appreciation, and send everyone home feeling good about where they work.