14 icebreakers for community events

Welcome map: On the blank venue map, place the welcome table, the activity, a quiet corner and the help desk.

7 minutes, 8 to 40 Directions: Visitors add sticky notes; the host reads the most popular layout. Facilitator note: There is no wrong layout. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Event menu: What would you most like to do today: watch, make, chat or help?

7 minutes, 10 to 60 Directions: Visitors pick a card at the door; the host groups them. Facilitator note: Changing your mind later is fine. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

One sign: If you could put up one sign anywhere in this neighborhood, what would it say?

6 minutes, 8 to 32 Directions: Write it on a card and add it to the wall. Facilitator note: Kind and funny signs both welcome. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Every table needs: What should every community table have on it: tea, a puzzle, a plant or a guest book?

7 minutes, 12 to 48 Directions: Visitors vote with a sticker. Facilitator note: Add your own idea if none fits. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Five-word report: Describe this event in five words for someone who could not come.

7 minutes, 8 to 36 Directions: Write it on a card at the exit; read a few aloud at the end. Facilitator note: Exactly five words. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Station trail: Visit four stations in any order: choose, try, ask and finish. Which do you start with?

6 minutes, 10 to 50 Directions: Visitors move a token through the stations. Facilitator note: Any order works. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Next year's poster: Design next year's poster: what is the headline?

7 minutes, 12 to 72 Directions: Each table writes one headline; the room votes. Facilitator note: Imaginary events are welcome. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Feeling welcome: What makes you feel welcome when you walk into a new place?

7 minutes, 8 to 28 Directions: Go round or write a card; the host reads out the ideas. Facilitator note: Short answers are fine. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Quiet ways to join: What is a good way to join in at an event if you would rather not talk much?

8 minutes, 10 to 44 Directions: Each person suggests one; the host writes them up for everyone. Facilitator note: Every idea helps someone. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Swap box: What one thing would you add to a free swap box?

6 minutes, 8 to 24 Directions: Go round; the host writes the list. Facilitator note: Useful or delightful both count. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

New game for next year: Each table invents one new game for next year's event. What is it?

8 minutes, 16 to 80 Directions: Tables have five minutes, then pitch their game in a sentence. Facilitator note: Any game counts. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Ask the organizers: What is one question you would like to ask the organizers?

7 minutes, 10 to 56 Directions: Collect cards in a box; the organizers answer three at the end. Facilitator note: Questions are anonymous. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Run it next time: Next time, would you rather run a stall, a game or the music?

6 minutes, 12 to 64 Directions: Visitors pick one on a card. Facilitator note: Picking is not signing up. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Exit card: Before you leave: keep, change or skip this activity next time?

4 minutes, 8 to 120 Directions: Visitors tick one box on an exit card. Facilitator note: Cards are anonymous. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.