On July 27, all eyes are on London for the opening ceremony of the 2012 summer Olympic games, but across the United States, Olympic party planners and festival organizers are hosting time trial events and ordering party decorations for celebrations.
USA Olympic Sports Events & Parties
- Gymnastics: San Jose, CA hosts the USA Gymnastics Olympic trial from June 28- July 1, 2012.
- Sailing: In Portsmouth, Rhode Island, fans can send off the US Olympic and Paralympics Sailing Teams at a “Good Luck USA” party on July 14. The party is free and open to junior sailors from around America.
- Swimming: USA swimming Olympic trials occur in Omaha, Nebraska from June 25- July 2, 2012. The team even wants you to host your own Splash Bash party at home.
- Track: From June 21- July 1, 2012, Eugene, Oregon (Track Town USA) hosts the US Olympic team track and field trials. Enjoy a week of watching track events, meeting athletes for autographs, strapping in for a pole vaulting experience, and shopping at the city’s Olympic festival.
- Water Polo: The USA Water Polo organization is hosting a USA Water Polo Olympic send off party and 2012 Hall of Fame induction in Los Angeles, California on July 7. The organizers are taking names for the event’s waiting list.
- US Olympic Committee Home: Deck out in red, white, and blue for the Olympic viewing party in downtown, Colorado Springs, CO on July 27 from 4- 10pm. Locals can check out the Olympics on a 15-by-27-foot, high-definition video screen in front of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s offices. Besides watching the Olympics, guests will have a chance to meet some former Olympians, watch a fireworks show and practice their own athletics.
Your Olympic Party
Host your own Olympics party or sports party. Whether you’re a professional planner or a do-it-yourself, party enthusiast, don’t let the high airfare to London scare you away from enjoying your favorite event at home. Love dressage and show jumping? Plan a horse party. Only have time for the closing ceremony? Plan a welcome home party. Find a theme party that suits your Olympic interests and make your own opening ceremony. Even Brad and Angelina will be enjoying an Olympic party of their own this year. How will you celebrate the 2012 Olympics?
June 26, 2012 at 10:58 AM
I need ideas for an Olympic party we are hosting our family reunion in Aug and the theme will be Olympics. Please send decorating, menu, and activity ideas. Large yard, small budget. Thank you.
June 26, 2012 at 4:54 PM
Jeanette,
Thanks for asking! To start, check out our 4 Cocktails Guaranteed to Produce Fireworks, as well as the Shindigz party recipes blog for menu ideas. We also love the grilling ideas on this spice blog.
Play a family friendly game of soccer in the yard. Fill this soccer ball pinata with party candy and let the winning team have the first whack for prizes.
Of course, relay races can be a blast. Organize oldest to youngest races or crawling races or even wheel chair races. Pass relay sticks from one team member to the next. Kids love these games, but if you’re creative, (and started the party with the above cocktail recipes), the adults will have just as much fun! Award 99 cent trophies, tattoos, or winners’ medals.
Place a flaming torch at each table. Decorate with your favorite sport theme or with USA patriotic supplies.
Enjoy your family reunion and some Olympic fun!